Step Inside Epic Universe: Everything You Need to Know
- Jennifer Ormesher
- May 16
- 8 min read
Epic Universe is here—and it’s completely changing the theme park game. Universal Orlando’s fourth gate has officially opened, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. From the moment you walk into Celestial Park, you know this place is something different. It's not just a collection of thrill rides—it's a fully immersive experience with five detailed realms that pull you right into the story.
If you’re planning a visit (or just dreaming about one), here’s what you’ll find in each corner of Epic Universe—and a few spots where I’ll be dropping in my own favorite tips, foodie finds, and expert suggestions to help make your trip unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Celestial Park
"Beyond this gate find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams."
The story and extrance to Epic Universe begins in Celestial Park. Enter the world where Celestians live. Over centuries, they have learned how to move through space and time and harness the power of the Chronos. On the day you visit, the Chronos is alligned perfectly to power the other portals and allow you to visit other worlds.
The Universal Creative Team wanted to put the "park" back in theme park and this section is inspired by the very first theme parks found in Europe. There is lots of open space, 26 gardens and multiple water features. It’s elegant, open, and incredibly photogenic.
At the heart of Celestial Park is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that reaches 62 miles per hour and climbs 133 feet into the sky. It’s thrilling without being terrifying, and the way the two coaster tracks race, cross, and dance in the air is nothing short of mesmerizing. If you're into coasters with style, this one's a must.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Next, prepare to be enchanted. The Ministry of Magic realm is an all-new experience for fans of the Wizarding World. Unlike the Hogwarts and Hogsmeade lands in the other parks, this one drops you into the heart of 1920s Paris (inspired by Fantastic Beasts) and then transports you to the bustling British Ministry of Magic.
Everything here is rich with magical detail. You are completely immersed in the Wizarding World. And I have to mention the scale. When I say towering, I mean it! The smallest building here is larger than any Wizarding World building at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.
Every nook and cranny s filled with details from the Wizarding World. Use your want to cast spells.
The centerpiece ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, takes you on a journey through the inner workings of the Ministry and it’s as spellbinding as you’d expect. Using the Time Turner and the MetroFloo, you arrive at the Ministry on the day Delores Umbridge is on trial for her crimes. Weave through the Ministry, into Delores Umbridge's office, and onto an omni-directional elevator where I'm sure nothing will go wrong. Thank goodness Harry, Ron, and Hermione will be there to help if it does.
If you find yourself craving something sweet in the Ministry of Magic, don’t skip the Butterbeer crepes Two delicate crepes are stacked and filled with a rich, golden butterscotch sauce, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and the perfect finishing touch—a shortbread cookie stamped with “Bièraubeurre.” It’s as magical as it sounds and is a must try. Accio Bièraubeurre Crepe!
Insider Scoop: The queue of the Battle at the Ministry will take you through the Aurors' locker room. Take a moment to looks at the names on the lockers. Most of the names are on the Universal creative team that brought this world to life, but you may also see some familiar names: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Neville Longbottom.
Super Nintendo World
Welcome to Super Nintendo World, where your favorite games come to life. This realm is an explosion of color, movement, and interactive experiences that blur the line between virtual and real-world fun.
You can jump into Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which uses AR tech and physical sets to create an experience that’s part ride, part video game. Over in Donkey Kong Country, Mine-Cart Madness uses a new ride system that lets your cart “leap” between tracks—it’s wildly fun and totally unique.
Power-Up Bands bring the land to life. Tap them at checkpoints to collect coins, track your achievements, and unlock surprises throughout the realm.
Insider Scoop: The lines here are long! If you're nostalgic for this IP, go early in the day.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This realm is where adventure meets heart. Step into the windswept Viking village of Berk, inspired by How to Train Your Dragon. The design is incredibly immersive, with rock formations, thatched rooftops, and dragon tracks lining the ground as you explore.
As Hiccup said, "We've got dragons!" And they're everywhere!
Grump is taking a nap in Gobber's forge. There are smaller dragons eating the fish their Viking pals caught. Don't forget to look up! Not only are dragons sleeping in their stables, but you may also see one flying through the sky.
Ruffrunner, Dart, and Pouce can also be found playing games. Because they're toddlers, they don't have specific times they come out. (Schedules can be tricky with littles...) If you want to make sure you see them, watch for a crowd. The Night Lights are probably close by.
If one of your dreams is to bond with a dragon, they can become reality when you get to meet Toothless. This may be the single best character meet and greet ever to exist! Go early and wear your patient pants as this line will be long. Why? The dragon trainer on duty really wants everyone who comes by to spend some quality time with Toothless.
Over in Berk, the rides are just as spirited as the Vikings themselves. Dragon Racer’s Rally is a ride with a twist—you get to control how intense your flight is. Want a gentle glide? No problem. Ready to spin like a wild dragon in training? Go for it.
Then there’s Fyre Drill, an interactive boat ride that’s all about teamwork and splash attacks. This one’s pure fun—and yes, you will get wet. Consider this your friendly reminder to stash the poncho or at least wear quick-dry shorts.
