Know Your Blackout Dates: A 2025 Passholder’s Guide to Making the Most of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!
Hey there, fellow Universal Orlando passholders! Planning your next trip? Let’s talk about those pesky blackout dates (or blockout dates, as Universal calls them) and how to make sure your adventure is nothing short of epic. Whether you’re rocking a Premier Pass or cruising through the parks with a Seasonal Pass, knowing your blackout dates is the key to maximizing your visits. We are Universal Passholders with annual passes with blackout dates, so let us tell you all about it!
What Are Blackout Dates, Anyway?
Blockout dates are those times when certain annual passes don’t get you into Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure. Why? Because these are the busiest days of the year, and Universal wants to manage crowd levels. Don’t worry, though—with a little planning, you can still have a blast!
Why Do Blackout Dates Exist?
Here’s the deal: Universal sets blackout dates during times when crowds are at their peak, like holidays, spring break, and July. It’s all about balancing the guest experience—because let’s face it, nobody loves waiting 90 minutes for Spider-Man.
Universal Annual Pass Options and Blackout Dates
Here’s the scoop on each pass type and its blackout date situation:
Premier Pass
Premier Passholders, congrats! You’re living the dream with zero blackout dates at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure. Volcano Bay? You’re good to go there, too.
Preferred Pass
Preferred Passholders, you’re almost as lucky as the Premier crowd. No blackout dates for Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, but there are some restrictions for Volcano Bay.
Power and Seasonal Passes
Power Passholders have restricted access to Universal Studios Florida until 5pm on concert days occurring on Universal Studios blackout dates. Mardi Gras 2025 Concert schedules are now available, but are subject to alterations.
Seasonal Passholders have Universal Studios blackout dates for all Mardi Gras concerts in 2025.
For Power and Seasonal Passholders, this is where you’ll need to keep an eye on those dates. Let’s break it down:
Power Annual Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2025
Mardi Gras Concert Dates until 5pm: February 1, 8, 15, 16, 22 and March 1, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22, 29
April 7 – 19, 2025
December 20 – 31, 2025
Power Annual Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2026
January 1 – 4, 2026
March 30 – April 11, 2026
Seasonal Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2025
Mardi Gras Concert Dates: February 1, 8, 15, 16, 22 and March 1, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22, 29
April 7 – 26, 2025
July 1 – July 31, 2025
November 24 – 29, 2025
December 20 – 31, 2025
Seasonal Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2026
January 1 – 4, 2026
March 16 – 22, 2026
March 30 – April 11, 2026
Power Annual Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2025
April 7 – 19, 2025
December 20 – 31, 2025
Power Annual Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2026
January 1 – 4, 2026
March 30 – April 11, 2026
Seasonal Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2025
April 7 – 26, 2025
July 1 – July 31, 2025
November 24 – 29, 2025
December 20 – 31, 2025
Seasonal Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2026
January 1 – 4, 2026
March 16 – 22, 2026
March 30 – April 11, 2026
Changes and Unexpected Adjustments to Universal’s Blackout Dates
Remember, these dates apply to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Be sure to double-check the app or website for any updates!
Additionally, occasionally, Universal may give back blackout dates, like they did for Thanksgiving 2023. Always keep an eye on them!
Planning Your Visit around Universal’s Blackout Dates
Now, let’s talk strategy! If your pass has blackout dates, consider these tips:
Go During Off-Peak Times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the least crowded days.
Avoid Holidays and School Breaks: Check your local school calendar and steer clear of those vacation weeks.
Keep an eye on the Express Pass Pricing: When express pass prices skyrocket on non-blackout dates, that’s the best time to avoid the crowds as well.
Our Experience Dodging Blackout Dates
As passholders, we would avoid the parks during blackout dates, even if we could upgrade our passes. Why? Those days are packed! Instead, we’ll pick quieter times to visit, when lines are shorter and we can make the most of our time at Universal Orlando.
Final Thoughts on Universal Blackout Dates
Blackout dates might seem like a bummer, but they’re manageable with a little planning. Plus, they’re part of what makes the parks so magical the rest of the year. So grab your calendar, mark those dates, and start planning your next Universal Orlando adventure. See you in the parks!
