By Dionne Aiken
By Tyler Bohlman
The hotly anticipated Universal Epic Universe opened its doors to guests in May. It’s the fourth gate in the Universal Studios family of resorts and provides another exciting theme park option — with four distinct and vibrant lands — for families in Orlando. But what’s Epic Universe all about? And how can you make the most of your time, so you can experience as many of the 50 rides, attractions, entertainment options, and dining venues when you visit?
Here’s a guide to help you find the fun at each themed land located within the park — along with a few expert suggestions along the way.
Celestial Park: The Grand Entrance
As the only area of the park without an established theme tied to an iconic popular culture phenomenon, Celestial Park is the main hub of Epic Universe. Based on the classic “wheel and spoke” style design, Celestial Park is your “world between worlds.”
The beauty of this space lies in its water features and greenery. Bridges let you stroll over bubbling books and waterfalls. And you’ll weave between star-themed kiosks and restaurants until you face the grand lagoon’s dancing fountains.
For an Epic Attraction, Take a Spin on:
Constellation Carousel
This may seem boring, because, who suggests a carousel when there’s a roller coaster right there? Ahh, but this is more than just a standard carousel. You ride atop bright celestial beings under a twinkling array of stars. And as a trackless ride, you aren’t just going up and down, but around the floor and between other riders. And as the most family-friendly of the rides in Celestial Park, it’s accessible to your whole party.
Honorable Mention:
Stardust Racers
Choose from two different tracks and get ready for a twisty, curvy coaster that’s out of this world. Longtime Universal Orlando theme park fans will remember the now retired Dueling Dragons ride, a fan favorite, which featured two separate tracks. Stardust Racers takes that concept and perfects it. Not only is each track a thrilling roller coaster on its own, but the way the two cars weave in and out of each other’s path is a wonder to experience. If possible, ride this one at night. Each car is lit, but the track is kept dark to give the illusion of two twirling comets streaking across the sky.
For an Epic Meal, Dive Into:
Atlantic
As one of two showcase restaurants in Celestial Park (the other being The Blue Dragon), you’ll not only eat a delicious meal (sea bass in carrot mochi, Captain Fernando’s half-pound lobster roll), but you’ll be surrounded by decorated fish that swim over your head. Atlantic boasts a water theme and it extends to all corners of the restaurant. Be sure and look up to watch the giant artificial fish gently swim circles.
Your Snack and Drink Stop:
Meteor Astropub
This dual quick service restaurant/bar offers a fantastic meal (chicken and waffle, Sloppy Alya’s tavern brisket sandwich), but the real star is the Meteorita. And since you’re in a pub named after a meteor in a space-themed land, why not sip a space-themed drink? It’s like a traditional margarita with a spicy twist. Cuervo Tradicional Blanco tequila, lime juice, and pineapple juice are given a kick with the addition of serrano peppers and Tajin seasoning.
Super Nintendo WorldTM: Level Up Your Adventure
Jump in your green pipe and enter a world of video games brought to life. Mario and Luigi’s friends and enemies are all around you in constant motion. Some are pacing between question mark blocks. Some are flying around pipes. And some are creating mischief that you must help solve.
Like the video games that make up its theme, this is one of the most interactive worlds in Epic Universe. Be sure to take it up a notch by purchasing a Power-Up Band™ to punch power blocks, find hidden character portraits, and collect coins to eventually take on Bowser Jr. in an exciting group battle.
For an Epic Attraction, Drive in:
Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
You’ve played Mario Kart on your console; now it’s time to get behind the wheel and live it. You’ll experience a fantastic mix of practical elements and digital wonders. Before you get into your “kart,” you’ll put on one of Mario’s iconic hats. Then, as you begin to drive away, you’ll attach a pair of AR (augmented reality) glasses.
The ride is a chaotic mix of frenetic steering and throwing shells at oncoming enemies — all courtesy of cutting-edge AR. The concept is a bit hard to grasp right away. You turn your wheel in the desired direction to get extra coins, but the kart moves on its own. And the enemies you face are projected onto the AR glasses, like you’re in the game. But it’s all done in real time — so you need to turn your head to look around for enemies. It may seem overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it the ride is a lot of fun.
Honorable Mention:
Yoshi’s Adventure™
Once again, the slower and more family-friendly ride comes out on top. No offense to Mine-Cart Madness™, a fun middle-of-the-road coaster, but Yoshi’s Adventure is just too cute to pass up.
