So, you’ve decided to visit Universal Epic Universe. Let me be the first to say: congratulations! With five immersive worlds, groundbreaking attractions, next-level dining, and standing-ovation-worthy live entertainment, you’re in for more than a treat at Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth and newest theme park. Smorgasbord is probably more accurate.
The only thing that could make your vacation even more epic? Planning! (Yes, I’m a Virgo moon.) That’s why I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know before you go to Epic Universe, from pre-arrival must-dos to helpful hints to keep in mind when you arrive at the theme park. Let’s dive in!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TICKETS | HOTELS | TRANSPORTATION | MOBILE APP | UPGRADES | RESERVATIONS | ARRIVAL
Before You Arrive at Universal Epic Universe
Buy Your Tickets
OK, this may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s so important that I have to include it! If you want to visit Universal Epic Universe, you need to purchase a ticket. Currently, you can choose from a range of ticket options that include one day at Epic Universe, as well as admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay. Click here to learn more.
If you’re a Passholder, you can get special pricing on 1-Day Epic Universe Tickets — learn more and purchase yours here. There are also vacation packages, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Package, to help you bundle and save.
The most important thing to note? No matter which ticketing option you choose, you’ll need to pick a date for your Epic Universe visit in advance. Click here to view all of the tickets and packages for Epic Universe.
Book Your Hotel
This one’s for my out-of-towners and my staycationers! Universal Orlando Resort has three brand-new hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort. Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are located adjacent to Epic Universe, while Universal Helios Grand Hotel is located at Epic Universe. Guests of this hotel enjoy a dedicated entrance to the park! (Valid theme park admission required for park entry.
Click here to read more about Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or here to learn more about Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort!
You can also stay at any of our other hotels, all located only a short — and complimentary — bus ride away from Epic Universe:
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal Aventura Hotel
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
No matter which hotel you choose, you can take advantage of Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions in one of our theme parks up to an hour before park opening. Early Park Admission at Epic Universe starts on May 23 and will include the following attractions (subject to change without notice):
Plan Your Transportation
If you’re driving to Epic Universe, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- There are parking lots available right next to Epic Universe.
- Tiered parking follows the same model as our existing garages:
- Regular parking: $32
- RV/bus parking: $42
- Prime upgrade: $18–$28, varies seasonally and may vary by day
- Prime parking: $50–$60, varies seasonally and may vary by day
If you’re staying at a Universal hotel near Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay, no need to worry about parking at Epic Universe; it’s only a short bus ride away! Hop on one of our complimentary shuttles for a fun, free, and easy ride to your next theme park adventure.
Download the Universal Orlando Resort App
The Universal Orlando Resort App is a must-have for your visit to any of our theme parks — and that includes Epic Universe! The App has tons of features that will make your day that much smoother. Before you get here, you’ll want to:
- Sign into our App with your Universal Account — or create one if you haven’t already! Having an Account means you’ll have a faster checkout process, receive special offers and discounts, be able to grab Virtual Line return times, and more.
- Link your Tickets or Passes to your Universal Account. Then, create a Travel Party to keep your friends and family organized throughout your visit. Plus, you can add your Universal Express Pass and any extras, too.
PRO TIP: Your tickets will automatically be delivered to your Universal Account Wallet if you choose the Mobile Ticket delivery option at checkout.
The app also lets you take advantage of Mobile Food and Drink Ordering — scroll down to learn more about that awesome feature. Free download. Data and other charges may apply; check with your mobile network provider for any terms, conditions and additional details.
Lock In Your Upgrades
Hey, a new theme park doesn’t open every day around here! Now that you you’re your ticket to Epic Universe, why not make the most of the occasion with a Universal Express Pass? This add-on lets you skip the regular lines one time at participating attractions.
What Epic Universe attractions participate in Universal Express Pass, you ask? Look no further (subject to change without notice):
- Constellation Carousel
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Fyre Drill
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
- Le Cirque Arcanus
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Stardust Racers
- The Untrainable Dragon
- Yoshi’s Adventure
To make things even more convenient, you can add your Express Pass to your Universal Account Wallet using the Universal Orlando Resort App.
