Was it Epic?

Is Universal’s Epic Universe Really EPIC? A Comprehensive Review

Universal Epic Universe, the highly anticipated new theme park in Orlando, Florida, officially opened on May 22, 2025. This marked the first new major theme park from either Disney or Universal in decades. The last park to open before it was Universal’s Volcano Bay, a water theme park which debuted in 2017. Prior to that, the last traditional, dry-gate theme parks to open were Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 1999 and Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998.

You’re likely wondering, “Is it really Epic?” To answer that question honestly and fairly, my family and I have spent multiple days at the park since its opening, staying at all three of Universal’s newest resorts. I deliberately waited to post my thoughts to provide a more comprehensive review, one that goes beyond the limited-capacity opening weekend.

So, is it truly EPIC? Yes, it is. But it’s not perfect. The key to an amazing experience lies in how you approach your visit and the planning you do beforehand.

The Five Worlds of Epic Universe

The park’s immersive theming is truly next-level. Here’s a quick guide to the five unique worlds you can explore:

• Celestial Park: The park’s central hub, a lush, green space with an astronomical theme. It features the thrilling dueling steel coaster, Stardust Racers, also referred to as Starfall Racers.
• SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: A vibrant, highly interactive land that brings the worlds of Mario Kart, Yoshi’s Adventure, and Donkey Kong Country to life.
• Dark Universe: A moody and immersive land that embodies Universal’s legacy of classic monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Wolf Man.
• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: This land pulls you directly into the fun and action of a Viking village, complete with massive dragons, from the beloved film series.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Universal’s newest commitment to the beloved franchise transports you to the 1920s Paris depicted in the Fantastic Beasts series, allowing you to explore the British Ministry of Magic.

Essential Tips for Your Visit

To help you have the best possible trip, here are a few crucial reminders from my family’s experiences.

1. Be Flexible. No theme park trip ever goes exactly as planned. Be prepared for bumps and unexpected circumstances. Being too rigid with your expectations or itinerary is a surefire way to be let down.
2. It’s Brand New. This is a massive, brand-new theme park, not just a new attraction. Universal is still refining and improving operations. The sooner you accept this, the less frustrated you’ll be when things go awry, like when the ride you planned to “rope drop” is temporarily unavailable.
3. Expect Long Lines. Lines can get absurdly long, sometimes exceeding multiple hours, especially for popular rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. If long waits are a dealbreaker, consider purchasing Express Passes.
4. Weather Happens. The majority of the rides at Epic Universe can and will be affected by weather, particularly Orlando’s standard summer rain and thunderstorms. Universal staff’s top priority is guest safety. They can’t control the weather, so be patient if a ride goes down temporarily.
5. Pay Attention to the Details. The theming is absolutely next-level. From the meticulously designed queue lines to the themed food and beverages, Universal truly hit it out of the park. Don’t rush through; take time to appreciate the incredible details, including the nightly water and light show in Celestial Park.

Hotel Reviews & Tips

• Stella Nova vs. Terra Luna: If you’re choosing between the two Prime Value resorts, go with Stella Nova for any Epic day. It has a convenient walking path directly to the park and, in our opinion, better food options. Terra Luna’s reliance on bus transportation for every destination is a significant drawback.
• Helios Grand: We were fortunate to get a club-level upgrade with a great view. The rooms are luxurious, but the lobby can feel a bit small. Bar Helios and Flora Taverna are excellent but very expensive with no discounts. A key tip: If you’re staying at Helios, you will not be the first person into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD during early entry. The main gate entrance is closer, so those guests will beat you. Instead, use that hour to enjoy Stardust Racers in Celestial Park, where staff often allows guests to loop on and off the ride.

Ride & Food Highlights

• The Battle of the Ministry: The queue is arguably the best part of the experience. The ride itself is good, but waiting more than an hour for it is, in my opinion, a waste of time. Monitor wait times; you can often get on in under an hour.
• Dark Universe: This is my personal favorite land. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experimentis a stunning and fantastic ride. Don’t sleep on Curse of the Werewolf; while it may feel short on your first ride, it definitely grows on you.
• The Food. Do not skip the food! We tried several locations including Meteor Gastropub, The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, and The Burning Blade Tavern, among others. The food, snacks, and beverages are fun, immersive, and truly tasty. Head to the Meteor for a “Meteor Strike” mixed drink—it’s worth it for the fun experience alone.

Final Thoughts

Epic Universe was and is Epic. Universal has created a family-friendly, unique, and immersive experience. We’ve already booked our return trip to see what the park is like for the Christmas holiday season.

P.S. Since Universal and especially Helios are limiting discounts, the Universal Credit Card is a great way to earn points for future trips if it makes financial sense for you. The points can be converted into gift cards to help fund your next adventure.