Lori's Epic Universe Adventure: Thrills, Treats & First Impressions
After years of anticipation, Universal’s Epic Universe is finally open—and it’s nothing short of groundbreaking. Blending immersive storytelling with cutting-edge technology, this all-new theme park features five stunning realms, all radiating from the heart of the park: Celestial Park. I had the opportunity to visit twice during its opening month, and I'm thrilled to share my firsthand tips, experiences, and insights to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.
🌌 Celestial Park: The Heartbeat of Epic Universe
Your journey begins at Celestial Park, the dazzling central hub that connects all five lands. While early concept art hinted at a tree-filled garden, the final product feels more like an upscale urban park—complete with elegant fountains, sculptures, lush landscaping, and inviting places to relax.
Highlights include:
Constellation Carousel – A visually stunning, family-friendly ride.
Splash Pad Fountain – Perfect for cooling off on a hot Florida day.
Pizza Moon – Don’t miss the Trip to Vesuvio pizza, easily my favorite food item in the park.
Whether you're catching your breath or grabbing a bite, Celestial Park offers a serene yet engaging space that sets the tone for your Epic Universe experience.
🐉 Isle of Berk: Soaring with Dragons
Based on How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk is, hands down, my favorite land in the park. With towering cliffs, cascading water features, and the smell of smoked meats in the air, the theming is next-level.
Top experiences:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – Think Slinky Dog Dash with a dragon twist. A smooth, fun coaster that's even better at night.
Toothless Meet & Greet – One of the most interactive and magical character encounters I’ve ever experienced.
Shipwreck Cove Stunt Show – High-energy and full of surprises—definitely worth scheduling into your day.
🍄 Super Nintendo World: Jump Into the Game
Colorful, kinetic, and packed with nostalgia, Super Nintendo World is a visual spectacle. With two levels of gameplay and attractions, you truly feel like you’ve stepped into a video game.
What to expect:
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – The AR headset can be tricky, especially for glasses wearers, but the ride is a must.
Power-Up Bands – These wristbands unlock interactive games and let you collect coins around the land, though this feature isn’t always well explained to first-time guests.
Character Interactions – Keep an eye out for Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach roaming the land for great photo ops.
⚠️ Note: The constant sound effects and flashing visuals might be overwhelming for guests with sensory sensitivities.
✨ The Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic
Unlike Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, this land transports you into the British Ministry of Magic, with a thematic focus on the Fantastic Beasts era.
Key attractions:
Ministry of Magic Ride – Think Tower of Terror meets the wizarding world. The queue is mesmerizing, but the drop-based ride may not be for everyone.
The Arcanus Show – A live performance blending magic, acrobatics, and storytelling. Even if you haven’t seen the Fantastic Beasts films, you’ll still be impressed.
The Ministry land leans more toward mystery and elegance, with a touch of darkness.
🧟 Dark Universe: Classic Monsters Reimagined
Dark Universe brings Universal’s classic monsters—like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolfman—into a chilling but beautifully crafted environment.
Don’t-miss experiences:
Monsters Unchained – A jaw-dropping dark ride with lifelike animatronics. Not recommended for small kids, despite some misleading marketing.
Curse of the Werewolf – A spinning coaster that delivers different thrills each time, depending on whether or not your ride vehicle spins (spoiler: spinning = way more fun).
Themed food and drink – From eerie cocktails to spooky snacks, it’s all part of the immersion.
☔ Tips for Visiting Epic Universe
Weather Warning: Florida rain can shut down many rides. Pack ponchos and monitor forecasts.
Early Entry Strategy: If eligible, prioritize meeting Toothless or Ministry of Magic.
One or Two Days?: With an Express Pass, you can conquer the park in one day. But two days is ideal for a more relaxed pace and ride repeats.
Download the App: Universal’s app is your best friend for wait times, mobile food ordering, and show schedules.
Final Thoughts
Epic Universe is more than just a new park—it’s a bold step into the future of themed entertainment. Whether you're flying with dragons, racing through Bowser’s Castle, or encountering monsters in the shadows, there's truly something for everyone.
If you're planning a visit or need help booking your Universal vacation, I’d love to help you craft the perfect trip. Drop your questions below or reach out to me directly—because adventures this epic deserve a little expert magic.