From the moment I arrived at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, I knew this trip would be something special. Thanks to Gold Medal and Universal Orlando Resort, I joined a fab group of fellow travel experts for six unforgettable days of thrills, laughs, and magic—including a first look at the brand-new Universal Epic Universe, opening May 2025!

This was my first time at Universal—and wow, it won’t be my last. I feel so lucky to be one of the first UK travel agents to step inside Epic Universe. And let me tell you… EPIC is just the beginning!

We flew with Delta from London to sunny Orlando. Immigration was quick and easy thanks to the new app, and before long, we arrived at our fun and retro-styled base—Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Bursting with colour and charm, it was the perfect place to kick off our Florida adventure.

After a relaxed breakfast, we headed straight to Universal’s Volcano Bay. With early park admission, we beat the crowds and jumped right into the fun. The TapuTapu wristband was a game-changer—it let us join virtual queues and enjoy the park while we waited. I even had time for a cocktail (the Blue Hawaiian is a must-try!).

My top rides at Volcano Bay?

• Honu ika Moana
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• TeAwa The Fearless River

Later that day, we popped over to Universal Studios Florida, made the most of our Express Passes, and rode some thrilling attractions before joining the incredible Mardi Gras celebration. It was all glitter, music, street food, and parade magic—honestly one of the highlights of the trip! We ended the night with a delicious dinner at NBC Sports Grill & Brew (the brisket was chef’s kiss) and drinks at Pat O’Brien’s—so much laughter and good vibes.

The next morning kicked off with breakfast at The Kitchen inside the Hard Rock Hotel. Bold flavours and big energy—just what we needed before another huge day in the parks. With our Universal Express passes, we managed to tick off a seriously impressive list of rides, including:

• VelociCoaster
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Revenge of the Mummy
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• And so many more!

We squeezed in site visits to the sleek Universal Aventura Hotel and the lush Loews Royal Pacific Resort before winding down at Jake’s American Bar—hearty food and island vibes were just the ticket after a coaster-filled day.

Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for: our exclusive sneak peek at Universal Epic Universe. Being part of the first UK agents to step inside was a huge privilege—and an absolute wow moment.

First up was Super Nintendo World. Walking through that warp pipe felt like entering a video game dream. I loved Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge—amazing AR effects, competitive racing, and a queue that’s part of the adventure.

Next, we soared through the skies in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. With Viking charm, dragon-themed thrills, and the chance to meet Toothless, it felt like stepping straight into the films. I absolutely loved Hiccup’s Wing Gliders—a smooth, swooping coaster ride that made me feel like a dragon rider myself.

Then we Floo’d our way into the Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds! We joined the action in a cinematic new ride, helping bring Dolores Umbridge to justice, and watched a mesmerising live show featuring magical creatures, puppetry, and stunning effects that had everyone spellbound.

At the heart of Epic Universe is Celestial Park—a calm, dreamlike space with glowing pathways, interactive water features, and cosmic touches everywhere you look. Its star attraction? Stardust Racers—a space-race rollercoaster that’s sleek, high-speed, and unforgettable.

We ended this incredible day with a tour of the elegant Loews Portofino Bay Hotel followed by a beautiful dinner at Mama Della’s Ristorante—complete with live opera. Because of course we did!

Before flying home, we visited the stylish new Universal Stella Nova Resort, wrapping up the trip on a high. We left Orlando with full hearts, tired feet, and camera rolls bursting with memories.

💡 Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a work trip—it was a look into the future of theme park holidays. From stunning hotels to next-level attractions, Universal Epic Universe is a true game-changer—and it opens 22 May 2025.

Huge thanks to Gold Medal and Universal Orlando Resort for the trip of a lifetime. 🎢🌍