Copyright The Street
Universal Orlando Resort has been making major changes across its theme parks to enhance the guest experience and maintain excitement, especially as competition with rival Walt Disney World (DIS) continues to heat up. With just over two months left in the year, Universal (CMCSA) has gotten ahead of the game by releasing ticket options for the 2026 season, including new pricing, ticket types, and packages. But this year’s rollout comes with a groundbreaking twist: Universal has made a surprising, major ticket policy change that marks a first for the company. Starting now, guests can purchase one-day, two-day, three-day, four-day, and five-day tickets for visits in 2026. These include access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay water theme park as an upgraded option. However, that’s not all. For the first time ever, multi-day tickets will also be available for Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. Guests can choose from base tickets for access to one theme park per day or multi-day tickets with park-to-park access, which allows hopping between theme parks on the same day. Universal Orlando 2026 ticket prices Epic Universe 2026 Adult: From $139 to $199 per day Child (Ages 3-9): From $134 to $194 per day Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure 2026 Adult: From $119 to $179 per day Child (Ages 3-9): From $114 to $174 per day Prices vary depending on dates and passholder status. Tickets are now available for purchase on Universal’s website for dates through December 2026. One-day tickets for the 2026 to Volcano Bay are not yet available. Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe opened May 21, 2025, representing its fourth theme park and largest expansion in eight years. This latest addition features five immersive worlds: Celestial Park Dark Universe How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk Super Nintendo World Wizanding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Previously, guests could only purchase single-day tickets to Epic Universe. With the new policy, multi-day tickets are now available, offering guests more flexibility. Epic Universe Annual Pass options for 2026 have not been added, but this could change, since the new year has yet to begin. Universal unveils expansion plans At the Bank of America 2025 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, Universal Parks and Resorts CEO Mark Woodbury shared that Epic Universe has already surpassed expectations, driving higher attendance and guest spending. This success is a significant incentive for this new policy change, since it can potentially increase the company’s revenue. “There are multiple attractions in the works, not just at Epic, but when you have the three parks, the cadence of product delivery across the resort to continue to drive the resort is really a key part of our strategy going forward,” said Woodbury at the conference. In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, Universal’s Content and Experiences division grew 6% year over year, led by Universal Orlando Resort and the successful opening of Epic Universe. The theme parks alone saw revenue increase by nearly 19%. Woodbury also discussed plans for Epic Universe’s future expansion, including developing a new theme park and resort project in the UK, as well as ongoing investments across its three existing Orlando theme parks. Universal makes major theme park changes for new additions As new attractions take shape, some longtime favorites are reaching their end, so fresh experiences can be built in their place. Universal recently filed permits to begin demolition of The Lost Continent land at Islands of Adventure to make way for new additions. The five-acre project will not impact the Mythos restaurant, which will continue operations. Additionally, Universal confirmed that the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster will be permanently removed following its closure in August, making room for a new attraction. Grand View Research estimated the global theme park market size at $64.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $110.6 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 6.3%. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)