You’ll hop on Mario’s dinosaur friend as he meanders around Super Nintendo World looking for his colored eggs. There are no thrill aspects to this one, so it’s perfect for the little ones (or for kids at heart). Simply sit back, relax, and push the colored egg buttons when you see one to get the golden egg at the end.
For an Epic Meal, Waddle to:
Toadstool Cafe™
This is the only sit-down restaurant in Super Nintendo World, and it’s a great way to get out of the sun and enjoy some good food. Chef Toad has enlisted his Toad friends to make tasty creations themed around the land (Mario and Luigi burgers, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs). Take your time while eating because the view outside the restaurant’s “windows” changes to tell an epic story.
Your Snack and Drink Stop:
Yoshi’s Snack Island™
It’s right there at the end of Yoshi’s Adventure. There are some hot food options, but the best part are the smoothies — and they’re more like slushies. They come in two delicious flavors: Mango and Apple Melon. But it doesn’t matter what you call them. The cool drink paired with fresh fruit flavor makes it the perfect snack on those hot Orlando days. The Mango flavor is more fruit-forward and a tad sweeter.
Dark Universe: Where Monsters Roam
Based on the classic monster movies Universal is known for, this creepy and gothic land is filled with all things spooky. Dark Universe is loaded with touches and homages to these classic movies and characters. There are even some famous faces walking around, willing to talk to you and decide if you’ll be their next victim.
This is an important land to Epic Universe because it’s Universal Studios showcasing its roots. They really wanted to get this right — and they nailed it. Buildings look old and rustic, the cobblestone streets are uneven and unsettling, and you can’t turn a corner without running into a coffin.
Though it’s a land worth going to any time, Dark Universe’s atmosphere makes an impact after the sun goes down. The darkness enhances the mood and allows the lighting and effects to shine. And nothing showcases this better than The Burning Blade Tavern. The tavern sits under a windmill that bursts into flames periodically throughout the night. The spectacle pays tribute to the windmill fire in the original Frankenstein movie and is sure to be an eerie highlight.
For an Epic Attraction, Be Invited to:
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Dr. Victoria Frankenstein (granddaughter to the original doctor) has captured the most famous monsters and bent them to her will. But when a certain vampire breaks out of his chains, it’s up to Victoria, Igor, and Frankenstein’s monster himself to save you.
This simulator-type ride may be too intense for some, but if you can handle the thrills, you’ll enjoy one of the park’s signature experiences. Using the same KUKA ride vehicle as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ at Universal Islands of Adventure, you’ll be tossed back, forth, up, and down. But instead of entering a room and watching a screen, you come face-to-face with life-size animatronics of classic Universal monsters. For non-theme-park enthusiasts, a KUKA ride vehicle is a lot like your arm. The base of the vehicle is your elbow, there’s a joint like your wrist, and the seats are your hand. Swing your hand around without moving your wrist and that’s a good idea of what you’ll feel on the ride.
From the building facade and queue to the animatronics and story, you can tell Universal put a lot of effort into this ride. And it works. This is arguably the best ride in the park and isn’t to be missed.
Honorable Mention:
Curse of the Werewolf
This ride is perfect for those looking for a more traditional thrill ride. Curse of the Werewolf is a roller coaster with a twist — literally, as your cart will spin in circles while you glide over the track. Purists will love this no-frills coaster experience.
For an Epic Meal, Pack Your Garlic and Visit:
Das Stakehaus
Surround yourself with vampires and vampire lore in a sit-down restaurant perfect for Dark Universe. The menu is eclectic and has options for everyone from burgers (with black buns!) and steaks to spicy wings and vegan options. But the design of the restaurant is the real star of the show. Decorations include landscape paintings that depict epic vampire battles of old, and the bodies of defeated vampires are mounted on the walls. There are other vampiric artifacts displayed, too.
Your Snack and Drink Stop:
The Burning Blade Tavern
Dark Universe’s signature landmark is also the home to the land’s signature beverage. The Monocane Mocktail is a fizzy and refreshing drink that will leave you satisfied and refreshed — and by using a combination of fruit syrups and Sprite®, this unique soda concoction will delight any mad scientist. Order the mocktail in its signature beaker for a fun take-home souvenir. Snacks include buttery garlic pretzels and fried cheddar bites.
The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM – Ministry of MagicTM: More Than One Chamber of Secrets
Explore another avenue of the Wizarding World. You’ll step into 1920s Paris and be surrounded by magic and mystery. Like Super Nintendo World, every corner of this land is themed perfectly and filled with interactive elements. Purchase an interactive wand and discover fantastic beasts and surprises all around.
