How to Visit Epic Universe Without Breaking the Bank!
Dreaming of a magical family getaway to Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida? Good news: you don’t need a wizard’s wallet to make it happen! With some savvy planning, your family can enjoy the thrills of Epic Universe and explore Central Florida’s hidden gems—all without overspending. The key to a budget friendly family vacation is planning!
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What Is Epic Universe?
Opening on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s newest and most ambitious theme park. It features five immersive lands, including Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. With cutting-edge attractions and themed experiences, it’s set to redefine family entertainment.​
Ticket prices range from $139 to $199, depending on the day and package options.​ Click here for information about purchasing tickets.
Getting to Epic Universe: Fly or Drive?
Let’s talk travel. I’m fortunate in that I live within a reasonable driving distance of Epic Universe, so this isn’t something I need to consider. But many are not, but still want to see this fantastic place! Getting to Epic Universe is often one of the most significant expenses of your trip, especially if you’re coming from out of state. Whether flying or driving, there are creative ways to keep costs down if you’re trying to plan an affordable vacation.
Flying In: Quick, But Potentially Pricey
Flying gets you there faster (and less frazzled), but it can come with a hefty price tag depending on where you’re coming from.
- Average Round-Trip Airfare to Orlando: According to an article in USA Today, the average domestic round-trip airfare to Orlando International Airport (MCO) was around $209 per person. How does that compare to the price of flights from your area? Depending on whether your home airport offers flights into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), this may reduce the cost of airfare. Expedia can provide you with prices to use in your calculations.
- A Family of Four? If that’s an accurate estimate from your area, you’re looking at $836 just for flights.
- Add a Rental Car: Depending on the vehicle size and season, you can expect to pay $40–$70 daily plus taxes and fees. I just looked at estimates for a week during the summer when families like to travel, and a reasonable weekly estimate would be $300 for a vehicle rental. You can check Expedia for car rental rates.
- Tip: Some hotels and extended-stay hotels offer free shuttles to Universal or are near I-Ride Trolley stops, which can help you avoid rental car fees altogether. You’ll also save on the daily parking price at Epic Universe, which begins at $32 daily. We still like to rent a car when we travel, because we like to go to some of the smaller and less costly places on some days of our trip.
Driving In: Slower, But Often Cheaper
Driving can be much more budget-friendly, especially for families traveling together.
- Fuel Costs: At a national average of $3.50 per gallon, a 1,000-mile round-trip in a vehicle getting 25 MPG would cost roughly $140 in gas.
- Tolls and Wear-and-Tear: Budget an extra $50–$100, depending on your route and vehicle.
- Road Trip Perks: Once you arrive, you’ll have a car, and you can pack coolers, snacks, and even groceries, saving you money during your stay.
What’s the Best Choice for Traveling to Epic Universe, Flying or Driving?
- Flying might be better if you’re short on time, traveling solo, or scoring a deal with points or sales.
- Driving usually wins for families or road trip lovers who want flexibility and savings.
If you’re still weighing the options, here’s my tip: Price both out ahead of time, including all the little things (baggage fees, seat pre-selection charges, rental car, gas, parking, tolls), and see what fits your budget best. Sometimes, the savings are worth the extra hours on the road, especially if you can split the drive with another adult or make it part of the adventure! Decide which works in your budget friendly family vacation plan.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations Near Epic Universe
Staying close to the park doesn’t have to be costly. Consider these affordable options:​
Hotels / Motels
Staying near the area where you plan to spend most of your time saves you on travel costs and time on the busy roads. I’ve compiled a list of 30 Top Hotels Within 3 Miles of Epic Universe in various price ranges to help you find the best place to stay. I’ve included some budget-friendly hotels in the list.
Extended-Stay Hotels
Think about how much you’ll spend on eating out, three meals daily—that cost adds up quickly! Extended-stay hotels are ideal for families needing extra space and kitchen facilities. You can save money by cooking some of your meals, reducing food costs. Check out our curated list of 15 Extended Stay Hotels Near Epic Universe (All Within 5 Miles).
Vacation Rentals
Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer competitive rates, especially for more extended stays. Before committing to a rental, ensure you understand the total price, including cleaning fees and any extra costs.
Hostels
If you’re traveling alone or with a friend, you may want to consider staying in a hostel through HostelWorld. A hostel is a form of shared lodging where guests can rent a bed with shared bathrooms and facilities in a shared space or dormitory. These are more common overseas, but there are hostels in the US, including in the Orlando area. One of them is within 5 miles of Epic Universe!
Unused Timeshare Units
Some companies, including SkyAuction (which I’ve used many times), allow you to purchase Resort Vacation Certificates. Some can be as low as $369 for a week’s stay! No timeshare presentation is required, and you can do a Google search to find out about where you might purchase them. Before buying one, ensure you understand all the additional charges you would be responsible for paying. You should also search to verify availability at your destination before purchasing.
Dining on a Dime
Food expenses can add up quickly, but with these tips, you can savor delicious meals without overspending:
Hotel Kitchens
This is why I strongly encourage finding accommodations with a kitchen! You can use the kitchen or kitchenette in your accommodation to prepare simple meals and snacks. Eating out all the time adds up quickly.
