Universal’s EPIC Universe is now open – and, according to one of our homeowners, is the most exciting opening in Orlando this year.

Our White Rose Villas homeowner Pauline Upson shares her view on what makes EPIC so, well, EPIC… and why it should be top of your Orlando to-do list this summer!

 

“Even as a Disney fan, I have to tell you that EPIC absolutely blew me away!” says Pauline.

 

 

Pauline, what are your first impressions of the new EPIC Universe?

 

“I was lucky enough to visit EPIC Universe at the start of May during one of the park Previews. I subscribe to the Universal blog so, when I saw there were preview tickets available, I bought two – one each for my husband and me.

 

“EPIC is completely unbelievable! Everything – from the organisation, to the theming and the phenomenal attention to detail. It is like nothing else! It is miles ahead of all the other parks!”

 

 

What did you like most about Universal EPIC Universe?

 

“How to Train Your Dragon is one of my favourite films, so I loved the How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk. It looks just like the films and is incredibly well done.

 

 

“Isle of Berk is not a big area, although it feels more spacious than it is. We had dinner in the Great Hall, which was wonderful. I recommend that sharing platter – it could feed several people. It also has some great rides. And the show is spectacular.”

 

What did your husband like most about Universal EPIC Universe?

 

“He loves the existing two Universal Parks already – probably because he doesn’t have to wait for me to swap Disney pins! I am an avid collector! The Universal Parks tend to attract an older demographic and they feel a bit more relaxed. He enjoys the atmosphere. I think he also liked that he could wander around with a beer in EPIC Universe, which is something you can’t do in some of the other, dry parks.

 

“My husband is into classic horror. So he really enjoyed the Dark Universe area of the park. We visited the Burning Blade pub, which feels very authentic – like a seventeenth century British tavern – and you can see traditional horror characters like Frankenstein. It had a really good cocktail menu, so I enjoyed a cocktail there while my husband had a beer. My cocktail was delicious, bright green and served in a Bunsen burner flask!”

 

Do you have any advice for anyone planning to visit Universal EPIC Universe?

 

“I would start at Dark Universe on the far side the park. EPIC Universe is built around an artificial lake, so most people start by visiting the worlds at either side of the entrance, depending whether they choose to make their way clockwise or anticlockwise around the park.

 

 

“I’d suggest making your way back to the worlds close to the entrance in the middle of the day, as they are likely to be a bit quieter.”

 

What did you think of the new Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts “Ministry of Magic” world?

 

“I think we were very lucky when we went to the preview because the queues in the Ministry of Magic world were not that big. The world building is unbelievably good and there is a lot more to see in that section of the park than just the ride.

 

 

“We really enjoyed the Le Cirque Arcanus show. It is very cleverly done with a mix of live performers, puppets and videography. I can’t say too much about it as I don’t want to give away all the surprises – but it is very clever. The special effects are amazing: you come face to face with fantastic beasts!

 

“Although we were lucky with the queues when we visited, it’s worth noting that you can’t use your Lightning Pass on the Ministry of Mayhem ride. The lines can be as long as seven hours! We waited for over two hours, but the time went very quickly because there is lots to see and do while you are queueing. There are characters and little shows to keep you occupied.

 

“I’d suggest going to the Ministry of Mayhem ride after four o’clock when the lines tend to be a bit shorter. Even then, be prepared to queue for two to three hours.”

 

You’ve said you loved the How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk. What about that world most impressed you?

 

“I loved the character meet and greets in How to Train Your Dragon. And it was amazing to see the dragons. I was really overwhelmed to see the show and the dragons flying about! Some of the dragons are enormous. It blew me away. I couldn’t believe that something so huge could move so gracefully.

 

 

“It was well and truly EPIC – and outstripped all my expectations!”

 

What did you think of the Nintendo world?

 

“Be prepared! It’s very visual. It’s like being in the middle of a computer game! Obviously, it is designed for younger children and it was very busy when we visited. The queues were huge! It was the one area where we didn’t get to go on any rides. The lines were longer in the Nintendo world that they were for the Harry Potter rides when we visited.

 

“If you want to enjoy the Nintendo world, I would definitely recommend that you purchase a Lightning Pass.”

 

 

What advice can you offer anyone considering visiting Universal EPIC Universe to help them get the most out of their day?

 

“Whenever you visit any park, it’s really important to stay hydrated. So I’d suggest buying a refillable mug. This way, you can enjoy soft drinks as you travel around the park. It’s a good way to keep costs down and you get a souvenir to take home at the end of the day.

 

“Another important consideration when visiting Universal EPIC Universe is that it isn’t near the other two Universal Parks. Although there is a shuttle bus linking the parks, EPIC Universe is a considerable distance away. We had been planning to eat at Universal City Walk after visiting EPIC Universe. However, when we got back into our car at the  end of the visit, the last thing we wanted to do was drive over to the other parks.

 

 

“I’d definitely advise that when you visit EPIC Universe, you plan to eat at EPIC Universe. And, although you could in theory travel between the parks on your day entrance ticket, I would advise planning to stay all day at EPIC.”

 

What else should people know before they go?

 

“In the Harry Potter World it can get busy in the shops. That’s because the Ministry of Magic world has some exclusive Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise that you can’t get in either of the other two Universal parks.

 

 

“The other thing that really impressed me about EPIC Universe was the amount of thought that Universal has put into making the park enjoyable during adverse weather. In most of the parks, especially Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the rides close when it is raining. However, in EPIC Universe there remains a lot to do. You’re not going to be huddling in a shop waiting for the rain to stop!

 

“You could do the Harry Potter ride or the Frank’s Manor show or the Ministry of Magic Cirque de Arcanus show. You’ve got a lot of options.

 

“The other thing I really liked about EPIC Universe is the fact there are plenty of rest places where you can sit down and take a break – and not just in the food courts.

 

“Finally, I recommend taking a moment as you go into each land. Pause and look at the gate. The gates have moveable screens, like a video projection, and they really set the tone for the world you are about to enter.

 

 

“All in all, I have to say that EPIC is aptly named!”

 

 

Has Pauline inspired you?

 

If you’d like to know more about Universal EPIC Adventure, you can discover more on our blog: EPIC News: Enjoy an EPIC adventure in Orlando!

 

If you’re ready to book a vacation to Orlando, check out our homes here: Vacation Homes – White Rose Villas

 

To book Pauline’s beautiful home: Balmoral Breeze – White Rose Villas

 

 

 

 

 

It’s always nice to have our efforts recognised and we’re delighted to be able to report today that we have been awarded the silver award for Property Management Company of the Year 2024 by the specialist Florida vacation business Debbie’s Villas.

 

 

This award is wonderful recognition of our deep collaboration with the team over at Debbie’s Villas and the hard work of the entire White Rose Villas team and our homeowners to ensure all the guests who book through Debbie’s Villas enjoy – just as those who book through any other platform or direct enjoy – a wonderful time in Florida, assured of a spotless home, simplified check-in, an unparalleled guest experience and attentive customer service.

 

Last year, we were awarded the bronze award for Property Management Company of the Year 2023, so this year’s silver award is particularly special to us. It demonstrates that our commitment to continually improving our offering and the service we provide is not only paying off but also recognised by the people and businesses we work with.

 

Thank you to the whole Debbie’s Villas team for recognising our dedication to ensuring beautiful homes and delivering an excellent experience for guests.

 

We will continue to work hard to continually improve our services for the benefit of our team, homeowners, guests and partners and in 2025 we will be striving for gold!

 

What next?

 

Find out more about our property management services:

Property Management – White Rose Villas

 

Or view our homes:

Vacation Homes – White Rose Villas

Exceptional guest stays are created through unique and exciting experiences layered on top of getting all the essentials right.

One of the additional services many guests request is for outside catering services. We’re really delighted to recommend Spice House Catering for this type of guest request.

We are delighted to recommend Spice House

Why do we recommend Spice House? Because of the quality of the food and the exceptional service, of course.

We can testify to the great-tasting food and exceptional service because our team recently enjoyed Spice House Catering’s services for themselves. We hosted a staff event at one of the properties we manage. And, because we’re big believers in practicing what we preach, it was a no brainer to use Spice House to cater for the event.

About Spice House Catering

Born in Montego Bay Jamaica, Spice House chef Dameon grew up in a culture where foods are grown naturally and harvested nearby. Organic has always been a way of life, not a grocery store label. With an extensive background working in some of the finest luxury hotels and cruise ships for over 20 years, chef Dameon has developed a diverse culinary background.

