Latest news with #UniversalStudiosFlorida


The Herald Scotland
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Universal Orlando Resort to illuminate Edinburgh Castle for epic show
Innovative techniques will complement the aesthetics of the five astounding worlds that can be found within the theme park - Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Dynamically transforming from one world to another, the landmark's breathtaking transitions will captivate the audience in this historic spectacle, allowing the fans to contribute to the launch of Epic Universe in an unforgettable, shareable experience. Guests in attendance will have a chance to win a seven-night trip to Universal Orlando Resort including tickets to all four of their theme parks – including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the brand-new Epic Universe. They will stay at the recently opened, Universal Terra Luna Resort. British Airways Holidays – the official UK holiday launch partner of the brand-new Epic Universe theme park - will provide the flights for the prize winner in the Club World cabin. "Transporting fans into the worlds of Epic Universe sits at the heart of this projection and we can't wait to for the people of Scotland and beyond to experience the thrills of this brand-new theme park.' The Universal Epic Universe projection stunt is a free ticketed private event with very limited capacity. Global content marketing agency TPF will deliver the Edinburgh leg of the project. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit

Business Insider
22-04-2025
- Business Insider
I've lived in Florida for over 25 years. These are the 6 tourist hot spots worth visiting and the 2 you can skip.
As a Florida resident of over 25 years, I know which tourist hot spots are actually worth visiting. I recommend going to St. Petersburg, Dry Tortugas National Park, and the panhandle beaches. However, I'd skip places like International Drive in Orlando and South Beach in Miami. World-famous theme parks, stunning beaches, and natural beauty are just a few of the many reasons tourists flock to Florida every year. After living in the Sunshine State for over 25 years, I've explored just about every major tourist spot there is. In my experience, some absolutely live up to the hype, but others aren't worth your time or money. Here are the six tourist attractions worth visiting and the two you might want to skip on your next trip to Florida. In my opinion, St. Petersburg lives up to the hype. A vibrant city with an artsy, laid-back vibe, St. Petersburg is a cultural hot spot on Florida's Gulf Coast. The downtown area is filled with colorful murals, markets, and great dining options. I recommend visiting the St. Pete Pier for beautiful waterfront views and great restaurants. Plan on arriving in the late afternoon to catch the stunning sunset. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is truly magical. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the magic of the Harry Potter universe, the level of immersion in the Universal Orlando parks is unlike anything else I've ever experienced. Split between Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, the attractions bring this magical world to life with incredible detail. From sipping Butterbeer to riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, there's magic at every turn. The Hogwarts Express connects both lands, making park-to-park tickets a must for the full experience. Dry Tortugas National Park is worth a visit. A hidden gem located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of Florida's most remote and stunning destinations. It's home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fort surrounded by crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling. The park is only accessible by ferry or seaplane, making it a true off-the-grid getaway. I recommend booking a ride on the Yankee Freedom III ferry or a spot on a seaplane tour well in advance, as space fills up quickly. For a unique, artsy experience, check out Wynwood Walls in Miami. Wynwood Walls in Miami is a vibrant outdoor street-art museum that provides an explosion of color and creativity. Located in Miami's artsy Wynwood neighborhood, the area features massive, changing murals created by artists from around the world. Beyond the walls, you can find art galleries, shops, and some of Miami's trendiest restaurants. I suggest grabbing a drink at Panther Coffee or stopping for dinner at Bakan, known for its unique and authentic Mexican cuisine — some of which feature insects. Visit Everglades National Park for a taste of Florida's wild side. The Everglades are more than just a swamp — they're a massive, incredibly diverse ecosystem home to alligators, manatees, and stunning bird species. I recommend visiting Everglades National Park for an airboat tour. For a quieter experience, you can also get out on a kayak to explore the park up close. The panhandle beaches are absolutely stunning. The Florida panhandle's beaches, including Pensacola, Santa Rosa Beach, and the scenic 30A stretch, have some of the softest, whitest sand I've ever seen. This area is perfect for those looking for a mix of relaxation and outdoor fun. Destin, which is home to clear emerald waters, is one of our family's favorite destinations. I recommend visiting in late spring or early fall to enjoy the warm weather without the summer crowds. However, I recommend skipping International Drive in Orlando. International Drive is a shopping and entertainment area in downtown Orlando. Although it's home to a few decent spots like Icon Park and the Orlando Premium Outlets, a lot of I-Drive feels like a tourist trap. If you're in Orlando, I recommend heading to Disney Springs instead for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You'll get a taste of Disney magic without needing a park ticket. In my opinion, there are better spots in Miami than South Beach. South Beach is an iconic area in Miami, but unless you're there to party, it can be more of a headache than a highlight. In my experience, the food and drinks are pricey, the beaches are crowded, and parking can be difficult. I think there are better beaches and neighborhoods in Miami that offer a more enjoyable experience (especially if you're traveling with family or kids). For example, I recommend checking out Crandon Park Beach for a more peaceful and scenic Miami experience.


