Universal Orlando Resort - My Experience

With the news of Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025, I thought it would be good to share with you what you can expect of this new theme park as well as my experience of the current Universal Orlando Resorts and Hotels.

For those that don‘t know Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, built on 750 acres of land, just a few miles from Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay. This new offering will transport guests to expansive, vivid worlds filled with awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, hotels, dining and more. 

What will Universal Epic Universe have?

Epic Universe will feature five new worlds with “more than 50 awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences,” according to a press release from the resort.

Celestial Park will be the first world guests enter at the park. It will feature relaxing gardens, a “wet play area,” a grand carousel and Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 miles per hour. Celestial Park will also serve as the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other worlds, which will be accessed by themed portals.

Dark Universe will delight fans of Universal’s popular Halloween Horror Nights. Universal says guests can expect to “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.”

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will give fans of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise a chance to finally soar with dragons like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen.

Super Nintendo World, which made its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood last year, will bring guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise for adventures with Mario, Princess Peach and more.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic will be “an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,” according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley.

Epic Universe will be a welcome addition to Universal Resort and I can‘t wait to experience it myself.

My Experience of Universal Orlando Resort

I was fortunate to visit Universal Orlando Resort in May 2022, where I toured all the Universal Hotels and experienced all 3 theme parks. There really is something for everyone.

My Favourite Universal Orlando Resort Experience:

Entering Diagon Alley™ - it delivers one of the, if not the best settings in any theme park. It‘s like leaving the muggle realm behind and being fully immersed into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

My Favourite Universal Orlando Hotel:

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel took my breath away. Sailing in on the complimentary water taxi, I thought I was sailing into the Italian fishing village itself. This hotel also gives guests complimentary Universal Express Unlimited for the Universal parks, has an incredible pool area to make the most of your days and is the only Universal hotel with an onsite spa.

My Trip Highlight:

Experiencing the VIP Guided Tour of the parks which gives you an expert guide and backstage access to all the rides with no queuing. It's 100% a way to feel like a celebrity and we are now able to sell this experience to our customers having experienced it first-hand ourselves.

My Biggest Surprise:

That staying onsite truly means onsite. I couldn't believe how close the hotels were to all 3 parks and CityWalk. You also have lots of ways to get there, walking to the parks from the hotels is really easy and a lovely stroll but you also have water taxis and shuttle buses to take you if your legs are feeling tired after a day in the parks. 

My Top Tip:

If you are not staying at a Universal hotel that automatically offers Universal Express Unlimited* or you're staying offsite, consider upgrading for at least one day to really make the most of the parks. See how many rides you can do back-to-back, we managed 8 before lunch and 6 after. 

What I Got to Experience:

Flying business class from Manchester on the new daily Aer Lingus route to Orlando. Staying on site at Aventura Resort complete with roof top bar! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and riding the epic Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Riding all new roller coasters including Jurassic World Velocicoaster. Chilling out at Universal's water theme park Volcano Bay. Dining in amazing restaurants at Universal's entertainment district- CityWalk.

If you are interested in visiting Universal Orlando for yourself then please do contact me as I will be happy to answer any questions and help you plan your perfect holiday.