Category: Featured

If your family loves the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then the new Ministry of Magic land at Epic Universe is a must-see. This beautifully themed area brings the magical government of the wizarding world to life—with a twist of Parisian flair, new characters, and immersive experiences you can’t find anywhere else in Orlando.

We visited with our 5-year-old son (a big Harry Potter fan) and our 2-year-old daughter (who mostly wanted Butterbeer), and both had a magical time. The land is designed to impress, with stunning details, moving posters, floating candles, and even magical sound effects hidden throughout the streets. It feels like walking onto a movie set—but even better, because now you’re in the story.

The main ride, Battle at the Ministry, is a dark ride that combines a moving track with immersive screens and practical effects. Our son was just tall enough to ride with us, and he loved every second. It’s not too intense, but it has enough excitement to feel like a true Harry Potter adventure. For younger kids or those who don’t ride, there’s a child swap area and a waiting zone where toddlers can relax.

Our daughter was too little for the main ride, but she still had a blast in the interactive wand zones. Just like at other Universal Harry Potter lands, you can buy a Magical Wand that lets you cast spells throughout the land. She twirled, pointed, and watched shop windows come to life—lights flickering, cauldrons bubbling, and quills writing on their own. It’s one of the most family-friendly features here.

Speaking of shopping, the wizarding boutiques are full of fun finds. You’ll see wands, robes, candy, magical toys, and souvenirs from the French wizarding world (a nod to Fantastic Beasts). We picked up chocolate frogs and a soft toy Niffler for the kids, and they carried them the rest of the day.

For food, we visited Café L’air De La Sirène, a beautifully themed restaurant with both kid and adult options. Our toddler had buttered noodles and fruit, while our older child tried the “mini shepherd’s pie”—which he said was “a spell in a bowl.” Parents can enjoy savory stews, warm pastries, and themed drinks (yes, there’s Butterbeer in all its forms—hot, cold, and frozen!).

Need a break? Ministry of Magic has plenty of shaded corners and quieter alleyways. We found a cozy spot near the spell-training courtyard and used it as our regrouping zone. The music, the detail, and even the benches are themed—making downtime still feel magical.

Here are our tips for visiting with kids:

• Buy one wand to share—there are plenty of interactive spots for both kids
• Use the show windows and spell zones to entertain while waiting for rides
• Ride Battle at the Ministry early (or late) to avoid long waits
• Pack extra snacks—some food lines get long midday

The Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe isn’t just for older fans—it’s a rich, detailed, family-friendly experience where kids and parents can share in the magic together. Whether you’re raising the next Hermione or just want to sip frozen Butterbeer while your toddler watches a magical window flicker, this land is pure enchantment.

If you’re visiting Epic Universe with kids, Celestial Park is where your adventure should begin. It’s more than just the center of the park—it’s a relaxing, exciting, and beautiful space built for families. We visited with our toddler and 5-year-old, and this land quickly became our favorite place to regroup, cool off, and have fun.

Right away, Celestial Park feels different. It’s open, full of color, and easy to explore. You’ll see glowing trees, splash fountains, and sculptures that move in the wind. The path is wide and smooth—perfect for strollers. And there’s something calming about the space, even with the excitement all around.

Our first stop? The Constellation Carousel. It’s a gentle ride, but the design is out of this world—literally. Instead of horses, you ride floating space creatures that spin in every direction. Our toddler loved it so much we rode it twice. It’s a great first ride to start the day or a calm break later on.

For our older son, the big thrill was Stardust Racers. This roller coaster is one of the top rides in Epic Universe. It’s fast, smooth, and lights up at night. He rode it with my partner and came off full of energy and stories. If your child meets the height requirement, it’s a can’t-miss.

In the center of the land is Astronomica, a splash zone where kids can run through fountains and play in the water. It was hot the day we went, and this area saved us. Our toddler kicked off her shoes and splashed for 30 minutes while we relaxed on nearby benches. It’s fun, safe, and shaded in parts—ideal for young children.

Food and snacks are easy to find in Celestial Park. We grabbed fruit cups and pretzels from a snack cart and later shared sandwiches at a shaded café. There are also allergy-friendly items on most menus. Everything was close by, so we never had to walk far with tired kids.

At night, the land glows. We caught part of the evening lagoon show before bedtime and it was magical. Lights reflected off the water, music played through the trees, and it felt like the perfect end to our day. If your kids can stay up, it’s worth seeing.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Start your day with the carousel or splash pad
• Use Celestial Park as a quiet mid-day break zone
• Eat early to beat crowds and rest in the shade
• Return in the evening to enjoy the lights

Celestial Park is peaceful, playful, and designed with families in mind. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, big kids, or a mix of both, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Ready to level up your next family trip? Welcome to Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe—a dream come true for gamers, kids, and nostalgic parents alike. From the moment you enter through the iconic Warp Pipe, you’re transported into a living video game, packed with rides, characters, and interactive adventures designed for all ages. We visited with our 5-year-old Mario superfan and 2-year-old toddler sidekick, and the entire land was a hit from start to finish.

