Is Universal Nights At Epic Universe An October Alternative To Disney's After Hours?

Universal Orlando are launching a new night-time ticketed event, with only two nights currently available during October 2026, it looks like there could be a competitor for Disney’s After Hours on the horizon. The timing of this event is also key, as After Hours finishes across all Disney Resorts in September. So if you’re looking for an alternative night time event in a theme park, that isn’t a Halloween themed party, this event could be for you.

If you’re interested in Disney After Hours availability for the rest of this year why not have a look at After Hours At Magic Kingdom Sold Out For 2026: UK Visitor Alternatives And Final Dates.

Universal Nights at Epic Universe: The Details

The details about the new extra-ticketed night-time event at Epic Universe:

What is Universal Nights at Epic Universe?

On paper Universal Nights at Epic Universe is the Universal equivalent of a Disney After Hours event. Visitors are being offered 3 hours of exclusive after dark entry after Epic Universe has closed, with unlimited snacks of:

• berry flavoured Celestial popcorn

• kinchi bao

• unlimited Coca-Cola freestyle refills from a cup that will be provided

Universal share that all Epic Universe attractions and experiences are open, and there are character meet and greets too.

Comparing Disney After Hours and Universal Nights at Epic Universe

These two events look very similar when you put them next to each other:

There is only one place where these events do not match up is the available dates. Universal are debuting this event in October with only 2 dates. If it becomes a permanent offering, choosing between the two will be tricky.

Why Universal Nights Is Worth Considering This October?

Universal Nights at Epic Universe is set to offer lower wait times, a cooler park, and a real alternative to Disney’s After Hours which has it’s last night on 24th September. Universal Nights is also ideal for anyone who likes the evening hours in the parks, but doesn’t necessarily want a Halloween themed evening at either Halloween Horror Nights or Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. It’s a great option for UK adults travelling during the quieter October period before UK schools break-up for October half-term.

Both events are being held on a Saturday night, so expect this event to sell out quickly. If it is something you’d enjoy as part of an Orlando holiday, offering people with mainly Disney itineraries the chance to dip their toes into Orlando’s newest theme park, book early.

Why this event is one to watch for UK to Florida planners

This event currently only has two dates, however it looks like it will be a very similar experience to After Hours vents, just done by Universal instead. If this 2 night run is successful, Universal may well bring this event back for 2027 and offer more dates. While After Hours has not been confirmed yet for 2027, it will likely return and with a Universal, Epic Universe option to compete, UK to Orlando holidaymakers looking for exclusive evening events may have some choice to make.

From our point of view, we really hope this even is a success given how hot a day in Epic Universe can feel, and a night time option on a regular basis would be very welcome, especially with select snacks included.

Magic In A Minute

Universal Nights at Epic Universe is a new 2 night event coming in October 2026, with tickets going on sale here in the UK on 13th August 2026. Priced at $179 (£136.05) (plus tax) per person, this event is likely to sell out quickly. For Disney Parks fans this is an event that feels and looks like After Hours on paper, only at Epic Universe, making it an excellent alternative for any UK holidaymakers looking for After Hours event vibes after Disney’s 2026 season has ended. It’s also worth a consideration for anyone in Orlando looking for an event that isn’t Halloween themed in October.