On Thursday, May 22, the brand new theme park opens its doors to the general public for the first time. Eight years in the making, Epic Universe is Orlando's first major theme park since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999.
While it covers 750 acres, the park itself spans approximately 110 acres. Its older siblings, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, comprise 108 and 110 acres, respectively. Though the acreage is comparable, Epic Universe feels smaller—in a good way. The attractions are close together, making the experience more manageable and less daunting.
Each of the park's five worlds features its own distinct portal gate and welcome message. "We were looking for a unique way to tell stories and to differentiate this park from our other parks and from other theme parks," says Chris Frisella, assistant director and executive producer at Universal Creative. "A portal is great because it really allows you to transport guests to any world you would ever want to. So even as this park grows and expands, it doesn't matter really what the story may be, because there's a logical way to include it."
With multiple expansive worlds within Epic Universe, there's plenty to do and see in a day — and even more to entice you to return. Here's what you can expect at the new theme park.
The Park's Five Worlds
Isle of Berk
"We, my friends, have dragons!" reads the entrance portal at Isle of Berk, which is fashioned after How to Train Your Dragon. And they do, indeed, have dragons. There are dragons all over the area — from animatronic ones roaming around or popping out from random corners, to others carved into benches, to a meet-and-greet opportunity with Toothless himself. The Isle's three new rides are also dragon-related: Hiccups Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer's Rally, and Fyre Drill.
Super Nintendo World looks as if Mario Party came to life and invited you in.
Photo by Carolina del Busto
Super Nintendo World welcomes you with one of the most memorable soundbites in video game history: "Here we go!" Mario's world is a two-parter: Mario Land is out in front, with Donkey Kong Country — the first of its kind in the United States — in the back.
Once you pass through the entrance portal and emerge from the castle facade, the video games come to life with real-life golden blocks, floating gold coins, tiny angry mushrooms, and Piranha Plants.
When it comes to attractions, Yoshi's Adventure is super chill — think of it as a chance to rest your feet and enjoy the views. Mine Cart Madness is an insanely fun coaster built to look as if you're floating on a broken track. It's trippy, but rest assured, you're safely secured. And, of course, you can't have a Super Nintendo World without a classic Mario Kart racing game. Take a ride on Bowser's Challenge and test your thumb-tapping skills.
Aside from being visually stunning, Super Nintendo World features the interactive Power-Up Band. Once you purchase one, connect the band to your Universal Orlando mobile app and track your points. Use the snap-band to tap golden boxes and other items throughout the world to collect points and gold coins.
Dark Universe
If you're more into classic movie monsters, Dark Universe was made for you. Walk through the portal to enter the village of Darkmoor, where humans and monsters roam — some more freely than others. The large quote on the portal entrance, "It's alive! It's alive!" is famously attributed to one Doctor Frankenstein in reference to his monstrous creation.
There are two attractions in the world. The first, within Frankenstein Manor, is called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Here, Doctor Victoria Frankenstein seeks to avenge her family's name and capture the monsters to control them. The second ride is an outdoor coaster called Curse of the Werewolf. You can also try the Monster Makeup Experience, where you'll transform into a monster or take pictures with spookies like Frankenstein and his bride.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic transports guests to 1920s Paris, France.
Photo by Carolina del Busto
Perhaps the pièce de résistance is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic. The entrance portal greets guests with a classic quote from Professor Dumbledore: "For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own."
Entering through the portal transports you to the streets of 1920s Paris, France, with street posters featuring all sorts of magical Harry Potter references in French. The storefronts are darling and chic and feature the in-the-know details (peep and you'll find a bowtruckle trying to pick a lock). Many of the windows are also interactive, so have those wands ready.
The giant Time Turner embedded on the portal entrance indicates you'll time travel quite a bit inside this world. Whereas the streets are reminiscent of 1920s Paris (a nod to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), the main attraction is a trip to the Ministry of Magic in the late 1990s for the trial of Professor Umbridge.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is similar to Escape from Gringotts — except here, instead of escaping, you'll witness Umbridge being brought to justice. Before you get on the ride, you'll weave through a queue made to look as if you're actually visiting the Ministry. The design and build rival that of the actual set that sits in Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in London. It is nearly a nearly brick-for-brick recreation.
The second attraction, Le Cirque Arcanus, is a pleasant 30-minute escape into a circus-like environment with magical creatures, including a special appearance by everyone's favorite Hufflepuff, Newt Scamander.
Celestial Park
Epic Universe's fifth area is the IP-free Celestial Park, which acts as a sort of central hub. Naturally, its attractions are tied to the stellar theme. There's a Constellation Carousel, a water play area for kids called Astronomica, and the Stardust Racers roller coaster. With two tracks and two coasters running simultaneously, it calls to mind Islands of Adventure's defunct Dueling Dragons ride.
Stardust Racers packs a mighty punch! Don't be fooled: Those racers are fast.
Photo by Carolina del Busto
So, What's the Verdict?
Universal Orlando Resort's new Epic Universe is, indeed, truly epic. It feels like it's always been a part of Universal Orlando Resort, but it still manages to feel fresh due to its innovative tech. Older visitors will feel like kids again, and their kids will revel in the magic. Is it worth a visit? Without a doubt. Should you go during the sweltering Florida summer heat and wait in those crazy long "new theme park" lines? Probably not. Give it time to simmer or invest in an Express Pass.
