The portals are glowing, the fountains of Celestial Park are shimmering under the stars, and the park is yours for the night. Welcome to Universal Nights, the brand-new, limited-capacity after-hours event at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando!
Universal Nights runs from 9pm to midnight on select nights in October and November 2026, and you can step through the gates from 7pm. That's up to five magical hours to explore all five worlds of Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park after dark, with complimentary snacks to keep you fuelled along the way.
Here at AttractionTickets.com, we've been counting down to Universal Nights ever since it was announced, and it's one of our favourite new additions to the Universal Orlando Resort calendar. In this guide, we'll take you through the event dates, every ride that's open, the shows and characters, the tasty treats and our top tips for planning a night that's out of this world.
Key event details:
- What it is: A limited-capacity after-hours event at Universal Epic Universe, and the very first of its kind at the park.
- 2026 dates: Saturday 3 October, Saturday 17 October, Saturday 24 October, Friday 6 November and Friday 20 November.
- Times: Exclusive event hours from 9pm to midnight, with park entry for event guests from 7pm.
- Included: All five worlds, all 11 rides, live shows and Character Meet and Greets, plus unlimited Kimchi Bao, Celestial Popcorn and Coca-Cola Freestyle refills.
- Universal Celestial Goodnight: The park's dazzling nighttime spectacular lights up the sky at 8pm on event nights, just before the exclusive hours begin.
- Perfect for: Returning visitors, thrill-seekers and night owls who'd love to see Universal Epic Universe in a whole new light.
What is Universal Nights at Universal Epic Universe?
Universal Nights is an exclusive after-hours event that opens Universal Epic Universe to a limited number of guests once the park closes to regular day visitors. Universal revealed the event on 7 July 2026, alongside the debut of its brand-new nighttime spectacular, Universal Celestial Goodnight.
Universal Nights launched with just two October dates, and it proved so popular that Universal added three more nights in September. That brings the 2026 total to five starry evenings!
Every world is yours to explore during the event:
- Celestial Park
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
- How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
The real magic happens once the sun goes down. The portals glow, the waterways of Celestial Park sparkle and the lanterns of Dark Universe flicker into life, giving every world a spectacular new atmosphere.
When is Universal Nights? 2026 dates and times
Universal Nights takes place on five select nights in 2026, with exclusive event hours from 9pm to midnight each night.
Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
3 October 2026 | Saturday | Event has taken place |
17 October 2026 | Saturday | Event has taken place |
24 October 2026 | Saturday | Event has taken place |
6 November 2026 | Friday | Tickets on sale |
20 November 2026 | Friday | Tickets on sale |
How a Universal Nights evening unfolds
Time | What happens |
|---|---|
7pm | The gates open for Universal Nights guests |
8pm | Universal Celestial Goodnight lights up the sky, day guests start to head home and event wristbands open the way into each world |
9pm | The exclusive Universal Nights hours begin, and the complimentary snacks and drinks are served |
Midnight | Time to say goodnight to the stars |
What's included with Universal Nights?
Universal Nights comes packed with rides, shows, characters and unlimited complimentary treats. Restaurants, bars and shops stay open too, so you can enjoy dinner or pick up a souvenir to remember your night.
Included with Universal Nights | Available to buy on the night |
|---|---|
Park entry from 7pm | Meals at Universal Epic Universe restaurants |
Exclusive event hours from 9pm to midnight | Alcoholic drinks |
Rides and attractions across all five worlds | Merchandise and souvenirs |
Live shows and Character Meet and Greets | Parking |
Interactive wand and Power-Up Band experiences | |
Unlimited Kimchi Bao and Celestial Popcorn | |
Unlimited Coca-Cola Freestyle refills |
Which rides are open at Universal Nights?
All 11 rides at Universal Epic Universe are part of the Universal Nights line-up, so you can race comets, battle Bowser and brave the monsters all in one magical evening! Rides can occasionally pause for weather or technical reasons, so keep the Universal Orlando Resort app handy for live updates.
