Considering a trip to Orlando this summer to check out Epic Universe? Universal Orlando’s newest theme park just had its grand opening, and inquiring minds are rightfully curious as to what this new landmark destination has to offer. Fortunately, many hotels in the area have launched promotions that will make it a little easier to plan a trip.
Having been to Epic Universe myself, I can say with confidence that it’s definitely worth a visit. If you’re a theme park enthusiast like me, then you probably already knew that. Perhaps the following hotel promotions are what will tip the scale in favor of you deciding to book that Orlando theme park vacation.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
The first decision involves whether you want to stay on Universal Orlando property. Now offering 11 hotels at various price points, Universal gives guests some pretty useful perks over non-Universal hotel guests. For starters, every hotel guest gets up to 60 minutes of Early Park Admission to all of the parks, including Epic Universe. That can make a big difference in getting a head start on popular rides like Mine-Cart Madness, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and other must-do rides and shows at Epic Universe.
Universal hotel guests also receive other benefits like free shuttle transportation and the ability to charge purchases to their room. If you stay at one of Universal Orlando’s premier hotels, you even get Express Pass included in your stay. Express Pass is Universal’s skip-the-standby-line service that starts at $119.99 per person daily. (Note that at this time, this included Express Pass perk does not apply to Epic Universe.)
From now through the end of 2025, guests can save more the longer they stay at a Universal Orlando hotel. For example, guests who book seven nights at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel save $200 when they bundle their hotel stay with a 3-Park (that’s Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay), 4-Day Park-to-Park ticket PLUS 1-Day at Epic Universe.
Universal Orlando’s three newest hotels (Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel) are minutes away from Epic Universe, with that latter mere steps from the park.
Orlando World Center Marriott
Orlando World Center Marriott just launched a new shuttle service that transports guests to and from Universal Epic Universe. The service is available on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August. The service is available to guests who book an “Epic Coasters & Comfort Package,” which also includes an upgraded pool view room. Guests who book this package can reserve seats on the shuttle up to three days in advance, with additional seating for a nominal fee.
On the new package, Orlando World Center Marriott, General Manager Robert Bray said in a release, “One of our goals is to complement the world-class experience of the theme parks that are just minutes away.” Bray describes the service as a “seamless experience,” giving guests the flexibility to scream on Epic Universe’s coasters in the morning “and relax at our River Falls lazy river in the afternoon.”
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Villatel Orlando Resort
Just eight minutes away from Epic Universe, Villatel Orlando Resort boasts overnight rates roughly 20% lower than Universal Orlando Resort accommodations. When you’re tuckered out from Epic Universe, Villatel Orlando Resort’s newly opened amenities center includes a water park complete with a lazy river and sports court. To celebrate Epic Universe’s grand opening this summer, families can save 20% off their stay at Villatel Orlando Resort when they book by June 30, 2025.
Hotel Landy Orlando Universal Boulevard
Hotel Landy Orlando Universal Boulevard is a Universal Partner Hotel, just minutes from the parks. To sweeten the deal for families looking to be among the first to experience Epic Universe, Hotel Landy launched a special package that includes some added perks to enjoy at the hotel.
Hotel Landy’s Epic Suite Getaway is available for stays now through December 31, 2025. It includes Junior Suite accommodations, a $100 food and beverage credit per stay to use at the hotel, late checkout at 2:00 PM, complimentary round-trip shuttles to and from the parks, plus other exclusive Universal Orlando Resort perks including discounted tickets.
Grande Lakes Orlando
A luxury Orlando vacation doesn’t have to be without its offers and promotions! Grande Lakes Orlando, touting itself as “one of the closest luxury resorts to Universal Epic Universe,” is just minutes from the action. It’s currently offering not one, not three, but two unique Grande Escape Packages, one at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, and the other at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes:
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes package includes a $100 daily resort credit, shuttle transportation to all Universal parks including Epic Universe, and resort valet parking.
- The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes package includes a $50 daily resort credit, shuttle transportation to all Universal parks including Epic Universe, and resort self parking.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
This lakefront resort offers a quaint vibe to contrast with your jam-packed day at Epic Universe. Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is currently offering an Epic Universe Vacation Package that includes three-night accommodations, two (2) tickets to Universal Epic Universe, free resort parking, and free transportation to Universal Orlando Resort.
Your time at the hotel is a destination in and of itself. The hotel comes with its own Treasure Cove Water Park, complete with dual 30 foot waterslides, a wave pool and a 41,000 gallon lazy river. The resort also features a spa, mini golf, marina rentals, fishing, and more.
