If you’re a theme park fan like me, then I don’t need to remind you that 2025 is going to be an epic year for Universal Orlando Resort. Of course, all eyes are set on Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park. Opening May 22, Epic Universe promises to change Orlando’s theme park landscape by offering state-of-the-art attractions across five immersive lands.
As a theme park journalist, I’ve been keeping a watchful eye on Universal Orlando as it prepares for arguably its biggest year since Universal Studios Florida first opened its gates in 1990.
Universal’s calendar is jam-packed with openings, new seasonal events, and returning fan favorites. I’m sharing all of the major happenings so you can decide the best season to visit with you family.
Epic Universe, New Resorts, and a New Seasonal Event
Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s fourth park (joining Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay), officially opens on May 22, 2025. The lead-up to its opening has been an event in and of itself with Universal revealing the park’s highly-themed lands one by one for the past year. Those lands include Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon—Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic.
In addition to a brand-new theme park, Universal Orlando adds three new resorts to its lineup of hotel accommodations in 2025. Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be connected to Epic Universe with a designated theme park entrance for its guests. This signature resort will open alongside the park on May 22.
In addition to Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Orlando is opening two new Prime Value Hotels in 2025 as well. The first, Universal Stella Nova Resort, just had its grand opening in January. A sister property, Universal Terra Luna Resort, opens on February 25. These budget-friendly options are close to Epic Universe.
Theme parks and hotels aren’t the only brand-new offerings coming to Universal Orlando in 2025. A new after-hours event called Volcano Bay Nights will take place on select evenings this spring. This separately-ticketed event will include live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and shorter wait times for attractions. Volcano Bay Nights will take place on April 19 and 26 along with May 3, 10, and 17.
Returning Seasonal Favorites
Universal Orlando knows what its fans like, and those favorites return in full force in 2025. Kicking off the year is Universal Mardi Gras, running from February 1 through March 30. Mardi Gras includes a New Orleans-inspired parade, globally-inspired cuisine, and nightly concerts featuring headliners like Joe Jonas, T-Pain, and All Time Low.
Harry Potter fans should visit during Butterbeer Season, returning March 1 and running through May 31. During Butterbeer Season, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers new treats inspired by the famous butterscotch and cream soda beverage. Since Epic Universe opens during Butterbeer Season, I’m curious to see if the new Ministry of Magic land incorporates this seasonal event right away!
Universal Orlando’s hugely popular Halloween Horror Nights returns earlier than ever in 2025. The separately-ticketed nighttime event is back on August 29 and continues on select evenings through November 2. Halloween Horror Nights includes haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and exclusive food and beverage items. It remains Universal Orlando’s premier event of the year with scream-inducing thrills around every corner.
If Halloween Horror Nights feels like a step beyond your scary threshold, the resort’s annual Holidays at Universal Orlando may be more your speed. This year, the seasonal event will run from November 21 through December 31. Holidays at Universal Orlando includes Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas, Seuss Landing’s version of Christmas. Be sure to check out Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, which stars larger-than-life balloons that will make you feel like you’re at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
No matter when you choose to visit Universal Orlando Resort in 2025, you’re sure to find an exciting seasonal event or brand-new offering to check out. Be sure to follow along as our coverage continues leading up to the grand opening of Epic Universe this spring!