World | Rides |
|---|---|
Celestial Park | Stardust Racers, Constellation Carousel |
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ | Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge, Mine-Cart Madness™, Yoshi's Adventure™ |
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™ | Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ |
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk | Hiccup's Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer's Rally, Fyre Drill |
Dark Universe | Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Curse of the Werewolf |
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the twinkling heart of Universal Epic Universe, and it truly shines after dark. There's something extra thrilling about racing a comet across a real night sky on Stardust Racers, the park's dual-launch racing coaster! For something gentler, the Constellation Carousel is a dreamy spin among the stars.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Let's-a go! The Mushroom Kingdom positively glows at night, and it's a joy to explore. Grab your shell and race Bowser on Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge, then hold on tight as you leap over broken tracks on Mine-Cart Madness™ in Donkey Kong Country™. Make time for the Power-Up Band games too, as Universal Nights guests have loved playing them at their own pace.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™
Wander the lantern-lit streets of 1920s wizarding Paris, then step into the Ministry of Magic on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™. The interactive wand locations are all open during the event, so dust off your wand and cast a spell or two under the night sky!
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
The Viking village of Berk is a fantastic choice for the whole family. Take flight with Hiccup on Hiccup's Wing Gliders, steer your own dragon on Dragon Racer's Rally and team up for a splashing good time on Fyre Drill.
Dark Universe
If any world was made for the night, it's this one! The gothic village of Darkmoor is even more spine-tingling after sunset. Step into the Frankenstein laboratory on Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, then spin through the moonlit forest on Curse of the Werewolf. Mwahaha!
Shows, characters and Universal Celestial Goodnight
Universal Nights is about so much more than rides. Universal Epic Universe's live entertainment and Character Meet and Greets carry on into the evening, so there are plenty of magical moments to enjoy between adventures.
- Shows: Catch the dazzling Le Cirque Arcanus in the Ministry of Magic™ and the high-flying The Untrainable Dragon in Isle of Berk. On the opening nights, The Untrainable Dragon took to the stage at around 7pm, so it's a brilliant way to kick off your evening. Show times may vary from night to night.
- Characters: Say hello to Mario and Luigi in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and the dragons of Isle of Berk. Guests on the opening nights also bumped into Astrid in Berk, plus Ygor and The Invisible Man roaming Dark Universe, though appearances may vary.
Check the Universal Orlando Resort app when you arrive for the evening's show times and character appearances.
Can you see Universal Celestial Goodnight at Universal Nights?
Absolutely! Universal Celestial Goodnight is scheduled for 8pm on Universal Nights event dates, an hour before the exclusive hours begin. With around 600 synchronised light fixtures, more than 350 fountains, seven million LED lights and a fireworks finale, it's a truly spectacular way to start your night. Arrive at 7pm and you'll have plenty of time to find the perfect viewing spot.
Complimentary food and drink at Universal Nights
Snack lovers, this one's for you! Universal Nights includes unlimited complimentary snacks and soft drinks, served in Celestial Park from 9pm.
Complimentary treat | What it is |
|---|---|
Kimchi Bao | Crispy chicken tossed in gochujang sauce, with scallion yuzu aioli and Korean slaw |
Celestial Popcorn | Colourful, berry-flavoured popcorn sprinkled with edible glitter |
Coca-Cola Freestyle | Refills from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines around the park, using a provided cup |
Our top tips for the complimentary treats
- Enjoy dinner first. The snacks are a delicious bonus rather than a full meal, so treat yourself to dinner before 9pm. Quick-service favourites such as Pizza Moon stay open into the evening (pizza under the moon, anyone?), while some table-service restaurants close a little earlier.
- Bring an empty popcorn bucket. Celestial Popcorn comes in small bags, so a bucket makes it easy to stock up on that sparkly, berry-flavoured goodness.
- Pack a reusable bottle. Cups are handed out from 9pm, and a refillable bottle with a lid keeps you hydrated all evening.
- Plan ahead for dietary needs. Universal hasn't published allergy-friendly alternatives for the Kimchi Bao or Celestial Popcorn. If anyone in your group has a food allergy or dietary requirement, chat to a Team Member at the snack locations or get in touch with Universal's dietary team before your visit.
