THE FIRST TIME I VISITED ORLANDO WAS ON A HIGH SCHOOL BAND TRIP. I was a junior at the time, and made the journey via a motorcoach from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It was a three-day trek, and my biggest quest at the time was finding a perfect piece of key lime pie—similar to the character of Camilla on the original “Dexter” series, but I don’t want to eat it on my deathbed. I did find some delicious slices in Chattanooga, Tenn., and at EPCOT. It’s the first theme park I ever visited, and it is still my favorite.
This high school band trip was a highlight of my teenage years because we marched at EPCOT and SeaWorld Orlando. I don’t remember what we played, but I do recall we got a good reception from the crowds at both parks and had a ton of fun.
Fast forward to 2025, and Orlando has just opened its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, which, in a word, is EPIC! It’s Orlando’s newest theme park in 26 years, and Epic’s five different worlds offer something for everyone. I have fond memories of playing Mario Kart with my niece when she was growing up, so SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ was first up for me. But the allure of Dark Universe, with its classic movie monsters, was equally appealing—one of the monsters featured, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, has a Florida connection; the movie was filmed just a few hours away, in Wakulla Springs, just south of Tallahassee. There’s so much to see and do, a visit to Epic Universe requires a guide detailing the lay of the land. Good thing we’ve put one together for you!
To celebrate Epic’s opening, we’re giving away a wand you can use in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™. You can enter the contest even if you’re a Muggle—visit orlandomagazine.com by Sept. 30 to enter.
Similar to my experience on my band trip years ago, we’re giving readers the combination of entertainment and arts in this special issue. We’re pulling back the curtain to introduce you to the folks who make things happen backstage. What does it take to costume a show for Opera Orlando or put together a collection at the Orange County Regional History Center? Take a behind-the-scenes peek at roles from these and seven other arts organizations in Central Florida.
If September is too hot for you, read up on Fall Getaways that will rejuvenate your spirit and introduce you to new sights.
And don’t miss the winners of our Cute Pet Contest!