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It gives me all the joy in the world to report that Universal Epic Universe is a smashing success, far exceeding every expectation of what a world-class theme park can be.
It’s not often a new theme park opens in the U.S., so when Florida, the theme park capital of the world, welcomes a new park, there is plenty to celebrate. As a longtime lover of all things Orlando, I was thrilled to be one of the first to get a look and fall into deep infatuation with Universal Epic Universe and I’m here to share all the highlights. This expansive new park is the fourth in the Universal Orlando Resort, joining Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal's Volcano Bay. Read on for the inside scoop on the can’t-miss attractions of this one-of-a-kind new park.
Your ticket to Universal Epic Universe gains you access to five unique worlds all accessible through portals: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Each world is filled with attractions, meet-and-greets, entertainment, food and a remarkable attention to detail. Here are the highlights of each world.
The hub of all the activity at Universal Epic Universe, Celestial Park, is the main connector of all the portals. This central land offers an easy-to-navigate circular layout, with lush gardens, mystical fountains and serene ponds.
The highlight of Celestial Park is Stardust Racers, the dueling coaster with two powerful launches that send you into a beautifully entwined track filled with plenty of surprise elements. The two tracks, Pulsar (green) and Photon (yellow), are identical in length, height and speed. However, I found Pulsar to be slightly more intense during the Celestial Spin inversion (the coaster’s signature move, which has the tracks inverting around each other). The new coaster incorporates many elements that I love from Velocicoaster, with fast launches, top hats and plenty of airtime, along with the bonus of a side-by-side racing feature. Ride either or both tracks and if you’re at all like me, you’ll be swooning to get back for another ride as soon as possible.
Wizards and Muggles alike will rejoice in the third Harry Potter world that joins Hogsmeade in Universal Studios Florida and Diagon Alley in Universal's Islands of Adventure. This immersive world finds you on the storied streets of 1920s Paris, inspired by the Fantastic Beasts prequel. I was taken by the attention to detail here, with tall building facades packed with eye-catching signs and cute storefronts. The grab-and-go Bar Moonshine serves up the best cocktails I’ve ever had at a theme park, with go-to drinks that include the Philosopher’s Old Fashioned Bourbon and Fluer 75 (a play on a French 75). Consider upgrading your wand to the Second-Generation Interactive Wand, featuring new powers that link to a customizable app for personalized spell effects and a gratifying haptic vibration that adds a fun buzz of excitement to each new trick.
The main attraction here is the mind-boggling Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, perhaps one of the most expansive and immersive dark rides ever created. You’ll travel by Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry in the dazzling, large-scale pre-show queue experience. From there, board an elevator car for an unforgettable ride as Dolores Umbridge is finally about to be held accountable for her crimes. Avoid all spoilers and any insider looks; this larger-than-life spectacle is the next generation of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Ever dream of what it’d be like to live in Mario’s world? The 8-bit colors of Mario and his friends are brought to vivid life in Super Nintendo World, the most animated and colorful world at Epic. The land is filled with many interactive elements best activated with a Power-Up Band, which lets you collect digital coins, play challenges and track your score on the Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge ride. The whole family will delight in the mad-cap racing of Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, which seamlessly transports you into the game with a unique video goggle overlay. This one-of-a-kind integration had me giddy with excitement, especially when we reached Rainbow Road.
Head to the back of Super Nintendo World for the special bonus of Donkey Kong Country. Here you’ll find the joys of Mine-Cart Madness, a first-of-its-kind family coaster that perfectly recreates Donkey and Diddy’s mine cart runs from the Donkey Kong Country video games. Try to avoid any spoilers, as many fun surprise moments are certain to thrill.
Sinister powers reign supreme in Dark Universe, harkening Universal Classic Monsters to come out for a haunt or two in Darkmoor Village. Linger here and you’ll likely encounter Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride, The Invisible Man and courageous monster hunters on the prowl.
The signature attraction here is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Strap in for a wild ride as Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiment goes off the rails and Dracula takes over, summoning monsters from The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and more. Don’t panic if you spot a windmill on fire; the windmill atop The Burning Blade Tavern erupts into an exciting fire show several times an hour.
Follow the flying dragons to the faraway Isle of Berk, the most majestic and sprawling land in Universal Epic Universe. Here you’ll meet Vikings and favorite dragons, as they embark on exciting flying adventures. The level of detail and depth here is staggering, creating a truly immersive world that beautifully captures the spirit of the movies. Don’t miss The Untrainable Dragon, the crowd-pleasing stage spectacular with Hiccup & Toothless appearing in a mystifying flying sequence (I definitely had tears in my eyes.) Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is the land’s family coaster and is sure to be the sleeper hit of Universal Epic Universe. Do not underestimate the joys of this coaster, as it sends you soaring through top-notch themed scenes and exciting, unexpected plot twists.
Three new hotels are near Universal Epic Universe, all of which offer the coveted benefit of Early Park Admission, allowing guests to enter Universal’s theme parks up to one hour before the official opening time. Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort are modern, sleek hotels that offer comfortable 3-star accommodations. I was fortunate to spend a few nights at the Universal Terra Luna Resort. I loved the great pool deck, the many tasty food options available on-site and the easy access via shuttles to Universal’s four parks and Universal CityWalk Orlando.
For something more upscale on the park property, Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, is a 4-star Mediterranean-inspired hotel. On a private tour of the property, I was in awe of the sweeping lobby, well-appointed rooms and suites, and Bar Helios, one of the most gorgeous rooftop restaurants I’ve ever seen. Head to the 10th-floor bar and restaurant for the best views of the park, day or night.
Epic Universe is open now!
