Universal Orlando Rules Are Changing in 2025

2025 is a year of change at Universal Orlando, as the opening of Epic Universe is set to change the resort forever. However, with the new park comes several new rules to the Universal experience.

Beyond just being a brand new theme park with technologically advanced rides that will raise expectations for Universal going forward, Epic Universe is also going to have an effect on the infrastructure of the resort, and in turn on the type of “rules” guests will be following. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest changes.

More Time Needed?

Let’s start with this: If you’re planning a full-fledged Universal trip to visit the resort after Epic Universe opens to the public, you’re probably going to want to allocate two days for the new park.

From our experience in previews, Epic is what its name implies: Epic. The park’s four portals, plus Celestial Park are all intricately detailed themed lands, full of layered storytelling for guests to find. Combine that with the fact that the park’s attractions are sure to be in high demand with long queues, and it almost guarantees that to truly experience everything Epic Universe has to offer, it’ll likely take two days.

Facial Recognition at Entry

Epic Universe and the rest of the Universal Resort will use a Photo Validation system for entrances, express passes, and other functions. According to Universal, the system presents “Effortless Entry at the park entrance” and eliminates the need to scan physical tickets or Annual/Seasonal Passes to enter the resort’s parks. Enrollment in the system can be completed prior to arrival, or at the park entrance.

Helios Grand Parking Costs

Speaking of entering Epic Universe, Universal is taking an expensive step to ensure that guests aren’t planning to circumvent the new park’s parking lot by instead parking at the Helios Grand Hotel. Parking for day guests not registered at the Helios Grand Hotel is currently set at $125 plus tax, per vehicle, per day for self-parking, and $128 plus tax, per vehicle, per day for daily valet.

However, Universal has confirmed that “Non-registered Guests who dine at Universal Helios Grand Hotel and spend a minimum amount at select venues can have their parking validated. To do this, a minimum of $50 must be spent at Bar Helios and $75 must be spent at Flora Taverna.”

No Drinking in Monster Makeup

One of the most anticipated experiences at Epic Universe is set in the Dark Universe portion of the park. The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience allows features “skilled artisans” using “their talents to experiment on customers and release their inner love of Universal Monsters – be they werewolves, vampires, or something even more fashionably monstrous.” There are two levels to the experience at different price points: one with solely face makeup and the other with makeup and accessories. However, one thing that neither includes? A drink.

According to Universal, “Guests will not be able to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages at any of the Universal theme parks or Universal CityWalk while in the makeup.

If you’re heading to Universal to experience Epic Universe when it opens later this year, be sure to study up on the latest rule changes coming to the resort. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Universal Orlando!

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Which of these Universal rule changes will make the biggest difference to your trip? Let us know in the comments below.