He strives to bring that same level of attention to detail, culinary creativity and high-class service to every catering client. If our team’s reviews are anything to go by, he certainly succeeds!

Spice House cuisine

Spice House specialities include: Jamaican jerk chicken; escovitch snapper filet; rice and peas and pineapple upside-down cake.

The menu is diverse, with plenty of cuisines and influences evident in the catering menu. Choose from Italian favourites such as caprese salad and chocolate cannoli. Or opt for a Southern Menu featuring hickory smoke BBQ chicken, honey BBQ pork ribs, grilled salmon with a dill beurre blanc, sauteed collard greens and a red velvet cake for dessert.

There are traditional Mexican options from which to choose as well as all American favourites like cobb salad and key lime pie. Or you can opt to build your own buffet. This way, you can pick all your favourites from the wide range of delicious options.

We opted to build our own buffet and the team loved the results.

You can review the menu in full here: https://spicehousecatering.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Spice-House-Catering-Menu.pdf

Would you like to book Spice House to cater for you or your guests?

If you or any of your guests would like to book catering or private chef services, please get in touch with our team.

We are always happy to help put itineraries and extra services packages together for you and your guests to make sure you get the most from your stay.

Call our team on: 407 605 5865.

Happy Fourth of July! We’d like to wish all our homeowners a very happy Independence Day.

Please be aware that this year all the communities and resorts have emailed to advise that fireworks will not be permitted.

We know this is disappointing because fireworks are such a traditional part of people’s celebrations, but it is really important to ensure that the rules are followed.

Resorts are making this request because if fireworks or spent shells fall into the pool screen, it can cause a fire. This is a particular concern this year as more people will be celebrating at home due to the pandemic.

We’d like to reassure you that we have emailed all guests to ensure that they are aware that no fireworks are permitted this year. We have suggested instead that if they would like to celebrate with fireworks, they attend the firework display in Haines City.

You can find more details about this event here: https://www.hainescity.com/353/Thunder-on-the-Ridge

We at White Rose Villas love to visit the theme parks and their ever-growing offering of exciting rides and attractions to entertain and delight the whole family. We’re also aware that costs can tend to escalate at times, so we’re always looking for free or inexpensive things to do in and around Orlando. Here, we’ll share some of our favourites and give you some fun options that won’t shrink your bank balance too much, if at all. Please remember to check each venue before you go; in these uncertain times things can change rapidly.

Kissimmee Old Town

On route 192, close to Disney, we love to take a stroll around Kissimmee Old Town, with its amusement park, great dining and shopping. This charming retro walking district is a recreation of a classic Florida town, offering a welcome break from the larger, hectic theme parks. Saturday night sees a very famous and popular classic car cruise, with free entertainment for everyone, plus the chance to see hundreds of amazing classic cars parading the streets,

Farmer’s Market at Winter Park

Also on a Saturday morning from 7 a.m. there’s a weekly Farmer’s Market at Winter Park. Held in a vintage train depot off Park Avenue, it’s your chance to check out and buy fresh local produce, including artisanal foods, plants and baked goods. It’s great to take your time and explore the fabulous range on offer; maybe bag yourself a bargain!

Orlando Brewing Company

Every weekend there’s an opportunity to learn how organic beer is brewed at Orlando’s organic beer brewery, with its giant fermenting vats. Orlando Brewing Company offers free tours plus free live entertainment on its outdoor stage. Be sure to take an Uber if you intend to sample the delicious brews on offer!

Kelly Park, Apopka & Blue Spring State Park

Ever tried tubing? Well, if you think it may ‘float your boat’ why not head to Kelly Park in Apopka, where you can float your day away on a free flowing natural spring and crystal clear creek. You’ll also find hiking trails, volleyball courts and a playground. You can take your own tubes or rent one outside the park. All this costs just $3 per vehicle with 1-2 occupants, or $5 with 3-8 people.

There are no manatees at Kelly Park but, during the Winter months, you can spot these wonderful creatures at Blue Spring State Park located West of Orange City. It’s a dedicated manatee refuge and popular tourist destination where you can also go kayaking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, swimming or wildlife spotting.

