Understand blackout/blockout dates for Universal Orlando annual passes in 2024 and 2023 & optimize your trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!
Are you a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder eager to plan your next adventure? Understanding the Universal blackout dates (Universal actually calls them blockout dates but for this we’ll call them blackout dates), is crucial to make the most of your pass. These dates signify periods when certain passes have restricted access to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. We are Universal Passholders with annual passes with blackout dates, so let us tell you all about it!
Types of Annual Passes and their Universal Blackout Dates
Premier Annual Passholders relish unrestricted access throughout the year. Preferred passholders have no Universal Studios blackout dates or Islands of Adventure blackout dates, but do have Volcano Bay blackout dates.
If you have a Power or Seasonal Pass, strategically plan your visits by considering the published Universal blackout dates for 2024 and 2025.
Do also note: Power Passholders have restricted access to Universal Studios Florida until 5pm on concert days occurring on Universal Studios blackout dates. Mardi Gras 2024 Concert schedules are now available, but are subject to alterations. They have yet to be officially announced for 2024, but blackout dates are listed in the App and on the website.
Seasonal Passholders have Universal Studios blackout dates for all Mardi Gras concerts in 2024.
Universal Studios blackout dates and Islands of Adventure blackout dates for 2023 are here.
Power Annual Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2024
January 1 – 2, 2024
Mardi Gras Concert Dates until 5pm: February 3, 10, 17, 18, 24 and March 2, 9, 10, 16, 17
March 18 – 30, 2024
December 21 – 31, 2024
Power Annual Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2025
January 1 – 5, 2025
April 7 – April 19, 2025
Seasonal Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2024
January 1 – 2, 2024
Mardi Gras Concert Dates: February 3, 10, 17, 18, 24 and March 2, 9, 10, 16, 17
March 18 – April 6, 2024
July 1 – 31, 2024
November 25 – 30, 2024
December 21 – 31, 2024
Seasonal Pass: Universal Studios Blackout Dates 2025
January 1 – 5, 2025
April 7 – April 26, 2025
Power Annual Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2024
January 1 – 2, 2024
March 18 – 30, 2024
December 21 – 31, 2024
Power Annual Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2025
January 1 – 5, 2025
April 7 – April 19, 2025
Seasonal Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2024
January 1 – 2, 2024
March 18 – April 6, 2024
July 1 – 31, 2024
November 25 – 30, 2024
December 21 – 31, 2024
Seasonal Pass: Islands of Adventure Blackout Dates 2025
January 1 – 5, 2025
April 7 – April 26, 2025
The Universal blackout dates vary for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, ensuring different passholders have ample opportunities to explore both parks without restrictions.
Changes and Unexpected Adjustments to Universal’s Blackout Dates
It’s important to note that Universal Orlando’s operational considerations might prompt alterations in Universal blackout dates.
Additionally, occasionally, Universal may give back blackout dates, like they did for Thanksgiving 2023. These adjustments can happen due to park capacity, events, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Planning Your Visit around Universal’s Blackout Dates
We as passholders avoid visiting the parks during the Universal blackout dates, even if we had upgraded annual passes. During these blackout dates, the parks are insanely busy, mostly with non-annual pass guests. The reason that Universal has these blackout dates is because they expect higher than normal crowd levels. Wait times for attractions are much longer. The Universal blackout dates are a peak time for visitors.
Consider picking dates that are not around holidays, school breaks, or long weekends. Typically the parks are least busy on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the year.
Are you avoiding the parks for Universal Studios blackout dates in 2024?
Remember, while Universal’s blackout dates restrict park access for some passholders, they can also help manage crowd sizes, ensuring a more enjoyable experience during your Universal Orlando adventures!
