Jamie Biesiada
Do you have clients who want to experience Epic Universe at the Universal Orlando Resort after it opens this year?
If you do, book early, says Beci Mahnken, who owns MEI-Travel, Mouse Fan Travel and Universal Fan Travel in Issaquah, Wash. Mahnken especially expects accommodations demand to be high.
Epic, Universal's third theme park in Orlando, will open on May 22, and travel advisors said excitement about the park among clients is high. Here are some tips from top sellers on ensuring clients have an Epic vacation.
Book official Universal Orlando hotels
In addition to booking early, Mahnken encouraged advisors to consider booking clients at official Universal hotels. They offer benefits like proximity to parks and early access. Some also include Express Pass, Mahnken said, "which can make a huge difference in minimizing wait times."
Multiday tickets will also help clients spread their visit out and avoid crowds.
Finally, Mahnken encouraged advisors to set expectations with clients.
"Managing expectations is important -- while the excitement will be high, Universal's crowd control measures will help ensure a great guest experience," she said.
Setting Epic Universe expectations
Greg Antonelle, who owns Let's Adventure Travel in Windermere, Fla., with his wife, Elyssa, encouraged patience.
"I want people to understand that there will probably be snags here and there," he said. "Anything new will have hiccups, and the crowds will be massive. That's fine, though. It's not what vacationers will remember later. They're traveling to Epic Universe when it's new to have that experience to remember."
There have been some memorable lines at Universal in the past. Antonelle pointed to the 2010 and 2014 openings of the themed Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands in Universal's other Orlando parks, when waits were long.
"That's not what people think about from their trips 15 years ago," he said. "What they recall is the amazing time they had at the hot new thing. Central Florida hasn't had a new theme park of this scale in nearly a quarter century. Anyone lucky enough to visit this year should savor every second because it's a novel, exciting moment."
Getting to Epic Universe
Additionally, Antonelle said one thing he is spelling out for clients is the park's location compared to Universal's existing Orlando campus.
"I've stressed to people that the new park isn't at the same location as the current ones," Antonelle said. "It's 1.2 miles from Universal Studios Florida. That's nothing compared to Disney parks -- Animal Kingdom is 5.6 miles from Magic Kingdom — but it's a change. Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida share an entrance, while Epic Universe will be in a different spot."
One feature Antonelle is excited about isn't actually in the park: It's an elevated traffic circle near the park. Traffic headed to the park will ride on the circle, while regular traffic will be routed to roadways on the ground level.
"Universal may have solved the expected traffic problem," Antonelle said.
What these advisors are looking forward to the most
When Epic opens, visitors will have a lot to do. The park will have five themed lands, 30 dining locations, entertainment and retail. But what are Mahnken and Antonelle most excited for?
Mahnken said she is "thrilled for Central Florida's first new full-scale theme park in decades."
In particular, the longtime Harry Potter fan is looking forward to seeing the Ministry of Magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic themed land.
Also of interest is the new technology Universal will employ in attractions and beyond in the park, she said.
"I'm hoping the integration of advanced animatronics, virtual elements and real-time interaction will make each experience feel even more dynamic and personalized — it's technology that truly transforms the way we engage with these beloved worlds," she said.
Antonelle is particularly excited for the new Harry Potter attraction Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry as well as Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in the Dark Universe land. He's also looking forward to Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge in Super Nintendo World and Stardust Racers in Celestial Park.
There are two new shows coming to the park Antonelle is excited about, too: "The Untrainable Dragon" in How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and "Le Cirque Arcanus" in the Ministry of Magic land.
"Plus, I like the little things like drinking at a gothic pub and trying all the new foods at the park," he said.