Universal’s Epic Universe opened in May 2025 and quickly became one of our favorite theme parks in Orlando. From the moment we stepped into Celestial Park, we were blown away by the stunning design and incredible attention to detail. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family traveler, or a fan of immersive storytelling, this park has something for everyone. We spent a full day exploring all four lands and wanted to share everything we learned to help you plan your perfect visit.

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Tickets & Admission

Here’s what you need to know:

• Single-day tickets start at around $139 but vary by date and demand.
• Express Passes are highly recommended for busy days, especially for headliners like Mario Kart.
• Multi-day tickets including Epic Universe are available but always check specifics to ensure Epic Universe access is included.
• Early park entry is a key perk for guests staying at Universal’s new on-site hotels, allowing access up to an hour before general admission.
• Tickets can be bought online or at the gate, but advance purchase is recommended to secure availability and best pricing.

Celestial Park

Celestial Park is unlike any theme park hub you’ve seen before. It’s a sprawling garden of light and water, centered around the futuristic Chronos portal. The landscaping features plantings, reflective pools, and cosmic lighting that changes from day to night, creating a magical atmosphere.

Rides & Attractions

• Stardust Racers is a dueling coaster that quickly became one of our favorites. Riders race side by side through twists, airtime hills, and inversions at speeds up to 62 mph. It’s smooth, thrilling, and packed with energy. We rode it 8 times and still couldn’t get enough.
• Constellation Carousel is not your typical carousel, this ride features creatures inspired by constellations with lights and music that transport riders into a starry fantasy. It’s calm and beautiful, and we thought it was the perfect night ride especially with the lights.

Dining

• Pizza Moon offers pizzas with a cosmic twist, including a delicious smoked mushroom and truffle variety. The modern setting is perfect for couple and familes for a lunch break.
• Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant boasts a menu inspired by Asian street food and fine dining, featuring items like Korean BBQ and spicy Thai noodles amid sleek, futuristic decor.
• Oak & Star Tavern is a great spot for upscale tavern fare, craft cocktails, and local brews in an inviting, warm setting.

Super Nintendo World

Walking into Super Nintendo World felt like stepping straight into the screen of a classic Nintendo game. Every inch of the land was bursting with colors, energy, and playful sound effects. From the moment we passed through the iconic green pipe, the interactive elements, characters, and layered details made us feel like we were part of the adventure and, honestly, like kids again.

Rides & Attractions

• Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge was a highlight. The AR technology blew us away every twist and turn felt alive and the practical effects like the heat blasts really added to the immersion.
• Yoshi’s Adventure was a nice slower ride to relax on and Mine Cart Madness surprised us with its sudden drops and jungle theming.
• Mine-Cart Madness was a blast. You hop into a mine cart that looks like it’s leaping over gaps in the track. It’s fast, playful, and full of surprises. Definitely a must for Donkey Kong fans.

Must-Dos

We highly recommend getting the Power Up Bands it made exploring the land so much more fun like a real life video game. Collecting coins and unlocking mini games kept us entertained throughout the day.

Dining & Snacks

• We tried the DK Crush Float and can’t recommend it enough. The tropical flavors were refreshing and the banana candy topping was a perfect sweet touch.
• Toadstool Café offered tasty sandwiches and snacks perfect for a quick bite.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

This land totally blew us away from the moment we stepped in. The way they mixed 1920s Parisian streets with the massive Ministry of Magic building made the whole place feel super atmospheric and mysterious. You really get the sense you’ve been transported right into the wizarding world’s heart. As Harry Potter fans, we were beyond excited to explore every little detail—from the shop windows to the street performances happening around us. It was one of the coolest parts of the park.

Rides & Attractions

• Battle at the Ministry exceeded our expectations. The ride is intense cinematic and beautifully designed. The mix of motion simulation with detailed sets made it feel like we were actually in a magical showdown.
• Le Cirque Arcanus Show is a dark wizard circus-themed stage show. It was a nice change of pace and great when it’s hot or raining. With spellbinding illusions, magical creatures, and rich storytelling, it added depth to the land and was a great way to cool off and recharge.