USA Today
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How much will a single-day pass to Epic Universe cost? See the prices.
Hear this story Universal Orlando's Epic Universe will offer single-day tickets starting at $139, with prices increasing to $199 during peak periods. The highly anticipated theme park, Epic Universe, is set to open its doors on May 22, 2025, featuring five immersive themed lands. Express Passes, VIP Tours, and other add-on experiences for Epic Universe will be available for purchase soon. We have fewer than 75 days until the opening of Universal Orlando's brand new theme park. And now, potential parkgoers have more ticket opportunities to jump on. Universal released single-day tickets for Epic Universe on Thursday, as well as another multi-ticket package guests can take advantage of. "With the launch of the remaining admission ticket products for 2025, guests have a variety of ways to plan their most thrilling vacation yet to experience the groundbreaking new theme park," Universal said in a news release, adding the theme park is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created. Are single-day tickets to Epic Universe available? See prices. Single-day tickets aren't available for purchase yet, but they are coming. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Single-day tickets to Epic Universe start at $139 and can go up to $199 during peak periods. Annual passholders can purchase single-day tickets at a discounted price. Universal also announced that guests can now purchase 2-Day tickets: 1-Park 1-Day Base, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket: One day of access to Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe. One day of access to Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe. 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket: One day of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe. When can you purchase single-day passes? Single-day tickets are available starting Sunday, June 1. Dates in May are unavailable unless choosing the multi-day ticket packages that were announced last year. To purchase tickets, click here. Do multi-day ticket packages to Universal Orlando include Epic Universe? Yes. Universal previously announced that guests can choose from three-, four-, or five-day tickets, with only one of those days at Epic Universe and the rest at Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure. Three-day tickets range from $352 to $521, depending on the dates. That works out to between $118 and $174 per park, per day. Like many theme parks, Universal Orlando has dynamic pricing. Universal Volcano Bay water park tickets can also be added. Additional pricing details are available on Universal's website. Are Express Passes available for Epic Universe? Universal said its add-on products for Universal Epic Universe, including Universal Express Passes, VIP Tours and more, will go on sale soon. When will Universal Orlando's Epic Universe open? Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park will make its debut on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Where is Epic Universe being built? Those who have been to Universal Orlando might be wondering where this new theme park will be going. It will actually be housed a bit further away from the other two parks, across Interstate 4. Epic Universe will be located in Universal's new south campus, located about 15 minutes down the road. The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando. See map of Universal Epic Universe theme park What is going to be at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida? There will be five new themed lands, called portals, within Epic Universe: Celestial Park – This is the first world guests see when entering the park. They will find relaxing gardens, a 'wet play area,' a grand carousel, and Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. Celestial Park will also be the gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds, accessed by themed portals. Celestial Park will also be the gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds, accessed by themed portals. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will give fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen. will give fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen. Dark Universe – 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.' 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.' Super Nintendo World will bring guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise for adventures with Mario, Princess Peach, and more, like at Universal Studios Hollywood. will bring guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise for adventures with Mario, Princess Peach, and more, like at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will blend "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.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WFTV 2025 Universal Studios Resort Mardi Gras Sweepstakes
We have your chance to win tickets! You need some Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Orlando Resort in your life. See how many parade beads you can catch. Eat your way across the globe. And sing along to live concerts on select nights. Enjoy floats, food available for purchase, and music Feb 1–Mar 30. To enter, register below. We're giving away a prize package for 2 people, including 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure theme parks AND 1-Day Universal Orlando Regular Parking access for one vehicle. Don't miss the party; sweepstakes begins Feb. 10 and run through Feb. 23. Read: Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off this weekend Campaign not loading? Click here Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.