Planning Your First Trip to Universal Orlando: Everything You Need to Know
Epic Universe is open. Universal Orlando’s newest theme park opened on May 22, 2025. Its five worlds are Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
Updated October 4, 2026. Check Universal’s official Epic Universe information when planning your travel dates.
To get started in planning your Universal Trip, you need to pick a resort and decide on how many days you want in the park.
Resort
For those on a budget, I am partial to the Dockside Inn and Suites, a great laid back atmosphere with 2 beautiful pools. The 2 bedroom suite with 3 queen beds is perfect for larger families on a budget. There is an onsite cafeteria for all your food and drink needs. You will board a bus for a quick ride to the parks!
Compare hotel benefits before booking
For a more luxurious option, consider Loews Royal Pacific Resort, including its Club Level rooms. Compare the room category, lounge access, transport options and current benefits with your advisor.
Royal Pacific’s included Universal Express Unlimited benefit applies at participating attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. It does not include Universal Epic Universe or Universal Volcano Bay. Separate valid theme-park admission is required. Check Universal’s current Express Pass terms before booking.
How many park days do you need?
Start with the parks and attractions your group wants to experience, then choose enough days for your pace. Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe are three separate theme parks; Volcano Bay is the water park.
A ticket with Park-to-Park access between Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure is needed to ride the Hogwarts Express. Universal also offers 2026 multi-day Park-to-Park products that include Epic Universe. Compare the exact parks, dates and access rules of the ticket you buy; ticket products vary.
Review Universal’s current ticket options with your advisor so your admission matches your plan.
Other things to do while at Universal Orlando
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CityWalk: Add time for dining and shopping outside the theme parks. Check current restaurant hours and reservation options before your trip.
Volcano Bay: If you want a water-park day, confirm it is open during your visit. As of October 4, 2026, Universal lists a maintenance closure beginning October 26, 2026, with reopening planned on or before April 1, 2027. Dates can change; check Universal’s latest schedule.
Halloween Horror Nights: This seasonal event requires separate admission. Confirm event dates and age guidance before adding it to a family trip.
Why book with Northcutt Travel Agency?
Our advisors help compare hotels, admission and Express options, build a park-day plan and explain the current booking terms.
Early Park Admission is an eligibility-based benefit. Universal hotel guests and other eligible groups may receive access to select attractions up to one hour before a participating park opens. Valid theme-park admission is required. Booking through Northcutt alone does not guarantee this benefit. Your advisor will confirm whether your hotel or package qualifies and which parks participate on your dates.
Review Universal’s Early Park Admission rules and current ticket information before booking.
Request your Universal Orlando vacation quote or contact Michelle@travelnta.com.