Epic Universe Review: Everything You Need to Know About Universal Orlando’s New Park
- Ginger
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, is finally open—and it’s already making waves as one of the most immersive theme parks ever built. As a travel professional with Marvelous Mouse Travels, I’ve had the chance to visit twice (once for a preview and once with my family), and I’m here to give you my honest, unfiltered Epic Universe review.
Whether you’re a theme park veteran or just planning your first Orlando trip, this guide will walk you through each land, highlight the best rides, share dining tips, and answer the big question: Is Epic Universe worth it for your family?
What Is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is the newest addition to Universal Orlando Resort, located just a short drive from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The park is divided into four themed lands, all connected by Celestial Park, a central hub inspired by the cosmos.
From Celestial Park, you can access:
Super Nintendo World
Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon)
Dark Universe (Universal Monsters)
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
Super Nintendo World Review
If you grew up playing Mario or Donkey Kong, this land is pure nostalgia. Bright, colorful, and full of energy, Super Nintendo World is one of the busiest areas in Epic Universe.
Best rides in Super Nintendo World:
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – an interactive dark ride where you “race” against Bowser (Express Pass available and worth it)
Yoshi’s Adventure – a gentle ride perfect for younger kids
Donkey Kong Minecart Madness – a family coaster with unique theming (no Express Pass; go early for shorter waits)
Tips:
Expect at least one ride to experience downtime during the day—it’s still a new park.
Toadstool Café is worth seeing for the theming, but the food is average.
Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) Review
This Viking-inspired land was one of the biggest surprises of Epic Universe for me. Even if you’re not a huge How to Train Your Dragon fan, the theming is stunning.
Must-do rides in Isle of Berk:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – my personal favorite ride in the entire park; a thrilling but family-friendly coaster
Fire Drill – water ride
Dragon Racers Rally – glider-style attraction (no express pass accepted here either)
Untrainable Dragon Show – a live show featuring lifelike dragon effects
Tip: Don’t miss meeting Toothless—the animatronic is so realistic, kids will believe they’re meeting the real dragon.
Food: The Mead Hall is beautifully themed, but its Viking-inspired menu may not appeal to picky eaters. For a quick bite, grab the mac & cheese cones.
Dark Universe Review (Universal Monsters)
Horror fans will love Dark Universe, but even non-monster fans (like me) will be impressed by the atmosphere. The land feels spooky but family-friendly, thanks to playful character interactions.
Rides in Dark Universe:
Monsters Unchained – an immersive motion-simulator inside Frankenstein Manor (motion sickness warning!)
Curse of the Werewolf – a spinning family coaster that feels different every ride
Food highlight: Don’t miss the Burning Blade Tavern. Their garlic stake bread with parmesan butter is one of the best theme park snacks I’ve ever had.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic Review
This is easily the most immersive land in Epic Universe, themed after Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and Wizarding Paris.
What makes this land special:
Massive city facades that make you feel like you’ve stepped into Paris
Spellcasting opportunities with interactive wands
Shops (including the largest wand shop in any Universal park)
The ride:
Ministry of Magic is the only ride here, but it’s also the most popular in the park. The queue is jaw-dropping—you feel like you’re walking into the films. Lines are long, and there’s no Express Pass, so plan accordingly.
Food: The butterbeer crêpes are a must-try—even non-butterbeer fans will love them.
Celestial Park Review
Before heading into the themed lands, don’t skip Celestial Park itself. It’s home to:
Stardust Racers – a dual racing coaster
Constellation Carousel – a family-friendly spinning ride
Restaurants, shops, and live entertainment
This area is beautiful at night and sets the tone for the rest of the park.
Is Epic Universe Worth It?
Absolutely. Universal Orlando has raised the bar with Epic Universe. Here’s why:
Theming – Every land is immersive, rivaling Disney’s best efforts
Rides – A great balance of family-friendly attractions and thrill rides
Food – Easily on par with EPCOT, and in some cases even better
Something for everyone – From Mario fans to Harry Potter lovers, there’s a land for every age and interest
My 13-year-old even declared Epic Universe his favorite park ever. For me, it’s in my top three theme parks worldwide.
Planning Tips for Epic Universe
Arrive early – Early park admission is key for Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Minecart Madness
Use Express Pass – Worth it for rides like Mario Kart and Monsters Unchained
Food strategy – Save time by mobile ordering when available (Dark Universe is my pick for foodies)
Motion sickness warning – Rides like Monsters Unchained and Curse of the Werewolf may be rough if you’re sensitive
Final Thoughts: My Epic Universe Review
Epic Universe isn’t just a new theme park—it’s a game-changer for Orlando. If you’re a theme park fan or love any of the franchises represented, this park is absolutely worth visiting. The immersive theming, innovative rides, and surprisingly good food make it a destination in itself.
Want to Plan Your Trip to Epic Universe?
My vacation planning services are completely free when you book through me. You’ll pay the same price as booking directly through Universal—but I can also get you early park admission with any 2+ day ticket purchase, even if you’re staying off-site. That’s a perk you won’t find on Universal’s website.
👉 Ready to start planning? Email me at ginger@marvelousmouse.com or reach out here. I’d love to help make your Universal vacation unforgettable.
