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
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:
Browse our homes now.
10 reasons why you should celebrate May the 4th in Orlando, Florida, at Disney’s theme parks next year
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, a phrase was born that would unite fans across generations: May the Fourth be with you!
What started as a clever play on words has evolved into an annual holiday dedicated to celebrating all things Star Wars. And if you’re looking for the ultimate way to mark this special day next year, there’s no better place to do it than in Orlando, Florida, at Disney’s theme parks.
Orlando is home to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge transports guests directly into the world of Jedi, Sith, and smugglers. You’re not simply visiting a theme park – you’ll be stepping into your own fully immersive Star Wars adventure.
That’s why today is the perfect time to plan your 2026 May the Fourth trip to Orlando!
#1. Exclusive May the 4th celebrations and merch
Disney goes all out in its Star Wars themed area Galaxy’s Edge for May the 4th, often featuring special events, exclusive merchandise, themed food and drinks and unique character appearances. Imagine sipping on a blue milk while mingling with stormtroopers or hunting down rare collectibles that are only available on this galactic holiday.
#2. Make it a long weekend
In 2026, May 4th is a Monday, with May 5th – the day for the Revenge of the Fifth – falling on a Tuesday. This gives you the perfect excuse to turn your May the 4th trip into a super-galactic long weekend!
Book one of our homes for five days. Arrive Saturday, settle in, then spend Sunday chilling by the pool. Head to the parks for two days enjoying the Star Wars themed festivities. Then enjoy another pool day before you head back for a two-day week! Enjoy it you will!
#3. Special evening activities on select dates
Disney puts on a show for May the 4th. The parks host special events with character appearances and evening activities – such as light sabre classes. Make sure you visit on a special date (May 4th included, of course) so you can linger and enjoy the show.
#4. Build your own light sabre
What would-be Jedi wouldn’t want to build their own light sabre? Guests can book special workshops at Disney Hollywood Studios in Disney World to create their very own customized light sabre. For a mere $250 (2025 prices) you can book into a special session at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge where you can create the lightsabre you’ve wielded in your imagination!
#5. Ride the fastest ship in the galaxy
Ride in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring Smugglers Run. This thrill ride is great for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a pilot, engineer or gunner, the Millennium Falcon will blast off, pushing you and your crew back into your seats when you jump into hyperspace.
#6. Combine forces with the resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a massive attraction with multiple ride systems. Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Rise of the Resistance is another kid-friendly thrill ride. Your mission has unexpected twists and turns – especially when your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers!
#7. Create your own sidekick
Take your choice of the BB-series unit or R-series unit and receive a basket and blueprint for parts, then you can begin your droid-building experience at Black Spire Outpost’s industrial depot.
#8. Try to stay out of trouble at the Cantina
For those who have long dreamed of visiting one of the galaxy’s most infamous watering holes, Oga’s Cantina brings that dream to life. To sup on a Jedi Mind Trick cocktail, Bad Motivator IPA or Toniray wine, it’s highly recommended that you book in advance, which you can do through the Disney app after purchasing your theme park tickets.
#9. Once you’ve saved the galaxy, head back to the pool for a dip
It’s a great atmosphere and super fun, but there is nothing like being able to return to the comfort of your own vacation home after a busy day at Orlando’s theme park.
Choose one of our homes with private pools and you can rest those tired limbs and recover from your intergalactic adventures in the best way possible.
#10. Go back for more…
In recent years, a new May celebration has grown in popularity. May 5th is the day for Revenge of the Fifth – when the dark side gets to celebrate its own villainous antiheroes… Or perhaps it’s yet another great excuse to enjoy all the fun of Galaxy’s Edge and Disney Hollywood Studios for an extra day!
Ready to book?
If you fancy enjoying the May the 4th celebrations in Orlando in 2026, browse our vacation homes now.
Close to Disney, with more room than a hotel room and all the freedom of your own private pool, our vacation homes are the perfect way to enjoy all the fun of May the 4th with a little extra luxury thrown in!
