Has anyone been to Universal lately since they opened the new park? Checking to see what you all liked or disliked and if you stayed at a signature hotel like Hard Rock or something how they got you over to the new park as well.

Suggestions on rides, attractions, eating.

Thanks

Just had clients return at the end of May!

They stayed at Loews Royal Pacific so that they had Skip the Line (STL)

Note that STL does not work at Epic Universe. If you want STL there, you have to purchase a separate ticket for it (my clients did). And it is not unlimited like at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure. You get once per ride and I think 10 rides are included (only a few that are not).

They did get to do everything they wanted to do. I have heard from other agents that you should be able to do most or all at Epic without it, assuming everything is running smoothly. Apparently they have had some glitches and rides get closed off/on. I haven't read much on it, but that is just what I saw.

All in all my clients had a great time. To me, STL is worth it for staying at one of the top 3 tier hotels. Note that the new Helios hotel does not include STL.

Happy to assist if needed, my email is in my profile.


Editing to add:
There is transportation from all Universal hotels to the parks. Some are busses, some are water taxis.

I really like the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal CityWalk. I enjoyed Mythos and Leaky Cauldron. Gotta try the butterbeer.

We just returned about 2 weeks ago after staying at Helios with our 9 year old grandson. The new Epic park is fantastic. The only real benefit to staying at Helios is the direct access to the park. Other than that the hotel is a nice but average. Express Pass for Epic is outrageously expensive at $300 per day after you have paid for the park and was not unlimited. All that said we had a great time, spent 2 days at the other parks as well and enjoyed the trip.

thanks for the info so far, just in the planning stages. We have been to Universal probably 4 or more years ago, but was not sure on the new epic universe area on priority things and better places to eat, etc.

were thinking of staying at the Hard Rock again but not certain yet as not sure what park we will spend more time in.

drred4 said:

---

thanks for the info so far, just in the planning stages. We have been to Universal probably 4 or more years ago, but was not sure on the new epic universe area on priority things and better places to eat, etc.

were thinking of staying at the Hard Rock again but not certain yet as not sure what park we will spend more time in.

---

Epic is a few miles away from the other 2 parks. Out on it's own and nothing developed around it. The park itself has numerous places to eat inside...but nothing has developed around Epic park or Helios to eat or shop unless you are in the park or in the limited food options in the hotel.