Our Epic Adventure: A Day in Universal’s Newest Theme Park

Picture this: It’s 7:30 AM, and we’re boarding a bus with the energy of kids on Christmas morning. Our destination? Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park that opened in May, and honestly, we’d been counting down the days.

The Reality Check: One Day, Five Worlds, Infinite Possibilities

Here’s the thing about Epic Universe—it’s not just another theme park. It’s four completely immersive worlds wrapped around a gorgeous central hub called Celestial Park. And here’s the kicker: you can only buy single-day tickets right now. One day. Five worlds. No pressure, right?

We knew we needed a game plan, and staying at Loews Royal Pacific Resort gave us our and edge: early park access (you get early access when staying at any on property resorts). While most guests would be sipping their morning coffee, we’d already be racing through security lines. Early Access is only for specific attractions and those seem to change, so double check before you go.

The 7:30 AM Hustle (And Why It’s Worth It)

The bus ride to Epic Universe was a long 20 minutes and further than I expected. When we arrived, security lines were already forming—a sight that would make any theme park veteran’s heart skip a beat. By 8:20 AM though, we were through security and splitting up strategically. Some of us headed toward Super Nintendo World, others toward Stardust Racers, all of us buzzing with anticipation.

Here’s what we learned: if you’re arriving at 9 AM (early access opening), you’re already behind. We watched crowds streaming toward Harry Potter and Isle of Berk, knowing those worlds wouldn’t even open until 10 AM. Our 25-minute wait for Bowser’s Challenge? That was us being early birds. The alternative looked significantly less appealing. By the time we made it to The Ministry of Magic, it wasn’t quite 10 yet and the wait time was 45 minutes!

Celestial Park: The Calm Before the Storm

Walking into Celestial Park felt like stepping into a futuristic garden. Lush greenery everywhere—though we quickly realized that while those trees look beautiful, they’re not quite ready to provide much shade yet. Pro tip: bring sun protection. Lots of it.

The fountains and water features created this zen-like atmosphere that almost made us forget we were in a theme park. Almost. The dual-launch roller coaster Stardust Racers reminded us exactly where we were, with its two tracks racing against each other in a display that had us mesmerized.

The Wizarding World: 1920s Paris Meets 1990s Ministry Magic

If you thought you knew Harry Potter theme park areas, think again. This isn’t Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade—this is something entirely new. Set in 1920s Paris with the 1990s Ministry of Magic hidden in the Metro-Floo, it’s a magical mashup that somehow works perfectly.

The interactive wand technology represents a significant upgrade from earlier versions. In Paris they were not aware of this, but the next day in Diagon Alley, my daughter was able to trade her malfunctioning first-generation wand for a discount on a working replacement and  she decided to purchase a new interactive model at Ollivander’s with excellent customer service. Watching her rediscover the magic through better technology was genuinely touching. Don’t miss the portraits in the courtyard of Le Gobelet Noir.

The Ministry of Magic attraction impressed even as a non-rider. Using the single rider line to experience the queue and pre-show elements was smart strategy—we got the full immersive experience without the commitment. Le Cirque Arcanus provided quality entertainment bringing up close with fantastic beasts that rivals professional theater.

Super Nintendo World: Sensory Overload in the Best Way

Walking into Super Nintendo World is like being inside a video game—literally. It’s loud, bright, chaotic, and absolutely perfect if you’re ready for it. Fair warning: this world is designed for the younger generation, not necessarily those of us who grew up with the original Nintendo.

Bowser’s Challenge was our main event here, complete with racing goggles that create the VR experience. The interactive watch system lets you play throughout the land, turning the entire area into a real-life video game. It’s very cool, even if it made our heads spin a little.

Dark Universe: Creepy Cool (And Perfect for Halloween)

Dark Universe gave us serious Halloween vibes, and would be awesome to return in October.  While the spinning, back-and-forth motion of Curse of the Werewolf made some of us nauseous just watching, our braver family members loved both that and the VR attraction Monsters Unchained: Frankenstein’s Experiment.

The Burning Blade Tavern provided a perfect pretzel break, though we heard Das Steakhouse was the real star of this spooky world.

Isle of Berk: Where Dragons Stole Our Hearts

Let’s be completely honest here—Isle of Berk was the main reason I cared about Epic Universe at all. Dragons? Yes, please.

This world exceeded every expectation. Standing in line to meet Toothless felt like being eight years old again, and we regret nothing. The craftsmanship in this area is extraordinary. Every surface tells a story through detailed carvings, textiles, and architectural elements. The animatronics in the show demonstrate technical excellence and the talent was incredible. Don’t miss The Untrainable Dragon!

Fyre Drill was the only attraction that tempted our non-thrill-seekers, and it delivers (just be prepared to get soaked). The girls raved about Dragon Racer’s Alley, though they warned it’s over almost before it starts. Hiccup’s Windgliders maintained hour-plus waits all day, so we admired it from afar.

But the real magic? The baby dragons. Everywhere you look, there are carvings, dragons, and tapestries. We spent way too much time in all the shops and especially at Toothless’ Treasures, dreaming of hatching our own dragon companion. Unfortunately, they’d sold out for the day by the time we arrived—lesson learned for next time.

Dinner at Mead Hall was the perfect end to our dragon adventure, surrounded by incredible decor that made us feel like we were truly in Berk.

The Food Scene: From Casual to Upscale

Epic Universe doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. We split up for lunch to test both main restaurants in Celestial Park, and both delivered.

The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant impressed with quick service and delicious options—dumplings, fried rice, orange chicken, and boba tea. Perfect for theme park dining.

Atlantic surprised us by offering genuinely upscale dining in a theme park setting. The seared scallops with trumpet mushrooms and risotto were restaurant-quality, and the cherry limeade mocktail was exactly what I needed in the Florida heat.

Cafe L’air De La Siren served up beautiful crepes (though check the menu timing—they switch from breakfast to lunch options). The lavender lemonade alone is worth the stop.

What impressed us most? The allergy awareness throughout the park. Every restaurant staff member was knowledgeable and prepared, and the mobile app includes detailed allergy information for most locations. Our waitress at Atlantic knew to warn me about a dish that had hidden coconut before I even asked. 

 Your Epic Universe Survival Guide

**The Early Bird Strategy Works** Early entry wasn’t just helpful—it was essential for fitting everything into one day.

**Hydration Station** The Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup is your friend, offering 100+ drink choices for all-day refills. Just know that Epic Universe cups don’t transfer to other parks (though other park cups work for multiple days).

**Transportation Reality** Epic Universe requires a bus ride from the main campus. Factor this into your timing.

**Shade is Precious** With limited shade throughout the park, we watched people claiming every shaded spot by midday, lined along the ground in the entry portals and sitting on the floor in corners of shops. Bring sun protection and cooling gear.

**Priority Planning** With long ride times, hit your must-dos first. Want to hatch a dragon? Go early—they sell out.

**Dining Strategy** Only The Blue Dragon and Atlantic take reservations. Everything else is quick-service or mobile order (which will save you time).

**Accessibility** There are alot of stairs throughout this new universe. I mean, A LOT. The good news is there are also elevators everywhere and they’re not hidden where you have to go searching for them. They are readily accessible.

The Perfect Ending

As the sun set, we gathered around the Cosmos Fountain in Celestial Park for the 9 PM fountain show. Watching each world celebrated individually before coming together in a finale felt like the perfect metaphor for our day. With ice cream in hand and tired feet, we couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our Epic Universe adventure.

One day, five worlds, countless memories. Epic Universe isn’t just Universal’s newest park—it’s a completely different kind of theme park experience. And honestly? We already want to go back.

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