We’re officially one month away from the opening of Universal Orlando’s highly-anticipated new theme park.
Universal Epic Universe will open its doors to the public on Thursday, May 22, taking guests into five immersive worlds through themed portals.
Many dedicated theme park junkies have already booked their vacations to Epic Universe; however, you might not have your game plan ready for getting to and from Universal.
Whether you’re traveling to Orlando from another state (or country) or a local heading to the parks for the day, here’s what to know about getting to Epic Universe.
Where is Epic Universe located?
Epic Universe is located at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando.
How far away is Epic Universe from other Universal Orlando theme parks?
Epic Universe isn’t right next to the other Universal Orlando theme parks. It is located about 4 miles away from Universal’s “north campus” – which includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. This might mean a 13 to 15-minute drive for visitors.
There will be complimentary transportation between Epic Universe and the other parks.
How far away is Epic Universe from Universal Orlando resorts?
It depends on the hotel. For those staying at the new Helios Grand Hotel, it’s a just short walk outside. The newest addition to Universal Orlando’s Signature Collection has a dedicated entry to Epic Universe, right between Dark Universe and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
The newly opened Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort are also close by – less than a mile to be exact. The remaining hotels are located closer to CityWalk, roughly 12 to 16 minutes away from Epic Universe.
Make sure you allot enough time for traveling between your hotel to the park. The ride to Epic Universe could take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on when you get to the bus stop to when you arrive at the theme park.
Complimentary shuttle buses to all four theme parks and CityWalk are provided to guests at all of Universal Orlando’s hotels. According to the Park Prodigy, these shuttles arrive every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the resort.
First taste of Universal Epic Universe: Trying its highly themed food, drinks
How much is parking at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe?
Standard parking at Epic Universe will cost $32, same as the parking garage at CityWalk.
Epic Universe will also offer valet parking, starting at $32 for two hours. Prices vary depending on time of day and how long you are parked.
The USA TODAY Florida Network was invited to be among the first to visit Epic Universe before it opens to the public next month. Here’s what the Chronos says as guests enter the theme park.
MCO to Epic Universe: What to know about SuperStar Shuttle
Universal Orlando offers the SuperStar Shuttle for traveling roundtrip or one-way between Orlando International Airport and Universal Orlando hotels. The ride from MCO to Universal Orlando is roughly 30 minutes.
It costs $39 roundtrip per adult, $36 roundtrip for children ages 3-9, and free for children 2 and under. As for one way prices, it costs $23 per adult, $18 per child ages 3-9 and children under 2 ride free.
This service can be added to any Universal Parks & Resorts Vacation package with a UOR hotel, or individual UOR hotel reservations. The shuttle must be booked at least 24 hours before guests’ scheduled flight time.
Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available as an alternative.
How to get to Epic Universe from other airports
MCO isn’t the only option for those traveling to Central Florida. For those landing at other airports, here’s how to get to Epic Universe and how long it takes:
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport is roughly 45 minutes away from Epic Universe, in Sanford, depending on which route you take and traffic heading to Orlando.
Once leaving the airport, you’ll head east on West Lake Mary Boulevard to get to Interstate 4. Once on the interstate, you’ll take exit 75B-A and make a slight left onto Kirkman Road.
You’ll take Kirkman directly to Epic Universe. If the road is still closed for construction, you can take right onto State Road 482 and turn left on Universal Boulevard.
For those who don’t mind tolls, you can take East Airport Boulevard to State Road 417. You’ll take the road until taking Exit 28 to state road 528. Finally, you’ll take the Exit 2 to Universal Boulevard and then make a right on Destination Parkway.
From there, you will follow signs to Epic Universe.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)
Melbourne Orlando International Airport is roughly an hour and 20 minutes away from Epic Universe, depending on which route you take and traffic heading to Orlando.
You can head north on Interstate 95 and take Exit 205 to merge on state road 528. Finally, you’ll take the Exit 2 to Universal Boulevard and then make a right on Destination Parkway. From there, you will follow signs to Epic Universe.
Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL)
Lakeland Linder International Airport is roughly an hour and 15 minutes away from Epic Universe, depending on which route you take and traffic heading to Orlando.
You’ll head east on State Road 270 toward Interstate 4. Once on the interstate, there are two ways you can go from I-4:
Take Exit 75 merge onto state road 528. You’ll take the Exit 2 to Universal Boulevard and then make a right on Destination Parkway. From there, you will follow signs to Epic Universe.
Take exit 75B-A and make a slight left onto Kirkman Road. You’ll take Kirkman directly to Epic Universe. If the road is still closed
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport is roughly an hour and 40 minutes away from Epic Universe, depending on which route you take and traffic heading to Orlando.
You’ll head east on State Road 60 to merge on Interstate 275. You’ll take Exit 45B for Interstate 4. There are two ways you can go from I-4:
Take Exit 75 merge onto state road 528. You’ll take the Exit 2 to Universal Boulevard and then make a right on Destination Parkway. From there, you will follow signs to Epic Universe.
Take exit 75B-A and make a slight left onto Kirkman Road. You’ll take Kirkman directly to Epic Universe. If the road is still closed for construction, you can take right onto State Road 482 and turn left on Universal Boulevard.
Is there construction around Epic Universe?
Those who have been to Epic Universe’s previews or have driven around the area recently might notice the construction on the roads and areas outside of the park. This might cause some issues with your GPS routing to the park and surrounding resorts.
A Universal Orlando official advised the construction should wrap up by the park’s grand opening on May 22.
What are the five worlds at Universal’s Epic Universe?
Celestial Park is the first world guests will encounter when they arrive. The land will feature relaxing gardens, dancing fountains, a grand carousel, and a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. Celestial Park will also be the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other worlds, accessed by themed portals.
Dark Universe will have guests encountering everything from the “experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery,” according to Universal.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends “1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,” according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Can I buy tickets to Epic Universe? How much are tickets to Epic Universe?
Yes. Guests can purchase single-day admission or multi-day ticket packages to Epic Universe.
Single-day tickets are available for visits starting Sunday, June 1. These tickets start at $139 and can go up to $199 during peak periods. Annual pass holders can purchase single-day tickets at a discounted price.
Single-day tickets for the grand opening and the rest of May are only available to annual pass holders and guests who get the multi-day ticket packages that were announced last year. The packages all include one or more days at Universal’s other parks and a single day admission to Epic Universe.
Universal has also announced other products guests can add onto their admission, including express passes, VIP Tours, photos and costume experiences.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Epic Universe guide to traveling to, around Universal’s new theme park