{"id":11381,"date":"2025-05-09T15:05:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T13:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/?p=11381"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:09:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T12:09:04","slug":"oorlando-45-epic-universe-our-first-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/oorlando-45-epic-universe-ons-eerste-bezoek\/","title":{"rendered":"OORlando #45 - Epic Universe; a report from our first visit!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In episode 45 of OORlando, Willem and Rick take you to a brand new theme park in Orlando. Indeed, last weeks they were guests at Orlando's newest crown jewel: Universal Epic Universe. What are the first impressions, what can you expect and above all: what should you prepare for? Join us as we visit this fantastic new destination in Orlando!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting excited about Universal Epic Universe? Join our Orlando specialist in 2026 to experience it for yourself in real life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow OOrlando on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/oorlandopodcast\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"www.instagram.com\/oorlandopodcast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:podcast@oorlando.nl\" data-type=\"mailto\" data-id=\"mailto:podcast@oorlando.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">respond<\/a> on this podcast, or visit our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oorlando.nl\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"www.oorlando.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: #45 - Epic Universe; a report from our first visit!\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/11AuuYAvtqLwFf2pdMv3vx?si=cLD5o5JERZqsMm0zuVR2bA&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Would you also like to visit this brand new park?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It's finally here: Universal's Epic Universe has opened! This brand new theme park in Orlando takes the Universal Orlando Resort to a whole new level. And you can go there yourself, along with Florivida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf0e <strong>Join us on a group tour<br><\/strong> At <strong>January 2026<\/strong> we are organizing a special group trip to Epic Universe, where you will join other theme park enthusiasts and an experienced Universal specialist. You get:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unlimited access to all Universal parks, including Epic Universe<strong><br><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guidance from an expert who will make the most of your visit<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay at a hotel in a prime location<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transportation to and from the parks<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical tips, helpful daily schedules and fun group moments<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 View the <a href=\"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/trip\/groepsreis-universal-epic-universe\/\">group tour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f <strong>Prefer individually?<br><\/strong> Do you prefer to travel at your own pace? If so, we would also be happy to help you get started. Our individual trips to Orlando are fully customizable and always include admission to all the parks of the Universal Orlando Resort<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose a hotel within walking distance of the parks<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combine your stay with Walt Disney World or a cruise<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide how many days you want to go to Epic Universe<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 View all <a href=\"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/amusement-parks\/?_bestemmingen=2292\">individual trips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf99 <strong>What is episode 45 of OORlando about?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> In this episode, Rick and Willem take you through their first experiences with Epic Universe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First impressions of the park<br><\/strong> How does it feel to walk through the gates of Celestial Park for the first time? Rick and Willem talk about the atmosphere, decor and their first wow moments.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Attractions and favorites<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> What were their highlights? Consider the spectacular Mario Kart ride, a blood-curdling monster ride in Dark Universe and interactive dragon experiences in Berk.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical tips for your visit<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> How do you navigate the park? What are the quieter times? Where's the best place to eat? In this episode, you'll get helpful tips to make your day in Epic Universe go smoothly.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Comparison with other amusement parks<br><\/strong>How does Epic Universe compare to other Universal parks or Walt Disney World? William and Rick share their honest opinions.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd0d <strong>What is Epic Universe?<br><\/strong>Epic Universe is the third major park at the Universal Orlando Resort and opened in May 2025. Unlike traditional theme parks, this park is set up as a collection of five separate worlds that you reach through the central Celestial Park.<br>Each world has its own atmosphere, soundtrack and gateway, so you really feel like you are stepping into a new universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What can you expect at Universal's newest park?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Celestial Park<\/strong> - the central square with gardens, fountains and relaxation<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Super Nintendo World<\/strong> - Race through the Mushroom Kingdom and eat at the Toadstool Caf\u00e9<strong><br><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dark Universe<\/strong> - an eerie world full of classic monsters and foggy paths<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wizarding World - Ministry of Magic<\/strong> - journey through the MetroFloo to a new Harry Potter experience<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Isle of Birch<\/strong> - Meet dragons, viking villages and family-friendly attractions<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/universal-epic-universe\/\">destination page<\/a> about Epic Universe<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"11687\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/isle-of-berk-hiccupswinggliders-Epic-Universe-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Hiccups Wing Gliders in How to Train upper Dragon, Isle of Berk - Universal Orlando Resort, Epic Universe\" class=\"wp-image-11687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/isle-of-berk-hiccupswinggliders-Epic-Universe-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/isle-of-berk-hiccupswinggliders-Epic-Universe-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/isle-of-berk-hiccupswinggliders-Epic-Universe-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/isle-of-berk-hiccupswinggliders-Epic-Universe-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/isle-of-berk-hiccupswinggliders-Epic-Universe.jpeg 1850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How to Train Your Dragon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"5578\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/01_Universal-Epic-Universe-Front-Gate-1024x576-1.jpg\" alt=\"Epic Universe\" class=\"wp-image-5578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/01_Universal-Epic-Universe-Front-Gate-1024x576-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/01_Universal-Epic-Universe-Front-Gate-1024x576-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/01_Universal-Epic-Universe-Front-Gate-1024x576-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">EPIC Universe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"11449\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dark-Universe-at-Universal-Epic-Universe-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Dr. Frankenstein Dark Universe Universal Epic Universe - Universal Orlando Resort\" class=\"wp-image-11449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dark-Universe-at-Universal-Epic-Universe-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dark-Universe-at-Universal-Epic-Universe-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dark-Universe-at-Universal-Epic-Universe-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dark-Universe-at-Universal-Epic-Universe-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/eadn-wc02-14177151.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dark-Universe-at-Universal-Epic-Universe.jpeg 1850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Monsters Unchained<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Frequently asked questions about this brand new park<\/summary><div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757419761078\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">When does this park open?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025 and is the newest theme park within Universal Orlando Resort. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757419837746\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What is there to do?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Epic Universe consists of five worlds: Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic, Isle of Berk and Celestial Park. You'll find spectacular attractions, interactive experiences, shows, stores and restaurants in fully themed environments.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757419864036\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What is the difference between Epic Universe and other Universal parks?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Epic Universe is more modern and immersive than the existing parks. The biggest difference is the layout: you enter each world through a separate portal from Celestial Park, making each zone feel like its own mini-park.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757419905585\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Is this park suitable for children?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Definitely! Especially Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) and Super Nintendo World are ideal for families. There are also exciting attractions for older children and adults in Dark Universe, among others.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Want to know more or travel yourself?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Want more information or already dreaming of visiting Epic Universe? We would be happy to help you:<br>\u27a4 <a href=\"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/schedule-an-appointment\/\">Request a non-binding travel proposal<br><\/a>\u27a4 <a href=\"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/epic-universe-opening\/\">Read our blog<\/a>!<br>\u27a4 Listen <a href=\"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/opening-epic-universe-oorlando-podcast\/\">Opening Epic Universe | OORlando Podcast #47 | Florivida<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An exclusive look at Universal Orlando Resort newest theme park during preview days.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":11384,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[266],"class_list":["post-11381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-podcast","tag-inspiratie-universal"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11381"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13780,"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11381\/revisions\/13780"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11384"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/florivida.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}