Epic Universe Review: My First Visit to the Newest Theme Park at Universal Orlando

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Guess who just visited Epic Universe for the first time? With 25 years of experience researching, visiting, and working in theme parks, I was beyond excited to experience Universal’s new park before it officially opens. Growing up, I never imagined being a Universal Orlando passholder, let alone getting the chance to visit a brand-new park before the public!

Let’s dive into my experience and Epic Universe review!

Keep in mind – since the park is still in technical rehearsals and doesn’t officially open until May 22nd, some rides and experiences may not be running at full capacity.

The Entrance and Celestial Park: A Stunning First Impression

The entrance to Epic Universe is nothing short of breathtaking, perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the park.

As you step through the first portal, you’re immediately transported into the heart of Celestial Park. This area is designed to be a Central Park-inspired oasis, with its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful water features, and the stunning backdrop of the Helios Grand Hotel. The park’s design incorporates plenty of trees that will continue to grow and provide more shade over time, making it a peaceful and visually stunning entry point.

What makes the entrance even more immersive is the story behind it. You’re stepping into a world where the Celestians have harnessed portals to other realms. As you stroll through Celestial Park, you’ll encounter employees who get into the spirit of the park, greeting you with phrases like “Welcome, travelers,” adding an extra layer of fun and engagement to the experience.

One of the first attractions you’ll encounter is the Constellation Carousel, located right in the heart of Celestial Park. While it’s a classic carousel, it’s far from ordinary. The ride features a constellation theme with animals that spin and move to the rhythm of different songs.

Unfortunately, I ended up on a seat that didn’t spin as much, so my ride was a bit more stationary, but I still loved the atmosphere. I can only imagine how magical it must be at night when the constellation lights shine brightly, adding to the whimsical vibe.

Walking through Celestial Park to get to the various portals is an experience in itself. The park is filled with fountains, and during certain moments, they even perform impressive water shows, shooting jets of water high into the air. It’s a perfect spot to cool off if you’re close enough, but just the overall beauty of walking from portal to portal is enough to make the experience memorable.

While some visitors have noted that the park doesn’t have a ton of shade right now, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a brand-new park. Many trees have been planted, and they’ll grow to provide more natural shade over time. In the meantime, there are shaded areas with benches, but the emphasis here is on the natural beauty of the park, so you won’t find too many artificial shade coverings.

If you plan to visit during the hot summer months, pack sunscreen and stay hydrated, as Florida’s heat can be intense. But despite the heat, walking through Celestial Park is a serene and enjoyable experience, filled with visual delights that make you want to stop and take it all in.

Super Nintendo World: A Nostalgic Adventure with Long Lines

During my visit to Epic Universe, one of my top priorities was checking out Super Nintendo World. Given its reputation for having some of the longest lines in the park, I figured it was best to hit this area first. With my single-rider mindset, I wanted to maximize my time and knock out as many experiences as possible.

Although I had already visited Super Nintendo World in Hollywood, I was eager to experience the unique features Epic Universe has to offer, especially since there are a few key differences.

Walking into Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe is like stepping into a video game-lover’s dream. The moment you walk through the iconic green pipe and hear the familiar Mario sounds echoing around you, it’s clear that this area was designed with incredible attention to detail.

The escalators and stairs leading you through the space might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoyed the different levels. It added a sense of height and allowed for some fantastic views of the land below, which makes navigating this world feel like you’re part of the game.

One of the standout differences between Epic Universe and the Universal Hollywood version is the addition of Donkey Kong Country, which was a big draw for me.

As you transition from the bright, colorful Super Nintendo World area into Donkey Kong’s domain, you’ll notice the theme shifts dramatically. The architecture changes from the familiar Nintendo brick into rich, earthy rockwork. The music switches from classic 8-bit Mario sounds to the rhythmic drumming and wacky tunes of the Donkey Kong series.

I loved the reveal of the Golden Temple, the giant Kong treehouse, and the photo-worthy banana props. It was visually stunning, and I couldn’t help but send photos to a friend who is a huge Donkey Kong fan—they were absolutely thrilled to see it.

However, Minecart Madness, one of the major attractions in Donkey Kong Country, was experiencing some technical difficulties during my visit. I came back later that night, determined to try and ride again.

