🌟 Epic Universe Preview: Inside Universal Orlando’s Brand-New Theme Park
🌟 Epic Universe Preview: Inside Universal Orlando’s Brand-New Theme Park
I recently had the incredible opportunity to preview Epic Universe, the first brand-new theme park to open in Orlando in nearly 20 years—and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. This park is EPIC in every sense of the word. With five fully immersive lands, stunning details, thrilling rides, and magical surprises around every corner, Epic Universe is set to change the theme park game.
Here’s an inside look at each land, plus tips and thoughts from my visit!
🌌 Celestial Park: A Cosmic Welcome
I entered the park through Helios Grand Hotel, one of the new on-site resorts connected directly to Epic Universe. While it sounds convenient, the entrance from the hotel was a bit slower than expected—though I’m sure that will improve once the park officially opens.
Once you step into Celestial Park, you’re instantly transported. Giant statues, glittering fountains, and lush gardens make for a breathtaking introduction. This area is home to dining, shopping, and two standout attractions:
Constellation Carousel: A dreamy, space-themed carousel with soothing music and cosmic creatures. Be sure to ride it after dark for the full starry experience!
Stardust Racers: A fast, smooth rollercoaster that rivals VelociCoaster. It’s longer, faster, and absolutely thrilling—perfect for adrenaline junkies!
🧛♂️ Dark Universe: Hauntingly Beautiful
Step through the portal into Darkmoor, the eerie village at the heart of Dark Universe. This land is themed around Universal’s classic monsters, with fog-filled streets, gothic details, and haunting soundscapes. You’ll find atmospheric actors, live music, and a seriously spooky vibe (especially after dark—trust me, I didn’t stick around!).
Two thrilling rides stand out here:
Escape the Claws of the Werewolf: A smooth, fast coaster with classic thrills.
Frankenstein Experiment: A dark ride with next-level queue design. It uses the same ride system as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, but with a new storyline and plenty of scares.
🍄 Super Nintendo World: Play Like a Kid Again
For everyone who grew up in the ‘90s and early 2000s, Super Nintendo World is pure joy. It’s like stepping into your favorite childhood video game—and becoming part of it.
With a Power-Up Band, you can collect coins, score points, and interact with the world around you. Don’t miss:
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – A 3D, augmented reality race through iconic tracks.
Yoshi’s Adventure – A gentle, egg-collecting ride perfect for little ones.
Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country – A wild ride with cool track-jumping effects.
🎮 Tip: Don’t leave without trying the DK Crunch Sundae in a tropical banana flavor—it’s served in a souvenir mug!
🧙♂️ Ministry of Magic: Magic Before Harry
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I was so excited to explore this land. The Ministry of Magic takes you to Paris during the time of Fantastic Beasts, before Harry’s story began.
While I didn’t get to ride Battle of the Ministry (it's currently using a virtual queue system—set your alarm!), I did catch the magical Tent of Le Cirque Arcanus show, which is a must-see for Fantastic Beasts fans.
Want a new wand? Stop by Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique for a second-generation interactive wand, which works with even more spell spots than previous versions.
🐉 Isle of Berk: A Dragon-Filled Dream
And finally—my favorite land: Isle of Berk, inspired by How to Train Your Dragon. This area is a feast for the senses, with the sounds of dragons, salty sea air, and bright Viking architecture.
Here’s what you can’t miss:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – A scenic coaster with great views of the land.
Dragon Racers Rally – A more hands-on flying ride.
Fyre Drill – A hilarious water ride where you spray (and get sprayed by) other guests.
Viking Training Camp – A shaded playground for little ones.
Live Dragon Show – Real flying dragons (aka drones!) take to the sky in a spectacular performance.
Oh—and yes, you can even hatch your own dragon egg!
📝 Final Thoughts + Travel Tips
Epic Universe is not just a theme park—it’s a whole new world of immersive storytelling and adventure. Each land feels like a completely different universe, and there’s truly something for every traveler, from thrill rides to family-friendly fun.
✨ Remember: This was a preview, and the park will continue to evolve and improve as it officially opens and adjusts to crowds. I’ll be heading back again soon—and I’d love to help you plan your own Universal adventure!
📸 Want to see more? Check out my photos and videos from the preview on my Facebook and Instagram—just search for Journey’s with Jenn or find the links in the sidebar.
🎟️ Whether it’s your first time to Universal Orlando or your fiftieth, I’m here to help make it unforgettable. Let's plan your trip together!
Until next time, happy travels and just keep dreaming.
