Epic Universe is Following in Disney World’s Footsteps in a Surprising Way
Earlier today, Universal Studios announced that they would be opening Epic Universe previews to the general public effective immediately through May 19th, when the park will close for a few days for the grand opening festivitie1.
As expected, there are some online who are decrying this and lamenting that the previews mean nothing and that the park is effectively open and therefore the effort and expense they incurred to visit the park for the May 22nd grand opening. I understand their frustration, but would note that this has actually happened before, at Walt Disney World as a matter of fact!
If you were to ask them, Disney and its fans consider October 1, 1971 as Walt Disney World’s opening day. After all, it’s the day they celebrate milestone anniversaries and was the official kickoff day for 2021’s much-maligned 50th anniversary celebration, so it would be natural to assume that the Grand Opening was held on October 1st, right?
Wrong!
October 1, 1971, was actually the first day of public previews of the resort. The park and its three on-site lodging options would not officially open until October 31st of that year.
See the above ticket from the day in question and note the orange flag planted atop the Walt Disney World logo that reads “PREVIEW MONTH.”
When you look at the iconic videos of Roy Disney standing next to Mickey Mouse in Town Square dedicating the resort, that actually took place on October 31st. Epic Universe’s opening will likely play out much the same, with a lengthy public preview appearance ahead of the grand opening festivities on May 22nd. In that regard, the park is treading waters that have already been charted.
I’ll be interested to see in 25 years or so whether Universal will consider today as the opening day or the grand opening day in May. It’s anybody’s guess.
Previews were first offered for Team Members, then Loew’s employees, then their families, and most recently to Passholders, Universal Destinations credit card holders, and all on-site guests.