I waited in line for about 30 minutes, but unfortunately, the ride broke down once more, and after 30 more minutes of waiting, they cleared the line out, and I wasn’t able to experience it. It was a bit disappointing, but on the bright side, I did get some fantastic nighttime shots of Super Nintendo World, which looks absolutely magical once the lights come on.

Despite the hiccups with Minecart Madness, I was thoroughly impressed with Super Nintendo World overall. The level of detail and theming brings the world of Mario and Donkey Kong to life.

My advice for future visitors: head straight for these popular rides early in the day to avoid long waits. Mario Kart and Donkey Kong Minecart Madness both had waits consistently above 80 minutes when I was there, and while you can take advantage of the single-rider lines, the capacity issues with Minecart Madness might still make it a bit of a gamble.

If you’re hungry, you can stop by Toadstool Cafe, which I’ve visited in Hollywood before. The food is good, but be prepared for long lines, so it’s worth trying to make a reservation if possible.

Just remember, Super Nintendo World is one of the park’s busiest areas, so be strategic with your planning to make the most of your time here! Work with me as your travel agent to help plan your day so you can see as much as possible!

Dark Universe: A Horror Fan’s Dream Come True (With a Few Surprises)

After exploring the vibrant world of Super Nintendo, I ventured through the next portal that had me buzzing with excitement: Dark Universe. As a huge horror movie fan, Halloween Horror Nights enthusiast, and lover of all things spooky, this land was at the top of my must-see list for the day.

While I didn’t see as many roaming characters as I’d hoped (only Igor made an appearance), which meant the atmosphere wasn’t as electric as I’d imagined, the initial reveal of the mansion and the Curse of the Werewolf were fantastic. I can only imagine how much this land will come alive at night – so it’s definitely on my list for my next visit. This area is clearly designed to shine after dark, and I’m sure the mood will be elevated with the right lighting and sounds.

First up in Dark Universe was the main attraction – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Given the ride’s early closure in the evening, I made sure to head there first.

The line for the standard queue was around 60-70 minutes, so I opted for the single rider line. This allowed me to bypass most of the wait, though it does mean you miss out on much of the queue’s rich storytelling and detail. If you’re someone who loves to immerse themselves in every part of a theme park attraction, the standard line is your best bet. For those looking to save time, though, the single rider is a solid option, as I managed to get on the ride within minutes when I came back later in the day.

Now, my thoughts on Monsters Unchained were a bit mixed. I’m not the biggest fan of this type of ride system — think Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure — as I don’t find them particularly thrilling. That being said, the ride’s atmosphere is incredible. The animatronics were top-notch, and the visual effects were impressive.

On my first ride, I was a little underwhelmed, feeling like I was just staring at animatronics without much thrill. However, when I rode it later, I noticed the effects were working much better, and I had a better experience. Still, I wish the ride were a bit more intense, especially considering its horror theme. That being said, if you’re a fan of Universal Monsters and enjoy the creepy atmosphere, there’s plenty to appreciate.

Next, I hopped on Curse of the Werewolf, the spinning roller coaster. From early footage, I had low expectations for this ride, thinking it was going to be short and lacking in thrills. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

The ride had a fun, unexpected punch with some solid set pieces, a launch (both forwards and backwards), and a spinning motion that left me dizzy in the best way. While the ride is short, I’d say it’s more intense than something like Slinky Dog Dash at Disney World because of the spinning. However, if you end up in a car that doesn’t spin much, the experience may not be as thrilling.

One thing I noticed about this ride, though, was the final scene, which features a statue at the end of the ride that doesn’t move with a large speaker right in front of it – weird. Also, from the break run, you can see backstage areas, which detracts from the immersion. This is something that definitely could use improvement, but it doesn’t take away from the overall fun of the coaster.

After riding those, I was starting to get hungry and decided to check out Das Stakehaus, one of the primary dining spots in Dark Universe. The atmosphere inside is perfect for the theme – dark, moody, and eerie. The glowing red lights and vampire-themed decor made the experience feel like I was dining in the heart of a horror film.

I opted for the Crimson Glazed Pork, which came with roasted pork belly, a blood-like dipping sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies. While I liked the pork and the potatoes, I found the sauce to be a bit too sweet. After a few bites, the sweetness became overwhelming, but overall, the meal was solid, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something different from typical theme park food.

I also tried the Monocane, a mocktail with pineapple, blue raspberry, passion fruit, and Sprite. While it was a little on the pricey side at $7, it was delicious, offering a nice balance of sweet flavors with a refreshing fizz. If you don’t mind spending a bit extra, it’s definitely worth a try — and you can always top it off with water to stay hydrated.