Spook Hill

Visitors come from far and wide to experience spooky goings-on at Spook Hill in Lake Wales, South of Orlando. On arrival, park your car in neutral and it appears to roll uphill without any form of propulsion! Is the hill haunted as many locals will tell you, or is it maybe an optical illusion? You’ll have to make your own mind up, but we were pretty amazed when we visited!

Tibet Butler Preserve & Ocala National Forest

If you enjoy Florida’s abundant wildlife you can visit a wildlife haven close to Disney World. Tibet Butler Preserve is free to visit and offers miles of well-maintained hiking trails for all to enjoy.

Ocala National Forest is a unique and fascinating place known for its huge areas of pine scrub forest, natural pools and canoe runs. You can explore the hundreds of trails, one of which runs past a sinkhole, and the remains of 19th century homesteads.

The Bradlee-McIntyre House

For you achitecture buffs The Bradlee-McIntyre House is well worth a visit: the only surviving Queen Anne-style cottage in Orange and Seminole Counties. Built in 1885 for noted Boston architect Nathaniel Jeremiah Bradlee, the 3 storey, 13 room Winter vacation home features an octagonal tower and gingerbread trim, typical of the flamboyant houses of the period.

Running for Brews

Combining fitness with fun, Running for Brews is a well-known Orlando running club meeting at Graffiti Junktion 7p.m. Wednesdays. After running a local 5km route, you’ll enjoy free craft beers to help you rehydrate! This is definitely one of the favourites for we finely-honed athletes at White Rose Villas!!

Family Friendly Vacation Rental

Finally, while not free, we’re sure you’ll be very pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is to rent a family-friendly vacation rental around Orlando. From as little as $90 per night you and any little ones can enjoy your own private pool and spa, as well as a games room and resort facilities such as huge pools, arcades, gyms, restaurants, playgrounds etc. which vary by location.

Many rentals offer themed rooms based on favourite movies or characters that kids just love! For much less than the cost of a hotel, families or groups of friends can live in extremely comfortable, safe surroundings, eat outdoors, enjoy the games room and experience the magic all around them!

Check out the fabulous range of properties available at Ellis Exclusive Villas

We’re going to all be wearing a different type of mask this Halloween. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of seasonal fun to enjoy!

Here’s our round up of things to enjoy this fall in and around Orlando and Central Florida.

Remember that, given the current need for COVID-secure procedures, most events require you to book online in advance. You’ll also need to adhere to social distancing rules and wear a mask.

If you have any queries or concerns ahead of your visit, please contact the venue or organiser directly.

Halloween Fun in Orlando’s theme parks

In the parks, many events have been scaled back or cancelled (notably Mickey’s not-so-scary-Halloween Party and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights).

Nevertheless, Universal has plenty of Halloween themed décor, merchandise and trick or treating to enjoy.  Plus, there are two Haunted House attractions to get your fear fix!

Disney is also ratcheting up the Halloween-themed goodies, sweet treats and décor around the Magic Kingdom.  Your little ones can still enjoy plenty of themed character meet and greets and scaled-back parades.

SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is continuing this year, with changes to the trick or treating to enable better safety and social distancing, as well as other special themed activities around the park.

Halloween Fun in Orlando and Central Florida

Away from the parks, we’re delighted that some of our favourite low-key fall events are running this year.  Lakeridge Winery is known for its family-friendly events as much as its delicious wines and tasting tours, and from October 3^rd and 4^th, it’s bringing back its Weekends at the Winery events. This year, its featuring some of the area’s best food trucks along with the outdoor wine bar.

Enjoy some great food and wine under the trees, then try your luck at the cornhole games set up for some outdoor fun. The winery’s beautiful grounds offer plenty of outdoor space so you can enjoy a safe, social distance as you sip! See more information here.

Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins is a daytime Halloween event taking place weekends from October 10^th through November 1^st.

Costumes are encourage for this family-friendly event with spooky train rides, costume contests, and a trick-or-treat trail from 11am to 2pm. There’s also Frank & Stein’s Octoberfest, featuring an undead polka band and German Beer and food. Note that face masks are required per Orange County Executive Order # 2020-23 regarding COVID 19, and must be visible at all times (you can find out more about Gatorland’s safe reopening policy on its website).

Book tickets in advance – there’s a half-price deal for Florida residents through October 31^st. Halloween activities are included in the normal admission.

