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For Orlando theme park fans, it’s hard to think of the last time something as exciting as the upcoming debut of Universal’s newest park, Epic Universe, has happened — perhaps it was the opening of Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. Regardless, it is clear that many, many fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the opportunity to be among the first to experience the exciting new park Universal has been developing.
Why You Should Visit Universal Before Epic Universe Opens
Many guests may be holding off on visiting Universal Orlando Resort for now, saving their time and money for when Epic Universe opens. What they might not realize is that now may just be the BEST time to experience Universal Orlando Resort’s current three parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay water theme park.
The Crowds
Universal Orlando may be crowded now, but it will be PACKED when Epic Universe opens! One might assume only Epic Universe will be crowded, as guests will no doubt prioritize the new park and alleviate guest volume at the other parks.
However, that will most likely not be the case, as most guests going to Epic Universe for a full vacation will want to see everything Universal offers, especially if the new theme park is as crowded as many expect it to be. They will surely spend a lot of time at Epic Universe, but will likely also take time on their trip to visit Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay water theme park.
Universal is Already EPIC
No one will argue that Epic Universe is incredibly exciting. The park will bring Super Nintendo World to the East Coast, along with completely original lands like Dark Universe, featuring the Universal Monsters; How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; a new Harry Potter land set in the Ministry of Magic and Place Cachée from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise; as well as a central hub called “Celestial Park.”
But let’s not forget that Universal Orlando Resort has a LOT to offer already. Whether it be classics like E.T. Adventure and Jurassic Park River Adventure, or newer attractions like Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Outside of rides, the recently opened Minion Café has been popular as well as the new DreamWorks Land featuring DreamWorks icons like Shrek, Po from “Kung Fu Panda,” and the Trolls.
Free Dining For Hotel Guests
From November 7, 2024, through April 10, 2025 (with blackout dates), guests staying at Universal Orlando Resort hotels for four or more nights have the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in free dining across all three parks and Universal CityWalk.
The card works at most restaurants across the resort and can even be used on snacks, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities! The free dining is offered through a dining card and the value depends on your length of stay and which hotel you’re staying in. For example, four nights at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites will grant you a $300 dining card. Staying five nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will grant you a $1,000 dining card.
Staying at one of the Premier hotels comes with other benefits too, such as water taxi transportation to the parks that bypass the general security hub and free Express Unlimited passes for everyone in your hotel room, which allows you to skip the line for most attractions!
Prices are also surprisingly good during the dining card period. For example, a stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort for seven nights for a family of four starting November 7, 2024, would cost $3,660.44 (at the time of this article’s writing). This price includes:
- 1 standard 2 Queen bedroom
- $600 dining card
- 3-park 5-day Park-to-Park tickets
- Cancel for any reason travel insurance
- Early park admission
- 5×7″ Souvenir “Capture the Action” photograph
A weeklong Orlando trip with this many inclusions for $915 per person is unheard of!
For these reasons, I believe now may be the best time to experience Universal Orlando Resort’s current offerings, before Epic Universe debuts. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportune travel period, consider visiting our friends at Be Our Guest Vacations. Let their expert team of vacation planners find you the best rates and secure that free dining card for your trip! Visit WDWNT.Travel to learn more!
But what do you think? Will you be visiting Universal Orlando Resort again before Epic Universe opens, or will you wait to experience everything at once? Let us know in the comments!
This post contains sponsored content from Be Our Guest Vacations. Help support WDWNT by using the links in this article to book your next Disney vacation with our sponsors, Be Our Guest Vacations. Their expertise in trip planning can make your booking process a breeze, and their services are FREE!
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