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Universal Nights Sold Out October 17 and Picked Up Three More Dates, Including the Event's First Two Fridays
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Universal Nights Sold Out October 17 and Picked Up Three More Dates, Including the Event's First Two Fridays

Michael Travels
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Universal Epic Universe's first separately ticketed after hours event went on sale on August 13 as two October Saturdays. As of Wednesday it is a five night run with one date already sold out. Inside Universal and Blog Mickey both point to popular demand as the reason for the expansion, though Universal's own announcement does not say so.

Universal announced the expansion on its own @UniversalORL account: "Additional nights added for Universal Nights! Enjoy limited capacity and the thrills of all five amazing worlds during Universal Nights at Epic Universe, a new after-hours event October 3, 17, 24 and Nov. 6, 20. Tickets are on sale now:"

The Universal Epic Universe entrance portal lit up at night with searchlight beams rising into the sky

The Epic Universe entry portal after dark, with the Chronos tower lit in blue and green above the marquee and searchlight beams climbing into the sky. Image: Universal Orlando Resort

The three new dates, and the one you already missed

Inside Universal reported the additions and the sellout: "Due to popular demand, Universal Nights will now also take place on Saturday, October 24, Friday, November 6, and Friday, November 20." On availability, the outlet reported that "The new dates join the previously announced October 3 and October 17 events. The October 17 event has already sold out, while tickets remain available for the other four dates."

The Friday detail is the interesting one. Blog Mickey flagged that "Both November dates fall on Fridays, a first for the event. The original two dates were both Saturdays." Blog Mickey also noted that "Universal hasn't said whether more dates could be added if demand keeps up."

Illuminated fountains in pink, teal and white arcing over the lit blue water of the Celestial Park lagoon at night

Celestial Park's lagoon at night, with pink and teal fountains arcing over the water, a blue light ribbon cutting across it, the Constellation Carousel canopy at left and the Helios Grand Hotel glowing in the background. Image: Universal Orlando Resort

What the ticket actually buys

The mechanics come from Universal's August press release, which set out both the timing and the early arrival window: "Universal Nights runs from 9 p.m. to midnight on event dates, but guests can arrive as early as 7 p.m. to enjoy even more time in the park, including the new nighttime spectacular, Universal Celestial Goodnight, before the event officially begins. Tickets start at $179.99 plus tax per person."

On what is included, Universal described it as an event that "invites guests to experience the thrills of all five amazing worlds at Epic Universe in a whole new way as they enjoy nighttime access to the park," listing "attractions, entertainment, character interactions and more, as well as complimentary specialty snacks and beverages."

Riders on pastel constellation creature mounts aboard the Constellation Carousel under a star field ceiling strung with pink and teal lights

The Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park, with riders on glowing constellation creature mounts under a domed star field ceiling. Image: Universal Orlando Resort

The free food is specific rather than a vague snack allowance. Per WDW News Today, "Other perks include unlimited berry-flavored Celestial Popcorn and crispy Kimchi Bao in Celestial Park, plus refills in a provided cup from any Coca-Cola Freestyle location." Attractions Magazine reports passholders get a 10 percent discount.

Guests walking toward the Frankenstein gate in Dark Universe, the manor spires lit in blue with fog rolling out through the archway

Dark Universe at dusk, one of the five worlds the event covers, with guests heading through the stone gate toward the manor as fog rolls out. Image: Universal Orlando Resort

One note on where this came from: this expansion arrived as a social post, not a press release. Universal's Orlando press room has published nothing new since its August 28 Halloween Horror Nights release.

If the Fridays sell the way October 17 did, the interesting question is whether a limited capacity run that started at two nights quietly turns into a standing part of the Epic Universe calendar.

Sources

Image credits: All four photographs by Universal Orlando Resort.

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