Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025, and theme park enthusiasts are already buzzing about this highly anticipated addition. With five distinct lands and a variety of exciting new attractions, Epic Universe promises to be a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and fans of beloved franchises alike. Here’s everything we experienced during our exclusive sneak peek, including some surprising moments and must-try attractions.
Related: “Influencer” Slammed For Breaking Epic Universe Filming Rules
Arriving at Epic Universe: A Smooth Start to a Magical Day
From the moment we arrived at Epic Universe, it was clear that Universal had gone above and beyond in creating a seamless experience for guests. The parking area was surrounded by lush landscaping, and the security check was fast and efficient. It’s rare to see such a smooth and streamlined process, and we were impressed with how easily we were able to access the park.
The Universal app played a huge role in planning our day. It allowed us to check wait times, get updates on attraction closures, and access key information. If you’re planning a visit to Epic Universe, we highly recommend downloading the app before you go—it’s incredibly useful!
Celestial Park: The Heart of Epic Universe
Our first stop was Celestial Park, the grand hub that connects all the lands of Epic Universe. The land is designed to impress, with the striking Chronos Tower serving as a central focal point. The tower’s detailed design and significance to the overall theme of the park immediately captured our attention.
One of the main attractions here is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that promises an exhilarating ride through the skies. Guests race on comets, navigating sharp turns and thrilling launches—think of it as Dueling Dragons meets VelociCoaster, with plenty of high-speed twists and jaw-dropping moments. However, we were caught off guard by one small rule that could throw off some guests—no pins or buttons allowed on this ride!
A Surprise Rule: No Pins or Buttons on Stardust Racers
As we prepared to board Stardust Racers, we were surprised to learn that all pins and buttons must be stored in a locker before riding. It was a small inconvenience but definitely worth mentioning for anyone who likes to sport souvenir pins or birthday buttons. We had to head back to the locker area to drop off our items before rejoining the queue, which was a bit of a hassle but didn’t detract from the excitement of the ride.
Once we got settled on the coaster, though, it was all smooth sailing. The ride was absolutely thrilling, offering a heart-pumping journey through the sky that will surely become one of the park’s signature attractions.
More Than Just Coasters: Exploring Celestial Park
Beyond the thrills of Stardust Racers, Celestial Park offers other experiences that are perfect for guests seeking something a bit more relaxed. The Constellation Carousel is a beautifully designed spinning ride that lets you glide through a dazzling display of lights and music. It’s gentle and perfect for families or anyone who wants to take a break from the high-speed attractions.
We also loved Astronomica, a massive interactive wet-play area designed as a giant compass that leads guests to other areas of the park. It’s a great spot to cool off while still enjoying the park’s magical atmosphere. For those in need of a sit-down meal, Atlantic is a must-visit restaurant located in a Victorian-style aquarium. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a midday meal.
Dark Universe: A Spine-Tingling Adventure
After our time in Celestial Park, we headed to Dark Universe, where the tone shifted to something darker and more intense. Entering through an electrifying portal, we were immediately immersed in a world of dark energy and Universal’s iconic monsters. The main attraction here is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a thrilling and eerie ride that uses advanced special effects to bring the Frankenstein story to life in a way we’ve never seen before.
We also experienced Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster that added even more excitement to the land. It’s clear that Dark Universe is all about immersive storytelling, spine-chilling thrills, and unique ride experiences.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
Of course, no trip to Epic Universe would be complete without visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. This land merges the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts worlds, creating a truly immersive experience for fans of both franchises. Though we didn’t have the chance to ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, we did explore the queue, which was detailed and filled with magical surprises.
One of the standout moments was Le Cirque Arcanus, a new live theater show that blends aerialists, puppetry, and fantastical beasts. It’s a must-see for any Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts fan looking to be transported into the wizarding world.
Super Nintendo World: A Colorful Adventure
Next, we visited Super Nintendo World, and it was everything we hoped for—and more. Entering through the iconic green pipe, we were transported into the vibrant worlds of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong. The immersive environment makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into the video games, and there are attractions for every age group to enjoy.
We particularly loved Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which uses augmented reality to bring guests into a high-speed chase against Bowser. It’s a thrilling experience that perfectly combines technology and nostalgia. For a more laid-back experience, Yoshi’s Adventure offers a relaxing omnimover ride that lets you take in the colorful world from above.
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk: Family Fun
Finally, we explored How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk. The Viking village is full of life, with dragons flying overhead and the perfect mix of family-friendly attractions. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a smooth and fun coaster that offers some delightful twists and turns. For a more interactive experience, we recommend Fyre Drill, a water-based attraction where guests use water cannons to put out fires.
One of the highlights here is The Untrainable Dragon, a live show featuring life-sized dragons, impressive puppetry, and musical numbers. It’s an entertaining and unique addition to the park that’s sure to leave you smiling.
Final Thoughts: Epic Universe is a Must-See Destination
Epic Universe is poised to become a game-changer for Universal Orlando, offering something for every type of guest—whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a fan of immersive storytelling, or just looking for a fun day out. With exciting new rides, lush lands, and plenty of surprises along the way, it’s clear that this new park will become a must-visit destination when it opens on May 22, 2025.
We can’t wait to return and experience everything Epic Universe has to offer. Until then, we’ll be counting down the days to the official opening!
