What It’s Really Like at Epic Universe (and How to Plan Your Visit)
If you’ve heard people talking about Epic Universe and wondered what it’s really like, you’re in good company. I visited the newest Universal Orlando theme park just after it opened, and again several months later with my family. I learned a lot along the way, so here’s what I’d share with anyone planning a visit.
The Basics
Epic Universe theme park is a separate park from the other Universal Orlando Resort parks.
That means it has its own entrance and requires its own ticket.
It’s built around five distinct lands and each one feels like stepping into a different story.
The park is beautifully designed, with layers of detail and hidden Easter eggs around every corner.
The Five Lands
Celestial Park is the central hub, with gardens, dining, and a few rides.
You’ll pass through it often and it’s a lovely place to pause and watch the fountains.
Super Nintendo World brings the Mario and Donkey Kong games to life with interactive play and attractions that feel like you just stepped into a video game.
The immersive land includes a few attractions, including a Mario Kart ride and lots of fun family-friendly activities and dining options.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic takes you into 1920s Paris for a ride and plenty of magical details.
The land features new interactive wand stations where guests can test out their magical powers.
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk is a charming Viking village with family-friendly rides and dragons around every corner.
Guests have the opportunity to meet everyone's favorite dragon, Toothless and may encounter some peculiar Vikings throughout the Isle of Berk.
Dark Universe is moodier and more thrilling, inspired by classic movie monsters.
It’s the most intense area of the park and features attractions of your favorite old-time monsters such as Dracula, Werewolf and Frankenstein.
Our Family’s Favorites
Super Nintendo World:
My children grew up playing all the video games, so they know all the characters, music, maps and other gameplay elements.
The Orlando version is much larger than the land at Universal Studios Hollywood and also features a separate section dedicated to Donkey Kong Country.
Plan to purchase a Power-Up Band so you can interact with the land’s attractions and activities.
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
The Untrainable Dragon show is a must-see, a technically advanced performance you have to see to believe.
The theming throughout the land is incredibly detailed, from the rustic Viking village buildings to the dragons perched on rooftops and tucked into corners.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry:
The queue for this attraction is an experience in itself.
You start your journey traveling through The Métro-Floo and into the breathtaking full-scale British Ministry atrium.
From there, you'll explore the backstage areas of the Ministry offices and along the way you'll pass talking paintings.
Is Epic Universe right for my family?
It depends on who’s traveling. There are gentle experiences for younger kids, big thrills for teens and adults, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Dark Universe and a few of the coasters are best for those who love intensity.
My top tips for first-time visitors
Add-on Express Passes. The most popular rides can have very long lines and Express Pass lets you skip much of that wait. It makes a big difference in how many attractions you enjoy and how much of your day you spend standing in line. For even quicker ride access, consider reserving a VIP tour.
Stay at Universal Helios Grand Hotel if you can. It’s connected to the park, so you get quick access and wonderful theme park views.
Use mobile ordering for quick-service dining. Order ahead on your phone and skip the line at the counter. It saves real time, especially around lunch. The food here is also far superior than the other Universal Orlando parks.
Plan for very little shade. The park is open and sunny, so bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
If you’re thinking about an Epic Universe trip and have questions, I’m always glad to talk it through.
For more information or to book your next luxury family vacation, please contact lissa@kingdomdestinations.com or complete a Trip Request Form.
Lissa Ryan is a Senior Travel Advisor with Kingdom Destinations, specializing in luxurious family vacations. Lissa helps busy parents who want to create travel memories with their families through luxury travel experiences, but are too busy or overwhelmed with all the effort and research that is required to plan that perfect vacation.
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