Universal’s newest addition to Orlando, Epic Universe, is completely changing the theme park game. This isn’t just another expansion at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s a whole new park with an entirely fresh experience—and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. From the themed lands to the layout, everything is designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into something extraordinary.
But you might be wondering—what makes this park so special? It’s not just one big thing—it’s the way everything works together to feel more connected, more imaginative, and more engaging than anything Universal has done before. We have gone to experience Epic Universe for yourselves so we can tell you everything you need to know!
General Information About the Park
Each “portal” feels like it’s own world! You can completely immerse yourself in each section of the park. The story truly comes alive with the food, the atmosphere, the drinks, and the rides. You enter into Celestial Park. From there, you can enter the four portals – Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk, and Ministry of Magic.
Epic Universe has changed from tickets to facial recognition. A ticket is still needed to enter the park, but facial recognition is used from express passes and lockers. Speaking of lockers, Epic Universe listened and learned! Lockers have greatly increased in size, and bags are much easier to store. We were able to put two small backpacks into one locker!
Dark Universe
Dark Universe explores a village shrouded in mystery and mystical beings. In this park, the village is terrorized by the classic monsters – vampires, werewolves, and monster of the deep.
When you need to refresh yourself, Dark Universe houses The Burning Blade Tavern, De Lacey’s Cottage and Das Stakehaus. Das Stakehaus provides larger, more hearty meals where the staff is mysteriously pale. They provide a variety of food and drinks that you can really sink your teeth into. De Lacey’s Cottage is near Frankenstein’s Manor. They do snack foods and beverages to electrify you with flavor! Lastly, is The Burning Blade Tavern. This is our personal favorite! The snacks and drinks may be in a dark tavern, but you can feel safe in the presence of the village’s monster hunter. Make sure to ask for the Crossbow drink on the secret menu.
Dark Universe has two rides – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf. Curse of the Werewolf is a thrilling rollercoaster that has you spinning and speeding through dark woods. Monsters Unchained is our favorite ride in the park! It mixes animatronics with screens as you go through the monster’s revolt against Dr. Victoria Frankenstein.
Ministry of Magic
In this portal, you can expect to encounter fantastic beasts as you walk through the streets of 1920s Paris. Later, use the Metro-Floo to transport into the Ministry of Magic. It’s an all new way to experience the magic we’ve all come to love!
Just like Paris, there’s plenty of ways to wine and dine. Cafe L’air De La Sirene is a traditional, charming cafe where you can dine on French inspired food while enjoying the AC or watching the world walk by. If you’re into the Dark Arts, Le Gobelet Noir is frequently visited by dark witches and witches who want to avoid prying eyes. Lastly, Bar Moonshine serves drinks to refresh yourself immersed in American wizarding memorabilia.
The Ministry of Magic portal only hosts one ride – Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry. Soar through the ministry on an enchanted lift to help keep Dolores Umbridge from escaping her (well-deserved) trial. However, we highly recommend the Le Cirque Arcanus show. You’ll have the opportunity to be up close and personal with more fantastic beasts than you could’ve ever dreamed!
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World brings your childhood video games to life! You’ll find a world where cartoon magic is all around you. This portal houses Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
Playing games all day can work up an appetite!. Toadstool Cafe offers tasty, themed creations surrounded by scenery of the Mushroom Kingdom. Need something to beat the heat? Enjoy a tropical beverage or snack in The Bubbly Barrel. Yoshi’s Snack Island is nestled away and offers you a cozy option for your snacks and beverages. Lastly, Turbo Boost Treats makes you tap on your breaks. Get snacks and drinks to rev your energy back up!
This portal gives you three chances to bring the game to life! Ever want to play Mario Kart for yourself? Now you can! Ride Bowser’s Challenge, and drive the track for yourself. It uses cars and VR to make everything really jump at you. If coasters are more your thing, Mine-Cart Madness may be a better fit for you. Fly through the jungle on this family coaster and try to protect the Golden Banana at all costs. Need something to do with the little ones? Yoshi’s Adventure is slow and steady. Kids can collect eggs as they travel through the Mushroom Kingdom. It’s enchanting and definitely family friendly.
Isle of Berk
Journey to the Isle of Berk and marvel in this village where dragons and Vikings live in harmony.
We had some of our favorite foods in this park! The snack that can’t be missed is the Mac and Cheese cone. It comes in a few variations. We had the PB and J Mac and Cheese cone. It had mac and cheese, pulled pork, bacon, and jam layered through the bread cone. In this portal, eat as the Vikings do! You can find food, mead, wine, and other drinks at Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel, Spit Fyre Grill, and Mead Hall.
This portal gives you the chance to soar with the dragons! Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a coaster that lets you swoop through the clouds and try Hiccup’s latest flying contraption. Dragon Racer’s Rally is more family friendly. The ride swings you around, but you can make it as exciting as you want. Each rider has wings of their very own. When you finally need a break from the heat, look out for Fyre Drill. outscore and out soak they rest of your party and the dragons around you. We also highly recommend the show in this portal! The Untrainable Dragon is a sweet show about a new “untrainable” dragon. It’s a feel-good pick me up in the AC.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the central hub of Epic Universe. It’s where you enter, and it’s where you find the entrance to all the portals. Celestial Park has a life of its own, too.
There’s countless food options – full service, snacks, and quick service. There’s bars to quench your thirst and shopping all around you! Celestial Park even has its own rides. We do recommend doing the rides at night. The hub lights up, even the sidewalk glows. Stardust Racers is a duel and intensive coaster. You’ll feel like you’re hurling through lights and the cosmos. A true gem is the Constellation Carousel, especially at night. It’s magical, whimsical, and enchanting. It feels as good as the first kiss in a romance movie. Before the park closes, find a spot in the outdoor amphitheater to watch the fountain show. It’s the perfect way to end an epic day.