Overall, my time in Dark Universe was a solid experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this land evolves. The rides and food were great, but I think the full experience will really come to life when the land is fully realized, and especially after dark. So, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re a fan of horror, monsters, and spooky atmospheres.

If you’re looking to have the best Universal Orlando vacation, work with me as a travel advisor! With the help of my host agency, Wishdrawals Travel, I’ll help plan your next epic, stress-free adventure, whether you’re a family with kids, a solo traveler, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk – A Surprising Delight

The next world I explored was How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, which was initially the world I was least excited to see. However, it completely exceeded my expectations.

The reveal of the area was breathtaking, and it felt like stepping into a Viking village surrounded by dragons. From the detailed statues to the Mead Hall and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, the entire environment was incredibly immersive. How to Train Your Dragon fans will feel a wave of emotion as you walk through the land. It truly captures the magic of the franchise.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, the roller coaster in this land, was another surprise. I expected it to be a tame, kiddie ride similar to Slinky Dog Dash at Disney World, but it was far more thrilling. The launches packed a punch, and the combination of forward and backward movements added an exciting twist.

The theming was spot-on, and the onboard audio with Hiccup’s voice giving instructions only enhanced the experience. Plus, the iconic How to Train Your Dragon music played throughout, which was a nostalgic touch that made the ride even more emotional.

The queue for this ride, however, left something to be desired. It was a basic cattle pen design, and only half of it was covered, which could be uncomfortable in the heat. But despite the queue, the ride itself was a pleasant surprise, offering a family-friendly thrill that was more intense than other similar rides like Slinky Dog Dash or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It’s a ride that’s perfect for both kids and adults, and I highly recommend it.

I also tried Dragon Racers Rally, but it was a one-and-done experience for me. The ride cycle was short, and I couldn’t figure out how to flip the ride as some others have done. If I had waited longer than 15 minutes, I would have been disappointed by the brief duration. It’s still fun, but I’d only ride it again if the wait was particularly short.

Though I skipped Fyre Drill (I wasn’t keen on getting wet this time), I did catch The Untrainable Dragon show, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The show had cool effects and was a great way to cool off from the heat. While the music was hit or miss, the costumes and special effects were impressive, and I think kids will especially love it.

For dinner, I opted for the Mead Hall, which was quieter and less crowded than expected. The theming, while not as immersive as Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe, still made for a cool Viking hall atmosphere.

I ordered the Berserker’s Meatballs, served with onion gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed root vegetables. The meatballs were delicious—sweet but not overwhelming.

I did have a bit of a surprise when the mashed root vegetables turned out to be mashed sweet potatoes, but the staff was kind enough to let me swap them for fries, which I appreciated. The fries had a unique seasoning, with a hint of onion and garlic, and complemented the meatballs well.

Overall, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of my visit. From the beautifully crafted dragons and detailed environments to the thrilling rides and tasty food, I would definitely return to spend more time in this Viking world.

Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic – A Magical Journey with A Big Curse

The last portal I ventured into at Universal Epic Universe was Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and while I was initially underwhelmed by the reveal, the world definitely grew on me. The way it’s structured—walking up to a wall, then turning the corner to see the grand arc—isn’t as immediate as some other lands, but once you get a glimpse of the Parisian street theme, it’s absolutely stunning.

As someone who’s visited Paris, I couldn’t help but feel like I had been transported to France itself, with old-fashioned buildings, cafes, and charming streets. It felt like walking through an authentic Parisian district rather than a magical world. The theming is phenomenal, with massive buildings and exquisite attention to detail that truly transports you.

Though I didn’t get a chance to try any food or drinks in this area during my visit, I did make sure to see the Le Cirque Arcanus show, which was surprisingly enjoyable. Entering through a circus tent, the show had a magical vibe that had me hooked.

The atmosphere inside was much larger than expected, which added to the awe. Even with a brief technical glitch during the performance, the show picked up right where it left off, and it still offered a captivating experience.

One thing to note is that this world leans more towards the Fantastic Beasts theme rather than Harry Potter, so if you’re not connected to those films, you may not feel the same magic. But for me, wandering through the Parisian streets was enough to create a truly memorable experience.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to experience the Harry Potter: Battle at the Ministry ride due to the virtual queue system, which proved to be a bit of a challenge. Despite refreshing my app diligently and making sure to disable Universal’s Wi-Fi (a tip I read to avoid connection issues), I couldn’t snag a spot for the ride.