First tip? Get there early. Super Nintendo World gets busy fast, and having early park access through our hotel (more on that in our Helios Grand Hotel review) was a game-changer. We walked in with zero lines and headed straight to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a thrilling augmented reality ride. It’s fast-paced but not too intense for grade schoolers—our son couldn’t stop talking about racing Bowser!

Meanwhile, our 2-year-old had her own epic moment on Yoshi’s Adventure. This gentle ride takes you on a colorful tour above the land, perfect for little ones who want to feel part of the action without the big thrills. The moving Yoshi vehicles are adorable, and the views of the park made for amazing photos.

Next up: Power-Up Bands. These interactive wristbands connect with mini-games scattered throughout the land. Think punching ? Blocks, collecting digital coins, and unlocking secret challenges. Our son loved the mission to defeat the Koopa Troopas and earn keys, while our toddler had just as much fun smacking blocks and watching the lights flash. It kept them both engaged between rides—no bored kids here!

We also discovered a few must-know parent hacks:

• There’s a shaded courtyard near the entrance to Super Nintendo World—perfect for snack breaks and stroller naps.
• The Toadstool Café offers a mix of fun, themed dishes (like Bowser’s Fireball Spaghetti) and surprisingly healthy options for parents. Plus, the animated windows and character chef appearances make it a full experience.
• Bathrooms are clean, colorful, and equipped with changing tables—crucial when traveling with young kids.

The land is designed with interactive storytelling in mind. Everything from the background music to the moving scenery makes you feel like you’re truly inside the Mushroom Kingdom. Even our 2-year-old, who didn’t know all the characters, was enchanted by the bright colors and energy.

Don’t forget your family photo ops: snap pics in front of Peach’s Castle, strike a pose with a Goomba, or time your visit to catch a character meet-and-greet with Mario, Luigi, or Princess Peach. Cast Members are fantastic at engaging little ones and making the moment magical.

This post includes everything we learned: how to navigate the land with kids, what rides are best for which ages, where to eat, and how to maximize your Power-Up Band. If your family loves Nintendo—or just wants a high-energy, interactive experience—Super Nintendo World is a must-do at Epic Universe.

Get ready to jump, race, explore, and shout “Let’s-a-go!”—because this land is pure family fun.

Walt Disney World is rolling out an exciting new service: the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, designed exclusively for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and select partner hotels. This premium pass is your key to bypassing standby lines at popular attractions across the parks, without needing to reserve specific time slots. Whether you’re looking to maximize your time at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass provides unmatched flexibility and convenience. Here’s everything you need to know about this exclusive offering launching on October 30, 2024.

What is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is a new, high-end service that allows one-time access to all Lightning Lane attractions in a chosen park for one day. Unlike other passes, it eliminates the need to select specific arrival windows for each ride, offering guests more freedom to explore the park at their own pace. Available exclusively to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and select partner hotels, this pass is perfect for those who want a premium experience without waiting in long lines.

How Does the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Work?

With the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you can enter any available Lightning Lane attraction at any time during your day in the park—no need to pre-select times or rush to get to rides. The pass provides one-time entry to each Lightning Lane attraction in a single park for the day, giving you full control over your experience.

Pricing for Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Pricing for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass varies by park and date. Here’s a breakdown:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129 – $199 per person (plus tax)
• EPCOT: $169 – $249 per person (plus tax)
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269 – $349 per person (plus tax)
• Magic Kingdom: $329 – $449 per person (plus tax)

Who is Eligible to Purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is available only to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and select hotels such as Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Shades of Green. Guests can purchase the pass through the My Disney Experience app up to seven days before their stay. You can also purchase the pass for the length of your stay, up to 14 days.

How to Buy the Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Eligible guests can purchase the Premier Pass via the My Disney Experience app. Availability is limited, so it’s recommended to buy the pass as soon as possible, especially during peak travel seasons.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass vs. Other Passes

• Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Provides one-time entry to every Lightning Lane attraction in one park without selecting arrival windows.
• Multi-Pass: Allows access to multiple attractions across parks, but requires selecting specific arrival times.
• Single Pass: Provides access to individual Lightning Lane attractions that aren’t included in the Multi-Pass.

Additional Perks of the Premier Pass

In addition to the convenience of bypassing long lines, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass includes Disney PhotoPass perks, allowing you to download select attraction photos and videos. Plus, you’ll have access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an exciting way to capture magical memories.

Do I Need Park Reservations for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

Yes, valid park admission and, in some cases, park reservations are required to use the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Be sure to check the park reservation requirements for the date of your visit.