Avoid Dining in the Parks if Possible
Sure, it’s tempting to grab food in the parks. But look at the prices before you do! You’ll probably pay a lot more for meals in the parks than if you eat outside. Local eateries can help you save money on your trip to Epic Universe – my suggestion is to talk to locals and ask for recommendations about good, reasonably priced places to eat.
Pack Snacks, If the Park Permits You to Bring Them In
Find out the rules for the places you’ll be going. If it’s permitted, bring snacks and refillable water bottles with you. That will help keep everyone energized throughout the day and save you a lot of money! The policies for Universal Orlando Resorts, including Epic Universe, state that bottled water can be brought in (2 liters per guest maximum). They do not allow outside food or beverages to be brought into the park. They offer free cups of ice water at any quick-service restaurant or kiosk with a soda fountain.
Affordable Orlando Attractions Beyond the Theme Parks
If your trip goal is to see Epic Universe, save money to see it while you’re here. Now let’s talk about what else you can do on your trip that won’t cost you nearly as much. Central Florida has plenty of free or low-cost attractions perfect for family fun!
- Disney Springs: Enjoy shopping, dining, and live entertainment without an admission fee.
- Central Florida State Parks: If you think your family might enjoy a day in crystal-clear spring water, you must visit one of the state parks! Admission is as low as $6 per vehicle! While at the park, you can hike, swim, snorkel, enjoy wildlife, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors. Consider a day trip to Wekiva Springs (advanced reservations are required) or Blue Springs.
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: This is a fun place for families to spend the day. It’s home to more than 350 animals, and there’s plenty to see and do during your visit. Tickets at the zoo are $23.95 – $25.95 for adults, $19.95 – $21.95 for seniors, and $17.95 – $19.95 for children ages 3-12. Purchasing tickets online saves $2.00 per person. Note: If you are an annual member of an AZA-accredited or aquarium, you can save 50% off your admission!
- Gatorland: This fun attraction is worth a visit for families with kids. You’ll see alligators, crocodiles, shows, and more. Tickets are $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children ages 3-12. You can save by purchasing your tickets in advance online. If you are a Florida resident, check online to see if they’re running specials (sometimes half price).
For more ideas and inspiration, check out our guide, which shares 15 Best Places to Visit in Central Florida (No Theme Park Ticket Required!).
Smart Travel Tips for Families Wanting to Visit Epic Universe
Here are a few more tips on how to make a trip to Epic Universe possible:
- Travel Off-Peak: Visiting during shoulder seasons can lead to lower prices and fewer crowds.​
- Consider Accommodations with Kitchens. Cooking meals (even just a few) or even snacks can reduce overall food costs. Some studios in hotels have kitchenettes, or consider an extended-stay hotel or a vacation rental.
- Use Public Transportation: Save on rental cars by utilizing local transit options.​
- Set a Daily Budget: Plan your expenses to avoid unexpected costs.​
- Look for Package Deals: If you’re considering visiting other Universal Orlando theme parks while you’re in Central Florida, see if you can purchase a multi-day ticket that includes a day at Epic Universe with other parks (Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay).
For a comprehensive guide, read our post on How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation in Central Florida or How to Afford a Vacation – 12 Simple, Proven Tips for Budget Travel.
Did you plan an Epic Universe vacation as a surprise for someone? If you’re flying, here’s a great way to announce your gift: an Editable Boarding Pass that you can print at home!
FAQ: Your Budget Travel Questions Answered
When is the best time to visit Epic Universe to save money?
Traveling during off-peak seasons, such as late summer or early fall, can result in lower ticket prices and accommodation rates. Park ticket prices may be lower during mid-week days.
Do guests need to specify the date they will visit Epic Universe with a one-day ticket?
With a one-day ticket to Universal Epic Universe, you must select the day you plan to visit Epic Universe, and your ticket will only be valid on the date indicated on your ticket.
What are the hours Epic Universe will be open?
Universal Studios has only published the hours for Epic Universe from Thursday, May 22, 2025 through Saturday, May 31, 2025 so far. On those days, the hours will be from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Can I bring my own food into Epic Universe?
Unfortunately, none of the Universal Studios theme parks including Epic Universe allow guests to bring in food. You are permitted to bring in two liters of water per person, per day. Requesting a cup of ice water is free from any quick-service restaurant or kiosk with a soda fountain.
Are there discounts available for multi-day passes?
Yes, purchasing multi-day tickets can offer better value compared to single-day passes.
What are some affordable transportation options in Orlando?
Consider using public transportation, hotel shuttles, or ride-sharing services to navigate the city without the expense of a rental car.
What accessibility services are available at Epic Universe?
Universal Orlando, along with Epic Universe, offers various accessibility services for guests with disabilities, including information on ride accessibility, service animal policies, and more.
With thoughtful planning and smart choices, your family can enjoy the wonders of Epic Universe and the charm of Central Florida—all while staying within your budget!