February is the month of love and we’re asking you to share your thoughts on what gets your heart pounding this Valentine’s Day!
And with just two days to go… you still have time to enter! Post and share your entries now!
How to enter our Facebook competition
We want to invite you to share the love… so we’ve launched a Valentine’s Day Contest. We’ve already had some wonderful entries, but we’re hopeful to hear more and get more of you involved before the big day!
All you need to do is share your Love Notes to… Anything you love!
Write a funny, witty, sweet, or romantic Valentine’s message dedicated to ANYONE or ANYTHING you love and post it to our Facebook page!
Who can you dedicate it to?
- Your spouse, partner, crush, or even an imaginary boyfriend/girlfriend
- Your best friend, sibling, parents, or grandparents
- Your beloved pet (because they deserve all the love!)
- Your car, bike, morning coffee, or even PIZZA!
- That one thing you can’t live without (Netflix, WiFi, comfy socks… we won’t judge!)
There’s a romantic hamper on the line for our winner!
How the competition works
We had such a great response to our Advent competition and we’d love for you to get involved in this competition too.
The entry with the MOST VOTES (likes, reactions, shares) wins!
So, get your friends and family involved—share your post and ask them to like it! Voting ends at midday GMT (UK time) on February 14, 2025.
The Prize? A romantic hamper for you to share with your loved one! the winner will be announced on February 14, 2025.
The more activity we get on our Facebook page, the more bookings we get, so as well as entering yourself, please get sharing the competition with all your friends and family and ask them to enter too!
Get posting and good luck!
We are now more than halfway through our Advent 12 Days of Christmas prize draw challenges and we would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and participation.
Thank you for your support
The team is absolutely delighted by the results so far. We’ve seen great comments, brilliant answers to our challenges and some wonderful photos. Thank you to everyone who has shared and joined in.
For those of you who haven’t posted yet – there’s still time. We’re running challenges every two days right up to the 22nd December.
And you can keep answering and commenting and sharing photos to all of the challenges until the 23rd December.
Engagement leads to bookings
The great news is that during the period which we’ve run the promotion so far, we’ve increased the followers of the White Rose Villas Facebook page from just over 300 to over 400. That’s an increase of more than 25 percent!
This is an amazing achievement and testament to all your wonderful comments and contributions. So thank you.
We know that the more engagement we have, the more we can drive traffic to our site and, ultimately, the more bookings we will receive for your homes. Your engagement will benefit us all over the long term.
A wonderful response
This is the first time that White Rose Villas has run a holiday promotion. It has been an ambition of ours to run a promotion like this for some time. We have been blown away by the response.
We are really looking forward to the prize draw when we’ll be announcing our winners. There will be more details to follow on this soon – so stay tuned to our Facebook page!
Please continue to support our marketing efforts and join in the holiday spirit by answering our challenges! Keep the photos rolling in – they are fantastic. And please share the posts on your own feeds and with your own friends and family so that we can reach as big an audience as possible.
Thank you.
It’s just two sleeps away from the launch of our exciting Advent promotion.
We’re going to be launching a series of fun posts throughout the advent period to encourage our guests and homeowners to engage on our page.
Each time you post in answer to a challenge, you’ll earn an entry to our 12 Days of Christmas Raffle on Christmas Eve.
And every time someone likes one of your posts in response to any of our advent calendar challenges, you’ll earn an extra bonus entry!
So the more posts and the more likes on your posts, the more chances you have to win.
And the prizes?
We can’t promise any partridges in pear trees or seven swans a swimming (although it wouldn’t be the craziest thing we’ve found in a swimming pool!) but we can promise you 12 White Rose Villas prizes.
