Epic Universe Vacation Planning Chicago, IL
Professional Epic Universe vacation planning in Chicago, IL saves you time and energy while enhancing your vacation. When you work with Me and The Mouse Travel, our goal is to provide the level of support you need to make your vacation all that it can be.
This page covers what you need to keep track of while planning your vacation, the role our team plays in the planning process, and frequently asked questions regarding trips to Epic Universe.
In This Article:
- Epic Universe Theme Park Overview
- What to Consider When Planning a Vacation
- Why You Should Consider an Epic Universe Travel Agent
- Where to Visit Within Epic Universe
- Where to Stay When Visiting Epic Universe
- FAQs About Epic Universe Vacation Planning in Chicago, IL
- Start Planning Your Next Adventure Now
If you're ready to start Epic Universe vacation planning in Chicago, IL, Me and The Mouse is ready to talk. We offer complimentary Universal travel planning services, and you can talk to one of our agents at 1-855-764-2539, set us a note online, or request a free quote today.
Epic Universe: Theme Park Overview
Epic Universe seems like it could be a park all its own, but in reality it is just one of several theme parks inside of the Universal Orlando Resort. You can do a full Universal Orlando Resort trip if you're willing to put in extra time, but that's not always needed: Epic Universe has enough going on for an entire vacation on it's own.
Epic Universe is more than your typical theme park: With its five distinct areas, you can take part in a wide range of activities. It offers fun for all ages, dining experiences, an on-site hotel, and is conveniently located close to the rest of the resort.
You can learn more about each world below, but for reference, they include:
- Celestial Park
- Super Nintendo World
- Dark Universe
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon's Isle of Berk
Chicago, IL, Epic Universe Vacation Planning: 4 Key Elements
While the vacation itself can be a stress reliever, trying to plan it on your own is not. If you've never planned an Epic Universe vacation before, you might not know how to budget, what supplies to bring, and where to spend your time.
Professional travel agents can help you anywhere you need it, from basic budgeting steps to picking out individual activities.
Packing | What to Bring
Before you start your adventure, you need the right supplies. Don't forget any of the following:
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Extra Phone Battery Pack
- Comfortable Walking Clothing
- Small Bag or Backpack
Transport | Moving Around Universal
For most people, you'll likely be walking around the park. But Epic Universe vacation planning in Chicago, IL, extends beyond your time in the park itself. Take some time to think about:
- How you're getting to Epic Universe
- Transportation around the Orlando area
- Whether or not you want to do anything else at the Universal Orlando Resort
Cost | Budget for Your Trip
Tickets are only the first expense – be sure to consider keepsakes, rentals, and more. Chicago, IL, Epic Universe vacation planning on a budget can be done, and insider advice can help you decide what expenses are most important:
- Express Passes (or other ticket upgrades)
- Souvenirs
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
Activities | Fan-Favorite Things to Do
You'll want to visit as many attractions as you can at Epic Universe, and it's important to prioritize the ones you want to visit most. Don't miss out on any of these popular experiences:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Stardust Racers
- Mine-Cart Madness With Donkey Kong
Professional Chicago, IL, Epic Universe Vacation Planning: Advantages for You
When you work with an expert Chicago, IL, Epic Universe vacation planner, you're setting your trip up for success. Between past visits and insider knowledge of the park, you get help where you need it most.
Me and The Mouse Travel are theme park, vacation experts. We have traveled to Epic Universe ourselves and can tell you the tips we wish we'd known beforehand. When you contact us, we're there for you until the day you arrive home from your trip.
Booking
The first way we can help is through booking. As we'll discuss next, we'll look for deals for you to take advantage of when booking.
Finding Deals
We are experts at finding the best seasonal promotions for your trip. We will look at everything that's available and suggest the ones that are the best fit for you.
Planning
There's a lot to do on any trip, and Chicago, IL, Epic Universe vacation planning is no exception. Our agents will create a personalized plan for your time in Orlando, prioritizing the activities that matter most to your group. And if you want to adjust the itinerary, our travel experts will be there to plan around the new activities.
Protect Your Time
Whether or not you have experience planning your vacations, an Epic Universe travel agent can offer you a major benefit: Saving your time. The stress of vacation planning can undermine the fun of the trip itself. When you work with an expert, you're protect yourself in the moment without settling for a sub-par vacation.
Insider Guidance
It's hard to know which attractions will be hits and which ones aren't right for you. When you ask an expert, you're getting an informed opinion. If you don't have a high tolerance for lines, we can pick out overlooked attractions for you. If you care about high-quality cuisine, we can recommend restaurants. And if there's anything that you're uncertain about, our team will look into it for you.
Chicago, IL, Epic Universe Travel Agent Pro Tips
- Don't fill your schedule. Leave some time to explore the park and/or revisit favorite attractions.
- Use an on-site hotel. For many families, the tradeoffs are worthwhile to spend more time in the park.
- Travel off-season. This makes for shorter lines, better deals, and a calmer atmosphere.
- Look for lockers. These often have a daily rate and are excellent for storing backpacks.
Planning Your Trip to Epic Universe: Five Unique Worlds
Chicago, IL, Epic Universe vacation planning helps you make the most of a variety of experiences. During your time there, you'll get a chance to experience all five, and/or dive deep into any one of them.
