It's been one year since Universal Orlando Resort opened the doors to Epic Universe — and Orlando's vacation landscape has officially changed forever.
When Universal Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025, it became the first major new theme park to open in Florida in over 25 years. With five breathtaking themed worlds, over 50 experiences, and some of the most technologically advanced attractions ever built, it instantly became one of the most searched destinations in travel.
A year in, the question we hear most from guests planning their Orlando vacation is: "With both Disney World AND Epic Universe to visit, where should we stay?"
The answer might surprise you.
What is Epic Universe? (A Quick Refresher)
Universal Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort's fourth theme park, spanning 110 acres and featuring five distinctly themed worlds:
- Celestial Park — The stunning central hub, connecting all five worlds with breathtaking gardens, fountains, and entertainment. By night, it transforms into one of the most visually spectacular spaces in any theme park on earth.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic — A third Harry Potter land, this time set in wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic. The centerpiece attraction — Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry — is widely considered the most ambitious ride Universal has ever created.
- Super Nintendo World — Step inside a real-life Nintendo video game. Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong Country, and Princess Peach's Castle come to life in a sensory experience unlike anything else in Florida.
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk — An immersive Viking world where live dragons soar above guests, full of adventure and family-friendly thrills.
- Dark Universe — A throwback to Universal's iconic monster legacy: Frankenstein, Dracula, the Invisible Man. Atmospheric, thrilling, and unlike anything at Disney.
A year after opening, Epic Universe has proven it's not just a new park — it's a game-changer. Orlando is now firmly a multi-day, multi-park destination in a way it has never been before.
The New Orlando Math: Disney + Epic Universe = More Days
Here's the new reality for families planning an Orlando vacation in 2026: doing both Disney World and Epic Universe justice requires at least 7–10 days.
Disney World alone — with four parks, Disney Springs, and water parks — easily fills 5-6 days. Epic Universe, with five richly detailed worlds, warrants at least 2 full days, especially for Harry Potter and Nintendo fans.
That means your accommodation is no longer just a place to sleep — it's your home base for a 7–10 day adventure. And that changes the calculation on where to stay entirely.
A cramped hotel room works for 2 nights. For 7–10 days with a large family or group, you need space, a private pool, a real kitchen, and entertainment for the nights you're not at the parks.
Where to Stay for Both Disney World and Epic Universe
The smart play for families planning to visit both Disney World and Epic Universe is to stay in the corridor between them — the Davenport/ChampionsGate/Kissimmee area along the 192 and US-27 corridors. This positions you within 15–25 minutes of both destinations without committing to either side.
Our three Orlando Magical Villas are perfectly positioned for exactly this:
ChampionsGate Magical Villa
Located in ChampionsGate Resort — 10 miles from Walt Disney World and approximately 22 miles from Universal Epic Universe. The championship golf, 2 resort waterparks, home theater, and arcade game room make rest days between park visits genuinely enjoyable. For a 7-10 day trip, this is your luxury base camp.
Encore Magical Villa
Just 5.5 miles from Walt Disney World and a straight shot up the 429 to Universal's new south campus. Encore Magical Villa's 8 bedrooms, private pool & spa, movie room, and game loft give large groups everything they need to recharge between the two biggest theme park destinations in the world. Sports courts and on-site dining keep the group entertained on rest days.
Windsor Magical Villa
9 miles from Disney World and 20 miles from Universal Epic Universe, with Windsor Island Resort's waterpark and pickleball courts providing built-in entertainment on recovery days. The themed kids' bedrooms are an especially nice touch for families doing both parks — the kids feel like they're on an adventure even when they're home.
Tips for Planning a Disney + Epic Universe Vacation in 2026
- Book your vacation home first — The best 7-8 bedroom villas near Orlando fill up fast, especially in summer and school holidays. Nail down your accommodation before anything else.
- Dedicate at least 2 full days to Epic Universe — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic alone warrants a full day. Super Nintendo World is another. Don't rush it.
- Plan Disney days first — Disney's Lightning Lane and dining reservations open 60 days out. Get those locked in before your trip.
- Use your villa's pool on transition days — After 2 days at Disney followed by 2 days at Epic Universe, your group will need a pool day. Having a private heated pool waiting at home is not a luxury — it's a necessity.
- Book direct for best rates — Booking your villa directly at orlandomagicalvillas.com eliminates platform fees and gives you access to our team for any questions. For a 7-10 day stay, those savings are significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are your villas from Universal Epic Universe?
Universal Epic Universe's address is 1001 Epic Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819. Our ChampionsGate Magical Villa is approximately 22 miles away, our Encore Magical Villa is approximately 17 miles, and our Windsor Magical Villa is approximately 20 miles. All are well under a 30-minute drive with a rental car or rideshare.
Do I need a car to visit both Disney and Epic Universe from your villas?
Yes — a rental car or rideshare is recommended. From our villas, both Disney World and Universal Epic Universe are easily accessible by car. Uber and Lyft are readily available in the Davenport and Kissimmee area, or you can rent a car at Orlando International Airport.
How many days do you recommend for a Disney + Epic Universe trip?
We recommend a minimum of 7 nights and ideally 9-10 nights for families wanting to experience both destinations properly. Disney World's four parks (plus Disney Springs and a water park day) take 5-6 days, and Epic Universe deserves at least 2 full days.
Orlando in 2026 is the greatest theme park destination on earth. Disney World has never had a more worthy rival. And your home base — with a private pool, resort amenities, and 5-star hospitality — should be worthy of the adventure. That's what Orlando Magical Villas delivers.
Plan your Epic 2026 Orlando vacation at www.orlandomagicalvillas.com — book direct, save on fees, and experience 5-star hospitality from the moment you arrive.
Orlando Magical Villas • orlandomagicalvillas.com • bkruse@orlandomagicalvillas.com