🌎 This Week At Universal

Making your Universal Orlando trips smarter, one email at a time.

In this edition you'll find:

• Loads of May Passholder Benefits

• Epic Universe previews got extended

• and more!

🗞️ Recent News

May Passholder benefits

The Passholder Bonus Benefits are rolling out May 1–22, 2025, and you won’t want to miss a single perk. Here’s the lowdown on everything coming your way:

Snag Your “Jaws” UOAP Magnet

• When: Daily, May 1–22

• Where:

  • UOAP Lounge in Toon Lagoon, Islands of Adventure (11 AM–4 PM)

  • The Tonight Shop in Universal Studios Florida (park open–close)

• Why it’s awesome: This limited-edition magnet celebrates 50 years of Jaws—complete with an Amity Island life preserver (bite and all!). Get yours while supplies last.

🍨 Sweet Hotel Eats & Sips

• Free Dessert at Trattoria del Porto (Loews Portofino Bay) when you buy a lunch or dinner entrée. One treat per Passholder, per visit—just flash your valid Pass + ID.

• 2-for-1 Beer & Wine at:

  • The Kitchen (Hard Rock Hotel)

  • Jake’s American Bar (Royal Pacific)

  • Amatista Cookhouse (Sapphire Falls)
    (21+ only—Pass + ID required.)

• Refillable Souvenir Cups: Buy a 4–7‑day cup for the price of a 1–3‑day cup at resort markets (Aventura, Cabana Bay, Endless Summer, Stella Nova, Terra Luna).

🍽️ Exclusive Patio Seating & Menu Items

Reserved Patios just for Passholders (daily, midday–close):

• Lombard’s Seafood Grille (USF)

• Great Movie Escape (CityWalk)

Special Eats Around the Resort:
(Ask a team member to order these!)

• CityWalk

  • Sweet & Salty Crunch Donut @ Voodoo Doughnut ($4.50)

  • Meatball Sub @ Bread Box ($15.99)

  • Sushi Pizza @ Cowfish ($20.00)

  • Crawfish Poutine @ Pat O’Brien’s ($16.95)

  • Medjai Mule @ Great Movie Escape ($15.50)

  • Spicy Citrus Mahi Mahi Sandwich @ Margaritaville ($24.95)

• Universal Studios Florida

  • Salmon Tuna Crispy Tacos @ Lombard’s ($19.00)

  • Medjai Mule @ Chez Alcatraz ($15.50)

• Islands of Adventure

  • Crispy Za’atar Chicken Sandwich @ Mythos ($20.00)

• Starbucks® Specialty Drink

  • Vanilla Cold Brew w/ Caramel Cold Foam & Crunch (Tall–Trenta: $6.48–$7.28)

📸 Picture-Perfect Moments

• 35% off a My Universal Photos Annual Pass Photo Package (purchase in-park during May 1–22).

• BOGO Amazing Pictures photo products at USF—buy one, get one equal or lesser value free.

🌋 Early Park Admission & Night Fun

• Early Entry to Volcano Bay (30 minutes before official open) for 3‑Park Power & Seasonal Passholders.

• 10% off Volcano Bay Nights tickets—perfect for a late‑night splash.

Epic Universe Preview Window Just Got 11 Days Longer

Universal quietly slid an extra block of preview tickets onto the site—now running May 9 – 19 instead of ending on the 8th. Hours shift a bit (10 a.m.–9 p.m. May 9-14, then 9 a.m.–8 p.m. May 15-19).

Tickets hover in the $123-$131 range and remain limited to APs, on-site hotel guests, Freedom Pass holders, and Universal Rewards Visa members.

Remember: these are still “technical rehearsals,” so expect the odd ride downtime or missing show—but it’s the last chance to flex those bragging rights before the grand opening on May 22.

UPDATE: As of about 5 minutes ago, the general public can purchase an Epic Universe preview ticket! You can purchase here!

Look for this ticket option on the page to book your ticket. As of now there are plenty of dates available, see the calendar below:

🚧 Upcoming Ride Closures

Islands of Adventure

• The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts™ Castle

☀️ Weather

Planning your Universal Orlando trip? Here’s the current seven-day outlook so you can pack smart:

🌤 Tue Apr 29 | 83 ° / 65 ° | Partly sunny, stray a.m. shower
🌤 Wed Apr 30 | 85 ° / 66 ° | Mostly sunny, pleasant
🌤 Thu May 01 | 86 ° / 67 ° | Intervals of sun & clouds
🌤 Fri May 02 | 88 ° / 69 ° | Warm mix of sun & clouds
⛈ Sat May 03 | 89 ° / 70 ° | PM thunderstorm possible
⛈ Sun May 04 | 86 ° / 69 ° | Partly sunny; t-storms PM
🌦 Mon May 05 | 82 ° / 68 ° | A.M. showers, then sun

👥 Crowds & Park Hours

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