News Summary
Grande Lakes Orlando is enhancing family vacations with its ‘Upgrade & Away’ package, offering access to the upcoming Epic Universe theme park. Guests booking suites receive complimentary Club Lounge access, Ritz Kids activities for two children, and private transportation to the theme park. The resort also features an 18-hole golf course, spa, outdoor activities, and a waterpark, making it an ideal choice for family fun. With the grand opening of Epic Universe set for May 2025, this collaboration promises unforgettable experiences for families.
Orlando, Florida – Grande Lakes Orlando, a luxury resort that encompasses two exquisite hotels, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, is positioning itself as a prime destination for family getaways. Departing from traditional vacation offerings, the resort is promoting its exclusive “Upgrade & Away” package, which enhances the family experience with access to the soon-to-open Epic Universe theme park, expected to commence operations on May 22, 2025.
The “Upgrade & Away” offer provides guests with complimentary Club Lounge access when they reserve a suite, Ritz Kids activities for two children, and private transportation to the Epic Universe, ensuring a stress-free excursion for families. Alongside these benefits, the resort boasts an impressive range of amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, a relaxing spa, outdoor activities, and a waterpark for guests of all ages.
Spanning across expansive grounds featuring twelve serene lakes, Grande Lakes Orlando offers a multitude of leisure pursuits, making it a well-rounded choice for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. The resort has a strong affiliation with Marriott’s Global Golf Division, which oversees 45 golf courses worldwide, further enhancing its appeal for golf enthusiasts.
Epic Universe Theme Park Details
The upcoming Epic Universe, which will be Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, is set to cover 750 acres and lay out five highly themed worlds under a “hub-and-spoke” design. Major attractions within the park include:
- Super Nintendo World, featuring interactive experiences like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and the thrilling Donkey Kong Country roller coaster.
- Dark Universe, housing rides that center around iconic Universal horror characters.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, allowing guests to embark on new adventures alongside familiar faces from the beloved series.
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, which promises interactive rides and engaging shows.
Epic Universe is also designed to provide guests with culinary delights, featuring 30 dining venues with over 100 menu items emphasizing elevated food offerings and diverse themes.
Transportation and Ticketing
For park access, there will be complimentary shuttle buses operating from Universal’s existing hotels, and a user-friendly multi-park ticket system will streamline entry for park visitors. Advanced ticket options with discounts from authorized resellers will be available, with prices for single-day tickets starting at $139 during high-demand periods. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can purchase single-day tickets priced between $121 and $173, depending on the date.
The addition of new hotels within the Epic Universe includes the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, along with two Prime Value Hotels: Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. The Helios Grand is uniquely designed to echo themes of Greek mythology, complete with a dedicated entrance to the theme park, adding to the immersive experience.
Competitive Edge
The opening of Epic Universe aims to encourage extended stays in Orlando, providing a competitive edge against neighboring attractions, notably those from Disney. By offering a wide array of attractions and dining options, the park presents itself as a destination for families seeking unique experiences and longer vacations.
As the city of Orlando gears up for the grand opening of Epic Universe, Grande Lakes Orlando’s integrated offerings, particularly the “Upgrade & Away” promotion, is set to elevate the family vacation experience, providing valuable connections to one of Florida’s most anticipated attractions.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
