Be amongst the first to experience Universal’s EPIC amusement park! Orlando’s newest theme park officially opened its gates on May 22 this year.
If you’re coming to Orlando this summer, Universal’s EPIC Universe should definitely be on your wish list!
What can you expect from EPIC?
The EPIC Universe theme park features five themed areas: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
You can watch Universal’s trailer for the theme park here:
Now the doors are open, here’s our guide to what you can expect from your EPIC visit.
Harry Potter at EPIC
We know that our guests love Universal’s amazing Harry Potter worlds. Now Harry Potter fans have a dazzling new experience to enjoy.
The team at Universal worked directly with the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts filmmakers in order to create a really authentic feel to the new Ministry of Magic world at EPIC Universe. Universal says that the result is their most ambitious and immersive experience yet!
We can’t wait to explore the Ministry of Magic in London and Paris!
As well as drinking butter beer in 1920s Paris, taking the Flue network to London and helping to save London’s Ministry of Magic, visitors can watch the show of fantastic beasts at Le Cirque Arcanus – a spectacular mix of live performers, puppetry and special effects.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at EPIC
How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk is another big name draw that really makes EPIC an unmissable day out when you are next in Orlando.
Here, you can take a ride on a fun coaster – Hiccup’s Winged Gliders – which takes you on a tour of this mythical Viking world. From Hiccup’s workshop comes his latest contraption: a winged flying machine that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the air, swooping and soaring and encountering Hiccup and Toothless along the way.
There’s also a dragon-studded live spectacular which features a replica of Toothless with a 27-foot wingspan soaring above the audience. This heartwarming musical show sets you in a time when a new dragon shows up on the Isle of Berk and the Vikings think they may have finally met their match with the Untrainable Dragon!
Plus, we think little ones will love Fyre Drill and the Viking Training Camp. Fyre Drill is a kid-friendly water ride that will have you boarding your ship and blasting your water cannons at flame-like targets to out-soak other Vikings. While Viking Training Camp is a sprawling, colourful, interactive play area – perfect to let the little ones play while you enjoy a much-needed sit down (and maybe some Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel!).
Super Nintendo World at EPIC
The bright, fun world of Super Nintendo is another kid-friendly attraction at the EPIC Universe theme park. You’ll find all your favourite Super Nintendo characters here, including character experiences with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and Donkey Kong.
In Super Mario world you can enjoy an interactive ride on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Riders wear special augmented reality goggles and steer through iconic courses alongside Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.
Meanwhile, in Donkey Kong country, you can take a wild ride to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana on Mine-Cart Madness, a thrilling family coaster.
Dark Universe at EPIC
Universal has a well-deserved reputation for some of the best Halloween events in Orlando and this Dark Universe world at the EPIC Universe theme park builds on that reputation.
Dark Universe is a world of legendary monsters and grim myth and mystery – from the experiments of Victoria Frankenstein to a twisted landscape where monsters roam.
The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience offers you an opportunity to transform into werewolves, vampires, mummies and more. Meanwhile, character encounters include Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride, Ygor and The Invisible Man.
Highlights include the Curse of the Werewolf thrill ride. Here, cars tears through the dark forest at 37 mph, for over 2 minutes of sheer thrill, racing through a dark foreboding shed with mysterious figures clawing ever so near.
Celestial Park at EPIC
As well as being home to a galaxy of themed restaurants and shops, Celestial Park is home to two rides: the Stardust Racers thrill ride and the kid-friendly Constellation Carousel.
However, we have to admit, you’re much more likely to find us in one of the themed restaurants or bars in the Harry Potter Ministry of Magic World!
What you need to know about visiting EPIC
Universal EPIC is now open. Anyone visiting Orlando from this summer onwards can experience the fun.
A shuttle bus connects Universal EPIC with the other Universal Parks, so you can use your tickets. However, we think there’s more than enough to explore at EPIC to keep you entertained for a full day.
Get your tickets in advance for the best prices. And stay in one of our homes close to the parks, so you can return to all the comforts of home and your own private pool at the end of your EPIC adventure!
Ready to book?
If you’d like to visit Universal EPIC, book your stay in one of our vacation homes close to Orlando in Kissimmee, Davenport or Clermont.
It won’t come as a surprise to any Florida resident but it’s official: we have some of the best beaches in the country!
Two Florida beaches have made this year’s top ten list of the best beaches in the USA, as determined by Dr Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr Beach.