As one of the park’s largest and most detailed lands, it’s easy to spend most of your day here. Every storefront, every sign, and every poster are created to flawlessly fit in this world. Grab a Butterbeer™ and happily wander the streets and alleyways that make up this spectacular land.
For an Epic Time, Apparate to:
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™
Fan of the Harry Potter series? Then this ride isn’t to be missed. But the ride is so good that it deserves to be seen by everyone. Along with Monsters Unchained, this is a signature ride of Epic Universe. Battle at the Ministry takes everything Universal is known for and combines it into one spectacular ride. From immersive video screens to lifelike animatronics, not one aspect of this ride misses the mark.
Battle at the Ministry is another KUKA ride that isn’t as intense as the others — though, there’s still a lot of motion. There are plenty of highlights in this ride, but one thing that stands out is the animatronic work. You’ll be second-guessing whether the characters you see are real people for the entire ride.
Honorable Mention:
Le Cirque Arcanus
The Wizarding World is also home to one of the park’s two signature shows. Le Cirque Arcanus™ is a spectacular combination of live actors, puppets, and special effects. And those special effects aren’t just in the show. The theater itself is a clever optical illusion that primes you for the jaw-dropping spectacle from the very start.
For an Epic Meal, Say Bonjour in:
Café L’air De La Sirène™
Modeled after a cozy French cafe, you can dine inside or out and eat a delicious meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu is large and features tasty options for everyone, but the dish that’s not to be missed is the Butterbeer crepe.
This large and delicious dessert is a freshly made crepe stuffed with Bièraubeurre™ cream and topped with strawberries, a Butterbeer drizzle, and shortbread cookie garnish. It’s taking the Wizarding World’s favorite drink and serving it in a whole new way. A word of advice: Thanks to the sweetness and size of this snack, it’s probably best to share.
Your Snack and Drink Stop:
Bar Moonshine™
Step into Paris’ version of an American bar. This spot features cocktails, beers, wines, and mocktails surrounded by U.S. Quidditch™ team pennants. As the name suggests, it only serves drinks, but a great one is the Gigglewater. And just like in the Fantastic Beasts™ movies, Gigglewater is sure to make you a little happier after each sip, as it features a strong elderflower flavor topped with a prosecco spritz.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Family-Friendly Fire-Breathing Fun
Be transported to another land filled with Vikings, weary sheep, and, of course, dragons. And the dragons are the real stars of this section. You’ll find the winged beasts on top of shops, sitting in houses, and flying high above the grounds.
Much like the movies, this area is best enjoyed by the littlest members of your family. It’s the only land in Epic Universe that has a playground and one of the few rides in the park with no height requirement.
For an Epic Attraction, Fly to:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Ride Hiccup’s latest invention as it swoops and dives above Isle of Berk. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a smaller roller coaster that has all the fun without the “scary” thrill. Unlike Stardust Racers or Curse of the Werewolf, you won’t find any loops or spins or anything crazy. It’s just a fun ride with a nice casual amount of excitement.
Honorable Mention:
Fyre Drill
Epic Universe has a little something for everyone, and that includes those who want to get soaked. Living in a land of fire-breathing dragons means everyone needs to be trained in fire prevention. On Fyre Drill, you’ll board a boat and use your water cannon to soak everything you see: fires, dragons, even other boats. There is no height restriction on this ride, so it’s the perfect opportunity for the smallest in your group to hop on and have some fun.
For an Epic Meal, Raise Your Horns in:
Mead Hall
Eat like a Viking and choose from a menu filled with hearty portions of meat, fish, and more. The specialty here is Swedish meatballs. Served smothered in gravy and next to a side of smashed root veggies, you’ll love the flavors of Scandinavia on your plate. Like the Vikings themselves, the portions in Mead Hall are large — so don’t sleep on the kids’ menu, the meals from which are substantial and served in a little Viking boat.
Your Snack and Drink Stop:
Spit Fyre Grill
Spit Fyre’s unique snack is the mac and cheese cone. Each one is made up of a crunchy breaded cone filled with a unique take on mac and cheese. There’s the traditional option, which features mac and cheese topped with fish-shaped crackers. A spicier version is Nashville-style pulled chicken and hot honey. And the signature is PB&J — or pork, bacon, and jam. And since they all come in a cone, it’s the perfect portable treat.
Tyler Bohlman is an Orlando-based writer and avid theme park fan. As an annual pass holder for all three major theme parks, you can always find him exploring a castle, waving a magic wand, or feeding a sea lion.
