Universal and Epic trip

TIPS FOR BEFORE THE TRIP (packing) :

  • if you are going to bring a bag to the parks, make sure it is small like a fanny pack or belt bag (most rides need locker storage, and you must pay extra for a bugger locker if your bag does not fit in the general one)

  • bring a reusable metal water bottle to fill up for free at parks (liquid IV preferred as well)

  • leave room in your bag

  • 1-2 sweatshirts for the evenings

  • no need for any super nice outfits (maybe 1 nice-ish outfit)

  • bring WALKING SHOES (i’m not dealing with complaining about shoes YOU CHOSE TO WEAR. thanks)

  • dad maybe bring earplugs, super Nintendo world can get loud

what exactly are these parks all about?

We will spend one day in the new Epic Universe, and another day in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (which connect). We will also spend a day in Disney Springs, so maybe bring your nicer outfit for that day.

Epic Universe:

  • consists of 5 different “worlds”- Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park

  • there are only 11 rides here so wait times get very long (express passes preferred)

  • this is the park to take our time in-not too big and not too many rides, but so many cool sights and experiences

  • we MUST MEET TOAD!

Universal Studios:

  • consists of Diagon Alley, Illumination Avenue (minions), Springfield (Simpson), Dream Works (Shrek, Trolls, Kim Fu Panda), Central Park

  • we are staying onsite so we are going to have early admission (entering the park before general guests) during this we will hit up some of the major rides first like Hagrids and Velosicoaster which tend to get the longest lines-arrive by 6:30 I believe

  • once again, express pass would be very convenient for this day

These parks CONNECT : we can ride the hogwarts express to go from park to park, but if the line is too long the walk isn’t bad

  • since we are going to this park on NYE, it will be open until 1am, so we can TAKE OUR TIME!

Islands of Adventure:

  • consists of Hogsmeade (Hogwarts and Hagrid), Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing

  • mainly has of thrill rides and outdoor attractions (water rides)

  • if the wait is not horrible long, WE MIST MEET THE GRINCH (seriously look up tiktok’s of him he is is hilarious)

  • we must have butterbeer at Hogsmeade (i’ve heard frozen or hot is best)

general tips:

  • dinner at resorts will probably be best and least crowded - city walk (entrance to universal with restaurants and shops) tends to get very crowded at night

food:

  • breakfast at universal: The Three Broomsticks (free butterbeer), Leaky Cauldron

  • breakfast at epic: Cafe L’air de la Sirene, Oak and Star Taverne

  • lunch at universal: Leaky Cauldron, Central Park Crepes, Toadstool cafe

  • lunch at epic: Le Gobelet Noir, Das Stakehaus, Oak and Star Taverne

these are just ideas in case we need something because i’m sure we will be SNACKING!