What Is Early Park Admission At Universal Orlando?

The only thing better than experiencing everything at Universal Orlando is being the first in line to do it.

Universal Orlando’s Early Park Admission makes it easy for select guests to discover the fun before the crowds.

Early Park Admission allows Universal Orlando Hotel guests and Annual Passholders to access select theme parks up to an hour before opening. At this time, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay offer Early Park Admission at participating attractions.

The following article outlines how Early Park Admission works, discusses when and where this feature is applicable, and highlights its many advantages.

How Does Early Park Admission Work at Universal Orlando?

This section provides the essential details on how to use Early Park Admission, including who is eligible for Early Park Admission and when this perk can be used.

Who Can Use Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando?

Early Park Admission is available to Orlando Hotel guests and Annual Passholders with Premier and Preferred Annual Passes.

This feature allows these visitors to beat the crowds and enjoy certain attractions up to one hour before the parks open for the day.

Hotel guests with Early Park Admission access their passes via hotel keys, park tickets, and occasionally wristbands.

Each person in a party should be listed on the hotel booking and have their own room key, wristband (if applicable), and valid theme park admission ticket (sold separately).

Visitors holding an Annual Pass must show valid, government-issued ID to pick up their Early Park Admission passes at a ticket window or Guest Services before entering the parks.

When Can You Use Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando?

Parkgoers who qualify for Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando may use the perk whenever it’s permitted.

Hotel guests can take advantage of Early Park Admission for the entire duration of their stay.

Premier Passholders have Early Park Admission whenever it’s offered, whereas Preferred Passholders can only use Early Park Admission on select dates.

Early Park Admission is typically available for participating rides during certain times of the year; however, park hours may change depending on the season.

Visit Universal Orlando’s Theme Park Hours Calendar to confirm current operating hours, including opening times for Early Park Admission.

Which Universal Orlando Hotels Offer Early Park Admission?

Staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel or Resort is a convenient way to experience all of Universal’s theme parks to their fullest potential.

All hotel guests receive Early Park Admission, and Premier hotel guests get free Universal Express Unlimited passes.

The hotels and resorts at Universal Orlando are:

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Universal’s Aventura Resort
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
• Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel

Premier hotels include:

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel

Please note that hotel guests must have valid park admission tickets or Annual Passes to receive Early Park Admission.

Which Universal Orlando Attractions are Available With Early Park Admission?

The following information is valid as of October 31, 2022, and is subject to change without notice.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay are currently participating in Early Park Admission. At this time, Universal Studios Florida has no Early Park Admission Available.

Guests should always refer to Universal Orlando’s official website or Universal’s official mobile app for updated information.

Attractions at Islands of Adventure

The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Islands of Adventure from November 1 – November 12, 2022:

• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Ollivanders
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster

The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission from November 13 – November 16, 2022:

• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Ollivanders
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster

These attractions are available for Early Park Admission from November 17 – November 30, 2022:

• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Ollivanders
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Preferred Passholders cannot participate in Early Park Admission at Universal’s Islands of Adventure between November 25-26, 2022, and December 17-31, 2022.

Attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay

The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Universal’s Volcano Bay from November 1 – November 30, 2022:

• Honu of the Honu Ika Moana
• ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
• Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
• Waturi Wave Pool

Note that all participating attractions are subject to availability.

Is Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando Worth it?

Pros of Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando

Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando is certainly worth it for those who want to avoid crowds and long wait times at popular attractions.

Accessing the parks before the general public gives visitors the opportunity to experience participating rides first and have a crowd-free venue perfect for photos.

Guests who visit during a busy season or only have one day at the parks appreciate the extra hour to squeeze in every desired ride and attraction.

Those going to Volcano Bay will also enjoy that Early Park Admission provides the first pick of prime seating at locations like the wave pool.

For Harry Potter superfans, arriving early at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gives them exclusive access to all the magic before anyone else.

Parkgoers with Early Park Admission can also be the first to eat breakfast at any of the open restaurants before there’s a line.

Cons to Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando

Early Park Admission might not be the right fit for those who don’t like getting up early.

With opening hours typically between 8 and 9 am, Early Park Admission won’t be ideal for guests who enjoy sleeping in.

What are Some Tips for Using Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando?

Access to Early Park Admission is one thing, but knowing how to effectively use the extra time is another.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of this exclusive feature:

Arrive Early

To get the most out of Early Park Admission, arriving at least 30 to 60 minutes before the gates open for Early Admission Passholders is best.

Even guests with passes must go through security, walk through Universal CityWalk, and enter through the turnstiles.

Guests taking a shuttle, bus, or water taxi from their hotel should consider hopping on the first available vehicle in the morning.

Theme parks often start allowing the general public to filter into the park around 30 mins before the official opening time.

In that case, those eligible for Early Park Admission will want to make sure they arrive well before this time to maximize all the benefits.

Map Out Your Itinerary

Passholders can use their time wisely and fit the most participating rides into their Early Park Admission by planning an itinerary.

Some things to consider might be first hitting popular rides like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Guests can use the mobile app to develop a plan for their extra hour in the parks.

How Do You Book a Trip With Early Park Admission?

To obtain Early Park Admission, visitors should consider staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel.

To explore available deals, visit the official Universal Orlando Resort Hotels webpage.

In addition to a hotel stay, guests will need park tickets for everyone attending the park.

Tickets are available through Universal Orlando’s official website and can usually be bundled with a vacation package.

Annual Passes can be purchased through Universal Orlando’s tickets page.

Conclusion

Early Park Admission allows eligible guests exclusive access to all participating attractions up to one hour before the regular park opening hours.

Travelers can obtain Early Park Admission through a valid hotel booking or by purchasing a Premier or Preferred Annual Pass.