If you want to take it to the next level, you can also book a VIP Experience in advance! These guided walking tours are led by a dedicated VIP tour guide, offering the ultimate red carpet experience for your day at Epic Universe. Click here to learn more.
But wait — there’s more! You can also get a monstrous makeover in Dark Universe. Book a Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience to be transformed into the creatures you love: Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more. Click here to learn more and book. (Separate purchase required; guests must be 5+ to participate.)
Make Your Reservations
Remember how I mentioned “next-level dining” some 800 words ago? If you want to be totally confident you’ll get to experience the Epic Universe meal of your dreams (Virgo moon here, remember?), your best bet is to reserve a table in advance. Select sit-down venues offer reservations, including:
Making a dining reservation is only a few taps away, thanks to the Universal Orlando Resort App. But if you’re looking to keep it analog, you can also make reservations online or via phone.
When You Get to Universal Epic Universe
You’ve made it! You’ve officially arrived at Universal Epic Universe — and at the part of this article where I break down even more helpful tips to keep in mind when you get here. Here’s what you need to know when…
It’s Time to Play
There are so many ways to have a blast in Epic Universe; so many, in fact, that it’s good to be aware of some in advance. Let’s cover a few:
- If you want to get the most out of the Key Challenges throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, you’ll need a Power-Up Band! Purchase one in Celestial Park at the Nintendo Super Star Store so you can head right to Koopa Troopa POWer Punch when you get to the Mushroom Kingdom.
- Experience magic like never before with a Second Generation Interactive Wand. Pair your wand in the Universal Orlando Resort App to unlock more magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Universal Play and embark on spell-casting adventures.
- Take your selfie game to the next level at three Ultimate Selfie Spots located throughout the theme park! You’ll find them in Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
- If you’re visiting Epic Universe with a service animal, you can bring them along for the ride on Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park, Fyre Drill in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Yoshi’s Adventure in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. And when it’s time for a rest stop, you can find four service animal locations throughout the theme park.
It’s Time to Fuel
All of that fun needs to run on some kind of fuel — and there’s no shortage of eats in Epic Universe. Here are a couple of tips to make your dining experience even more efficient:
Take advantage of Mobile Food and Drink Ordering through the Universal Orlando Resort App. You can mobile order food and beverages at any of these fast casual and quick-service spots:
- Pizza Moon
- The Oak & Star Tavern
- Meteor Astropub
- Das Stakehaus
- The Burning Blade Tavern
- Mead Hall
- Spit Fyre Grill
- Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel
- Toadstool Cafe
- Yoshi’s Snack Island
- Turbo Boost Treats
- Café L’air De La Sirene
- Le Gobelet Noir
- NOTE: You can still eat at any of the Epic Universe quick-service dining locations without mobile ordering — but it sure speeds things up!
- When it’s time for a caffeine fix, stop by one of two Starbucks Coffee locations in Epic Universe! You’ll find both in Celestial Park; one near the front entrance of the theme park and one near the portal to Dark Universe.
It’s Time to Recharge
A visit to Epic Universe is an all-day experience and the theme park is equipped to meet a wide variety of guest needs. You can always stop by Family Services, located near the back of the theme park, for a host of amenities to add some ease back into your day, including:
- Quiet rooms
- Kitchenette
- Companion restrooms
- Adult changing tables
It’s Time to Ask for Help
I did my best to cover everything you might need to know before you arrive at Epic Universe, and I hope you come away from this article feeling totally prepared for your visit. But let’s face it: you’ll probably have some questions once you get here, too. Luckily, you can stop by the Concierge Huts located throughout the park to get answers, along with plenty of other helpful offerings such as:
- Fuel Rods
- Large lockers
- Digital information boards
- Universal Express Passes
- Dining reservations
- Coca-Cola Freestyle cups
Whew! If you made it this far, you could not possibly be more prepared for your visit to Universal Epic Universe. The only thing left for you to do now is keep counting down the days!
When are you visiting Universal Epic Universe? What are you most excited to experience? Leave a comment and let us know, and grab your tickets here!