Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways
Is Epic Universe the Future of Theme Parks? Here’s How to Save When You Go
04 Jun 2025
Learn what’s worth it (and what to skip) at Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe, with money-saving tips and sneak peeks of top rides. Is Epic Universe worth the higher ticket price compared to Universal’s other parks? How can you save money on theme park food, drinks, and add-ons without sacrificing fun? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the newest and most expensive addition to Universal Orlando—Epic Universe—and help you decide what’s worth the splurge, what’s skippable, and how to enjoy a top-tier experience without breaking your budget. But first, they break down the latest travel news, including United and JetBlue’s new BlueSky partnership, United’s downgrade of elite perks, and Southwest’s introduction of bag fees. Then, Sally recaps her experience at Epic Universe, including Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk, and a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She shares what to expect from the rides, dining, and vibe of each area, which locations offer the best rides and food, whether pricey extras like interactive wands and power-up bands are worth it, and smart ways to enjoy the park without overspending. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews. Resources discussed in this episode: Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards of June 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/southwest-airlines-cards The Best Days to Fly Around July Fourth in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/fourth-of-july-travel The Cheapest Ways to Visit Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/epic-universe-cheapest Universal Epic Universe: How to Plan Your Trip To One Of Orlando’s Top Theme Parks https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/epic-universe In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Epic Universe, Universal Orlando theme park, Universal Studios Epic Universe, how to save money at theme parks, best rides at Epic Universe, Epic Universe food prices, Universal Orlando ticket cost, Universal vs Epic Universe, Harry Potter Land Epic Universe, Ministry of Magic ride, Monsters Unchained ride, How to Train Your Dragon ride, Super Nintendo World Orlando, Epic Universe power-up bands, Universal wand prices, theme park loyalty programs, United JetBlue BlueSky, United Excursionist Perk ending, United Premier upgrade changes, Southwest Airlines bag fees, Marriott Emirates transfer, Marriott summer hotel deals, Fourth of July travel flights, Universal Studios ride tips, Epic Universe restaurants, best theme park desserts, Florida theme parks 2025, Universal Studios new park tips, Universal Orlando 2025, Epic Universe bar drinks, DK Crush Float, and theme park spending tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Episode
It is currently 4.42 a.m. I am walking up to Universal Epic Universe on its opening day. Now, technically, the rideshare, the parking, the shuttles don't even start operating until 7 a.m., but there is already a huge crowd of about 100 people waiting to be the first to get inside this park. I think they've walked up just like me. Let's go talk to them. What time did you get here today?
We got here at 10.45 p.m. yesterday. A little bit before 2.30. 4 a.m. 4 a.m. sharp. 4 a.m.
I'm feeling we got here a little late, to be honest.
I know there's already people in the front. Why are you here so early? We want to be here opening day. I wanted to be one of the very first people as soon as they open the gates. I definitely want to be one of the first to see everything. Once in a lifetime opportunity for a lot of people to come here on an opening day of a theme park. To be here and be part of history is absolutely amazing.
Sally, I can't believe how many people were at Epic Universe. That's the newest Universal theme park that opened in Orlando, Florida. If all those people were there that early, they are committed. Super fans. Yeah, they are prepared to shell out a lot of money for this new park.
I was there to figure out what is worth it and how to save money at the most anticipated new theme park in the U.S., Epic Universe.
You're listening to Smart Travel, a deep dive into the tips, tools, and tactics to maximize your travel dollars. I'm Megan Coyle, back from two weddings in Italy. One suitcase almost didn't make it, but that's a story I'll save for another episode.
I am Sally French. No lost luggage. I'm back in the studio after a wild week at Epic Universe. Before we dive into my Epic Universe trip, let's share what else is going on in travel.
But can't forget our usual disclaimer. We'll talk about a few credit card companies that are NerdWallet partners in this episode, but that doesn't influence how we discuss them. The benefits, terms, and fees mentioned were accurate at the time of posting, but things can change and some offers may have expired by the time you're listening.
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