Why Universal Studios Fans Should Join DVC

Universal Epic Universal finally opens its portals to guests on May 22nd, 2025. The anticipation has been building for more than five years now, and it has reached a fever pitch. And Disney Vacation Club members are surprisingly in the driver’s seat for the new park’s opening. Here’s why Universal Studios fans should join DVC.

DVC Resorts Are Fairly Close…and Nicer

Have you ever traveled to/from Universal Studios during a Walt Disney World vacation? If so, you know that the travel time is typically in the range of 30-45 minutes. 

I’ve timed the average during my last three trips, and it was 35 minutes for me. However, I was staying at monorail resorts on all three occasions because they’re my preferred destinations these days. 

I could have saved myself some travel time by choosing a different DVC resort. You may not realize this, but Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa resides only 9.7 miles from Epic Universe. For comparison, the hotel lies 7.1 miles from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. So, you’re really only adding 2.6 more miles to your trip. 

The difference is obviously that you’re ceding free Disney transportation. Thus, you’ll need either a car rental, your own vehicle, or ride-sharing to travel between the two properties. However, Google calculates that the trip itself will only take 25 minutes. 

Three other DVC resorts reside within 12 miles of Epic Universe. So, you can pick between Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort, giving you four different options for an Epic Universe visit. 

Adopting this approach will result in more time spent traveling, but the concept comes with two huge benefits. First, you’ve already paid for your DVC vacation by joining the program, so your annual DVC Points allotment makes your hotel stay free. I can assure you that when you stay onsite at Universal, your room will NOT be free. 

The new property, Universal Grand Helios Hotel, costs about $530 a night. Even though I’m hearing good things about this hotel, let’s be clear. It’s not going to be as nice as a DVC property. So, luxury is the other benefit. 

Let’s Discuss the Exchange Program

I’ll presume that some of you don’t want to stay at Disney for a Universal vacation, though. Split Stays aren’t for the faint of heart, especially when you travel between Disney and Universal Studios. In that case, you can still maximize the value of your DVC Points to guarantee a phenomenal Epic Universe visit at a low price.

Are you familiar with our sister site, DVC Rental Store, and its various swap programs? I’ve referenced them several times, but something important to know for 2025 and beyond is that DVC Rental Store has thoughtfully introduced the Universal Orlando Swap Program. 

Why You Should Consider a Points Swap

This option is a dream come true for DVC members, especially right now. You can exchange your DVC Points to book at a Universal Orlando Resort property. In other words, you use your DVC Points to spend a few nights at an official Universal Studios hotel.

By doing this, you gain access to onsite amenities, one of which is essential. It’s Early Park Admission, which is akin to Early Theme Park Entry at Walt Disney World. 

You can enter the park up to an hour early, which is 30 minutes more than the comparable Disney amenity. The drawback at Universal is that only a handful of attractions participate at each park. 

Thankfully, park officials have confirmed that Epic Universe will have some attractions during Early Park Admission. Here’s the list:

• Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
• Yoshi’s Adventure™
• Mine-Cart Madness™
• Stardust Racers

I’m guessing three of these caused your eyes to pop. Yes, you can enter Super Nintendo World a full hour before it officially opens. And that’s reason enough to want to stay onsite. 

Let’s be honest that Epic Universe will be mobbed during its early days, and that’s especially true at Super Nintendo World. So, the sneak preview hour can be the difference between your riding everything in the new themed land versus having to choose between Mine-Cart Madness and Mario Kart. 

Once you’re done here, you’ll have a better chance to explain the entire park in a single day, which is a necessity. Remember that Epic Universe only offers multi-day tickets currently, and you only get one day at the new park with this package. 

You’ll gain the potent Early Park Admission amenity via the Universal Swap Program. So, that’s reason enough to explore your options. You can potentially save a fortune on your first Epic Universe visit. That’s another excellent reason why Universal Studios fans should join DVC.