Latest news with #IslandsofAdventure
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Spending Memorial Day weekend at Florida's theme parks? See weather, travel forecasts
Memorial Day weekend is almost here, with a record-breaking 2.6 million Floridians expected to be travel over the course of five days. The federal holiday lands on May 26 this year and is a day of remembrance and commemoration for military members who lost their lives in service. Many Americans also take advantage of the three-day weekend to travel, especially to Florida's theme parks. AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26. The organization said this year's domestic travel forecast will increase by 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and set a new Memorial Day weekend record. For wanting to spend the three-day weekend at Disney World, Universal Orlando or any of Florida's theme parks, here's what to know about traveling and what the weather forecast will look like. Orlando unsurprisingly ranked in first place on AAA's list of the top 10 most popular Memorial Day weekend destinations in the U.S. for 2025. The list is based on AAA booking data for trips between Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26. Here's AAA's list of the top 10 most popular Memorial Day weekend destinations in the U.S. this year: Orlando Seattle New York City Las Vegas Miami San Francisco Anchorage, Alaska Chicago Denver Boston Before you head out on your road trip, make sure you know where you're going. From Orlando to Tampa, here are the official addresses for each of the top theme parks in Florida: Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom - 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 EPCOT - 200 Epcot Center Drive. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821 Hollywood Studios - 351 South Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Animal Kingdom - 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure - 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 Universal's Epic Universe -1001 Epic Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 SeaWorld Orlando - 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 Legoland Florida - 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 Florida's theme parks will be incredibly busy — and not just because of the holiday weekend. Universal Orlando's newest theme park, Epic Universe, will open to the public a few days before Memorial Day on Thursday, May 22. The new park will see large crowds in its first months (or even years), seeking to immerse guests in five new worlds to experience and explore. Theme park travel blogs always stress how packed the parks can get during holiday weekends. Memorial Day weekend is listed among the busiest times to visit in general. Good news for those going to Epic Universe on its opening day — you'll be avoiding the beginning of major Memorial Day weekend traffic. According to AAA's Memorial Day weekend travel outlook for 2025, you should avoid driving on Thursday and Friday evenings. And if you're planning to travel home on Sunday, the earlier you leave, the better. Here are the best and worst times to travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA and INRIX: Best times for traveling: Thursday, May 22 – Before noon Friday, May 23 – Before 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24 – Before noon Sunday, May 25 - Before 1 p.m. Memorial Day Monday, May 26 - Before 2 p.m. Worst times for traveling: Thursday, May 22 – 1 p.m. through 9 p.m. Friday, May 23 - Noon through 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24 – 2 p.m. through 6 p.m. Sunday, May 25 - 1 p.m. through 6 p.m. Memorial Day Monday, May 26 - 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend is gearing up to be a scorcher in Florida. Temperatures above normal are expected from May 18 through May 22, especially for Florida, south Texas and stretching into southern Georgia, according to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. "Hot," the National Weather Service Melbourne said, saying residents across the East Coast and Central Florida can expect "well above normal temperatures," although records are a little more uncertain at this time. A moderate heat risk is expected across most of the area through the weekend. Here's what the forecast looks like in Orlando and Tampa, where the state's theme parks are housed, according to Accuweather: Thursday: A couple of morning showers; otherwise, partly sunny and warm. High of 95, low of 74. Friday: Remaining warm and less humid with sunshine. High of 94, low of 75. Saturday: Mostly sunny. High of 92, low of 72. Sunday: Mainly cloudy with a little rain in the afternoon. High of 92, low of 71. Memorial Day: Partly sunny. High of 91, low of 71. Thursday: A couple of showers in the morning; otherwise, partly sunny and humid. High of 93, low of 77. Friday: Sunny and less humid. High of 92, low of 76. Saturday: Partly sunny. High of 92, low of 74. Sunday: Mostly sun. High of 92, low of 74. Memorial Day: Mostly sunny. High of 91, low of 73. Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Memorial Day at Epic or Disney: 2025 travel forecast for Florida
