Universal Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s next major theme park, set to open in May, and it aims to give Florida visitors another fun-filled destination to put on their to-do list. Before the grand opening, Universal has been hosting preview events, including one for the media that I attended on behalf of Screen Rant. Along with theme park team members and their families, I had the chance to tour Epic Universe’s five immersive worlds, including a BTS look at a grand new H๏τel and some of the park’s highly anticipated attractions.

When Epic Universe officially opens, it will become the fifth park area within Universal Orlando Resort, following Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. Each area has unique offerings, but all eyes have been on Epic Universe, and the five parks within the new destination, which are filled with innovative attractions, visually breathtaking environments, and a wide variety of food options. While I had a great time at Epic Universe, a few aspects stood out from the rest.

1

Touring Helios Grand H๏τel Before It Opens

Helios Has The Best Views Of The Entire Park

Prior to the main event on Saturday, media members were taken on a special behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Helios Grand H๏τel, the brand-new Loews H๏τel located within Epic Universe. The H๏τel itself was huge, with a striking lobby design, a Mediterranean restaurant, a zero-entry pool, and all the amenities I could think of. However, my favorite feature within the new H๏τel was Bar Helios, the bar area at the very top of the building, which housed the coolest views of the park.

Aside from having its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe, Helios Grand H๏τel features an enclosed rooftop bar (under the bronze dome) with a 360-degree view of the theme park and surrounding area. Even the domed ceiling dedicated to a constellation design had me in awe. If I found myself staying at the H๏τel and didn’t have a chance to stay in a room with a view of the park, I’d probably spend a lot of my time at Bar Helios, especially at night, when the entire park would be lit up.

2

Meeting Hiccup & Toothless In How To Train Your Dragon – Isle Of Berk

Berk Has The Most Exciting Character Encounters

Epic Universe offers plenty of meet-and-greet opportunities within the five different worlds. Some Universal Monsters are available to encounter in Dark Universe, and in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, witches and wizards walk around. There are also Super Mario characters accessible for guests to meet in Super Nintendo World. While I didn’t get a chance to meet all the characters Epic Universe had to offer, I arguably met some of the most popular: Hiccup and Toothless.

In How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, a few characters, like Astrid and twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, were walking around, allowing for brief chats and pH๏τo opportunities. The park also has Haddock Paddock, an official attraction area for more private meet-and-greets. As part of that, I was able to meet with Hiccup and Toothless, who reacted to commands and requests as if the dragon had been brought to life. It also made for unforgettable pH๏τo and video memories.

3

Riding Stardust Racers In Celestial Park

The Celestial Park Coaster Is Epic Universe’s Wildest Ride

After spending some time in Isle of Berk, I checked out the biggest roller coaster in the theme park: Stardust Racers. Located within Celestial Park, an area not tied to existing IP, Stardust Racers was difficult to miss based on the fact that it’s a dual-track coaster. The coasters are designed like comets that race along the tracks, and though the tracks criss-cross and spin around each other, both rides are a bit different based on the design.

I’ve been on plenty of roller coasters before, but Stardust Racers was one of the most intense I’ve been on in quite a while. According to Universal Orlando Resort, Stardust Racers reaches speeds of 62 mph and hits heights of 133 feet. Whether or not those numbers are impressive, I was not totally prepared for the ride’s intensity (in a good way). Though I didn’t ride the other track, I could see why guests would want to get right back on for another ride.

4

Riding Harry Potter And The Battle At The Ministry (1.5 Times)

A Ride Malfunction Turned Into A Great Memory

Those familiar with Universal Orlando Resort would know that not every major ride in the parks is classified as a roller coaster. This was the case with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, one of Epic Universe’s most anticipated rides that relies on motion simulation within an enclosed building. In fact, Epic Universe’s media preview event occurred on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry’s first day of operation for visitors, and despite some malfunctions, it did not disappoint.

Even though my expectations were high with all the hype surrounding the attraction, the new Harry Potter ride at Epic Universe blew me away. The line queue area, which featured the Metro-Floo, the giant Ministry atrium, and several department rooms to explore, was impressive enough. The ride on magical lifts, however, presented fun methods of storytelling while incorporating digital elements and special effects. The ride broke down the first time I was on it, but that only made the experience more memorable. To note, the ride fully worked for the second attempt.

5

Learning How To Use Wands From Wizards & A Witch

Interactive Wands Add Extra Magic To The Park Experience

Part of the appeal of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic was the fun surrounding the interactive wands. After purchasing one of the special wands, guests can explore Place Cachée to find certain areas that allow wand holders to cast spells to activate elements within the city. The interactive areas altered shop storefronts, enchanted objects, and summoned Fantastic Beasts like hidden Nifflers. Even better, characters from the Wizarding World were on hand to help with the wands.

While a group of us struggled to accurately use the interactive wands in front of one storefront, three students from different wizarding schools appeared to ᴀssist with their own wands. After some joking around, the Beauxbatons student put her skills on display before the trio went on their way to wander the 1920s-inspired French city. The encounter enhanced the experience inside the park, giving the world a more authentic feel with in-universe characters walking around and teaching guests.

6

Being In A Horror-Inspired Theme Park

There’s Nothing Like Dark Universe

As a lifelong horror fan, it was pretty surreal to be in a park inspired by some of history’s classic horror figures. Sure, I’ve been to plenty of horror-leaning events, whether it was conventions or haunted attractions around the Halloween season, but Dark Universe was something entirely different. After entering the Epic Universe portal, guests are transported right into Darkmoor Village, the home to some of Universal’s classic monsters, which thrillingly embraced the “shadowy world” on display in the movie franchise’s various iterations.

While exploring the village, I was enamored by every detail, big and small, making up the park design. From the grim and intimidating architecture, like the actual burning windmill atop the Burning Blade Tavern, to the monster-inspired bathroom signs at the “Toilets,” Epic Universe crafted a truly memorable environment for this horror-lover with Dark Universe. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to ride Dark Universe’s two attractions due to time constraints and availability, but I only have great things to say about the particular world. The merchandise alone would convince me to return.

7

Using The Iconic Green Portal To Enter Super Nintendo World

The Super Mario-Inspired World Had The Best Portal Entry

The last Epic Universe world I visited as part of the media preview event was Super Nintendo World, and it had, in my opinion, the coolest portal entry of all the worlds in the park. Super Nintendo’s portal entry is designed to look like the franchise’s iconic green pipe, or “warp pipe” to avid Super Mario fans. You’ll walk through the glowing green pipe, take an escalator, and be transported to Princess Peach’s Castle, leading out to Mushroom Kingdom.

While all worlds at Universal Epic Universe pride themselves on the immersive experience, the fact that Super Nintendo World is based on a beloved video game franchise was definitely a colorful sight to see. With a special Power-Up band, I was also able to enjoy everything Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country had to offer, with access to punchable blocks and games while being surrounded by Goombas, Piranha Plants, and spinning gold coins.

Universal Epic Universe

Website

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universe

Location(s)

Orlando, FL