How to plan the perfect Universal Nights evening
Three exclusive hours go by in a flash, so choosing your must-dos before you arrive is the best way to make every starry minute count. Here's how we'd plan our night:
Time | What to do | Why we love it |
|---|---|---|
Before 7pm | Relax by your hotel pool | You'll be out until midnight, so a lazy afternoon keeps everyone full of energy |
6.30pm | Head to the park entrance | You'll be ready to go the moment the gates open |
7pm-9pm | Dinner, photos, a show and Universal Celestial Goodnight at 8pm | Soak up the evening atmosphere as the park begins to glow |
9pm-10pm | Your number one must-do ride | Start with the adventure you're most excited about |
10pm-11pm | Your next favourite world, snacks and characters | Slow down and enjoy the magic around you |
11pm-midnight | A final favourite ride and Celestial Park by night | End on a high with one last ride and a starry photo |
Our top tips for the night
- Pick two or three must-dos each. Everything else becomes a magical bonus!
- Explore one world at a time. Finish everything on your list before hopping through the next portal, and your feet will thank you.
- Save the headliners for after 9pm. The park is reserved for event guests from 9pm, making it the perfect time for the big rides.
- Ride your top pick before 11pm. Some rides may close their entrances shortly before midnight, so don't save your favourite until the final few minutes.
- Keep the Universal Orlando Resort app handy. It's the easiest way to check show times, character appearances and restaurant hours on the night.
- Bring your Power-Up Band and interactive wand. If you already have them, Universal Nights is a wonderful time to play!
Is Universal Nights the same as Halloween Horror Nights?
No, they're two very different (and equally exciting!) evenings at two different parks. Universal Nights takes place at Universal Epic Universe, with the park's rides, shows and characters, while Halloween Horror Nights takes place at Universal Studios Florida, with haunted houses, scare zones and live horror entertainment.
Universal Nights | Halloween Horror Nights | A regular Universal Epic Universe day | |
|---|---|---|---|
Park | Universal Epic Universe | Universal Studios Florida | Universal Epic Universe |
2026 dates | 5 select nights, 3 October to 20 November | Select nights, 28 August to 1 November | Every day |
Hours | 9pm-midnight, entry from 7pm | From 6.30pm, closing times vary | Full operating day |
Highlights | All five worlds, rides, shows and characters after dark | Haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment | All five worlds, rides, shows, characters and dining |
Food included | Kimchi Bao, Celestial Popcorn and Coca-Cola Freestyle | Not included | Not included |
Ticket | Separate event ticket | Separate event ticket | Universal Orlando park ticket |
Age guidance | All ages | Not recommended for under-13s | All ages |
A Universal Nights ticket doesn't include Halloween Horror Nights, and there are no haunted houses or scare zones at the event. That said, Dark Universe's classic monsters still lurk after dark, so you'll get a delicious dash of gothic atmosphere with your evening!
Who will love Universal Nights?
Universal Nights is a wonderful way to experience Universal Epic Universe in a whole new light, and it's perfect for:
- Returning visitors who'd love to revisit their favourite worlds under the stars.
- Thrill-seekers hoping to enjoy the park's headline rides in one action-packed evening.
- Night owls and couples looking for a special night out on their Orlando holiday.
- Families with older children and teens who love Nintendo, dragons and Harry Potter™.
- Photographers keen to capture the glowing portals and illuminated fountains.
Visiting Universal Epic Universe for the first time? Universal Nights makes the perfect encore to a full daytime visit. Spend the day discovering every detail, dining at your leisure and catching the shows, then come back after dark and experience the magic all over again!
Is Universal Nights suitable for children?
Yes! Universal Nights is suitable for all ages, and children under 3 go free. Little ones will love meeting Mario and Luigi, spotting the dragons of Berk and twirling on Yoshi's Adventure™ and the Constellation Carousel.
With a midnight finish, here are a few tips to keep the whole family smiling:
- Plan a restful day. A lazy morning, a pool afternoon or even a cheeky nap makes a late night much more fun.
- Stay close by. A hotel near Universal Epic Universe means a short journey back to bed.
- Check ride heights. Height requirements still apply during the event, and Child Swap lets grown-ups take turns on the bigger rides.
- Head to Isle of Berk and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ for gentler fun. Dark Universe is spooky by design, so younger explorers may prefer the brighter, more colourful worlds.
