Staff Name: Nicola Palmer
Date of Trip: 31st March 2025
Location: Universal Orlando
Supplier/Tour Operator: Do Something Different

Sum up your trip with 3 words: Amazing, Fun, Busy

Destination Highlights

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the incredible Universal Studios in Florida, and the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly the brand-new park – Epic Universe! If you thought Universal had reached the peak of theme park magic, think again. Coming in 2025, Epic Universe is the next evolution of immersive entertainment—and it’s set to completely change the game. Located just a few miles from the existing Universal Orlando Resort, this brand-new park will take guests on a journey through multiple fully themed worlds, each more impressive and immersive than the last.

A Portal Into New Worlds

What makes Epic Universe different from other theme parks? It’s all about complete immersion. Instead of one overarching theme, Epic Universe is made up of several distinct “lands,” each entered through a dramatic portal that transports you into a whole new world.

What to expect from Universal’s Epic Universe:

• Super Nintendo World: Step into the Mushroom Kingdom with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. This land is expected to feature interactive games, iconic landscapes, and the fan-favorite Mario Kart AR ride. Get ready to punch question blocks and race through Bowser’s Castle!
• The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic: Harry Potter fans, rejoice. This new expansion is rumored to blend the British Ministry of Magic with the Parisian wizarding world from Fantastic Beasts, bringing new locations, stories, and magical experiences to life.
• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Take to the skies with Hiccup and Toothless in a land designed to look and feel just like Berk. Expect thrilling rides, playful dragons, and Viking-inspired shows and attractions for all ages.
• Dark Universe: A chilling land based on Universal’s classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman. Think foggy forests, gothic architecture, and a mix of eerie dark rides and haunted walkthroughs.
• Celestial Park: At the heart of Epic Universe is Celestial Park—a lush, futuristic hub filled with beautiful gardens, water features, shops, restaurants, and a stunning roller coaster rumored to be unlike anything seen before. This area will also feature an on-site hotel with unbeatable views.

Accommodation

During our trip, we explored several of Universal’s Hotels including Hard Rock, Portofino, and Endless Summer (Dockside). We stayed at the out-of-this-world Stella Nova Resort, which is brand new this year and just 5 minutes from Universal Epic. The resort offered luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities, making our stay truly memorable.

Local Area

The local area around Universal Orlando is bustling with activity and excitement. From shopping and dining at CityWalk to exploring the nearby International Drive, there’s always something to do. The area is well-connected, making it easy to get around and experience all that Orlando has to offer.

Excursions and Trips

While at Universal Orlando, we also visited the original Universal Studios theme park and Volcano Bay Water Park. What a brilliant time we all had! It was fantastic to see the changes since my last visit 10 years ago. The parks were filled with thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Food Experience

The food on our trip was classic American cuisine—burgers, hot dogs, and more. However, I did enjoy a delightful Italian meal at Universal’s Portofino Hotel. The variety of dining options ensured that there was something for everyone, and the quality of the food was excellent.

Ideal Customers

This trip is perfect for families and adrenaline junkies alike. With a wide range of attractions and experiences, there’s something to suit every taste and age group. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding rides or magical adventures, Universal Orlando has it all.

Best Time to Visit

Universal Orlando is a fantastic destination to visit all year round. Each season offers its own unique charm, from the festive holiday decorations in winter to the vibrant summer events. No matter when you go, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.