For a really rural take on the fall festival, Our Fall events at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont began on Saturday, September 26^th and continue until November 8^th (Thursday to Sunday).

Events feature live music, local food trucks, Farm Wagon rides, and Southern Hill Farms seasonal favourites including fresh apple cider donuts, blueberry lemonade and pumpkin muffins. While adults tuck in or cut a bouquet of beautiful sunflowers and zinnias, kids will adore the petting zoo and playground. Then pick out your perfect Jumbo Jack pumpkin for carving.

To help ensure safe social distancing, this year’s events are going ahead with 40 percent of normal capacity.  You’ll need to book in advance here.

At Orlando’s CityArts, 39 S Magnolia Avenue, you can take part in a wonderful outdoor art event on Thursday, October 15, 2020.  The 11th Annual Dia de los Muertos and Monster Event is a themed exhibition at CityArts Orlando and an outdoor experience with live performances, vendors, and more! Now in its 11^th year, the Día de los Muertos & Monster Art Exhibitions will showcase Day of the Dead and Halloween-inspired art created by regional, national, and international artists. This unique art exhibition will be paired with an outdoor experience on opening night that will feature food, drinks, entertainment and spooky art vendors.

Cost to enter CityArts only: $5

Cost of the Outdoor Dining Experience $35-$40 per person/seat

It is essential to book in advance and you can do this online.

Note that all guests will be required to wear a face covering, but guests may remove their face coverings if they are clearly eating or drinking outside CityArts.  All guests are required to register for a time-of-entry; only 20 people are permitted at a time.  For more details about CityArts’ COVID-19 Reopening Protocol, visit https://downtownartsdistrict.com/covid-19/.

There’s plenty more happening besides, these are simply our pick.  We’d love to hear your suggestions for fun fall or Halloween events – add your comments and suggestions below!

Or, if you’d like to write a review for our blog, please get in touch with our team.

This autumn season, the Orlando theme parks are determined to keep guests safe without spoiling the fall fun! You can continue to enjoy the fantastic Halloween events and seasonal surprises. First up is SeaWorld, where the annual Spooktacular opens today.

SeaWorld Spooktacular

There have been some changes this year, with new socially distancing measures in place. COVID secure safety measures have been implemented across the parks, with staff checks, hand sanitising stations, and mask wearing all designed to keep you safe.

Please remember: we all need to follow the guidelines and keep ourselves and others safe.

Meanwhile, there is still plenty of ghostly trick-or-treat fun and a feast of candy this Halloween!

SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is running on Saturdays and Sundays, from September 19th through November 1st.

It’s included in park admission and this year your little ones can look forward to:

• A trick-or-treat trail bursting with candy and adventure
• A special Halloween breakfast with Sesame Street friends
• Cookie Decorating with Cookie Monster
• Halloween Maze
• Meet a Mermaid

All park attractions have the necessary measures, enhanced cleaning procedures and physical distancing in place, to ensure everyone can still have a fun-filled experience with peace of mind.

Because of this, there have been some changes to the Trick-or-Treat Trail this year:

• Costumed youngsters go through in a single direction, with limited capacity, so they can have loads of fun whilst staying safe.
• At the entrance to the Trick-or-Treat trail guests must purchase a new reusable bag, from an assortment available, in order to prevent contact between individuals.

For the Grown-ups: Flicks & Frights

This year, you can enjoy a spooky film night under the stars at SeaWorld.

This is a brilliant drive-in experience! With a nostalgic twist, you can enjoy a classic Halloween movie from the comfort and safety of your car. There’s also local food trucks to visit before the feature. It’s $40 to park your vehicle and for all seated passengers to view the movie.

Saturdays, Sept. 19 – Oct. 31 and Friday, Oct. 23 & 30

Family-friendly Halloween film: 7:45 p.m.
Fright-filled Halloween film: 10:30 p.m.

Book your Halloween fun now!

While we now prepare to enjoy our much-loved theme parks in this different environment, we can still experience and enjoy the magic.

You can find out more about SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular here.

If you’d like to book your stay in Florida to enjoy a visit to SeaWorld Orlando or any of the fun-packed fall events that are happening in central Florida and its wonderful attractions this year, please check out our homes here.