How to Get to Universal Epic Universe: Shuttle Service, Hotel Access & the New Park's Orlando Connections

Universal’s Epic Universe is almost here, and it’s about to redraw the map of theme park tourism in Orlando. As construction enters its final phase and opening buzz ramps up, the biggest question for visitors isn’t just what’s inside the park. It’s how to get there.

This isn’t just another land tacked onto Universal Studios Florida. Epic Universe is a standalone destination, a full-scale theme park set on an entirely new campus, about two miles south of the existing Universal Orlando Resort. It’s ambitious in every sense: five themed lands, a luxury hotel inside the park, and immersive experiences designed to outpace even Disney’s most elaborate offerings.

But with all that ambition comes one essential logistical question: how do you travel between Universal’s existing parks, hotels, and this brand-new wonderland?

This guide covers everything: where to catch the shuttle, which hotels are best for park-hopping, and what you can expect from Universal’s expanding transportation network.

Universal’s Transportation Evolution: Why Getting There Looks Different

For years, Universal Orlando Resort had the advantage of compactness. Everything—Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk—was walkable or accessible via charming water taxis. You could leave your hotel room, stroll through a landscaped path, and be in the parks within 15 minutes. That tight footprint was a major selling point, especially compared to Disney’s sprawling, bus-dependent layout.

Epic Universe changes that.

Located about 2.5 miles south of the current resort, on a massive stretch of land near the Orange County Convention Center, Epic Universe is not a hop, skip, and a jump away. It’s a shuttle ride away—more like how you’d get around in a city. Universal knew this would be an adjustment, so they’ve built out a transportation system to match.

At the center of this system is a dedicated shuttle network, designed to connect all parts of the Universal experience. From your hotel to the new park, or from the existing parks down to Epic Universe, these shuttles are your lifeline.

How to Travel Between Epic Universe and Universal’s Existing Parks

If you're starting your day at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay and want to head to Epic Universe—or vice versa—you’ll be using the resort’s complimentary shuttle service. This new fleet of buses will run continuously throughout the day, making pickups and drop-offs at designated transport hubs.

The primary pickup point near the current parks is located just outside CityWalk, Universal’s central promenade of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Guests exiting either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure can follow signs toward the new shuttle depot, which is integrated into the existing guest flow—no long detours or confusing transitions. It’s designed to be as intuitive as walking from one land to another.

From here, shuttles will depart every 10 to 15 minutes, taking guests directly to Epic Universe. The travel time is estimated at around 10 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day, but buses are frequent enough that most visitors won’t have to wait long.

Importantly, these are not Magical Express-style coaches with long waits and luggage stowage. They’re high-frequency, high-capacity shuttles, designed to feel like seamless extensions of the park experience. Think airport tram meets luxury coach, minus the seat belts.

Water Taxis, Walking Paths, and Why You Can’t Stroll to Epic Universe

One of the most common misconceptions we’ve seen already on travel forums and social media: Can I just walk from CityWalk to Epic Universe?

Unfortunately, no. No pedestrian path connects Universal’s current resort to Epic Universe. It’s a multi-mile stretch, with major roadways and undeveloped land in between. While the shuttle system bridges this gap efficiently, it’s a big departure from the resort’s previous layout.

Similarly, Universal’s scenic water taxis, which many travelers love for their gentle pace and breezy views, do not service Epic Universe. Those boats will continue running between the premier hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls) and CityWalk, but they will not head south to the new park.

If you’re the type who enjoys a boat ride to start your park day, we recommend using the water taxi to reach CityWalk, then transferring to the shuttle system for the final leg. It adds a few minutes to your trip, but for many, the peacefulness of that boat ride is worth the extra time, especially during crowded park mornings.

Where to Stay: Hotels Closest to Epic Universe

If you want to be as close as possible to the new action, Universal has built entirely new hotels near Epic Universe, each tailored to a specific type of traveler.

Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts

These two properties form the core of Universal’s expansion into value and moderate-tier lodging near the new park. Located just minutes from the Epic Universe gates, they’re ideal for budget-conscious families who still want early access and proximity.