Accessibility at Universal Nights
Universal's standard Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP) policies apply across Universal Epic Universe and are honoured during Universal Nights. The AAP now sits digitally in the Universal Orlando Resort app, and with the event's limited capacity, you may find you don't need its return-time feature as often as on a regular day.
If anyone in your group needs a little extra support, Universal Orlando Resort's Guest Accessibility Team is happy to talk through your plans before you visit. The relaxed evening pace can be lovely for guests who prefer a calmer park experience, and the lighting, fireworks and ride effects all continue as normal.
Where to stay for Universal Nights
Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel means your cosy bed is never far away when the clock strikes midnight. These three hotels are the closest to Universal Epic Universe:
Hotel | Why it's great for Universal Nights |
|---|---|
Overlooks Celestial Park, with a dedicated hotel guest entrance you can use to scan in for the event from 7pm | |
A stylish, space-inspired resort with a walking path to the park | |
A short complimentary shuttle ride from the park |
Explore all our Universal Orlando Resort hotels and book your Hotel + Ticket package with AttractionTickets.com.
Getting to and from Universal Nights
Universal Orlando Resort's complimentary shuttles connect its hotels with Universal Epic Universe, so getting back to your room after the event is easy. Shuttles can be a little busier straight after midnight, so we'd allow a few extra minutes to wind down.
Driving to Universal Nights? Universal Epic Universe has its own car park, and parking isn't included with Universal Nights unless you hold a Premier or Preferred Annual Pass. Universal's free parking after 6pm doesn't apply to separately ticketed events like Universal Nights, so remember to add parking to your holiday budget.
What to pack for Universal Nights
- Comfy shoes for exploring all five worlds
- A light jacket or jumper, as November evenings can feel cooler, especially on the outdoor coasters
- A portable phone charger for the app, photos and your digital tickets
- A reusable water bottle with a lid
- An empty popcorn bucket for your Celestial Popcorn
- Your Power-Up Band and interactive wand, if you have them
- A small bag, as some rides use free lockers
Universal Nights tickets and prices
Universal Nights tickets start at $179.99 per person, plus tax, and the same price applies to every guest aged 3 and over. Children under 3 go free, and tickets are available from Universal Orlando Resort.
- One ticket, all evening: Universal Nights is your admission to the park from 7pm, so you don't need a regular park ticket for the event. A daytime Universal Epic Universe ticket doesn't include Universal Nights.
- Spending the day in the park? If you have a daytime ticket and a Universal Nights ticket, you can stay inside Universal Epic Universe and pick up your event wristband at a check-in point in the park.
- Passholder perks: Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders can save 10% on up to six Universal Nights tickets per valid pass. During the event, Premier Passholders also save 15% and Preferred Passholders save 10% on eligible food and merchandise.
- Ticket terms: Universal Nights tickets are non-refundable, and the event goes ahead rain or shine. If a named hurricane or tropical storm directly affects the area, Universal's Severe Weather Policy lets guests cancel or reschedule.
Prices correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
Plan the rest of your Universal Orlando holiday
Universal Nights is the perfect starry highlight of a longer Universal Orlando adventure, and AttractionTickets.com can help you plan everything around it.
- Universal Orlando Three Park Adventure Ticket: For arrivals between 20 October 2026 and 31 March 2027, enjoy 14 days of park-to-park fun at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe.
- Universal Orlando All Parks Ticket: For arrivals from 1 April 2027, enjoy 14 days of park-to-park fun at all four parks, including Universal Volcano Bay.
That gives you plenty of time to explore every corner of Universal Epic Universe by day, then fall in love with it all over again at Universal Nights.
Will Universal Nights return in 2027?
Universal Orlando Resort hasn't announced any Universal Nights dates for 2027 yet. The event grew from two nights to five in its very first year, so we'll be keeping our eyes on the stars, and we'll update this guide as soon as new dates are revealed!
Ready to experience Universal Epic Universe after dark?
Glowing worlds, thrilling rides, favourite characters and sparkly popcorn under the stars - Universal Nights is a dazzling new way to enjoy Universal Epic Universe. Pick your must-dos, plan a relaxed day and get ready for an unforgettable night!
Start planning your Universal Orlando adventure today with Universal Orlando tickets from AttractionTickets.com, and our Orlando experts will be on hand to help you plan the perfect trip.