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
It's Universal vs. Disney in an epic ‘prize fight' for theme park dominance in Florida
The theme park rivalry in Orlando, Fla. is heating up. This week, Universal will open its latest park, Epic Universe, a reportedly $7 billion bet for the Comcast-owned company and the newest salvo in its ongoing push to expand its tourism and entertainment empire. That puts pressure on Walt Disney Co., whose Walt Disney World Resort has long dominated the Orlando vacation landscape, but is now seeing increased competition, particularly from Universal. Sprawled across 750 acres, Epic Universe represents the biggest Universal theme park expansion since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 15 years ago. It touts five different themed areas, four of which are tied to well-known franchises: "Harry Potter," "How to Train Your Dragon," Universal's Dark Universe of classic movie monsters and Nintendo video game properties, in addition to a cosmic central Celestial Park hub. The resort, which also includes three hotels, features technologically-advanced animatronics and detailed rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which showcases many of Universal's monsters. Reviews of the park have been largely positive, with critics highlighting the immersive nature of the attractions. "Comcast has come on so strong with what they've developed and brought forth in the Orlando market," said Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of Cincinnati-based consulting firm International Theme Park Services Inc. "Over the last 15 years, they have brought that distance between Universal and Disney much closer, and it has really become a prize fight. It's the most intense and competitive situation in the industry." Disney was the first of the two to the Orlando market back in 1971, when it opened the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It wasn't until 1990 that Universal opened its own Orlando park, giving Disney a nearly two-decade head start. By then, Disney had already opened the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks (which would later become known as Hollywood Studios). Also in the mix in the Sunshine State: SeaWorld Orlando, which opened in 1973, and what's now known as Busch Gardens Tampa, which debuted in 1959. Today, Disney World has four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal Orlando will have three, including Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure (opened in 1999), and a water park, Volcano Bay (2017). Though Universal was late to market, its 2010 opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter land across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando pushed the theme park competition to new heights. Building a land solely around a specific intellectual property - instead of a general theme - was novel at the time, and the concept would later show up in Disney parks, such as Cars Land in Anaheim and later, "Star Wars"-themed lands in California and Florida. Demand at the time for the "Harry Potter"-themed land pushed Universal's attendance up 36% compared with the previous year, Speigel said. "They realized after 'Harry Potter' that it was a new world order," he said. "They've just kept the pedal to the metal on everything they've done in terms of growth and internal experience." There's good reason for that. Both Universal and Disney have honed in on theme parks as a profit-generating part of their business that is less volatile than the ever-changing media, television and film markets. Disney's experiences division, which includes its theme parks and cruise lines, has long brought in the lion's share of the company's profit, particularly as pay TV shrinks. "Disney has been pretty steady and consistent, but Universal is very rapidly expanding," said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. "They're highly encouraging their theme park sector right now." Both companies have recently announced new properties - Disney in Abu Dhabi and Universal with a smaller kids resort in Texas, a theme park in Britain and a year-round Halloween Horror Nights-esque experience in Las Vegas. "The plan is to keep driving growth in a business that we think we're one of two players in a market that is, within media, not at all exposed to the shift in time on screens from one venue to another," Comcast Corp. President Mike Cavanagh said during the company's fiscal first quarter call with analysts last month. "Live experiences, parks experiences have been thrilling to people, and we think we lean into that and continue to do so." So far, he said, advance ticket sales and hotel bookings are "strong" for Epic Universe and the other Universal parks in Orlando. A one-day ticket starts at $139. That's why analysts have consistently flagged the upcoming park during earnings calls for rival Disney, querying executives about the potential pressure on Disney World