News Summary
Grande Lakes Orlando, a luxury resort in Orlando, Florida, has unveiled a family-focused getaway package in close proximity to the new Epic Universe theme park. The resort features accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, offering guests luxurious amenities, exclusive access, and a range of leisure activities. The ‘Upgrade & Away’ package includes complimentary Club Lounge access, Ritz Kids activities, and private transportation to Epic Universe, enhancing the family vacation experience. With extensive grounds and recreational options, the resort is an attractive destination for families seeking adventure and comfort.
Orlando, Florida – Grande Lakes Orlando Launches Family-Focused Getaway Near New Epic Universe Theme Park
Grande Lakes Orlando, a premier luxury resort located in Orlando, Florida, is offering an enticing package tailored for families aiming for an unforgettable vacation. Situated close to the newly opened Epic Universe theme park, the resort combines comfort, entertainment, and exclusive access to one of the most anticipated attractions in the region.
Luxury Accommodations and Amenities
The resort features accommodations across two renowned hotels: The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott. Both hotel options provide guests with a variety of amenities, including full-service spas, outdoor recreational facilities, and dining options. Guests can enjoy a comprehensive suite of leisure activities such as an 18-hole golf course managed by Marriott’s Global Golf Division, outdoor waterparks, and specialized programming for children known as Ritz Kids.
Promotional Offers and Special Packages
Currently, Grande Lakes Orlando is promoting its “Upgrade & Away” package, designed specifically for families seeking a premium experience. This package offers:
- Complimentary Club Lounge access when reserving a suite
- Ritz Kids activities tailored for two children, ensuring engaging entertainment for young guests
- Private transportation services to and from Epic Universe, making access seamless and convenient
This package aims to provide a comprehensive luxury experience, combining accommodation, entertainment, and effortless access to the nearby theme park.
Extensive Grounds and Recreational Options
Grande Lakes Orlando boasts expansive grounds featuring twelve lakes, which offers guests a wide array of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. These natural features enhance the resort’s appeal as a tranquil getaway spot with plenty of leisure options suitable for families and individual travelers alike.
Golfing Excellence
The resort’s 18-hole golf course is managed by Marriott’s Global Golf Division, which oversees 45 golf courses across 14 countries, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship-quality golf. Marriott’s extensive experience in integrated resort and golf operations has earned it recognition since 1970, underlining the quality and reputation of the golfing amenities at Grande Lakes.
Epic Universe: A New Era of Theme Parks in Orlando
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, officially opening on May 22, 2025. Covering approximately 750 acres, the park introduces a multi-themed layout with five distinct worlds designed to appeal to a diverse range of visitors.
Major Attractions and Features in Epic Universe
The new park features several major attractions, including:
- Super Nintendo World with rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Donkey Kong Country roller coaster, offering immersive experiences based on beloved Nintendo characters
- Dark Universe dedicated to horror-themed rides, drawing on classic Universal monsters such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, where visitors can participate in new adventures alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, featuring interactive rides and shows based on the popular film franchise
Additionally, Epic Universe includes 30 dining locations offering over 100 menu items, focusing on upscale, themed culinary experiences to enhance the guest experience.
On-site Hotels and Entry Logistics
The park introduces new hotel options such as the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, themed around Greek mythology with Mediterranean aesthetics and offering a dedicated entrance to the park. Two other hotels, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, are positioned as Prime Value Hotels.
Visitors can access the park via complimentary shuttle buses from Universal’s existing hotels, and tickets are available through various authorized resellers with options for advanced purchase and discounts. Single-day tickets start at $139, with prices potentially increasing on high-demand days. Annual Passholders can purchase tickets at prices ranging from $121 to $173, depending on the date.
Impacts and Expectations for Orlando Tourism
The opening of Epic Universe aims to attract visitors for longer stays and increase Orlando’s appeal as a top family vacation destination, challenging existing offerings from Disney. The new park’s vast size, diverse attractions, and themed hotels are expected to boost regional tourism and economic activity.
Additional Highlights
Guests can look forward to themed dining experiences that incorporate immersive environments and unique culinary themes within each of the park’s worlds, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience for visitors of all ages.
The combination of luxury accommodations, extensive recreational options, and the launch of Epic Universe marks a significant development in Orlando’s tourism landscape, offering families and travelers a new level of leisure and adventure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
