Based on our experience in crafting award-winning Florida holiday packages, and utilising our exclusive early access to Universal Epic Universe, here are our top tips on where to stay and what to experience...

Best Places to Stay for Easy Access to Epic Universe 

Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort  

If you’re looking for an all-new adventure, pair Epic Universe with a stay at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotels. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort are two fresh Prime Value hotels opening just in time in January 2025.  

Themed around the infinite universe, they promise to captivate both theme park dreamers and the cosmically curious.  

Situated south of Universal Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn & Suites and Universal Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn & Suites, the prime location of Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort gives you the flexibility of staying onsite while enjoying proximity to the star attractions of International Drive. And with free shuttles to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal CityWalk, you’ll feel well-connected to the theme park and in the prime spot to explore all that Orlando has to offer. 

Each hotel has 750 guest rooms to choose from – so we recommend securing yours early! 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a classic Universal Orlando stay, there are 8 other official hotels ideal for all kinds of interests, ranging from Value to Signature Collection properties. Get in touch to learn more.   

Rosen Single Creek 

Rosen Shingle Creek is an exceptional choice for exploring Universal Epic Universe. Combining proximity, affordability, and a plethora of amenities, this is a hidden gem for Florida theme park holidays. 

Rosen Shingle Creek boasts the distinction of being the closest hotel to Epic Universe which isn’t an official Universal Orlando Resort hotel. This strategic location, just 2.5 miles from Universal Orlando Resort, offers you the convenience of easy access at a relatively affordable cost. What’s more, the hotel is just 11 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), and a mere 10 miles from Walt Disney World. In other words, Orlando is at your fingertips.  

Villatel Orlando Resort 

This is another brand-new accommodation that can help you travel beyond the expected. Orlando’s first 'villa hotel' offers all the space of a holiday home alongside every amenity you would anticipate a resort hotel.   

Choose from luxury villas set on a 77-acre site featuring a waterpark, bar, sports courts and a gym – all coming for 2025.  

Location-wise, it doesn’t get much better. The resort sits on International Drive, less than 8 miles away from Universal Epic Universe and a walk away from I-Drive’s restaurants, shops and attractions for a trip that has it all.  

For any other villa options, we can help you choose from over 2,000 Exact Homes with expert guidance.

How to Maximise Your One Day Admission at Epic Universe 

1. Go Clockwise Around the Park 

When you enter Universal Epic Universe, Celestial Park serves as the central hub. It is both the epicentre of shopping and dining experiences and a gateway to the four self-contained surrounding lands. From left to right, you will find the realms of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, and finally How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk.

For those wanting to experience a bit of everything at Epic Universe, this is the perfect order to explore. Why? Because in How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, there’s a certain ride called Dragon Racer’s Rally that is ideal for ending your day on a high. Savvy visitors may already know that this thrilling ride soars up to 67 feet and delivers high-speed barrel rolls. However, one aspect that isn’t advertised is that fire-breathing dragons will light up the darkness come sunset. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience with unique special effects that every visitor should experience at least once. Better yet, by saving it for the end of the day you are also likely to experience a shorter queue, promising bright smiles all around

2. Buy Power-Up Bands at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Everyone loves a souvenir, but for young families, we recommend prioritising the purchase of Power-Up Bands at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. All the lands have epic rides, yet none offer anything as interactive as these slap bracelets. Equivalent to magic wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests can use them to unlock the world around them – such as collecting digital coins by punching question mark blocks and uncovering exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr. and co.

All in all, Power-Up Bands can be a fantastic and unexpected treat for kids that go a long way towards family bonding. The only thing you may fight over is which Power-Up Band is best! They come in six styles, each based on a different Super Mario character: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, and Yoshi. But in our opinion, they’re all really cool!

PS. Power-Up Bands bought from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in California or Japan can also be used at Universal Orlando Resort.

3. Be Selective About Visiting Dark Universe

With so much to see and do at Epic Universe, it is wise to be selective with which lands you explore the most. For young families, we’ve covered how SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is suitable for all ages entertainment. However, Dark Universe is only for the brave! It’s a land where you can walk with monsters and celebrate the myth and mystery that shrouds the dark underworld. Where you can Marvel at Victoria Frankenstein's twisted experiments and seek out the beasts that walk among us. But even adults might find it a little intense!

Entry is at the parent’s discretion and it’s certainly not as full-on as Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. However, when you only have one day to spend at Epic Universe, you want all cheers and no tears, so consider leaving Dark Universe until next time if anyone in your group is timid by nature. Plus, many of the rides in Dark Universe have height restrictions, so the choice may be out of your hands if you’re visiting with little ones.