and how the company plans to compete. But if Disney is worried, it has shown little sign of it. Last week, Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said hotel bookings for the fiscal third quarter are up 4% compared with last year, with about 80% of available nights reserved. For the fourth quarter, bookings are up about 7%, with about 50% to 60% of capacity filled, he said. That's despite broader worries that concerns about a potential recession - spurred by President Trump's tariffs on foreign goods - will dampen travel and consumer spending. "Experiences is obviously a critical business for Disney and also an important growth platform," company Chief Executive Bob Iger said on a recent earnings call. "Despite questions around any macro-economic uncertainty or the impact of competition, I'm encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business." The company has previously announced it is investing $30 billion into its parks in Florida and California, which will fund such additions as a "Monsters Inc."-inspired land and a villains land in Disney World. The parks have also added attractions throughout the last 10 years, including the revamped Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride (which replaced Splash Mountain). Disney is betting that the influx of visitors coming to Florida for Epic Universe will still make a stop at its parks. Last year, Orlando tallied more than 75 million visitors, up 1.8% compared with 2023, according to the Visit Orlando trade association. Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said at an investor conference last week that Disney gets more tourists any time something new opens up in central Florida - even if it's not a Disney property. "If we just go back five or 10 years, and you think about what's happened at Walt Disney World, we've always been on the offensive," D'Amaro said. "If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, and if it brings in additional tourists, I can almost guarantee you that new tourist coming into the market is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Los Angeles Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
It's Universal vs. Disney in an epic ‘prize fight' for theme park dominance in Florida
The theme park rivalry in Orlando, Fla. is heating up. This week, Universal will open its latest park, Epic Universe, a reportedly $7 billion bet for the Comcast-owned company and the newest salvo in its ongoing push to expand its tourism and entertainment empire. That puts pressure on Walt Disney Co., whose Walt Disney World Resort has long dominated the Orlando vacation landscape, but is now seeing increased competition, particularly from Universal. Sprawled across 750 acres, Epic Universe represents the biggest Universal theme park expansion since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 15 years ago. It touts five different themed areas, four of which are tied to well-known franchises: 'Harry Potter,' 'How to Train Your Dragon,' Universal's Dark Universe of classic movie monsters and Nintendo video game properties, in addition to a cosmic central Celestial Park hub. The resort, which also includes three hotels, features technologically-advanced animatronics and detailed rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which showcases many of Universal's monsters. Reviews of the park have been largely positive, with critics highlighting the immersive nature of the attractions. 'Comcast has come on so strong with what they've developed and brought forth in the Orlando market,' said Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of Cincinnati-based consulting firm International Theme Park Services Inc. 'Over the last 15 years, they have brought that distance between Universal and Disney much closer, and it has really become a prize fight. It's the most intense and competitive situation in the industry.' Disney was the first of the two to the Orlando market back in 1971, when it opened the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It wasn't until 1990 that Universal opened its own Orlando park, giving Disney a nearly two-decade head start. By then, Disney had already opened the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks (which would later become known as Hollywood Studios). Also in the mix in the Sunshine State: SeaWorld Orlando, which opened in 1973, and what's now known as Busch Gardens Tampa, which debuted in 1959. Today, Disney World has four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal Orlando will have three, including Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure (opened in 1999), and a water park, Volcano Bay (2017). Though Universal was late to market, its 2010 opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter land across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando pushed the theme park competition to new heights. Building a land solely around a specific intellectual property — instead of a general theme — was novel at the time, and the concept would later show up in Disney parks, such as Cars Land in Anaheim and later, 'Star Wars'-themed lands in California and Florida. Demand at the time for the 'Harry Potter'-themed land pushed Universal's attendance up 36% compared with the previous year, Speigel said. 