You could win:
- $50 Amazon voucher
- Free pool care (for homeowners) or free pool heat during your stay (for guests)
- Hamper of candies
- A mid-stay clean
- Christmas Edition Disney pins
- Pressure wash for your pool deck (for homeowners) or a $50 Starbucks voucher (for guests)
- Luxury home scents giftset of candles and diffuser
- Scented melts and a burner
- Free digital welcome book (for homeowners) or a $50 cinema voucher (for guests)
- $25 Uber Eats gift card
- $500 account credit (for homeowners) or $500 discount off a vacation booking (for guests)
- Boobie prize of a White Rose Villas pen!
Stay tuned for more updates and be ready to share your thoughts with us!
The Advent Calendar promotion launches on December 1st.
Follow our White Rose Villas Facebook page now to ensure you see all the challenges and can post your entries.
- EPIC News: Enjoy an EPIC adventure in Orlando!
- Dr Beach lists best US beaches for 2025
- FIFA is taking the club soccer game to the world… and Orlando is part of it!
- Family vacations in Orlando
- May the Fourth be with you!
Unwrap the Magic: Our Christmas Advent Calendar is Here!
The countdown to Christmas has begun, and we’re thrilled to bring you our White Rose Villas Christmas Advent Calendar – a special way to celebrate the season with our owners and guests!
This is a new promotion for 2024. Every day leading up to Christmas, we’ll unveil something new and delightful.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
🎁 Exclusive Holiday Offers: From discounts on services to festive surprises, don’t miss out on these treats!
🎄 Festive Inspiration: Holiday decor ideas, heartwarming recipes, and fun tips to make your home and holidays sparkle.
✨ Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Meet the team members who make the season special and get an inside look at what we’re doing to spread holiday cheer.
🌟 Daily Surprises: Each day brings a little something extra to brighten your holiday season!
How to Join the Fun
Stay tuned for daily updates!
You can:
- Check your inbox for your daily advent surprise.
- Follow us on our socials for bonus content, festive updates, and more holiday fun!
We can’t wait to count down to Christmas with you and make this holiday season unforgettable. Let the festivities begin!
Deck the halls: Christmas tree service now available!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
And we’re here to help your guests feel the magic of the season. Starting next week, our team will begin putting up Christmas trees in properties for the holidays!
If your guests are expecting a tree, let us know right away to ensure we can make their stay extra special.
Here’s how it works:
- Cost: A small fee will apply, which goes directly to our hardworking housekeeping team for their time and effort.
- Booking: Email admin@whiterosevillas.com to reserve this service.
- Deadline: Slots are filling up fast, and bookings will close on November 30th.
- Don’t wait—secure your tree today!
Let’s bring festive cheer to your home and delight your guests this Holiday Season.
- EPIC News: Enjoy an EPIC adventure in Orlando!
- Dr Beach lists best US beaches for 2025
- FIFA is taking the club soccer game to the world… and Orlando is part of it!
- Family vacations in Orlando
- May the Fourth be with you!
We’ve got exciting news and we need your support!
White Rose Villas has been nominated for the Best of Florida
The Best of Florida is an annual list of the best-loved businesses in Florida. It includes bars and restaurants, small businesses, shops and services, including travel companies.
As well as potentially winning recognition, the Best of Florida list will be published online and in a Best of Florida directory, helping the included nominees to reach a wider audience.
This is a great marketing opportunity for all of our homeowners. A listing will help direct visitors to our site and help us to fill your calendars.
We need your help!
The winners are decided by pubic vote. So we need your help! Please vote for us.
You can vote here: https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas
You can vote every day until July 31st when this year’s competition closes.
So please bookmark the page above and vote for us every day this month!
This might seem last minute, but the organisers tell us 90 percent of voting happens in the last month of voting! So your vote will make a difference!
Spread the word: Vote for us every day until July 31
Please return to the page https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas and add your vote to the White Rose Villas total.
Please share with your contacts and ask them to vote too!
The more recognition we receive, the better placed we are to market your property, so please do join the effort to get White Rose Villas and all of our homes rated as the Best of Florida!
Results are published online at the end of August and the print directory is published in October. We will keep you informed of the result.
Your support is appreciated. Thank you.