The countdown to Epic has officially begun! Universal Orlando Resort's highly anticipated fourth theme park—Universal Epic Universe—will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond attendees' wildest imaginations.

Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created and will be the next gamechanger for theme park entertainment. With more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

Anchoring the park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel—a majestic 500-room property that will offer visitors one-of-a-kind views of the park and feature its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required).

The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, 11 spectacular hotels that are destinations unto themselves, and more—forever changing the landscape of the award-winning destination.

"This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we're thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year," said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. "With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week's worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same."

More details about private events in Universal Epic Universe will be released in the months ahead. Meetings and events will be available for booking at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which offers nearly 5,000 square feet of versatile space, starting October 22.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of  ©2021 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.

Every city has a dark side: You can never quite tell exactly what lies beneath, behind or beyond. These North American cities are notorious haunts for ghost legends—where groups are likely to have their bones chilled by gruesome stories and their blood curdled by run-ins with spirits. And let's be transparent: These spirits don't just come out on Halloween; they're around any day or night of the year.

Broadway is a place where art, culture and entertainment intersect in spectacular fashion.

Fall in love with Indiana's rolling hills and riverside communities in southern Indiana, known as "SoIN," just north of Louisville, Kentucky.

The communities of Clarksville, Jeffersonville, New Albany and more include a variety of group tour options. As the seasons change, come along we explore a few!

DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE
In October 2024, Derby Dinner Playhouse will celebrate its golden anniversary in its Clarksville, Indiana location. Audiences have laughed, cried and sung along with its Broadway style shows for 50 years. Their '24/'25 season will include classic tales, musical theater, satire and comedic stories like Dracula, A Salute to the Rat Pack, Singing in the Rain and Urinetown. Groups can enjoy the buffet of comfort food, cocktails and themed desserts before these fabulous shows.

FALLS OF THE OHIO STATE PARK
Groups interested in history and nature can explore the Falls of the Ohio State Park. The park's interpretive center exhibits allow for time travel to Devonian era fossil beds, where guests can see the kinds of creatures that lived in the tropical sea that covered this area 390 million years ago. The exhibits also inform guests of how Lewis and Clark recruited the men from the surrounding area for their 1803 expedition. They met in what is now known as Clarksville to begin that two-year quest to find the Northwest Passage.

When river levels are low, guests who want to hike down to the shoreline can explore evidence of the past, with fossils ranging in size from a half inch to 50 feet. Groups can arrange a guided hike with an interpretive naturalist or explore on their own to get the full experience.

VINTAGE FIRE MUSEUM
Groups can see gloriously restored fire engines—some of which have working sirens—at the nationally known Vintage Fire Museum, which pays tribute to firefighters. The museum educates on fire safety, allowing groups to learn how neighborhoods were protected with bucket brigades and see how other technologies evolved through history. Guests get a glimpse into firefighting techniques dating back to the 1700s, in addition to forming a bucket brigade for a hands-on experience and an appreciation of firefighting techniques.

PLAN YOUR ITINERARY
SoIN is easily accessible from some of the Midwest's major cities, about 100 miles from Indianapolis, Cincinnati and just across the river from Louisville, Kentucky.

If you're curious about southern Indiana and the place we call "SoIN," why not find out more? Visit our website or contact Senior Tourism Manager Todd Read ([email protected], 812.280.8082) to discuss ways to put a new, affordable spin on your group tour offerings!

Courtesy of SoIN Tourism.

Photos courtesy of SoIN Tourism.