'They realized after 'Harry Potter' that it was a new world order,' he said. 'They've just kept the pedal to the metal on everything they've done in terms of growth and internal experience.' There's good reason for that. Both Universal and Disney have honed in on theme parks as a profit-generating part of their business that is less volatile than the ever-changing media, television and film markets. Disney's experiences division, which includes its theme parks and cruise lines, has long brought in the lion's share of the company's profit, particularly as pay TV shrinks. 'Disney has been pretty steady and consistent, but Universal is very rapidly expanding,' said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. 'They're highly encouraging their theme park sector right now.' Both companies have recently announced new properties — Disney in Abu Dhabi and Universal with a smaller kids resort in Texas, a theme park in Britain and a year-round Halloween Horror Nights-esque experience in Las Vegas. 'The plan is to keep driving growth in a business that we think we're one of two players in a market that is, within media, not at all exposed to the shift in time on screens from one venue to another,' Comcast Corp. President Mike Cavanagh said during the company's fiscal first quarter call with analysts last month. 'Live experiences, parks experiences have been thrilling to people, and we think we lean into that and continue to do so.' So far, he said, advance ticket sales and hotel bookings are 'strong' for Epic Universe and the other Universal parks in Orlando. A one-day ticket starts at $139. That's why analysts have consistently flagged the upcoming park during earnings calls for rival Disney, querying executives about the potential pressure on Disney World and how the company plans to compete. But if Disney is worried, it has shown little sign of it. Last week, Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said hotel bookings for the fiscal third quarter are up 4% compared with last year, with about 80% of available nights reserved. For the fourth quarter, bookings are up about 7%, with about 50% to 60% of capacity filled, he said. That's despite broader worries that concerns about a potential recession — spurred by President Trump's tariffs on foreign goods — will dampen travel and consumer spending. 'Experiences is obviously a critical business for Disney and also an important growth platform,' company Chief Executive Bob Iger said on a recent earnings call. 'Despite questions around any macro-economic uncertainty or the impact of competition, I'm encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business.' The company has previously announced it is investing $30 billion into its parks in Florida and California, which will fund such additions as a 'Monsters Inc.'-inspired land and a villains land in Disney World. The parks have also added attractions throughout the last 10 years, including the revamped Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride (which replaced Splash Mountain). Disney is betting that the influx of visitors coming to Florida for Epic Universe will still make a stop at its parks. Last year, Orlando tallied more than 75 million visitors, up 1.8% compared with 2023, according to the Visit Orlando trade association. Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said at an investor conference last week that Disney gets more tourists any time something new opens up in central Florida — even if it's not a Disney property. 'If we just go back five or 10 years, and you think about what's happened at Walt Disney World, we've always been on the offensive,' D'Amaro said. 'If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, and if it brings in additional tourists, I can almost guarantee you that new tourist coming into the market is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spending Memorial Day weekend at Disney, Universal in Florida? See crowd calendar, weather
Memorial Day weekend is on the horizon, which means an unofficial start to the summer season. Why not spend it with Mickey Mouse, Harry Potter or some sea creatures? The federal holiday lands on May 26 this year and is a day of remembrance and commemoration for military members who lost their lives in service. Many Americans also take advantage of the three-day weekend to travel, especially to Florida's theme parks. AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26. The organization said this year's domestic travel forecast will increase by 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and set a new Memorial Day weekend record. For wanting to spend the three-day weekend at Disney World, Universal Orlando or any of Florida's theme parks, here's what to know about traveling and what the weather forecast will look like. Orlando unsurprisingly ranked in first place on AAA's list of the top 10 most popular Memorial Day weekend destinations in the U.S. for 2025. The list is based on AAA booking data for trips between Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26. Here's AAA's list of the top 10 most popular Memorial Day weekend destinations in the U.S. this year: Orlando Seattle New York City Las Vegas Miami San Francisco Anchorage, Alaska Chicago Denver Boston Before you head out on your road trip, make sure you know where you're going. From Orlando to Tampa, here are the official addresses for each of the top theme parks in Florida: Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom - 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 EPCOT - 200 Epcot Center Drive. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821 Hollywood Studios - 351 South Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Animal Kingdom - 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure - 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 Universal's Epic Universe -1001 Epic Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 SeaWorld Orlando - 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 Legoland Florida - 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 Florida's theme parks will be incredibly busy — and not just because of the holiday weekend. Universal Orlando's newest theme park, Epic Universe, will open to the public a few days before Memorial Day on Thursday, May 22. The new park will see large crowds in its first months (or even years), seeking to immerse guests in five new worlds to experience and explore. Theme park travel blogs always stress how packed the parks can get during holiday weekends. Memorial Day weekend is listed among the busiest times to visit in general. According to AAA's Memorial Day weekend travel outlook for 2025, you should avoid driving on Thursday and Friday evenings. And if you're planning to travel home on Sunday, the earlier you leave, the better. Here are the best and worst times to travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA and INRIX: Best times for traveling: Thursday, May 22 – Before noon Friday, May 23 – Before 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24 – Before noon Sunday, May 25 - Before 1 p.m. Memorial Day Monday, May 26 - Before 2 p.m. Worst times for traveling: Thursday, May 22 – 1 p.m. through 9 p.m. Friday, May 23 - Noon through 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24 – 2 p.m. through 6 p.m. Sunday, May 25 - 1 p.m. through 6 p.m. Memorial Day Monday, May 26 - 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. As of May 12, the weather forecasts for Memorial Day weekend are still changing and not 100% clear yet. Drought conditions are currently impacting 84% of the state, ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought, according to NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System. While many areas will have some rain showers until then, it looks as though Memorial Day Weekend will be hot and dry. Here's what the forecast looks like in Orlando and Tampa, where the state's theme parks are housed, according to Accuweather: Friday: A shower in spots in the morning; otherwise, mostly sunny. High of 89, low of 71. Saturday: Sunshine. High of 88, low of 72. Sunday: Brilliant sunshine. High of 89, low of 70. Memorial Day: Sun giving way to increasing clouds. High of 91, low of 73. Friday: Mostly sunny. High of 93, low of 73. Saturday: Plenty of sun. High of 90, low of 72. Sunday: Plenty of sun. High of 91, low of 73. Memorial Day: Rather cloudy and humid. High of 91, low of 74. Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Memorial Day weekend 2025 travel forecast for Florida theme parks
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Tips for Making the Most of One Day at Universal's New Epic Universe Theme Park
Travel Tips for Making the Most of One Day at Universal's New Epic Universe Theme Park The long-awaited Epic Universe is finally here. The first major theme park to open in the US since Universal launched Islands of Adventure in 1999, the sprawling Universal Epic Universe opens to the public May 22, 2025. A select few of us got a sneak peek at this epic $7 billion wonder. After spending a ride-packed 12 hours in the 750-acre park, I can say that it lives up to the hype. The theming in the queues alone is worth a visit. It's some of the best I've seen at any theme park, ever. Here are my best tips to help you experience all the thrill, dark, and magical rides at Universal Epic Universe. Do you want to travel like a pro? Sign up for our weekly newsletter filled with ideas, tips and advice. Five Immersive Lands Centered Around the Hub Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park features five colorful themed lands and a central hub. Photo credit: Melissa Heckscher But first, an overview of what you'll find at Epic Universe. You'll step through dazzling LED portals to enter five distinct lands: Celestial Par k – An ethereal, otherworldly hub filled with gardens, fountains, and the park's signature dueling coaster, Stardust Racers. k – An ethereal, otherworldly hub filled with gardens, fountains, and the park's signature dueling coaster, Stardust Racers. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – A stunning, scaled city that feels like stepping into the middle of a magical Parisian town. It's home to Battle at the Ministry, an immersive dark ride set within the British Ministry of Magic. – A stunning, scaled city that feels like stepping into the middle of a magical Parisian town. It's home to Battle at the Ministry, an immersive dark ride set within the British Ministry of Magic. Super Nintendo World – A vibrant, colorful land that makes you feel like you've stepped straight into the world of Mario and friends. – A vibrant, colorful land that makes you feel like you've stepped straight into the world of Mario and friends. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk – A rugged land of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and animatronic dragons tucked into hidden nooks and crannies. – A rugged land of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and animatronic dragons tucked into hidden nooks and crannies. Dark Universe – A moody, atmospheric land inspired by Universal's classic monsters and, anchored by the towering Frankenstein Manor, home to the flagship ride, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. SheBuysTravel Tip: There's something for the whole family! Within its intricately themed lands, Epic Universe offers 11 rides that range in intensity from intense roller coasters to family-friendly experiences. Read More: How to do both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure in one day. Stay at a Universal Hotel for Early Access to the Parks Each of the entrances to Epic Universe's five lands are called "Portals." Here, the Portal to Super Nintendo World. Photo credit: Melissa Heckscher Universal has 11 hotels in Orlando, including three beauties next to Epic Universe that opened this spring. Staying at any of these hotels gets you: Early access to one or more of the parks each day. Check the Universal parks calendar to see which parks open early on the day you plan to visit. Check the Universal parks calendar to see which parks open early on the day you plan to visit. Free shuttle transportation to and from the parks -though you can walk to Epic from the Stella Nova and the Helios Grand hotels. -though you can walk to Epic from the Stella Nova and the Helios Grand hotels. Free merchandise delivery to your hotel. Parkwide charging privileges. Of those perks, the most important one (in my roller-coaster-loving opinion) is the one-hour early entry into the park. SheBuysTravel Tip: Not all the rides are open during the early admission hour. During my visit, the only rides open during this hour were Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, Yoshi's Adventure, Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness, and Stardust Racers. Super Nintendo World at Universal's Epic Universe features two lands, Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country (where you'll find the Mine-Cart Madness" coaster). Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort With that extra hour at Epic Universe, I advise heading straight to Super Nintendo World for ride Mine-Cart Madness. This zippy little coaster was one of my favorite rides in the park-and if the AVERAGE 144-minute wait for the same ride at Universal Studios Japan is any indication, the line will be long (and there's no Express Pass line). Stay at the Helios Grand The Helios Grand hotel has 500 rooms, including How to Train Your Dragon-themed suites for families. Photo credit Melissa Heckscher Sure, $500 a night is no bargain, but if you are up for the splurge, Universal's newest "Signature Collection" hotel is a sprawling lap of luxury that sits so close to Epic Universe that you can hear the screams from its roller coasters wafting in the wind. Not only does it have upscale amenities and a stunning top-floor restaurant with 360-degree views; it also boasts a resort-style pool, multiple dining options, and breathtaking views of the park. It's as close as any hotel gets to a theme park in the US-tied with Disney's Grand Californian in Anaheim, which straddles the border of Disneyland's California Adventure. And being able to step through a doorway and be 'home' while the masses queue up for shuttle buses? Priceless. Book the Harry Potter Ride AS SOON as You Get into Epic Universe The stunning and immersive queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry transports guests from 1920s Paris to the heart of the British Ministry of Magic. Photo credit Melissa Heckscher The Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride inside Epic's Wizarding World is a technological marvel from the moment you step into the line. The queue itself is a spectacle unlike anything I've ever seen on a theme park ride. And that's before the ride even starts. The bad news? With state-of-the-art technology comes occasional technical hiccups. During my visit, the ride was closed or "delayed" more often than it was open. I waited in its stunning queue three separate times (honestly, it says a lot that I didn't mind coming back again and again) but never actually made it onto the ride. That said, my visit was during a "technical rehearsal," so hopefully Universal smooths out the kinks soon. Maybe it's time for Harry to cast a little "Expecto Mechanicum!" spell? Opt for the Single Rider Line The Curse of the Werewolf is one of the seven rides at Universal's new Epic Universe that features a single-rider line. Photo credit: Melissa Heckscher If your aversion to long lines is stronger than your need to ride with your fellow Epic Universians, use the Single Rider Lines to get ahead of the crowds! These seven Epic Universe rides offer Single Rider Line queues: Mine-Cart Madness Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge Curse of the Werewolf Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Hiccup's Wing Gliders Stardust Racers Ride the Constellation Carousel at Night The Constellation Carousel at Epic Universe is even more magical at night, with glowing lights and a celestial, cosmic vibe. Photo credit: Melissa Heckscher This is not your mother's merry-go-round. Beyond the traditional carousel turntable, this ride includes four smaller turntables and ride animals that aren't tethered to the ride's ceiling. It's an effect that makes it look like riders are floating through the air-especially at night, when each creature is illuminated by glowing orbs and a swirling sky of stars. It's no thrill ride, but it's beautiful. Plan Where and What You Want to Eat The Constellation Carousel at Epic Universe is even more magical at night, with glowing lights and a celestial, cosmic vibe. Photo credit: Melissa Heckscher With more than 30 dining locations spread across the five immersive lands, there's plenty to nosh on when you're ready to eat. That said, theme park designers took special care to make the food's theming as immersive as the lands. So fill your tummies wisely. Some must-try food and drinks: The Mario Burger (complete with a Mario cap on the bun) at Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World. (complete with a Mario cap on the bun) at Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World. The Stormfly's Catch of the Day at Mead Hall in the Isle of Berk features a sweet cakey goldfish on top of a bed of rice krispy treats. at Mead Hall in the Isle of Berk features a sweet cakey goldfish on top of a bed of rice krispy treats. The Piranha Plant caprese salad at Super Nintendo World's Toadstool Cafe will get your kids to eat their veggies. Piranha Plant caprese salad at Super Nintendo World's Toadstool Cafe will get your kids to eat their veggies. The Northern Lights at Celestial Park is an elegant martini made with Beluga Noble Vodka, Pallini limoncello, Ferrand Dry Curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup-with a butterfly pea blossom ice sphere rolled in gold luster dust to look like a shimmering planet floating in your drink. is an elegant martini made with Beluga Noble Vodka, Pallini limoncello, Ferrand Dry Curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup-with a butterfly pea blossom ice sphere rolled in gold luster dust to look like a shimmering planet floating in your drink. The Lobotacotta at Dark Universe is designed to look like a brain sitting in a pool of blood. Mmmm. (Really, it's greek yogurt-based vanilla panna cotta with raspberry sauce and popping candies). at Dark Universe is designed to look like a brain sitting in a pool of blood. Mmmm. (Really, it's greek yogurt-based vanilla panna cotta with raspberry sauce and popping candies). Reaper's Reserve is Dark Universe's exclusive beer, a caramel-spice brown ale from Orlando's Crooked Can Brewing Company. Choose the Right Side of the Stardust Racers Coaster Stardust Racers is a dual-track launched roller coaster in Epic Universe's Celestial Park that sends riders soaring through a cosmic-themed race filled with airtime hills, near-misses, and synchronized twists. Photo credit: Melissa Heckscher Described as 'Epic Universe's most thrilling coaster experience,' Stardust Racers is a sprawling 1.5-minute dueling coaster that whisks riders through a host of lifts, drops, and unique maneuvers including the 'Celestial Spin,' where the two competing coaster vehicles do an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air. If you're brave enough to ride it (I wasn't), you may wonder which track to choose: Photon (the yellow track) or Pulsar (the green track)? Both reach speeds of 62 miles per hour and heights up to 133 feet, but insiders say the green track is more intense. To choose it, veer right when choosing a line. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a Dark Ride-but I Didn't Get Nauseous The gothic castle facade of the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment ride at Universal Epic Universe. Photo credit: Melissa Heckscher Families with small kids may wonder if the Monsters Unchained ride is too scary for their kids. And while the answer largely depends on your kids (my 10-year-old was totally unfazed by it, and I saw many younger kids happily on board), I'd say kids under 7 may want to skip it (guests must be 48 inches tall to ride anyway, so it may be a non-issue). Without spoiling the fun: This is an in-the-dark ride that tosses riders around (but not upside down) in a fixed set (mixed with background projections). You'll whirl through the dark underbelly of Frankenstein's castle while a realistic-looking crew of infamous monsters-including Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon-do their best to scare you. Is it scary? Kind of. The monsters themselves might frighten young kids-these animatronics are next-level!-but there are no sudden drops or steep hills. The whole experience is like a high-tech funhouse ride, featuring marvelously realistic creatures and immersive effects. And while a few Reddit users reported feeling queasy, the general consensus is that most riders come out feeling just fine. Don't Sit in Front at the Untrainable Dragon Show The Isle of Berk brings the How to Train Your Dragon world to life with "The Untrainable Dragon" show, two exciting rides, and animatronic dragons galore. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort. This is a can't-miss show for anyone who loves How to Train Your Dragon. I don't want to ruin the surprises, but let's just say the most exciting thing about the whole spectacle isn't happening on the stage-but above the audience-and that means sitting in the middle to back of the theater will give you a better view of the aerial action. Get an Express Pass Sure, Express Passes run about $170 on top of a regular park ticket (which starts at $134 per day), but if you can manage it, it can mean the difference between riding a few rides the whole day-and riding all of them. Express Pass lines let you whisk past the masses to the front of the line. The only downside? Not all Epic rides take Express Passes. Currently, Express Passes are accepted at all of the rides except for the Ministry of Magic (which does a "Virtual Queue," meaning guests can reserve a spot in line through the Universal app), Dragon Racers Rally, and Mine-Cart Madness. SheBuysTravel Tip: The best way to get Express Passes for your whole crew is to stay at one of the luxe Loews properties at Universal – Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort. A night at one of those hotels can be pricey, but its biggest perk is Unlimited Express Passes for everyone staying in the room. And best of all, the pass are good for the day you check in and the day you check out – two days' worth of faster-line access for one night's stay. For a family of four, that can mean you'll actually save money by booking the pricey room. Some Souvenirs are Worth the Price Power-Up bands are just one of the many souvenirs that can be used within Epic Universe to unlock special activities and surprises. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort. If you're a parent and you can get through a theme park without buying your kids at least a few souvenirs, props to you. But if you've prepped your wallet for the barrage of begging you'll likely face, here are two things that might be worth the purchase: Power-Up Bands ($40) – These tech bracelets turn the physical land of Super Nintendo World into a real-life video game, unlocking myriad challenges that tiny gamers will love (it also gives you and your kids a good chunk of time where you won't have to be waiting in line for a ride!). Collect digital coins, earn stamps, complete interactive Key Challenges, and unlock a special Bowser Jr. boss battle. The bands can also track your achievements in the Universal app, let you compete on leaderboards, and even function as amiibo for Nintendo Switch games at home. ($40) – These tech bracelets turn the physical land of Super Nintendo World into a real-life video game, unlocking myriad challenges that tiny gamers will love (it also gives you and your kids a good chunk of time where you won't have to be waiting in line for a ride!). Collect digital coins, earn stamps, complete interactive Key Challenges, and unlock a special Bowser Jr. boss battle. The bands can also track your achievements in the Universal app, let you compete on leaderboards, and even function as amiibo for Nintendo Switch games at home. Interactive Wands ($65 and up) – These ornately designed wands let you cast spells that trigger magical effects throughout Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and the new Ministry of Magic area. Chant "Lumos" to light up a shop window, "Incendio" to ignite magical flames, and "Ventus" to summon gusts of wind-while also tracking achievements, earning house points, and unlocking exclusive adventures through the Universal Orlando app. SheBuysTravel Tip: The bands and wands can also be used at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing. Read More The post Tips for Making the Most of One Day at Universal's New Epic Universe Theme Park appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 11:53 AM.