And don’t miss Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. It’s a multi-launch coaster that gives major “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures” vibes—but with a friendlier feel for families. It’s fast, fun, and the views of Berk from above are worth every swoop.
Do you like carbs? I mean a lot of carbs? Like carbs, on carbs, on carbs?
If the answer is yes, check out Hooligan's Grog & Gruel for a mac and cheese cone. You’ll find everything from the kid-favorite Goldfish Mac & Cheese Cone to a wild PB&J version (yep, you read that right, but it's not what you think. It stands for Pork, Bacon, and Jam ), plus the spicy Dragon Fire Chicken Spire for those brave enough to handle a little heat. It’s quirky, it’s comfort food, it's carbs, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a land full of dragons.
Insider Scoop: The benches in this land were hand carved with chainsaws. They were inspired by a piece of concept art that DreamWorks shared with Universal's creative team. Very small, in the corner of one of the images, Astrid was sitting on a wooden bench. Universal asked DreamWorks to make the image larger so they could see it well enough to bring the bench to life. Ironically, that scene never made it into the movie.
Dark Universe
If you love a little mystery (and maybe a little monster), then Dark Universe is the realm for you. This PG-13 style area taps into Universal’s legacy of classic monsters—Frankenstein, Dracula, the Warewolf, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon—with a modern, eerie twist.
The village sits on catacombs and the vampires live in caverns just below the surface. The seemingly innocent fountain is actually a well to transport human blood to sustain the undead. (Told you this area of Epic Universe was PG-13!) Be sure to visit this area of Epic Universe at night for the full effect of everything the creative team designed.
The clock tower will toll throughout Darkmoor every 15 minutes. This is your signal to go to the Burning Blade Tavern. Weather permitting, the blades will light on fire while they continue to spin, adding to the eerie feel. While you're there, stop in and grab something to eat or drink at this pub-style quick service restaurant.
Looking for something a little more substantial to take a bite out of? Das Stakehaus, while also a quick service restaurant, will have plenty to sink your teeth into. This spot is designed as a vampire hideout, where the art and architecture give you a peek into their world. Once you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by one of their loyal "Familiars" (think vampire sidekicks)—and yes, they’ll be the ones taking your order.
There are two rides in this area of Epic Universe. First up is Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster that’s thrilling without being over the top. It’s just spooky enough to give you a little jolt, but still perfect for younger monster fans (or grown-ups who prefer their coasters on the mild side).
Now, if you’re ready to dial up the intensity, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is the ride everyone’s buzzing about. It uses a high-tech KUKA-arm system—like the one in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey—but this ride is smoother and less likely to cause motion sickness. And while the ride system is much improved, it's the animatronics that will make your jaw drop. Frankenstein's monster is 9 feet tall!
Dark Universe is spooky, yes—but it’s also surprisingly artistic and atmospheric. You don’t have to be a horror fan to appreciate the craft that went into building this world.
Insider Scoop: The Burning Blade Tavern is a replica from the finale of the 1931 movie, Frankenstein. In the movie, the townspeople surround the windmill and light it on fire while Frankenstein's monster is inside. It ends poorly, but not for the monster. For another movie reference, find Maria's grave. Maria is the little girl Frankenstein's monster accidentially drowns. When the movie first came out, the scene stirred up so much controversy that it stayed partially censored all the way into the mid-1980s.
Let’s Plan Your Epic Universe Adventure
With Epic Universe now officially open, the time to plan is right now. This is going to be one of the most in-demand theme park experiences in the world—and I can help you do it right.
If you’re planning a couples’ getaway, a multigenerational vacation, or a surprise trip for your kids, I’ll help you build the perfect itinerary. From where to stay (like the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, located right at the heart of the action) to how to maximize your time in each realm, you’ll be able to show up relaxed and ready to explore.
Reach out today to get started—and let’s make your next vacation truly Epic.
FAQs about Epic Universe
1. Do I need a separate ticket for Epic Universe, or is it included with other Universal Orlando parks? Epic Universe is a separate theme park from Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. You can purchase a standalone ticket or upgrade to a multi-park pass if you plan to visit more than one Universal park during your stay.
2. How do I get to Epic Universe from the other Universal parks and hotels? Epic Universe is located about 15 minutes south of the existing Universal Orlando Resort. Universal is offering dedicated transportation for guests staying at Universal hotels, including the Helios Grand Hotel near Epic Universe.
3. Is early park admission available for Epic Universe? Yes! Guests staying at select Universal Orlando hotels are eligible for early park admission to Epic Universe, allowing you to access the park up to an hour before it opens to the general public. This is especially helpful for hitting popular rides like Battle at the Ministry or Mario Kart with minimal wait.
4. Are there Express Passes for Epic Universe attractions? Universal has introduced a new tiered system that includes Epic Universe Express Pass options, but they are separate from the passes for the other parks. Not all rides may be included, and these passes sell out quickly—especially during peak seasons.
5. What ages is Epic Universe best for? Epic Universe truly has something for everyone. The Dragon realm and interactive play zones are great for younger kids, while thrill-seekers will love Stardust Racers and the Dark Universe attractions. Families, couples, and even solo travelers will find the park immersive and fun across all ages.
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