Universal’s Epic Universe Is a Game-Changer—Here’s Why
Move over Hogwarts, step aside Super Mario—there’s a new universe in town, and it’s EPIC in every sense of the word. Yesterday, I had the immense privilege of participating in a hosted Private VIP Tour during Universal Orlando’s Media Day, and let me tell you, Epic Universe is more than just a new theme park—it’s a portal-hopping, jaw-dropping adventure that feels straight out of a movie… or five.
Universal’s newest theme park opens May 22, 2025, and it’s packed with five immersive lands that transport you across galaxies, timelines, and genres. Each one is connected by a central hub—Celestial Park—and linked by dazzling portals that offer sound, light, and sensory effects so convincing, you half-expect Doc Brown or Doctor Strange to greet you on the other side.
Let’s go land by land through the multiverse of thrill, fantasy, fun, and fire-breathing wonder.
Related: Universal Epic Universe Merch Collections Now Available Online
🌟 Celestial Park: Where Your Epic Journey Begins
Your adventure begins under the shimmering spire of Chronos, a celestial tower that’s part cosmic clock, part portal to adventure. Step through, and you’re immersed in Celestial Park, a lush world of dancing fountains, otherworldly gardens, starlit walkways, and next-level theming. This isn’t just a hub—it’s a whole vibe.
🚀 Stardust Racers is the star (pun very much intended) attraction here. This dual-launch coaster races comet-shaped trains through 5,000 feet of track at speeds up to 62 mph, weaving in and out of a jaw-dropping Celestial Spin element that left my stomach somewhere over Andromeda. The two tracks are slightly different—I personally loved the “off-yellow” side for its surprising airtime.
🌟 The Oak & Star Tavern fueled us for more fun, offering delicious barbecue beneath a magical oak tree that practically glows with stardust. Grab a drink at The Plastered Owl (yes, that’s the name), and toast to the start of your cosmic adventure. Spoiler: this was some of the best food we had in the park!
🐲 How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: It’s Drag-on in the Best Way
Welcome to Berk, where Vikings live side-by-side with dragons, and you’ll swear you’ve wandered onto the movie set. From the craggy cliffs to the fishbone banners flapping in the wind, Isle of Berk is an incredibly detailed love letter to the DreamWorks franchise.
🎢 We took to the skies on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a surprisingly zippy coaster that launches you from Hiccup’s workshop and sends you soaring past Toothless and friends. The onboard audio and animatronic interactions give this ride serious heart. It’s more intense than expected—but still kid-friendly.
🎭 The showstopper here—literally—is The Untrainable Dragon, a live-action spectacle featuring fire effects, music, and yes, a flying Toothless with a 27-foot wingspan. Seeing him soar overhead brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my arms. I will be going back for a rewatch… or ten.
Perhaps the highlight of our visit was meeting Toothless and Hiccup at their meet and greet. The interaction here is incredible, and I can finally say that I have not only met a dragon-i was able to pet one!
🪄 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Floo, Fight, Fantastic
Step through a ticking time turner portal and into the 1920s streets of Wizarding Paris, complete with cobblestone alleys, magical storefronts, and interactive spell spots for wand-wielding wizards. Then, hop aboard the Metro-Floo and find yourself inside the British Ministry of Magic circa the 1990s.
✨ Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a mind-bending journey through magical departments as Harry, Ron, and Hermione try to bring Dolores Umbridge to justice (finally!). This attraction combines physical sets, screens, and effects without 3D glasses and features an innovative lift system that literally bounces you through the Ministry. Expect chaos. Expect fun. Expect to want to ride it again and again.
🎪 We also saw Le Cirque Arcanus, where Newt Scamander’s beasts escape in a magical stage show full of dazzling puppets and spellbinding effects. Think Fantastic Beasts meets Cirque du Sorcery.
You will also want to be sure to stop in Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique to pick up your next wand! The wands here are a new version of the wands available in the Wizarding World, with version 2.0 of the wands including a new app integration as well as haptic feedback!
🧛 Dark Universe: Where the Monsters Are the Main Event
Cue the thunder. Crackle with anticipation. Dark Universe is where Universal’s classic monsters come to (after)life—and while the vibes are spooky, it’s surprisingly family-friendly. Even if you’re not a horror fan, you’ll be drawn in by the haunting beauty of this eerie village ravaged by experiments gone wrong.
⚡ The portal itself zaps with electricity as you enter, and though we didn’t get to ride either of the two attractions here, they’re already high on my scream list. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment sees Victoria Frankenstein battling Dracula, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, and more in a wild revolt gone wrong.
🌕 Curse of the Werewolf puts you in the woods with glowing eyes and snapping jaws in a spinning family coaster full of tension and thrills. It’s not about jump scares—it’s about storytelling, and Dark Universe delivers it in spades. I can’t wait to see it all lit up at night—because let’s be honest, every monster looks better in moonlight.
🍄 Super Nintendo World: Press Start to Play IRL
If you’ve ever jumped on a Goomba, tossed a red shell, or chased a Golden Banana, Super Nintendo World will make your heart do a double jump. Walking through the warp pipe, you’re immediately immersed in bright colors, iconic sound effects, and an environment where the Mushroom Kingdom feels entirely real.
🎮 We rode Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country, a rollicking coaster that pulls off video game-style jumps and track illusions so convincing you’ll wonder if physics took a power-up. The theming here is bananas (literally).
🏁 We also checked out Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an interactive ride with steering, shell-throwing, and multiple outcomes based on your race performance. It’s like playing Mario Kart from the inside, with 3D goggles and game-style chaos.
🦎 For the little ones (and the Yoshi stans), Yoshi’s Adventure is a gentle dark ride that’s more adorable than a 1-Up mushroom plush.
🎢 Final Level Thoughts: Is Epic Universe Worth It?
Is a Warp Star worth riding? Is a Hippogriff worth befriending? Is escaping Dracula worth screaming for? YES. YES. YES.
Epic Universe isn’t just a park—it’s a next-level leap in themed entertainment. From the seamless immersion of the portals to the heart-thumping thrills and cinematic storytelling in every land, Universal has delivered an experience that’s, well… epic.
If you’re even thinking about visiting when the park opens this May—book the trip. Grab the wand. Buckle up on the Stardust Racer. And don’t forget to look up when Toothless flies overhead.
This isn’t just a day at the park. It’s a journey to five incredible worlds. And trust me—you’ll want to visit them all.
We want to sincerely thank Universal for hosting us during the media day yesterday. Our VIP tour guide was AMAZING, and we highly recommend taking a VIP tour for your next Epic visit to Universal Orlando Resort!
Related: Universal Orlando Resort Launches “National Epic Universe Portal Tour” In Select Cities This Spring
