News Summary
Grande Lakes Orlando is positioning itself as a top choice for families seeking luxury accommodations near the upcoming Epic Universe theme park. With two prestigious hotels, the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, the resort offers extensive family-friendly amenities like a waterpark, an 18-hole golf course, and the Ritz Kids program. The ‘Upgrade & Away’ package enhances the family experience, including transportation to the theme park. The Epic Universe, which will open soon, promises immersive themed worlds and new attractions, further solidifying Orlando’s appeal as a family vacation hotspot.
Orlando, Florida – Grande Lakes Orlando is positioning itself as a prime destination for families looking for a luxurious getaway, especially with the imminent opening of the Epic Universe theme park. Located just a stone’s throw away from the new theme park, the Grande Lakes Orlando resort offers a unique combination of high-end accommodations and a variety of family-friendly amenities.
The resort features two prestigious hotels: The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, providing guests with a choice of accommodations that cater to different preferences and budgets. Both hotels boast an extensive array of facilities including a sprawling spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor recreational activities, and a waterpark designed for children and families. Additionally, the Ritz Kids program enhances family experiences by providing engaging activities specifically tailored for children.
As part of its offerings, Grande Lakes Orlando is promoting an enticing package called “Upgrade & Away.” This package includes access to the Club Lounge for guests reserving a suite, complimentary Ritz Kids activities for two children, and private transportation to Epic Universe. Such features aim to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for families visiting the area.
The expansive grounds of Grande Lakes Orlando, interspersed with twelve picturesque lakes, provide ample opportunities for leisure and relaxation, catering to both adventurous and tranquil pursuits.
Scheduled to open on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park and covers a massive 750 acres. The park’s innovative design includes five themed worlds centered on a “hub-and-spoke” layout, ensuring guests can navigate the attractions easily.
Among the major highlights within Epic Universe are Super Nintendo World, which features thrilling rides such as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Donkey Kong Country roller coaster, alongside Dark Universe, which immerses visitors in horror-themed rides based on classic Universal monsters. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also debut a new attraction, inviting guests to embark on adventures with beloved characters Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Furthermore, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk promises interactive rides and dynamic shows, enhancing family experiences.
Dining will play a substantial role in the Epic Universe experience, with 30 different venues offering upwards of 100 unique menu items designed to elevate the culinary experience.
New accommodations surrounding the Epic Universe will include the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will feature a dedicated entrance to the theme park, and two more affordable lodging options, the Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort—all aimed at accommodating a wider range of visitors.
Logistics for park entry will be streamlined with complimentary shuttle services from Universal’s existing hotels and a multi-park ticket system catering to all visitors. Advanced ticket purchasing options will be available, with discounts offered through various authorized resellers. Single-day tickets will start at $139+, depending on the day, with prices potentially rising during periods of high demand. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can buy single-day tickets priced between $121 and $173, according to the date selected.
The opening of Epic Universe is designed not only to enhance the entertainment options in Orlando but also to encourage longer stays among visitors, allowing the Universal resort to compete directly with the offerings provided by Disney. Special dining experiences themed around different worlds within the park will provide immersive food offerings that appeal to a variety of tastes, further enriching guests’ experiences at the new theme park.
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Additional Resources
- The Golf Wire: An Epic Golf Escape – Orlando
- Reuters: What to Expect from Florida’s New Epic Universe Theme Park
- Visit Orlando: Insider Guide to Epic Universe
- Fox Business: Universal Aims to Cut Disney’s Theme Park Lead
- Disney Tourist Blog: Epic Universe Previews Open to General Public
- Wikipedia: Epic Universe
- Google Search: Epic Universe Theme Park
- Google Scholar: Epic Universe Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Epic Universe
- Google News: Epic Universe Orlando
