Stepping into Celestial Park, the gateway to Universal Orlando Resort’s latest marvel, Epic Universe, I was instantly captivated by an enchanting adventure. Beyond the entrance, four portals beckoned, each leading to vibrant worlds of magic, mythical creatures, and iconic characters. Despite minor hiccups, Epic Universe delivers an unforgettable experience that lives up to its grand name.
The standout memories from Epic Universe aren’t solely its thrilling rides—though Monsters Unchained, with its stunning animatronics, ranks among the world’s finest—but the immersive moments that whisked me from Orlando into beloved stories. Where else could I bond with Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon, assist Dr. Frankenstein in pursuing Dracula, explore the Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country, or step into the Wizarding Worlds of 1920s Paris and 1990s London? Only Epic Universe offers this, making it a must-see destination.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World and its Donkey Kong Country area may echo other Universal parks, but their charm remains undimmed. As a first-time visitor to a Nintendo-themed land, and someone whose love for gaming was sparked by late-night Super Mario World sessions with my mom, walking into Mario’s universe felt like a dream come true.
Emerging from Celestial Park through a Warp Pipe portal—complete with iconic sound effects—I felt like I was returning to a cherished home. Mount Beanpole’s flagpole with spinning coins, looming Thwomps, Koopa, and stacked Goombas; Peach’s Castle with paintings straight out of Super Mario 64; and the collectible K-O-N-G letters in Donkey Kong Country—all were brought to life with breathtaking precision.
The Question Blocks are a highlight! With a Power-Up Band, guests can turn the land into an interactive game, collecting digital coins, stamps, and keys. Even without the band, you can punch glowing Question Blocks, a moment that felt like the culmination of a lifetime of gaming instincts—a perfect theme park thrill.
Super Nintendo World is packed with delightful details and Easter Eggs. Pikmin hide in corners, a Yoshi’s Story book appears in a queue, and countless nods to Nintendo’s legacy enrich the experience while waiting for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. There’s even an underground area where a Power-Up Band triggers an 8-bit Mario from Super Mario Bros.
Surprisingly, the rides were the land’s weaker link. They’re far from poor, but Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge lacked the speed I craved, and its AR glasses limited my view, breaking immersion. Yoshi’s Adventure boasts an adorable queue but moves at a glacial pace, leaving me sweltering in the Orlando heat. Mine-Cart Madness felt jarring, especially in the back of the cart, where the track jumping illusion lost its punch.
Still, the rides have their charms, but wandering Super Nintendo World itself outshines them. Accessibility is a strong suit—despite numerous stairs, elevators abound, a feature consistent across the park’s attractions.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
I extended my hand, and the lifelike animatronic dragon stretched forward, its eyes closing in trust as it cooed softly. I was stunned—it felt like I was truly connecting with a living dragon.
The Toothless meet-and-greet in Epic Universe’s How to Train Your Dragon-themed Isle of Berk is the most remarkable character interaction I’ve ever experienced at a theme park. The animatronic’s real-time responses and expressive movements are technological marvels, stealing the show during my visit. Guided by a pitch-perfect Hiccup, joined by Astrid, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Gobber, the land’s character actors are as vibrant and true to the films as they come.
Isle of Berk bursts with vivid colors, playful dragons, and charming sheep, enhanced by water features that elevate its beauty and tie into the star attraction, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders—my second-favorite ride and the park’s best family coaster.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders sweeps you through Berk on a thrilling, smooth ride in Hiccup’s winged contraption. John Powell’s soaring score amplifies the sensation of flight, filling me with pure joy without a hint of motion sickness.
In contrast, Isle of Berk’s other rides, Dragon Racer’s Rally and Fyre Drill, are gentler. Dragon Racer’s Rally offers control via levers to adjust your vehicle’s height, but it lacks a true flying feel and, oddly, music. Fyre Drill, with its cute dragon and human cutouts, is a slow water ride with underwhelming water guns, better suited for younger guests.