For over three decades, Dr Stephen Leatherman has reviewed, evaluated and rated beaches and coastal areas throughout the world. His annual ranking of America’s Best Beaches is published just before Memorial Day weekend and is always widely reported.
In addition to compiling these annual beach rankings, Dr Beach works tirelessly to increase awareness about the dangers of rip currents and to promote no smoking at beaches.
Iconic Florida beach scene at Siesta Beach in Florida
Which Florida beaches does Dr Beach recommend for 2025?
Two beaches in Florida made Dr Beach’s best beaches in the USA list for 2025. Both are situated within Florida State Parks.
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is located just east of Panama City Beach, the tourist hotspot on Florida’s Gulf coast. It enters Dr Beaches best beach list at number seven this year.
Dr Beach explains, “An inlet separates a short section of St. Andrews from the main part of the park which is only accessed by boat both ferry and private. This strikingly white sandy beach is great for shelling and bird watching.” Snorkeling and swimming are also popular.
Sadly, this beach is not a day trip away from our vacation homes in the Orlando area. It’s around a six-hour drive away from our homes. However, don’t despair – there are some other great options if you fancy some beach time!
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Dr Beach has named the beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park near Naples as his number four pick this year. Florida State Parks says, “This popular destination boasts one of the most pristine stretches of beaches in the world.”
Dr Beach says, “This barrier island beach boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Pine trees provide welcome shade.”
Open 8am to sundown 365 days per year, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is slightly closer to home. This park is a three-hour drive south, past Fort Meyers and towards Naples, from our vacation homes near Orlando.
Which of Dr Beach’s best beaches are closer to Orlando?
Over the years, Dr Beach has named several best beaches in Florida. His work showcases the wonderful choice of beaches when staying in the Sunshine State.
Dr Beach recommendations in Florida include: St George Island State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Siesta Beach, Caladesi Island State Park, TH Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park and Bahia Honda State Park.
The two most convenient beaches for day trips from our vacation homes near Orlando recommended by Dr Beach are Siesta Beach and Caladesi Island State Park.
Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach has made the top spot on Dr Beach’s best beaches list twice. The first time was in 2011, when it was awarded the top spot. Then Siesta Beach made the cut again in 2017 – again winning the number one spot in Dr Beach’s best beaches list.
Dr Beach praises its soft, white sand. He says, “With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, this beach attracts sand collectors from all over. Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters ideal for swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the south. This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.”
Located by Sarasota and just a two-hour drive away from our vacation homes in Orlando, Siesta Beach is a great option if you fancy a day at the beach when staying in one of our vacation homes.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a particular favorite with Dr Beach. It took the number one spot in 2008 and has been a consistent top choice ever since, ranking number two in 2022, number seven in 2021 and fourth in 2024.
Dr Beach explains, “The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters. There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”
One of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is accessible by boat. A ferry runs from Honeymoon Island State Park.
Its island location means it’s important to check the park status before you leave. At the current time, the beach is closed to visitors. Florida State Parks expects to open the park and its beaches again soon. When it does reopen, it would make for a wonderful day trip if you’re staying at one of our vacation homes near Orlando.
Located off the coast by Dunedin, past Tampa and Clearwater, the drive can be less than two hours, depending on local traffic conditions.
It’s not only Dr Beach who recommends Florida’s beaches!
There are lots of options for beach time which aren’t too far a drive from our homes in Orlando – not least the beaches along the Atlantic Coast.
And Dr Beach isn’t the only expert to love Florida beaches. The World’s best beaches list also listed Siesta Beach in its list of the world’s top 50 beaches this year – the only beach in the USA to make the coveted listing!
We think a trip to Siesta Beach would make a wonderful day trip from one of our vacation homes, especially if you are staying for a longer break or making the journey from out of state or abroad. You really will get a taste for the wide variety of fantastic days out that Central Florida has to offer.
Ready to book?
If you’ve been inspired to visit the Sunshine State by Dr Beach’s pick of Florida beaches, we’d love to host you in one of our beautiful vacation homes.
Browse our homes to start planning your next adventure: Vacation Homes – White Rose Villas
See your soccer heroes in Orlando!
On June 14, 2025, the world’s most prestigious, merit-based global club competition in history will kick off in the USA.
Yes, that’s right: the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is coming to Orlando!
What is the FIFA Club World Cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup showcases the best of world club soccer.
Some of the world’s biggest men’s soccer clubs will be competing to lift the trophy this year. For 2025, the tournament has been expanded to mirror the format of the soccer World Cup tournament. It begins with group matches before moving on to the knock-out stages. 2025’s tournament features 32 teams.