Must-Dos

Casting spells with the interactive wands was such a fun way to engage with the environment. The street performances added charm and kept us entertained while strolling.

Dining & Snacks

• Café L’air De La Sirène served some of the best French inspired dishes we’ve had in a theme park definitely worth a sit down meal. And of course we couldn’t resist Butterbeer from the cart.
• Le Cirque Arcanus Show is a dark wizard circus-themed stage show. It was a nice change of pace and great when it’s hot or raining. With spellbinding illusions, magical creatures, and rich storytelling, it added depth to the land and was a great way to cool off and recharge.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Isle of Berk was a bright and cheerful escape from the rest of the park. The Viking “village” felt authentic, with rustic wooden buildings, flickering lanterns, and cozy little details that made you feel like you’d stepped right into the world of How to Train Your Dragon. The whole area had a warm and welcoming vibe, perfect for relaxing between rides or exploring at your own pace.

Rides & Attractions

• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders delivered a thrilling yet surprisingly smooth ride that really captured the feeling of soaring through the skies on dragonback. It reminded us a bit of a shorter version of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Still packed with energy and fun, just more family friendly.
• Dragon Racer’s Rally was a blast and perfect for all ages. We spent a while trying to master the spinning controls. Turns out it takes more skill than you’d think. If you want to get the full spinning experience, definitely ask a Team Member for a few tips before you board.
• Fyre Drill is a splash battle ride that’s great for cooling off in the middle of a hot Florida day. We had fun blasting targets and each other, but be warned that how wet you get really depends on where you sit and how competitive your fellow riders are. It’s playful, chaotic and super refreshing.

Must-Dos

The Untrainable Dragon live show was surprisingly impressive with great puppetry and effects that captivated the whole audience. After the show, the Viking Training Camp was perfect for kids to burn off some energy and have fun exploring.

Dining & Snacks

• We highly recommend the mac and cheese cone it was a unique and delicious snack that’s easy to carry while exploring.
• Mead Hall had hearty satisfying meals with a cozy vibe. They have delicious and filling kids meals

Dark Universe

Dark Universe added a cool spooky vibe to the park. The gothic atmosphere was super immersive, with eerie details around every corner. The dark storytelling really felt like a nod to Universal’s classic horror legacy, making it a must-see for fans of all things creepy and thrilling.

Rides & Attractions

• Monsters Unchained completely blew us away. The mix of massive lifelike animatronics and jaw-dropping effects made it feel more like a movie than a theme park ride. It’s intense, fast paced, and genuinely thrilling. Definitely one for adrenaline lovers and fans of Universal’s classic monsters.
• Curse of the Werewolf was a pleasant surprise. The spinning coaster adds an unpredictable twist to the monster theme with sharp turns and bursts of speed that kept us laughing the whole way through. It’s spooky but in a fun and approachable way.

Must-Dos

Meeting the roaming monsters was a highlight great for photos and adding to the eerie vibe.

Dining & Snacks

• The Burning Blade Tavern had a cozy atmosphere with flavorful dishes perfect for a break.
• Das Stakehaus offered creative monster themed plates that were both tasty and fun.

Planning Tips

Arrive early and take advantage of early park entry if you’re staying onsite. Use the Universal Orlando app for up to date wait times mobile food ordering and interactive maps. Purchase an Express Pass if you want to reduce wait times especially on weekends or holidays. Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated there’s a lot to see and do. Lockers are available near major rides that don’t allow loose items.

Where to Stay

Helios Grand Hotel is incredibly convenient and luxurious. Early park access and a private entrance makes starting the day stress free.

Terra Luna and Stella Nova offer great budget friendly options with shuttle service.

If you’re staying at Universal’s other resorts expect regular shuttles to the park.

Final Thoughts

We had an amazing day at Epic Universe. The mix of thrilling coasters immersive dark rides and family friendly adventures creates something truly special. From racing through Mario Kart to casting spells at the Ministry to enjoying Viking snacks and exploring creepy monster labs every moment was filled with magic and excitement. We can’t wait to go back.