Christmas shopping

Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe in Florida has opened its doors – with five new worlds to explore within – so naturally I went along to sample the magical delights

Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, has changed the face of the landscape and what it means to enjoy a holiday full of thrills and spills.

The £7 billion theme park is an immersive, multisensory experience with storytelling at its core. The resort’s fourth theme park and the first to open in 25 years, it invites guests to “explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations” – and it really is magical.

With 50 awe-inspiring attractions,entertainment, dining and shopping experiences in its new park, the Universal parks make up a 700-acre resort space.

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But it’s not just the stunning scenery, experiences and rides that blew me away – my entire group were wowed by the culinary experiences inside the park. Forget burgers, hotdogs and popcorn – although readily available if you fancy – I dined on exquisite seafood from scallops to King Oysters at Atlantic and freshly made Dim Sum and Ramen noodles at The Blue Dragon, both in Celestial Park.

I also found the best purple pizza called Pizza Lunare in Pizza Moon, complete with an Ube crust – the chunks of roasted garlic were to die for – and melt-in-the-mouth beef brisket at The Oak & Star Tavern.

Let’s explore the worlds a little closer for when you plan your first visit…

Celestial Park

Step through the Chronos – the impressive first portal tower and entrance to the park that when ‘powered’ will align to open up five magical portals for visitors to explore.

I first enjoyed Celestial Park – the cosmic heart of Epic Universe and so much more than just a starting point. Local ‘Celestians’ who inhabit here tend to the lush, tree-lined walkways and I found myself whisked into a whimsical world of greenery, tropical flowers, fountains and ponds.

Everything here is connected heavily to astrology, from the first sight of Luna, goddess of the moon, who oversees the night’s luminescence by her Neptune Pools, to the far side of the park where Apollo, god of the sun, rests. Even the rides are well themed – I enjoyed a gentle sway on the Constellation Carousel and zipped at 62mph on Stardust Racers, a dual racing rollercoaster across 5,000ft of track, which is the park’s top thrill ride for speed and height.

Celestial Park interweaves the other worlds and acts as a calming decompression from the extremities of themes and music in each world. Grab a cocktail at Bar Zenith, watch the fountain show and marvel in the sheer beauty.

MUST DO Visit North Star Wintry Wonders, an all-year Christmas store where it really snows outside – even under the hot Florida sun.

Dark Universe

The storytelling continues as you move through this spooky portal and into monstrous Darkmoor Village. It makes sense – Universal is the pioneer of horror, after all.

Dr Victoria Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s great great-granddaughter, is the proud owner of this world’s central focus – Frankenstein Manor – and she has captured all the monsters but she’s having some trouble with Dracula. Ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment as you navigate the catacombs of the manor to “help” Victoria (you won’t help – but you will scream).

The ride’s technology is phenomenal and the animatronics are creative masterpieces. Fear not, it’s suitable for all ages.

Take time to explore the details. Look out for a little girl statue of Maria (a character from the 1931 Frankenstein film, who accidentally drowns), listen to sounds from beneath the vampire well and head to the Blazing Blade Tavern for a fiery sight to behold.

MUST DO Grab a bite to eat at Das Stakehouse. The theming is almost better than the food – and the food is delicious.

Super Nintendo World

Everything moves, spins, jumps and wobbles in Super Nintendo World. It’s a gaming world for everyone – even the big kids who are young at heart.

Providing one of the coolest portals (the walkway into each world), I entered via a Super Mario Warp Pipe and arrived inside Princess Peach’s Castle before exiting into a world of jaw-dropping colour and musical joy. Glistening golden coins, stomping Koombas, sliding 1-Up mushrooms and snapping Piranha Plants were everywhere as I looked across to Bowser’s Castle.

This is where I gave Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge a go and my dismal points were made up for by the fun and laughter I had hurtling turtle shells and banana peels at my friends (virtually, of course – the race car game, where we’re up against all the usual Super Mario bad guys, is played via a headset).

The character meet and greets here are sweet for youngsters – Toad is a rotund delight for toddlers, Mario and Luigi are cool for pre-teens and even the too-cool-for-school teenagers won’t be able to resist Donkey Kong.

Don’t miss the fabulous rollercoaster Minecart Madness – it’s a bumpy ride but the jumps over “missing” sections of the track are thrilling.

MUST DO Buy a $45 Power-Up wristband. It’s vital for playing the in-world mini games, collecting coins and banking some exclusive park stamps and badges, which connects to an app on your mobile phone and creates family friendly competition.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic

This world makes the Wizarding Worlds at Universal Orlando Resort a trio – also made up of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands Of Adventure.

