Epic Universe is one of the most immersive theme park experiences I’ve had in a very long time. As a travel agent, I’ve been following the hype for years—and let me tell you, it was rightfully so!
The moment you step into the Epic Portal, you’re transported into a brand-new world with five distinct and breathtakingly themed lands. The layout is simple yet brilliant—a circular design with Celestial Park at its center, serving as the hub to the other worlds.
Celestial Park
✨ Constellation Carousel: Unlike any carousel I’ve ever been on, this ride spins along multiple tracks, creating the illusion of dancing stars. At night, it’s pure magic—the glowing lights feel like you’re riding through a night sky.
🎢 Stardust Racers: This was a delightful surprise. From the outside, it doesn’t look like the extreme coaster it truly is—but don’t be fooled. It launches you from 0 to 60 mph in seconds! Pro tip: if you have metal in your body, you may not be able to ride, as the coaster uses powerful magnets (you’ll even go through metal detectors before boarding). Thrill-seekers—this one’s a must.
🍔 Dining: We tried both the Meteor Astropub and the Oak & Star Tavern.
Meteor Astropub: Quick-service dining with classic fare like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. There was no wait to sit—it’s cafeteria-style, so you grab your own table and order directly from the app.
Oak & Star Tavern: My absolute favorite! The BBQ was packed with flavor, and our group ordered the family meal—4 meats and 4 sides. Note: the sides are single portions, so basically each person gets one. If your group wants to try more, order extras. Everything was so tasty that it’s worth sampling a variety.
💡 Tip: Most Universal dining at Epic Universe uses the Universal Orlando App. Download it ahead of time—it makes ordering easy, and many spots deliver food right to your table!
Super Nintendo World
This land was pure nostalgia for me. Mario was the first video game I ever played on my NES, and stepping into Super Nintendo World felt like stepping right back into that childhood wonder.
🎮 From the moment you walk through the giant green warp pipe, your jaw drops. You’ll find yourself face-to-face with Peach’s Castle, the imposing Bowser’s Castle, and whimsical details everywhere you look—coin blocks, piranha plants, and even a path that leads you into the Donkey Kong Country expansion.
🪄 Power-Up Bands: To really enjoy this land, grab one! They’re styled like retro slap bracelets and allow you to collect coins, play mini-games, and unlock special challenges. Each band represents a character, so you get to join a team and feel like part of the game.
🎢 Rides:
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – A thrilling augmented-reality race that brought back memories of Mario Kart marathons with my brother and nephews.
Yoshi’s Adventure – A slower, family-friendly ride full of nostalgia and adorable details. Perfect for younger riders.
Mine Cart Madness (Donkey Kong) – A wild and unpredictable coaster with twists, leaps, and plenty of bananas!
🥟 Food: Don’t miss the Turbo Boost Treats stand for Yoshi-themed calzones (yes, shaped like shells!). Both the red and green versions were delicious.
Dark Universe
For fans of the classic Universal Monsters, Dark Universe is a dream come true. The eerie fog, gothic architecture, and haunting atmosphere pull you right in.
👹 Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment was unforgettable—the animatronics were so lifelike, I felt like I was face-to-face with Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man.
🐺 Curse of the Werewolf looked like a fun family coaster, though I didn’t get to ride it this time.
💄 Watching transformations at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience was a treat—these artists are incredibly talented.
The Grand Helios Hotel
Standing tall and elegant, the Grand Helios Hotel overlooks the entire park. Imagine staying inside Epic Universe—it’s like a theme park dream come true. At night, lit up against the skyline, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The magic continues with a brand-new take on the Wizarding World.
⚡ This land combines 1920s Paris from Fantastic Beasts with the Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. Strolling through the streets feels like walking through history, filled with shops and stunning detail.
🎪 The highlight for me was Le Cirque Arcanus, where you stumble upon Newt Scamander’s suitcase and encounter some of his most incredible creatures.
🪄 Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry lets you step into the climactic showdown against Dolores Umbridge and the Death Eaters. Walking through the Ministry of Magic itself was surreal—a dream come true for any Potter fan.
✨ Tip: Don’t forget to grab your interactive wand! You can cast spells throughout the land, bringing shop windows and magical details to life all around you. It’s the perfect way to make the experience even more immersive.
Isle of Berk – How to Train Your Dragon
Last but not least, the Isle of Berk is absolutely charming. As you explore, you come face to face with many adult and baby dragons, making you feel like you’ve truly stepped into the world of How to Train Your Dragon.
🐉 Dragon Racers Rally was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—you control and glide your own dragon! Thrilling and whimsical all at once.
🎢 I didn’t get to try Hiccup’s Wing Gliders Rollercoaster this time, but it looks like a lot of fun! It’s definitely on my list for the next visit.
Everywhere you look, the details bring Berk to life, making this land a delight for fans of the franchise.
Final Thoughts
Epic Universe truly lives up to its name. With five immersive lands, groundbreaking attractions, and incredible dining, it’s a theme park like no other. Whether you’re a fan of video games, monsters, wizards, or dragons, there’s something here that will sweep you off your feet.
✨ Are you ready to plan your own Epic Adventure? Let’s get started today—I’d love to help you experience the magic for yourself!