Universal Orlando Announces 2026 Military Freedom Pass Offering a $220 Annual Pass!

Universal CityWalk Orlando

If you are active duty or retired military or a department of defense civilian employee you can get a Universal Orlando Resort Annual Pass incredibly cheaply. The pass is called the Military Freedom Pass and it starts at just $220 (compared to the cheapest standard pass at $425). You can choose From 2-Park or 3-Park options where Volcano Bay is added as the 3rd park. Keep in mind that no Universal annual pass currently gets you into Epic Universe, but more on that later. This is quite the bargain when a single day ticket starts at $119, so for less than the cost of 2 days you get the whole year.

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Drinking Around the Universe at Universal Epic Universe

Epic Universe entrance
Epic Universe Chronos Tower

Universal Epic Universe has quickly established itself as a prime destination for thrill-seekers and, as it turns out, for those seeking unique and sophisticated adult beverages. The park, which opened on May 22, 2025, has made a name for itself not just with its incredible rides and themed worlds, but also with a diverse and creative lineup of cocktails, beers, and other alcoholic libations. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing spritz in Celestial Park or a potent potion in the Ministry of Magic, here’s a guide to some of the top spots to find alcoholic drinks at Epic Universe.

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Roller Coaster Patents: Epic Universe’s Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness Has a Patent on it!

I was walking through Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia and they had a great display about patents that actually highlighted the patent on the Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness ride. This roller coaster has a unique design with hidden lower vertical track and a “boom” arm to create the illusion of jumps, movement over rough terrain and fast track switches. However, Universal is far from the only company to protect their work with parents as with a quick search you will find patents from companies like RMC, Disney and many more.

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SeaWorld to Combat Epic Universe Opening with New Expedition Odyssey Attraction and Free Beer!

SeaWorld logo

Update September 2025: It appears the strategy may have worked as United Parks (SeaWorld parent company) announced that SeaWorld Orlando’s attendance was up in the 2nd quarter of 2025 post Epic Universe’s opening. It’s rare that United Parks announces park specific performance, so it’s obvious they were trying to make a point. CEO Marc Swanson said, “Our attendance at our SeaWorld Orlando park has been up in attendance since Epic opened on May 22,” he said. “It was up for the full second quarter, and it was up if you measured from the date Epic opened through the end of the second quarter. It continues to be up quarter to date in the third quarter through Aug. 6 on a day-to-day basis.” Swanson also said attendance was up at its Aquatica Orlando water park and Discovery Cove, and revenue also was up in Orlando.

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