Both feature futuristic, space-inspired designs that match the aesthetic of Celestial Park, the entry land at Epic Universe. Rooms are sleek but simple, with emphasis on comfort and efficient design rather than luxury. Guests staying here will have priority shuttle access to Epic Universe, as well as free transportation to the older Universal parks.

It’s worth noting that while these hotels are affordable, they’re not barebones. Think of them as the next generation of Universal’s Cabana Bay model: stylish, approachable, and packed with personality.

Helios Grand Hotel: Universal’s Flagship Inside the Park

Then there’s the crown jewel: the Helios Grand Hotel, located inside Epic Universe itself. Universal has confirmed that this hotel will feature direct in-park access, meaning guests can literally wake up, walk out the front door, and be in the heart of Celestial Park in minutes.

This level of integration is rare—even at Disney, few properties offer direct in-park lodging. Helios is aiming for a new kind of experience: not just staying near the magic, but living in it. Guests will get exclusive perks like early entry to every land, private views of nighttime shows, and concierge services that blend hotel hospitality with park planning expertise.

Rooms are expected to be upscale and themed to match Celestial Park’s cosmic aesthetic: celestial blues, star motifs, glowing lighting, and panoramic views of the park’s skyline.

For those planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or just looking to maximize every minute inside the new park, Helios Grand is likely to become the most coveted reservation in Orlando.

Epic Universe: What’s Inside the Park You’re Traveling To?

Getting to Epic Universe is only part of the adventure. The park itself is a bold step forward in immersive storytelling—arguably the most ambitious project Universal has undertaken since the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Celestial Park

The park’s entry hub, Celestial Park, acts as a kind of intergalactic plaza. Wide promenades, water features, and relaxed gardens give visitors space to decompress and orient themselves before entering the lands. Restaurants and retail will be centered here, along with the signature Chronos attraction, rumored to be a groundbreaking coaster that twists through time and space.

Super Nintendo World

Based on the wildly popular franchise, this land invites guests to physically interact with the game world—punching question blocks, unlocking hidden achievements, and even racing Bowser in a multi-dimensional kart race. If you’ve seen videos from the Japan or Hollywood versions, know this: Orlando’s Super Nintendo World is bigger and features more attractions, including a Donkey Kong Country expansion.

The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic

Unlike Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, this land focuses on the 1920s magic seen in the Fantastic Beasts series. Expect grand Art Deco architecture, new spell-casting technology, and show scenes built around the political intrigue of the wizarding world’s most secretive institution.

Dark Universe

This is where Universal pays tribute to its monster movie legacy—but with a fresh, modern twist. More than just jump scares, the land blends gothic horror and science fiction, with immersive environments that explore the myths of Dracula, Frankenstein, and the undead in a way that feels both ancient and oddly futuristic.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Inspired by the DreamWorks film series, this land is designed to bring kids and families into the world of dragon-riding Vikings. There will be interactive meet-and-greets, storytelling arenas, and a high-speed coaster that mimics the feeling of flying on Toothless himself.

When to Go, and What to Expect in 2025

Though Universal has not set a firm opening date, the company has indicated Epic Universe will debut in summer 2025, likely just ahead of the July 4th holiday.

Construction updates suggest a phased soft-opening period in late spring, which may include technical rehearsals or limited previews for annual passholders and resort guests.

Final Thoughts

Epic Universe is more than a theme park; it’s a signal that Universal is ready to challenge Disney on scale, immersion, and storytelling. But getting there requires a little more planning than past Universal visits. This is not a stroll from the Hard Rock Hotel to the entrance of Universal Studios.

With the new shuttle system, strategically placed hotels, and a commitment to connectivity, Universal has laid the groundwork for a smooth guest experience, even across a much larger footprint.

So don’t just book your tickets; map your mornings, choose your hotel wisely, and factor in shuttle time. Because once you’re inside Epic Universe, the only thing you should be thinking about is which world you want to explore next.