Universal Orlando’s enormous new theme park with five immersive lands is poised to wow guests who think they’ve seen it all when it comes to technology, park design, and entertainment. I love the overall concept of entering a portal and being wholly absorbed in the space I have entered. While nothing is perfect, Epic Universe is a fantastic addition to Universal’s campus and will undoubtedly bring a whole new generation into their fold.
With more “E-ticket” (high value) attractions located in one park than any other in the Orlando area, the value is there. Many of the attractions are targeting older children, teens, and adults but there are things for younger children to see and do. Here are just a few of the highlights, one or two from each land:
Celestial Park: This entrance area to Epic offers Stardust Racers (min height 48″), dueling roller coasters that will have fast-moving lines all day, plus the Constellation Carousel (no height requirement), a totally new take on a carousel with celestial animals that spin, change direction, and rise up to 6′ off the floor with gorgeous colors and lights. Try this one at night!
The Wizarding World Ministry of Magic: The third HP land at Universal Orlando is themed to Paris and features Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (min height 40″), a thrill ride with motion simulation in which you follow the trial of Dolores Umbridge. Battle has been described as “the very best attraction in greater Orlando” by more than one theme park critic during previews. Must do for HP fans and others alike (thankfully there haven’t been reports of nausea like on some motion sim attractions). Also, the live stage show in this land, Le Cirque Arcanus, is receiving early rave reviews for its use of illusion and stunning design.
Super Nintendo World: This is the largest, by far, of the now three Super Nintendo Worlds on earth (Osaka and Hollywood being the others) and instead of one ride, Orlando boasts three. Mine-Cart Madness (min height 40″), a family coaster based on Donkey Kong has a realistic illusion that makes you think you’re leaving the tracks at various points. This is a lower hourly through-put ride that will likely have long lines, but it will be worth it. Grab a snack from Toadstool Cafe and buckle in. Universal Resort guests can access early entry to this land and this would be a good one to target when you arrive.
Dark Universe: Based on the storied monsters of yore (Frankenstein, Werewolf, etc.), this land goes solidly into creepy without getting too scary (i.e. NOT like the super popular Halloween Horror Nights that Universal hosts each fall). The Burning Blade Tavern restaurant with its spinning windmill blades literally on continuous fire is representative of the level of theming apparent in the park. Kids and adults alike can sign up to be transformed into a classic monster for an additional charge at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. One of the attractions here, Curse of the Werewolf (min height 40″) sends riders racing through werewolf dens (what else?).
How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk: This media darling of a land features an impressive use of multiple (robot) dragons who interact directly with guests. Fans of the movies will especially enjoy the live stage show, The Untrainable Dragon, in which Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid go to great lengths to train a new arrival to Berk. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (min height 40″) is a fun thrill coaster that lets guests imagine they are on a wooden flying machine learning how to fly as they zoom all over the Isle of Berk.
Each land has a minimum of three highly themed restaurants and, of course, shops — be prepared to make some tough choices. In previews Universal has been using virtual queues for one or two of the most popular attractions to keep the physical wait times lower.
Things to Consider:
– Epic Universe has a lot of stairs, including in many of the ride queues. Make sure to speak with a Team Member at the front of the attraction if you or anyone in your travel party has mobility limitations before you enter the line.
– Super Nintendo World is very loud, as could be expected for being inside a video game. Bring ear protection as needed (we like the Loop brand ear plugs for situations where we want to reduce the surrounding volume without blocking everything).
– Isle of Berk has a large viking themed playground and Celestial Park has a great splash area — perfect for kids under 40″ tall.
– Early entry will be really helpful here: stay on property at Universal.
– Two new value hotels, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, are located in proximity to Epic Universe and offer the same type of room (two queen beds) and similar amenities. One key difference, though, is that Stella Nova has a direct walking path to Epic Universe while guests at Terra Luna have only the shuttle option.
– Helios Grand is the new signature hotel for Epic Universe that is immediately adjacent with a dedicated park entrance. This hotel is relatively small (500 rooms), and breathtakingly beautiful. Definitely worth a night there for the views, location, and remarkable interior design of the public spaces. Important note: Guests of Helios do NOT receive Universal Express Pass, as do guests of other signature hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort).
– Single day park tickets are now available, and Universal has continued to expand the ticket media and vacation package offerings over the past several months.
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