I had the incredible honor of being invited not once, but twice by Universal Orlando Resort. First, I got a preview of Epic Universe, Universal's brand-new theme park, and then I had the privilege of attending the Grand Opening Celebration. What an unforgettable experience!
Epic Universe is a game-changer. From the moment you step into Celestial Park, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and an atmosphere of awe and discovery that brings the "park" back into theme park.
From Celestial Park, you’ll find portals leading to four incredible, fully immersive worlds:
Super Nintendo World
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Dark Universe
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Here’s a closer look at what each of these lands has to offer:
Celestial Park
This gorgeous central hub is filled with gardens, interactive fountains, delicious dining, retail shops, and three unique attractions:
Astronomica – A fun, interactive water play area with dancing fountains, perfect for kids
Constellation Carousel – Ride celestial lions, dragons, and bears on this imaginative, family-friendly carousel
Stardust Racers – A thrilling dual-launch roller coaster that zips through the cosmos
Dark Universe
Step into the eerie, atmospheric world of Universal’s classic monsters. This land is spooky, mysterious, and absolutely thrilling.
Curse of the Werewolf – A wild coaster where you’ll dodge and weave through the woods, trying to escape a pack of werewolves
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – A thrilling motion-simulation ride that goes off the rails when Dracula leads a monster revolt
Dark Universe Character Encounters – Meet Frankenstein’s Monster, his Bride, the Invisible Man, and more in Darkmoor Village
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This was hands down my favorite land. It’s like walking straight into the movie. The theming is top-notch, and the experiences are unforgettable.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – My favorite ride. Soar through the skies like a dragon—it’s smooth, exciting, and incredibly immersive
Dragon Racer’s Rally – A high-energy dragon-riding trainer coaster with spins and barrel rolls
Fyre Drill – A water battle where Viking teams duke it out. Expect to get wet
Viking Training Camp – A colorful, interactive play area for younger Vikings to climb, explore, and discover dragons
Live Entertainment:
The Untrainable Dragon – A delightful live-action show with Hiccup, Toothless, and Astrid. This is a must-see show!
Gobber’s Forge – Character meet-and-greet with Gobber the Belch
Toothless and Friends – Don’t miss meeting Toothless
Super Nintendo World
Gamers, get ready. This vibrant world brings all your Nintendo dreams to life.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – A 3D/4D motion-sim where you race through iconic tracks, collect coins, and battle Team Bowser
Mine-Cart Madness – Help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana in this fast-paced family coaster
Yoshi’s Adventure – A family-friendly ride where you join the Yoshis on a search for glowing eggs through the Mushroom Kingdom
Character Meet and Greets – Say hello to Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Step into 1920s wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic. This land blends the world of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts into a mysterious, magical adventure.
Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry – A motion-simulation thrill ride where you join Harry, Ron, and Hermione for a wild journey during the trial of Dolores Umbridge
Le Cirque Arcanus – A live, family-friendly show featuring magical beasts, puppetry, special effects, and a stolen suitcase
Some of my Favorites:
Favorite Land: Isle of Berk. The land's incredible theming and dragon-filled adventures made it an instant favorite. Meeting Toothless and catching The Untrainable Dragon show were truly magical moments.
Favorite Ride: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. It’s thrilling yet smooth, with beautiful views and incredible storytelling.
Favorite Snack: Butterbeer Crepe
Most Interactive Land: Super Nintendo World
Best Quick Service: Pizza Moon in Celestial Park. The food throughout Epic Universe was excellent, and I loved the mobile ordering system. You order in the Universal app, and your food is brought right to your table. It’s a great mix of fast service and a comfortable, air-conditioned place to enjoy your meal.
Final Thoughts
Epic Universe lives up to its name. The theming, storytelling, and technology in each land are beyond impressive. Each portal truly transports you into another world, and the entire park is full of moments that will wow guests of all ages.
If you're ready to experience the magic and excitement of Epic Universe for yourself, I’d love to help you plan the perfect Universal Orlando Resort vacation. Let’s start planning your next adventure!