For kids, Isle of Berk’s multilevel playground is a gem, offering a stunning view of the land from its peak. It’s a rare open space where children can burn off energy, a thoughtful addition for families.
The Untrainable Dragon live show mirrors Toothless’ magic with its vibrant, massive dragons. The craftsmanship is dazzling, though the story falls a bit flat. Still, it’s a must-see for the spectacle alone.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic
While much excitement for Epic Universe’s Harry Potter land centered on the Battle at the Ministry and its breathtaking queue, the 1920s Paris setting stole my heart.
The land is breathtaking. Dining at Café L’air De La Sirène, savoring French onion soup and a butterbeer crepe at an outdoor table, I felt transported to Paris. The live band and Plume the Puffskein added to the immersive charm, making me want to linger all day.
The atmosphere, towering architecture, and 1920s-clad character actors were utterly captivating. Le Cirque Arcanus, the land’s standout show, dazzled with fantastic beasts, skilled performers, and Potterverse touches that left me laughing, awestruck, and emotional—a must-see.
The interactive wand experiences, meant to let you cast spells or interact with objects, were less enchanting. It often took multiple tries to get them to work, which felt more frustrating than magical.
The queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a triumph of scale, lighting, and detail, rivaling even Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Transitioning from Paris via the Métro-Floo to 1990s London’s magical government hub, I was struck by the detailed offices, reception booths, Daily Prophet papers, and moving wanted posters setting the stage for Dolores Umbridge’s trial.
The queue is lengthy—roughly 1,300 steps or 20 minutes, per IGN’s Casey DeFreitas, who previewed it. Universal clearly designed it for big crowds. The ride itself impresses with its scale but feels jerky, relying heavily on video screens that sometimes disappoint. While Potter fans will find plenty to love, I prefer rides with more practical effects.
Dark Universe
Dark Universe, centered on Universal’s classic monsters, wasn’t my initial draw, but it left the deepest mark, thanks to its star attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment—one of the best rides I’ve ever experienced.
This thrilling ride showcases Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon with exhilarating yet accessible intensity. Seamless transitions between video screens and stunning animatronics kept a smile on my face through four consecutive rides, with no discomfort or jostling. It’s Epic Universe’s crown jewel.
Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster, adds fun with its back-to-back seating, letting me share laughs and reactions with other guests as we fled werewolves. It’s bumpier than Monsters Unchained but still broadly enjoyable.
Dark Universe’s atmosphere in Darkmoor village—featuring Frankenstein Manor’s imposing façade and the fiery Burning Blade Tavern—is striking but less immersive in the bright Orlando sun or crowded settings. Nighttime helps, but the crowds dilute the eerie vibe.
The meet-and-greets shine, with Ygor’s sharp wit, Frankenstein’s Monster and his bride, and a haunting violinist adding flair. Universal’s casting excels, with character actors enhancing the immersion as much as the land’s dramatic elements.
Celestial Park
C seta Park is more than a gateway to Epic Universe’s iconic lands—it’s a cosmic realm of its own, with unique shops, dining, and the thrilling Stardust Racers.
This dueling coaster sends you looping and soaring across Celestial Park, delivering free-fall thrills that rival Islands of Adventure’s VelociCoaster. The twin tracks create a mix of competition and harmony, with surprises like seeing fellow riders zoom overhead.
IGN’s Casey DeFreitas also loved Stardust Racers during her pre-opening visit. Discover the 12 coolest things she saw at Epic Universe right here, from Donkey Kong-themed floats to the scent of Gardenias and her unexpected encounter with The Wolf Man.
Stardust Racers dazzles at night, its tracks glowing like shooting stars. The Constellation Carousel, while slow like most merry-go-rounds, offers a charming starry dance and a moment to relax. My only complaint is the ride’s pillars obstructing what could be a stunning view of Celestial Park.
With grand fountains, massive sculptures, and portals to other lands, Celestial Park also offers ample space for kids to play. However, shade is scarce across Epic Universe, a challenge in 90-degree heat. Pack sunscreen and seek indoor retreats—or visit in cooler months.
