For the first time this millennium, Orlando has a new major theme park: Universal Epic Universe. Open from 22nd May 2025, prepare to be transported to five franchised themed worlds promising 50 brand new experiences with groundbreaking technology.
These are the stories you’ve been waiting for, and we’re here to help you get ahead of the crowd. After all, initial tickets for Universal Epic Universe will be limited to one-day admissions. Therefore, ensuring you maximise your time there is vital.  
Thankfully, our Product & Commercial Director, Anna-Maria Janssen, recently previewed Universal Epic Universe, gathering all the insider info and hidden gems that we have crystalised into 4 ultimate tips for your Epic Universe visit...
1. Go Clockwise Around the Park
“When you enter Universal Epic Universe, Celestial Park serves as the central hub. It is both the epicentre of shopping and dining experiences and a gateway to the four self-contained surrounding lands. From left to right, you will find the realms of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, and finally How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk.
For those wanting to experience a bit of everything at Epic Universe, this is the perfect order to explore. Why? Because in How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, there’s a certain ride called Dragon Racer’s Rally that is ideal for ending your day on a high. Savvy visitors may already know that this thrilling ride soars up to 67 feet and delivers high-speed barrel rolls. However, one aspect that isn’t advertised is that fire-breathing dragons will light up the darkness come sunset. It truly was a one-of-a-kind experience with unique special effects that every visitor should experience at least once.”  
2. Buy Power-Up Bands at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
“Everyone loves a souvenir, but for young families, I recommend prioritising the purchase of Power-Up Bands at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. All the lands have epic rides, yet none offer anything as interactive as these slap bracelets.  Equivalent to magic wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests can use them to unlock the world around them – such as collecting digital coins by punching question mark blocks and uncovering exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr. and co. All in all, Power-Up Bands can be a fantastic and unexpected treat for kids that go a long way towards family bonding. The only thing you may fight over is which Power-Up Band is best! They come in six styles, each based on a different Super Mario character: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, and Yoshi. But in my opinion, they’re all really cool!
PS. Power-Up Bands bought from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in California or Japan can also be used at Universal Orlando Resort.”
3. Be Selective About Visiting Dark Universe
“With so much to see and do at Epic Universe, it is wise to be selective with which lands you explore the most. For young families, we’ve covered how SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is suitable for all ages entertainment. However, Dark Universe is only for the brave! It’s a land where you can walk with monsters and celebrate the myth and mystery that shrouds the dark underworld.
Despite its ominous theme, it remains open to all ages, featuring monster meet-and-greets, and even special makeovers where children can transform into werewolves, vampires, or mummies. However, many of the rides in Dark Universe have height restrictions, so the choice may be out of your hands if you’re visiting with little ones. You can find
the height requirements for each Dark Universe ride here.”
4. Be Strategic With Your Accommodation
“Once you have finalised your list of must-see Epic Universe attractions, you can determine which accommodation is right for you.
For example, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic is the most anticipated land, containing the most sought-after attractions. Here, you can travel back in time and experience life in 1920’s Paris as Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter expands and introduces you to the prequel world of the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Even the queues are an experience, with cutting-edge technology like virtual reality enhancing the journey - especially for the much-anticipated Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™. But to minimise wait times and maximise your visit, consider staying at the brand-new, on-site, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel.
As well as offering a majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape with palace-like designs, guests at Helios will be within 45 seconds walk of the park, and better yet, just a few minutes from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. That means you can be there much faster than anyone entering from the main entrance of the park. Sure, a reservation at Helios might be pricey, but you only need a one-night stay here to make the most of your one-day admission to Epic Universe.
If Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, doesn’t fit your budget, consider staying at one of Universal’s two new Prime Value options. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort are designed with a cosmic theme inspired by the infinite universe. Both are conveniently located near Epic Universe, just a short shuttle ride from the park.
If you’re considering staying at a hotel outside of Universal Orlando Resort, Rosen Shingle Creek boasts the distinction of being the closest to Epic Universe. This strategic location, just 2.5 miles from Universal Orlando Resort, offers the convenience of easy access at an even more affordable price point.
Finally, if you’re dreaming of a villa holiday, look no further than Villatel Orlando Resort. As Orlando’s first ‘villa hotel’ a stay here delivers the best of both worlds – the privacy of holiday homes sleeping up to 18 guests and every amenity you would expect from a resort hotel. All just 2 miles from Epic Universe.”
Ready to plan your epic adventure? Check out our bespoke Universal Orlando Resort holidays right here.
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