This was frustrating, especially since I noticed other guests around me were experiencing the same issue. If they don’t improve this system before the official opening, it could be a real problem, especially for those who want to experience this ride but can’t get a virtual queue slot.

In summary, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic world in Epic Universe has Parisian-inspired streets that are enchanting, and the Le Cirque Arcanus show offers an enjoyable escape from the heat. I’m eager to return and explore more, especially the shops and food offerings. But for now, I’ll be hoping they smooth out the kinks with the virtual queue system so that everyone can fully enjoy the magic of this area!

Stardust Racers – A Thrilling, Must-Ride Roller Coaster

One of the most anticipated attractions at Universal Epic Universe, Stardust Racers, was closed when I first arrived, but thankfully, it opened up later in the afternoon. Unfortunately, only one side of the ride was running during my visit, so I didn’t get to experience the dueling aspect, which was a bit of a letdown. However, even without the dueling, this ride still blew me away.

If I had to rank it, I’d say it’s probably my second favorite ride at Universal Orlando, just behind VelociCoaster (which still has a bit more immersive theming). But honestly, Stardust Racers is incredibly fun and one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in Orlando as well as the Universal Orlando Resort.

The Celestial Spin inversion is intense, and the airtime is so fun—you’ll feel like you’re being thrown out of your seat, which just adds to the excitement. And without giving too much away, there’s a unique element of the ride that I, someone who’s ridden over 200 coasters, have never experienced before. It literally took my breath away—it’s something you have to experience for yourself!

The theming of the ride is also impressive. It has a train station vibe, with the sensation that you’re riding comets racing through space. The New York-inspired atmosphere makes it feel even more immersive, and the stations you pass through add a lot of fun character.

I definitely hope the other side of the ride is up and running by my next visit so I can experience the dueling aspect—imagine two trains racing side by side!

Another highlight was riding the coaster at night. Stardust Racers is wild in the daylight, but at night, it’s on another level. Without lights on the track, you’re just zooming through the darkness, feeling weightless, with the onboard audio adding to the thrill.

The night views of the park are incredible too, with all the lights giving the whole area a unique vibe. The music at the start of the ride gives you a calm, almost serene feeling as you leave the station—until the launch hits, and all that calm is quickly shattered!

This ride is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Epic Universe. It’s intense, so if you’re not a fan of fast, wild coasters, it may not be for you. But don’t worry—it’s smooth, not painful, and the overall experience is a blast.

I can’t wait to get back on it, hopefully with the dueling feature, because I’m sure it’s even more thrilling when both tracks are going at once. It’s one of those rides that’s hard to describe in words—it’s just something you need to experience for yourself!

Final Thoughts on Universal Epic Universe

Overall, my experience at Universal Epic Universe left me thoroughly impressed. The park is stunning, and it’s evident that a lot of thought, care, and financial investment went into its creation. From the jaw-dropping details, like the Burning Blade Tavern with its flaming lighting, to the awe-inspiring portal into the Isle of Burke, the attention to detail truly sets this park apart.

It’s a place where you can see that a lot of effort was poured into making every corner memorable. As someone fortunate enough to experience it before the general public, I know I’ll cherish this experience for the rest of my life.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that there were a few operational hiccups during my visit—something to be expected during technical rehearsals. Rides like Donkey Kong Minecart Madness were going down frequently, and attractions like Stardust Racers and Monsters Unchained had their fair share of delays and closures.

One of the bigger issues was the virtual queue for Harry Potter: Battle at the Ministry, where, despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to secure a spot. I truly hope that these operational issues are addressed before the park officially opens to the public. As exciting as the park is, it’s important that guests have the opportunity to experience everything it has to offer.

That said, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Epic Universe once it opens, though be prepared for heavy crowds, especially during the first year. If you’re planning to go, I’d suggest considering Express Passes to maximize your experience, or staying at a Universal Orlando hotel that includes it, as the demand for rides will be high. Personally, I’m excited to return in just a couple of weeks to explore more of what this incredible park has to offer.

If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando, I’d love to help make your experience even better. Feel free to reach out to me for travel planning assistance—I’m here to help you make the most of your theme park adventure!