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Epic Universe First Impressions: A Portal-Powered Home Run from Universal Orlando
Yesterday, we had the absolute honor of being hosted by Universal Orlando for a VIP Media Day, and were among the first guests to fully explore the dazzling new theme park set to open its gates to the public on May 22, 2025—Epic Universe. And let’s just say… the name fits.
This park doesn’t just raise the bar—it launches it into the cosmos.
From the moment we stepped under the shimmering Chronos tower into Celestial Park, we knew this wasn’t just another theme park expansion or new land add-on. This is an entirely new way to experience immersive lands, thrilling rides, and storytelling on a grand, cinematic scale. Over the course of the day, we explored all five lands—each connected by shimmering, immersive portals—and we’re still picking our jaws up off the floor.
Here’s how Epic Universe stacked up for us:
Related: Beyond the Portal: A Land-by-Land Tour of Universal’s Epic Universe
Immersion: 9.5/10
Each land in Epic Universe is so thoughtfully crafted that it feels like you’re stepping into a living storybook—or a feature film set. From the crackle of electricity as you enter Dark Universe to the soft ticking of the Time-Turner portal that leads to the Wizarding World, every detail is designed to transport you.
The only small knock here—and we do mean small—is that in some spots, you can catch glimpses of other lands in the distance. While it doesn’t ruin the experience, it does slightly chip away at the illusion of being fully sealed in a separate world. That said, the scale and artistry in each area will absolutely bring you back again and again just to uncover new details you didn’t catch the first (or fifth) time.
Thematics & Storytelling: 10/10
The central concept of Celestial Park powering the portals to each land via the Chronos Tower is nothing short of genius. It ties the entire park together while giving each land the space to shine with its own unique narrative. The transition from one area to the next never feels abrupt—instead, you’re re-anchored in Celestial Park between each visit, reinforcing the idea that you’re traversing distinct worlds powered by one cosmic force.
Each land feels like its own park, complete with rides, shows, food, characters, and atmosphere to match. The theming is so strong that you’ll want to spend full days in each land just soaking in the magic.
Storyline: 10/10
This is where Epic Universe truly lives up to its name. Universal has figured out how to create a park with overarching lore and self-contained stories in each land. Whether you’re unraveling the Ministry’s secrets in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, escaping Dracula in Dark Universe, or soaring over Berk with Hiccup and Toothless, the narrative depth of each experience feels like you’re stepping into a new chapter of an epic novel.
Returning to Celestial Park between lands reinforces this structure—each land becomes a “book” on your grand, portal-hopping adventure.
Attractions: 10/10
There is truly something for everyone here—and every ride goes beyond what you expect. Here are a few standouts:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – A groundbreaking dark ride mixing animatronics, screen effects, and a powerful story (no 3D glasses needed!).
- Stardust Racers – A double-launch coaster through space, complete with a dazzling Celestial Spin.
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – A thrilling, monster-packed journey into chaos and creation in the Dark Universe.
For family-friendly fun that still packs a punch:
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders in Isle of Berk offers soaring excitement and story-driven thrills.
- Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country delivers fast turns and eye-popping “track jump” effects that are straight out of the video game.
And let’s not forget the shows and character interactions—from a flying Toothless in The Untrainable Dragon, to the spellbinding Le Cirque Arcanus show in the Wizarding World, every performance adds to the park’s rich storytelling.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Universal didn’t just build another theme park—they changed the game.
Epic Universe is a fully immersive, story-driven, technologically advanced playground of imagination, and we couldn’t be more impressed. The creative risks paid off, the theming is spectacular, and the rides are unforgettable.
We’ll be visiting again and again for years to come—not just because of the attractions, but because the worlds here are worth returning to. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a fantasy fan, a casual guest, or a deep-diving lore lover, there’s something in this universe for everyone.
Epic Universe is a home run—and Universal Orlando just knocked it clear out of the park.
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