News Summary
Grande Lakes Orlando, a luxury resort near the new Epic Universe theme park, combines relaxation and family adventure. With upscale accommodations, amenities, and a special ‘Upgrade & Away’ package, it caters to families with children of all ages. The resort’s picturesque grounds and diverse activities make it an ideal destination for families visiting Orlando. Anticipation grows for the opening of Epic Universe, featuring unique attractions and dining options, further enhancing the vacation experience in the area.
Orlando, Florida – Grande Lakes Orlando, a luxury resort located adjacent to the newly opened Epic Universe theme park, provides families with a unique getaway experience that blends relaxation and adventure. The resort features two upscale hotels: The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, each offering guests a variety of amenities and activities to enhance their stay.
Guests at Grande Lakes Orlando can enjoy access to numerous facilities, including a rejuvenating spa, an 18-hole golf course managed by Marriott’s Global Golf Division, outdoor activities that cater to a range of interests, a waterpark, and specifically designed Ritz Kids programming to engage young visitors. The resort is currently promoting an enticing package called “Upgrade & Away,” which includes complimentary access to the Club Lounge for guests reserving suites, Ritz Kids activities for two children, and private transportation to the exciting new Epic Universe theme park.
Located on expansive grounds that encompass twelve picturesque lakes, Grande Lakes Orlando offers a plethora of recreational opportunities suitable for all ages. This focus on leisure and family-friendly attractions makes the resort an appealing choice for visitors planning to explore Orlando.
Epic Universe, which is set to open on May 22, 2025, will be Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park. Covering 750 acres, the park boasts five themed worlds designed around various franchises, structured in a unique “hub-and-spoke” layout that enhances accessibility and convenience for guests. Among its major attractions are Super Nintendo World, which features the beloved Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and the thrilling Donkey Kong Country roller coaster. The Dark Universe section promises adrenaline-filled rides inspired by classic Universal monsters, while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic invites fans to experience a new adventure with iconic characters Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Another attraction, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, will bring interactive rides and shows to life within its immersive exhibits.
Visitors to Epic Universe can also indulge in diverse culinary offerings at the park, which will feature 30 dining locations offering over 100 elevated menu items. These special dining experiences will highlight unique themes across the various worlds, further enriching guests’ experiences. Additionally, two new hotels will be established within the Epic Universe grounds: the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will feature a dedicated entrance to the theme park and is designed with elements of Greek mythology, and two Prime Value Hotels: Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort.
For park entry, guests can anticipate a variety of convenient transportation options, including complimentary shuttle buses from existing Universal hotels. A multi-park ticket system will also be available for those wishing to explore multiple attractions. Advanced ticket options will offer guests cost-saving opportunities through authorized ticket resellers, but visitors should be aware that peak days may lead to increased ticket prices, with single-day tickets beginning at $139. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders will have access to single-day tickets priced between $121 and $173, depending on the selected date.
The introduction of Epic Universe is strategically aimed at encouraging longer stays in the vibrant Orlando area, providing a formidable alternative to existing Disney offerings. This new park is anticipated to significantly enhance the family vacation experience in the region, solidifying Orlando’s status as a premier travel destination.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