FIFA is hosting the 2025 Club World Cup in stadia across the USA. Twelve different stadia across the USA have been selected to host the games. Excitingly, two venues in Orlando will be hosting some amazing games during the tournament.
See a soccer match in Orlando
With Orlando hosting six of the sixty-three soccer matches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to watch the best players in the world while soaking up some Florida sunshine and enjoying some downtime in the sunshine state.
The cup tournament kicks off with the first stage Group A match between Al Alhy FC and Inter Miami CF at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday June 15.
Orlando hosts its first match on Monday June 17. Here’s the full rundown of matches in Orlando.
Monday June 17, Inter&Co Stadium
Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC
This is a first-stage Group F match which bring together the hottest soccer talents from Korea and South Africa.
Ulsan HD FC is a South Korean soccer club competing in the top tier of South Korean football. The Tigers are five-times K League 1 champions, two-times AFC Champions League winners and are known for their strong attacking play, solid defence and dominance in Asian football.
The Mamelodi Sundowns are based in Pretoria and are a top South African team. They have won the South African Premier League championship fifteen times – the most in the league’s history. The Sundowns have dominated South African football and are now pushing for African supremacy. In Orlando, they will be shooting for even greater glory!
It will be a thrilling start to Orlando’s hosting during the tournament and we can’t wait to enjoy the footballing talent on display.
Friday June 20, Inter&Co Stadium
SL Benfica vs Auckland City FC
This Group C match is likely to be well attended. The family-friendly 5pm kick-off time and the Friday night slot make this an appealing match for any soccer fans in Orlando.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica is one of Portugal’s most successful and popular football clubs. SL Benfica had a strong year in 2025. As well as making it to Orlando, they are set to play in the Portuguese Cup final on May 25 against Sporting CP, aiming for their 27th title.
Since being founded in 2004, Aukland City FC have established themselves as a dominant force in Oceania football, with 13 OFC Champions League titles and multiple New Zealand Football Championship wins. Their best performance at the FIFA Club World Cup was in 2014, when they finished third.
This promises to be a very exciting match!
Wednesday, June 25, Camping World Stadium
TBD vs. CR Flamengo
They might not have as much name recognition as Boca Juniors, but CR Flamingo is one of Brazil’s most successful soccer clubs. The club has won seven Brasileirão titles are three-times winners of the Copa Libertadores and four-times winners of the Copa do Brasil. Their best performance in the FIFA Club World Cup was in 2019, when they were runners-up.
This first stage, Group D match will pitch them against a yet-to-be-decided opponent. That’s because the original Group D contender Club León was ruled ineligible to compete in the tournament due to multi-club ownership violations. As a result, their spot will be filled by the winner of the playoff between LAFC and Club América which is scheduled to be held on May 31, 2025.
Whoever wins, this will be an exciting match and no doubt there will be some virtuoso soccer skills on display.
Thursday June 26, Camping World Stadium
Juventus FC vs. Manchester City
This is one of the most hotly anticipated matches of the group stages in Orlando. This Group G match pits two of the world’s most renowned teams against each other.
Juve is one of Italy’s most successful and historic football clubs. Based in Turin, Juventus competes in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football. It has won the league a record 36 times, as well as being two-times UEFA Champions League winners and three-times UEFA Cup winners.
Ten-times British Premier League champions (most recently in 2024) as well as UEFA Champions League winners in 2023 and FIFA Club World Cup winners in 2023, Manchester City’s recent successes make it an attractive proposition in this tournament. Manchester City is known for its possession-based attacking playing style which will be great to watch, especially up against Juve’s strong defence and attacking fluidity.
This match promises to be one of most exciting soccer games of the tournament. If you can get the Friday off work, we recommend booking a few nights in one of our Orlando vacation homes and enjoying an extended trip. Watching this match would be a superb way to kick off a long weekend in Orlando.
Tuesday July 1, Camping World Stadium
TBD vs. TBD
With the group stages completed, the tournament teams are down to the last sixteen. This is when the knockout rounds begin. It’s too early to say who will have passed through from the group stages at this point. We do know the winner of this match will go on to play in the quarter finals.
If you are a soccer fan, getting tickets to these last 16 matches is a great way to be sure of seeing a great game. Once the group stages are completed, getting tickets to these matches will be more difficult. So, while you don’t know which teams will be on the pitch, it can be a rewarding gamble to buy your tickets now.