Step inside the magical streets of 1920s Paris, where the likes of Newt Scamander hangs out. Known as Place Cachée, this world is a fan delight, merging the magic of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in Paris, with the wonders of Harry Potter.

I hopped on the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry Of Magic for Dolores Umbridge’s trial for her crimes against magic on the mesmerising dark ride, Battle At The Ministry. Expect magical creatures and spells galore – and make time for the show, Le Cirque Arcanus. The puppetry will leave you speechless.

MUST DO Try a Gigglewater in Le Gobelet Noir – a bar owned by Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist who created the Philosopher’s Stone.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

The largest of all the worlds at Epic Universe,the Viking village of Berk is breathtaking. On entry, I was faced with two 40ft carved wooden statues, guarding the village. This world is set after the second film, where there’s peace and harmony between man and dragon.

Look out for The Untrainable Dragon live show, which has the most beautiful score, with singers and actors akin to the talent of a West End show. And be sure to try the mac and cheese cone at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – it’s the novelty dish I never knew I needed.

MUST DO Look to the skies. Here you’ll find actual flying dragons – drones to us adults (don’t tell the kids), but they are very realistic.

HOW TO BOOK

Universal Orlando Resort

All Parks tickets are available through British Airways Holidays from £439 per person.

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829 per person, travelling on selected dates in January 2026. Book by 9 June. For reservations visit britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/orlando/holidays-inorlando

The lesser-known Caribbean island of Grenada is a true gem, with stunning white sand beaches, lush rainforests and some incredible natural wonders for a dreamy holiday

An undiscovered Caribbean paradise offers holidaymakers white sandy shores, lush forests and untouched natural beauty. Tucked away northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the dreamy destination of Grenada personifies classic Caribbean appeal.

Come May and June, Grenada presents superb weather with daytime temperatures averaging a comfortable 29C to 31C, cooling down to a pleasant 23C to 25C at night – a perfect respite from the unpredictable English climate.

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Yet, despite its charming climate, Grenada is still a hidden gem compared to its busier neighbours, welcoming just 366,000 visitors annually – far fewer than the likes of Antigua (680,000) and St Lucia (783,000).

Famous for its aromatic nutmeg and mace, the island is fittingly dubbed the “Island of Spice” and has a storied past that includes early Arawak and Carib inhabitants, a period under French control in the 17th century, and its subsequent transformation into a British colony, as per a report by the Express.

Grenada became independent from the UK in 1974 and now thrives as part of the Commonwealth. The nation prides itself on a rich cultural tapestry, with influences from African, European and indigenous Caribbean roots clearly visible in their rhythmic music, expressive dance, delectable food, and lively festivals, including the exuberant Carnival celebrations.

Grenada isn’t just rich in history, it’s also an adrenaline junkie’s dream destination where water sports abound.

Thanks to the island’s exceptional conditions, enthusiasts can try their hand at sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding with plenty of resorts and aquatic centres on hand to offer both equipment hire and lessons.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, a venture into Grenada’s lush heartland to Annandale Falls is a must-do activity. This picturesque cascade invites visitors to either dive into its refreshing pool or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

The secluded spot has earned glowing reviews on TripAdvisor from those lucky enough to stumble upon it. One impressed visitor shared: “First visit, only there for a day from a cruise ship, but just love this beautiful country. The people are extraordinarily polite and friendly.

“Taken around the island on a one hour taxi ride that lasted much longer and showed Grand Anse beach (absolutely gorgeous and where the locals play) and the famous University. Any Uni with its beach must be a winner! A beautiful, calm place to study with lots of happy-looking students milling around.

“Flowers and trees are in full bloom and taxi driver Ronald is incredibly knowledgeable about the political history of the island. The waterfront is beautiful and so many fish to see. Some serious hills to climb to the fort etc, so wear comfy shoes.”

Another holidaymaker chimed in: “A must, Grenada is my favourite West Indian Island with the locals being very helpful and friendly, and the local shops being interesting and cheap.

“Our favourite trip was on the Rhum Runner, a twin-hulled boat with a large flat deck and upper deck above. We boarded it for our second time just before Christmas with a steel band playing.

“A trip around the main harbour followed by the crew feeding the local large fish. During this time the Rum Punch flowed in abundance, along with soft drinks, fresh local fruit, and cheese.

“The next stop was a very beautiful beach which we landed on by literally walking down a gangplank. The rum still flowed whilst enjoying the scenery, even trays of drink appeared to float along on their own with crew members under the water.”