Planning your next family vacation or theme park adventure? Our recent preview of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe blew us away—and we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your unforgettable visit.
From immersive lands to record-breaking attractions, this new park is the ultimate destination for families, Nintendo fans, Harry Potter lovers, and classic horror movie buffs alike.
Celestial Park: The Grand Entrance to Epic Adventure
As you step through Epic Universe’s Chronos, you enter Celestial Park. This space is an open oasis filled with futuristic fountains, lush gardens, and a whimsical energy. It truly sets the tone for the day. The visual impact is stunning, and the emotional tone is pure wonder. This area serves as the central hub connecting all four themed lands.
Attractions:
- Stardust Racers– Race in dueling comets across the sky (coaster)
- Constellation Carousel– Swirl through the night sky on the backs of celestial beings.
Don’t miss the incredible Stardust Racers coaster. This is a high-velocity, dueling ride and it’s a must-do, especially at night when its lighting effects dazzle.
Pro Tip: It’s Florida. It’s hot. Sunscreen is essential, even during a short visit.
Isle of Berk: Soaring with Dragons
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is charming, colorful, and packed with family-friendly fun. We enjoyed flavorful Viking-inspired snacks like the Mac & Cheese Cone from Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel. It was a tasty bite, though it may have spent a little too long under the heat lamp. Still, it hit the spot after a long day in the sun.
Here, kids and kids-at-heart can meet beloved characters, explore the vibrant village, and enjoy dragon-themed attractions and live performances:
Attractions:
- Hiccup’s Winged Gliders– Family friendly coaster
- Dragon Racers Rally– Soar high above the land on your own dragon
- Fyre Drill– Competitive water ride with water guns and teams
- The Untrainable Dragon: Show with live actors and top-notch special effects
Super Nintendo World: Level Up Your Fun
Fans of Mario and friends will be in awe as they enter Super Nintendo World. The theming is mind-blowing! This space transports guests straight into the game with larger-than-life question blocks, warp pipes, and character encounters.
This land is packed with interactive games and attractions that reward exploration. Expect lots of energy and excitement—this area is a hit with all ages.
Attractions:
- Mario Kart- Bowser’s Challenge– Experience Mario Kart racing with virtual AI and practical sets
- Mine Cart Madness– Help Donkey Kong protect the golden banana inside the Golden Temple. (Family friendly coaster)
- Yoshi’s Adventure– Travel on your own brightly colored Yoshi through the Super Nintendo World
- Interactive Play– Use your “power-up” band to collect coins and take on challenges throughout the land
Dark Universe: Classic Monsters Reimagined
Enter Dark Universe if you dare. This eerie, fog-drenched land feels like stepping into a gothic tale—but there’s magic in the details. It’s spooky yet somehow enchanting and playful, with nods to Universal’s legendary horror films.
The standout here? Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a masterclass in storytelling and thrills. It’s easily one of the best theme park attractions in the world—don’t miss it.
Attractions:
- Monsters Unchained– Witness as Victoria Frankenstein continues her ancestors work on this adventurous ride. (moving ride vehicle plus screens and state of the art technology)
- Curse of the Werewolf– Escape the Darkmoor forest and a pack of hungry Werewolves. (Coaster)
Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic: Spellbinding and Spectacular
This immersive land brings 1920s wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic together in a seamless, spellbinding experience. The stunning architecture and magical energy create an emotionally moving atmosphere, especially for longtime fans.
Battle at the Ministry is a revolutionary ride—one of the best ever created—but be warned: the virtual queue is hard to get, so plan accordingly and check availability at the designated times. The virtual queue may stop after previews and a stand-by line could be available once the park officially opens.
Attractions:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry– an omnidirectional lift vehicle takes you on a wild ride through the British Ministry of Magic
- Le Cirque Arcanus– Live performance show inspired by the Fantastic Beasts- The Escape of Grindelwald
Stop and enjoy the character interactions and live shows here; they add to the authenticity and emotional depth of the experience.
Where to Stay: Location Meets Comfort
If you’re planning to stay close to the magic, The Helios Grand Hotel offers over 500 rooms, gorgeous in-park views, and a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe—an unbeatable perk for early risers and park hoppers.
For a more budget-friendly stay without sacrificing access, consider Terra Luna or Stella Nova. Both offer views of the park from standard rooms and are perfect for families looking to maximize value.
Final Tips for Your Epic Visit
Epic Universe is more than just rides—it’s a park meant to be explored slowly. Take time to admire the details, watch a street show, or chat with a character. The theming is so rich, you’ll discover something new every time.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or already dreaming about your next, Epic Universe is a game-changer for theme park vacations. Let DizN Vacations with Jessica Yashin help you make your experience magical from start to finish.
Ready to plan? Contact us today and let’s build your Epic escape.