Which Resorts Are Participating in the Pilot Program?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is available to guests staying at the following resorts:

• Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club Resort.
• Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts: Bay Lake Tower, Boulder Ridge Villas, Copper Creek Villas, Animal Kingdom Villas, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Riviera Resort, Villas at the Grand Floridian.
• Select Partner Hotels: Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Attractions by Park

Here’s a quick overview of some top attractions you can access with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass:

Magic Kingdom Park

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• TRON Lightcycle / Run
• Space Mountain
• Haunted Mansion
• Peter Pan’s Flight

EPCOT

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Frozen Ever After
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Mission: SPACE
• Spaceship Earth

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Expedition Everest
• Na’vi River Journey
• DINOSAUR

Conclusion

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is the ultimate solution for guests who want to make the most of their Disney World visit without waiting in long lines. Whether you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or select partner hotel, this new offering provides exclusive, flexible access to some of the most sought-after attractions across the parks. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your Disney experience with VIP treatment!

Epic Universe Previews Confirmed Ahead of Grand Opening: Get Ready for the Fun!

Big news from Universal Orlando! Epic Universe will offer exclusive previews before its grand opening, and select ticket packages and resort reservations are now available. Here’s the latest scoop and some thrilling speculation about potential soft openings at this highly anticipated third theme park, joining Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Ticket Sales and Resort Reservations Update

Ticket sales for Epic Universe and reservations for the Helios Grand Hotel kicked off early this morning. Our guide, “Understanding Epic Universe Ticket Timelines, Crowd Control & Resort Reservations,” prepared you for the frenzy. Thankfully, the ticket purchasing experience has been smooth, defying our worst-case scenario fears.

Currently, there’s a virtual queue for ticket purchases on Universal Orlando’s website. My wait time was just a few minutes at first, but as more East Coast folks logged on, it jumped to over an hour. The longest I waited was about 40 minutes, which isn’t bad at all. Plus, all ticket types are still available—a sign that demand might not be as intense as some expect. While some Disney fans might prematurely declare Epic Universe a “flop” if opening day tickets aren’t sold out, remember that many Universal fans might not be interested in these packages.

We’ll get a clearer picture of ticket availability after the single-day Epic Universe tickets go on sale to Annual Passholders on October 24. I’m hopeful that opening weekend tickets will sell out. If not, I’ll begin to wonder if Universal is genuinely managing ticket inventory for an optimal guest experience.

Booking Helios Grand Hotel: A Smooth Process

Booking a stay at Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel has been surprisingly easy, though competitive. This stunning 500-room luxury resort, located in the park and overlooking Epic Universe, is incredibly affordable! With limited supply and high demand, securing a room is a challenge, but it’s been manageable.

While we didn’t get our first choice at Helios Grand Hotel, we successfully booked an alternative for our desired dates. After spending more than a dozen hours trying to book at the Fantasy Springs Hotel, this process felt like a walk in the park. Even though some guests missed out on opening night, there was still availability for opening week shortly after reservations began.

As for room rates at Helios Grand, I spotted prices starting at $315 per night for opening week—what a pleasant surprise! For anyone doubting that rates would begin at $293, here’s the proof!

I’m saving this moment for our archives, as it’s remarkable for an in-park hotel to be priced under $300 in 2024. I expect that if Epic Universe becomes the massive success we anticipate, room rates at Helios Grand Hotel will rise significantly in the coming years.

Speculation on Soft Openings

While exploring Universal Orlando’s website, I noticed exciting hints about preview opportunities. The Annual Passholder home page mentions, “Starting October 24, Passholders will have a special opportunity to purchase single-day admission to Universal Epic Universe before tickets go on sale to the general public.” The main Epic Universe page adds, “Tickets may be available to select audiences prior to the May 22, 2025 opening date.”

These clues suggest that soft openings might extend beyond Annual Passholders. We’ve speculated for a while that Epic Universe would have a significant preview period leading up to its grand debut. A cold open on May 22, 2025, would be risky, so Universal is likely gearing up for a more gradual introduction.

Expect a robust preview schedule, including team members, Annual Passholders, Florida residents, media, and even influencers and celebrities. This strategy allows Universal to target a safe and confident opening date, ensuring they are well-prepared for the official launch.

This approach is reassuring as it indicates Universal is not racing against the clock. The goal is to have Epic Universe ready well in advance of the summer tourist season, traditionally one of Florida’s busiest times.

While we can only speculate about the timeline for soft openings, Universal will likely aim to start them a couple of months before the official debut. Team Member previews will probably kick off first, followed by Annual Passholder access. If everything goes smoothly, we might even see opportunities for Florida residents and onsite guests.

Conclusion

The excitement surrounding Epic Universe is building! With previews confirmed and ticket sales underway, this new theme park promises an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates as we get closer to opening day!