News Summary
Grande Lakes Orlando, a luxury resort, is enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly getaway, especially for visitors to the newly opened Epic Universe theme park. The resort, which includes The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, offers various amenities such as a waterpark and Ritz Kids programming. As part of its promotional package, guests booking a suite can enjoy complimentary Club Lounge access and private transportation to the theme park, making it an ideal spot for families seeking adventure and relaxation.
Orlando, Florida – Grande Lakes Orlando, a premier luxury resort, is positioning itself as an ideal family getaway, particularly for those planning visits to the newly opened Epic Universe theme park. Situated in close proximity to the park, which opened its gates on May 22, 2025, the resort features accommodations from two prominent hotels: The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott.
Guests at Grande Lakes Orlando can take advantage of an array of amenities available at both hotels, including a refreshing spa, an 18-hole golf course, outdoor activities, a waterpark, and engaging Ritz Kids programming tailored for younger visitors. As a part of its promotional package, the resort is running an “Upgrade & Away” offer that grants complimentary Club Lounge access when booking a suite, includes Ritz Kids activities for two children, and provides private transportation to Epic Universe to enhance the overall family experience.
Covering expansive grounds across twelve lakes, Grande Lakes Orlando presents numerous leisure activities that cater to both relaxation and adventure seekers. The resort is managed under Marriott’s Global Golf Division, which oversees 45 golf courses in 14 countries, mapping out nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf, establishing a solid reputation in integrated resort and golf management since 1970.
The nearby Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, sprawling over 750 acres and designed with five distinct themed worlds in a “hub-and-spoke” configuration. Major attractions include Super Nintendo World, where families can enjoy rides such as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and the Donkey Kong Country roller coaster. The park also features Dark Universe, with rides inspired by classic Universal horror themes, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, inviting visitors to embark on new adventures alongside beloved characters. Additionally, the How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk area promises interactive rides and entertaining shows.
Epic Universe will offer guests a culinary adventure with a selection of 30 dining locations serving over 100 menu items, centered on elevated food offerings to enhance the visitor experience. Complementing the park, new hotels including the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and two Prime Value Hotels, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, are being designed to provide immersive hospitality experiences. The Helios Grand Hotel stands out with a dedicated entrance to the park, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology and Mediterranean aesthetics.
Visitors planning to experience Epic Universe can benefit from convenient entry logistics, including complimentary shuttle buses from existing Universal hotels and a multi-park ticket system for seamless access. Advanced ticket options are available with discounts through authorized resellers, while single-day ticket prices commence at $139+, although higher demand days may lead to increased pricing. For Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, single-day tickets are available at prices ranging from $121 to $173, depending on the selected date.
As Epic Universe continues to expand Orlando’s appeal for families, it is expected to encourage longer stays in the city, increasing competition with nearby Disney offerings. The park also promises special dining experiences designed around unique themes, immersing guests in delightful food adventures across various worlds. With such an exciting mix of entertainment, dining, and luxury accommodation options, Grande Lakes Orlando is set to become a favorite family retreat in the bustling Orlando area.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, 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 state 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