Learn more about each world's theme and who should visit:
| World | Theme/Description | Who Should Visit | Top Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celestial Park | Galactic hub that will be your first world in Epic Universe | Everyone | Stardust Racers |
| Super Nintendo World | A combination of two Nintendo icons, the Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country | Anyone who's enjoyed Nintendo in their lifetime | Mine-Cart Madness |
| How to Train Your Dragon's Isle of Berk | A Viking-themed, dragon-filled island from How to Train Your Dragon | Family groups who don't mind getting splashed by the water | Hiccup's Wing Gliders |
| The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic | 20th century fantasy from the world of Harry Potter | Harry Potter fans who want to be immersed in the world | Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry |
| Dark Universe | A thrill-filled medieval town filled with monsters like Dracula and the Creature from the Black Lagoon | Fans of horror and classic cinema | Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment |
Lodging Options for Your Epic Universe Trip
You have a few different options for where to stay when visiting Epic Universe: On-site hotels, off-site hotels, and short-term vacation rentals. It's important to carefully consider your priorities and what will do the best job of giving you the experience you want:
On-Site Hotels
Description: Universal provides access to hotels that are located on-property, including the Helios Grand, Stella Nova, and Terra Luna.
Pros: You can often get into the park early to avoid the crowds. Additionally, some bookings can include Express Passes.
Cons: Without deals, these are likely some of the more expensive places to stay.
Off-Site Hotels
Description: Orlando is home to many hotel options that are within driving distance of the Epic Universe park.
Pros: These options are easier to afford and make it easier to do non-Universal activities.
Cons: Travelling to Epic Universe will take longer, and you'll be arriving later than the people who stayed on-site
Short-Term Vacation Rentals
Description: Direct rentals from owner, rather than a larger hotel or chain.
Pros: This is often the most spacious and personal option of where to stay.
Cons: These can be inconsistent, and you will be more responsible for maintaining the space.
Chicago, IL, Epic Universe Vacation Planning FAQs
How long should an Epic Universe vacation be?
The ideal length of time depends on what your goals are for the trip. If you only want to see your top attractions, you can probably do so in 1 day. To visit everything, you'll want at least 2 days in the park.
Another popular option is to extend your trip for a full Universal Orlando vacation. Spending 5-6 days gives you enough time to explore all of the parks, and possibly some of the other parts of Orlando.
How do I determine the right time for my Epic Universe vacation?
When you visit Epic Universe should reflect what you value most in your vacation. For seasons, you'll want to think about crowds, events, and deals.
If your top priority is avoiding the crowds, look for low-demand time periods with better discounts. On the other hand, higher-demand seasons may have higher prices, but also more special events and (typically) easier scheduling.
If you have the flexibility, you should also decide which day of the week best fits your needs. Sundays are generally the least crowded days, while Mondays tend to have the longest wait times – this can be consistent, though, and can be subject to weather, special events, and more.
Can I bring food into Epic Universe?
As a general rule, you cannot bring food into Universal theme parks. But there are a few instances where food and/or drink is permitted: Park policy allows you to bring in up to 2 liters of bottled water, and food in limited circumstances (such as to accommodate dietary restrictions).
If you are allowed to bring in food, you'll face restrictions on the size of your cooler as well (up to the size of 8.5"x6"x6" is allowed). You can bring an empty, refillable water bottle, though.
Are there places to fill your water bottle at Epic Universe?
Yes! Epic Universe makes it easy to stay hydrated during your time in the park. If you remember your water bottle, there are several water refill stations scattered throughout the park.
Water is also available for free if you don't have a water bottle – just ask at any of the restaurants.
Can I bring a bag to Epic Universe?
You can bring a bag or backpack to Epic Universe. It will have to go through security and needs to pass an inspection before entry.
Keep safety in mind, though – you'll have to store your backpack in a locker before going on some of the rides. These lockers use facial recognition technology to provide a seamless locker experience.
Is Epic Universe cash-free?
Epic Universe is not a cash-free park. The only park that is currently cashless at Universal Orlando is Volcano Bay.
That said, there are arguably some disadvantages to using cash at Epic Universe, namely the food orders often take longer. The app allows you to order ahead of time and skip the line.
Should I arrive at the park before opening?
Ideally, you should arrive at Epic Universe at least half an hour before opening. The park formally opens around 10:00 AM, with Early Park Admission an hour beforehand (keep in mind that park hours are variable).
Be sure to include extra time for transit and security.
Once the park opens, guests tend to rush the most popular rides like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. There isn't one best way to handle the crowds: You can either try to get ahead of them, or look for attractions that aren't as busy.
Get Ready for Your Epic Universe Adventure
Universal's Epic Universe can be a place full of unforgettable experiences. Me and The Mouse can help you find them. When you call us, you're talking to someone who's committed to giving you an exceptional trip.
Me and The Mouse can also help you with the below trip planning services for Chicago:
- Universal Travel Agent
- Vacation Planning Services
- Alaska Cruises
- Epic Universe Travel Planner
- Travel Advisor
- Honeymoon Vacation Planners
- Family Cruise Travel Agent
- Vacation Planning
- Universal Orlando Travel Agent
Talk to a travel agent at 1-855-764-2539, use our online contact form, or request a free quote to begin the process of Epic Universe vacation planning in Chicago, IL, now.