July 4, Camping World Stadium
TBD vs. TBD
Orlando’s Camping World Stadium hosts a quarter final on the Fourth of July. We obviously don’t know who will have progressed through the group stages and the early knock-out round at this stage. However, we do know that it will be a thrilling opportunity to see two of the eight best club sides in the world playing against each other for a place in the semifinal.
The Club World Cup final will be played in New York on Sunday July 13.
About the FIFA Club World Cup stadia in Orlando
Two venues will be hosting FIFA Club World Cup matches during the 2025 tournament: the Inter&Co stadium and the Camping World Stadium.
Inter&Co Stadium
The Inter&Co Stadium is a soccer stadium located in downtown Orlando, Florida. It serves as the home ground for Orlando City SC (MLS) and Orlando Pride (NWSL). It opened in March 2017 and has a capacity of 25,500. It has hosted the SheBelieves Cup three times – in 2018, 2020 and 2023. The 49 rainbow-colored seats in Section 12 honor the victims of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.
Location: 655 W Church St, Orlando, FL, 32805
Camping World Stadium
The Camping World Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest venues in the city, with a capacity of 60,219 – 65,194 people. It hosts a variety of sports, concerts and major events. As well as hosting the Citrus Bowl annual college football game, it’s also hosted events as diverse as WrestleMania 33, Shakira, Post Malone, and Stray Kids. The stadium is known for its historic significance, modern renovations and electric atmosphere during major events.
Location: 1610 W Church St, Orlando, FL, 32805
How to watch a soccer match in Orlando
If you’re headed to Orlando to see a soccer match during the tournament, we’d love to host you in one of our gorgeous Orlando villas. All our villas feature a private pool and many of our vacation homes have wonderful games rooms – perfect for unwinding together after a thrilling match.
Browse our homes here.
If you don’t already have your match tickets, don’t despair! There are still tickets available through Ticketmaster and the FIFA website.
Check availability and book your match tickets here: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/club-world-cup/usa-2025/tickets
Why families should book a vacation home
Orlando has some of the world’s best amusement parks. And the best way for families to experience them is by booking a vacation home close to the parks. Here’s why!
#1. The parks are tiring
Long days, packed with excitement and miles of walking… Orlando’s amusement parks are great days out. But they’re long days out. And they are tiring days out.
There’s nothing better than being able to escape to the privacy of your own vacation home at the end of the day. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape and unwind together.
#2. Your own private pool
All of our vacation homes have a private pool. Many of them also have a jacuzzi. You can relax while the kids play. It’s a simple, quiet joy you simply can’t get in the parks.
#3. You can schedule some down days
Between days at the parks, you can relax and chill out at home, by the pool, or with your kids’ favorite shows playing on TV. It’s easy. It’s relaxing. It’s how your vacation ought to be…
#4. Space to play
Having your own space gives you the freedom to keep the kids amused in simple, fun ways. Why not build them a den? Or play a board game? Enjoy a few peaceful moments without all the high-octane energy and expense of the parks.
#5. Get together at your “home away from home”
Many of our vacation homes have games rooms and/or movie rooms, so you can get together and create some lasting family memories.
#6. Your kids can have their tantrums without the audience!
After your kids have met their heroes and you’ve finally managed to tear their tired little selves from the always-on magic of the parks, to say they can get a little overwrought is something of an understatement.
Isn’t it so much better to be snuggled in the comfort of your own vacation home when the inevitable meltdown comes? Surround them with all their familiar comforts, put on a Disney movie, prepare their favorite snacks, read them a story, whatever they need – all in your own time and in your own space.
#7. It’s a great excuse to broaden your horizons
It’s easy to focus all your attention on Orlando’s amusement parks, but Florida is so much more than that!
The state boasts some of the best beaches in the world. And some of the most wonderful natural parks in the country. Staying in a vacation home can be an impetus to go further afield. Explore!
#8. Mac’n’cheese is on the menu
Having your own kitchen facilities isn’t only a great way to keep the costs down. It’s also super convenient for preparing healthy snacks and making sure your fussy eaters can enjoy the home comforts they love.
No need to dress for dinner. Eat at a relaxed time and place to suit you.
#9. Make an occasion of it
Our vacation homes come with concierge service – so you can order in birthday baskets or other treats if you wish. We even partner with a caterer if you want to give everyone the night off!
#10. Your space is your own
In a vacation home, you really can kick back and relax in a way that is impossible in a hotel room. Spread out. Kick back. Enjoy.
Book your own Orlando family vacation!
If you’d love nothing more than to spend some quality time with your family while enjoying all that Orlando has to offer, please: