Universal’s Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park and the first major park to open in Orlando since 1999. Debuting on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe is designed as a journey through multiple immersive “worlds” of adventure radiating from a central hub. It’s home to a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter land, the video game realm of Super Nintendo World, the Viking village from How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal’s own Classic Monsters. Our Guide to Epic Universe includes the latest tips on how to plan a brilliant day.
Jump Right Into the Guide to Epic Universe
Looking for specific information? Our handy jumps will take you to key information in our Guide to Epic Universe for Beginners.
- Epic Universe: The Basics
- Planning Your Trip to Epic Universe
- Epic Universe: Useful Information
- The Worlds to Explore
- Epic Universe Dining
Epic Universe: The Basics
Built over several years (with a brief pandemic pause), Epic Universe adopts a hub-and-spoke design. A vast central area called Celestial Park connects to four completely separate themed lands, each through its own “portal” entrance.
At opening, there are five areas to explore:
- Celestial Park (Central Hub)
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
There are expansion pads for further lands to open in the future.
What is Epic Universe like?
Epic Universe is arguably the most immersive theme park Universal has ever built. Each land is a self-contained world. The theming is astonishing, from the cobbled streets of 1920s Paris in the Wizarding World to the lush cliffs of Berk. The central Celestial Park offers open spaces, gardens, and cosmic touches to catch your breath between high-intensity adventures. Although not announced, you can see Celestial Park eventually holding “EPCOT-like” festivals.
The attraction lineup leans heavily on big E-ticket rides and brand-new technology. Thrill-seekers and teens will be grinning ear to ear here. At the same time, Epic Universe caters to younger visitors more than Universal’s other parks: Super Nintendo World and the How to Train Your Dragon area are full of family rides, play areas, and familiar characters.
Planning Your Trip to Epic Universe
Planning your visit to Epic Universe is an essential step. Fortunately, it doesn’t require the 60-day reservation frenzy that a Walt Disney World trip might, but with some research and strategising, you can maximize your fun. This is a brand-new park, so having a game plan (and maybe a backup plan) will help you make the most of your day.
We have several guides and tips to help you plan a sensational trip to Epic Universe and Universal Orlando Resort:
- Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort has plenty of additional information if you plan to visit the whole resort.
- Read our Top Tips for visiting Universal Orlando to pick up insider tricks for all three parks.
- Mistakes can happen on vacation – make sure you avoid these 20 Universal Orlando Mistakes.
Epic Universe sits several miles south of the original Universal Orlando campus, with its own ‘south campus’ hotels and transport links. If you want to stay as close as possible, you can’t get closer than the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Helios guests have a dedicated entrance straight into Epic Universe. In addition, the new hotels, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, sit near the south campus with shuttle service and a pedestrian connection to Epic Universe. The other Universal Orlando hotels provide shuttle transportation to Epic Universe, and it’s about a 15-minute trip, depending on traffic, from the main resort campus.
Epic Universe Tickets
Universal Orlando offers a variety of ticket options, and the opening of Epic Universe adds a new dimension. To limit guest numbers, Epic Universe does not currently allow unlimited park-to-park entry throughout your stay.
Epic Universe uses dated admission. You can only enter Epic Universe on a day your ticket specifically includes it, and it is ticketed separately in most bundles. Current products commonly pair your existing Universal Orlando days with one separate day at Universal Epic Universe (for example, “3 Park Explorer plus 1-Day Epic Universe”). Packages are likely to change in 2026, and have already been announced for the United Kingdom.
Annual and Seasonal Passes do not include Epic Universe admission; Passholders can purchase a special-priced 1-Day Epic Universe ticket.
For more on ticket types, visit our Guide to Universal Orlando Tickets.
Express Pass at Epic Universe
Like Universal’s other parks, Epic Universe offers the Universal Express system for bypassing regular lines. Deciding whether to buy Express for Epic Universe is tricky, as it isn’t cheap. Most Epic Universe rides now accept Express. At quieter times of year, you will manage without it by using early park admission or innovative touring strategies. We managed to complete most attractions on each visit without it during the peak summer season.
At Epic Universe, Universal Express is currently one use per participating attraction; an Express Unlimited option is not offered here. Also note: Express benefits that come bundled with select Universal hotels do not apply at Epic Universe.
You can learn more in our Guide to Universal Express Pass.
Early Park Admission
Hotel guests and select ticket holders get Early Park Admission at Epic Universe on select dates, with a rotating slate that has included Stardust Racers, Constellation Carousel, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Monsters Unchained, and Curse of the Werewolf. Offerings change without notice; check the App the night before. You must have a valid ticket for the day of admission to take advantage of early entry.
WiFi & The Universal Orlando App
Free WiFi is available throughout Epic Universe, and so far, we’ve found the signal strong across the park. The Universal Orlando Resort App is your best friend here: it shows live wait times, maps, and lets you order food from select restaurants.
Also, if you buy a Power-Up Band in Super Nintendo World, you can link it to the App to track your game progress and achievements. Ensure that everyone in your group downloads the App in advance and has their tickets linked for a smooth entry process.
Height Restrictions
The majority of attractions at Epic Universe have height restrictions (and Team Members do strictly enforce them). Here are the current requirements for Epic Universe’s rides:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm–122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
- Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness – must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
- Yoshi’s Adventure – must be at least 34″ (86cm). Children between 34″–48″ (86cm–122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
- Dragon Racer’s Rally – must be at least 48″ (122cm).
- Fyre Drill – no minimum height; under 48″ need a supervising companion.
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – must be at least 48″ (122cm).
- Curse of the Werewolf – must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
- Stardust Racers – must be at least 48″ (122cm).
- Constellation Carousel – no minimum height; under 48″ need a supervising companion.
Child Swap at Epic Universe
If a child isn’t tall enough for a particular ride, you don’t all have to miss out. Epic Universe, like all Universal parks, offers a Child Swap facility at every attraction. One adult waits with the non-rider in a designated area while the rest of the party rides, then swaps without having to queue again. Just ask the Team Member at the ride entrance for the Child Swap process.
Tip: It’s a good idea to know these height limits before you go, to avoid disappointment at the turnstiles. Nothing is worse than getting a kid excited for a coaster only to find out they’re an inch too short. Measure kids at home with shoes on.
Characters at Epic Universe
There are numerous character meet-and-greet opportunities at Epic Universe, many of them unique to this park. Most character appearances are scheduled (check the App for times and locations). Here are some of the highlights:
- Mario and Friends – Snap a photo with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong in Super Nintendo World. (The lines for these can get long)
- Toothless and the Dragon Trainers – In the Isle of Berk, you might meet Hiccup, Astrid, and even a very lifelike Toothless.
- Universal Monsters – Don’t be surprised if you cross paths with Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, and more in the Dark Universe village. Some of these characters you will find wandering around.
- Wizarding World Characters – While you won’t be meeting Harry, Ron, or Hermione, the Ministry of Magic is populated with wizarding folks.
Characters may only appear at certain times of day, and schedules can change. Check the App’s showtimes schedule, and keep your eyes open.
Epic Universe: Useful Information for Your Visit
Park Hopping and Transportation
Park hopping for Epic Universe, currently, isn’t really a thing due to the need for date-based tickets. We know that for at least UK tickets, this will change in 2026. Read our Guide to Universal Tickets to learn more.
Park hopping involving Epic Universe will be a bit different from hopping between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe is located in a separate “south campus” a couple of miles away, not a quick walk next door. Universal has introduced a dedicated shuttle system to ferry guests between the main resort and Epic Universe. The ride takes around 15 minutes each way, and the good news is that they are frequent.
If you’re driving, Epic Universe has its own surface parking lot, but guests staying at Universal hotels are encouraged to use the shuttles for convenience.
Additional Useful Information
For broader Universal Orlando tips about transportation, lockers, strollers, first aid, and more, check out our Universal Orlando Useful Information roundup. In that guide, we’ve compiled all those handy, hard-to-find tips you won’t find easily elsewhere.
Also, Epic Universe has plenty of spots to relax if you need a break. Celestial Park, located in the center, features gardens, shaded seating areas, fountains, and even a splash pad for kids (called Astronomica), where little ones can cool off on hot days.
The Worlds of Epic Universe
Epic Universe features one expansive central hub and four immersive lands branching off from it. Every guest begins their adventure in Celestial Park. If you are staying at Grand Helios, you enter from the back.
From Celestial Park, you can choose a direction and enter the land of your choice. Each land’s entrance is a themed tunnel or doorway that dramatically transitions you into that world. Universal calls these entrances portals.
NOTE: There are free ‘while-you-ride’ lockers mid-queue at certain attractions (e.g., Stardust Racers, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Monsters Unchained). Stardust Racers uses metal detectors and requires everything in a locker. Daily-rental lockers are in Celestial Park. The ride lockers are bigger than you will find at the other parks.
Celestial Park
The grand entry hub of Epic Universe is Celestial Park. It is a large open area with gardens, walkways, and fountains. It blends astronomical and mythological themes into its design. At night, millions of LEDs light up to add to the ambience.
In Celestial Park, you’ll find guest services and plenty of shopping. There are several dining options and a number of bars serving cocktails. Celestial Park is also home to two attractions of its own:
- Stardust Racers – The signature coaster of Celestial Park, this is a dueling multi-launch roller coaster that races two teams of “space pilots” against each other. Those guests who remember Duelling Dragons will adore it. It’s fast (up to 62 mph), with intertwining tracks that crisscross and even invert. If you loved the dueling dragon coasters of the past, you’ll adore Stardust Racers.
- Constellation Carousel – A magical carousel, which instead of horses, you ride on creatures from the stars. Characters are based on animals, such as lions, dragons, and peacocks, reimagined as constellation figures. This isn’t a typical carousel; ride vehicles rotate 360° and gently rise to ~6 feet, and the platform uses multiple turntables with forward and backward motion profiles. It’s gentle fun for all ages, especially at night when it’s all lit up. Its unique nature means that even the biggest thrill seekers should give it a go.
Celestial Park is also where you’ll find the portal to all the other lands.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World transports you directly into the colorful, blocky Universe of Mario, Luigi, and friends. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re inside a video game, this is your chance.
You’ll enter through a giant green Warp Pipe and emerge in the Mushroom Kingdom, complete with question mark blocks, piranha plants, and a thumping soundtrack of familiar Mario tunes. Every corner is bursting with vivid detail and kinetic energy; it’s truly like walking into a Nintendo game. It is far removed from the ambience of Celestial Park, where you have just walked from.
Character meets are very popular in Super Nintendo World. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong all appear at intervals.
This land actually has two sub-areas: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Both are seamlessly connected. Here’s what you can experience:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – A groundbreaking dark ride that mixes augmented reality with a traditional ride-through. You hop in a four-seat Mario Kart and wear AR goggles shaped like Mario’s cap. As you move through physical sets and digital projections, you’ll “race” through iconic Mario Kart courses. Gamers will especially love the interactive element. I have never played Mario Kart, so I found it all a bit confusing, but most people seem to love it.
- Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness – A high-speed family coaster themed to Donkey Kong’s jungle. This coaster uses an innovative track setup to simulate the mine cart jumping gaps in broken track. When you get off, you might want to have another look to see how it all works. The coaster zips in and out of the jungle scenery and a temple.
- Yoshi’s Adventure – A gentle, slow-moving ride aboard Yoshi vehicles. This elevated, omnimover-style ride is perfect for younger guests and anyone seeking a relaxing tour of the Mushroom Kingdom. It’s cute, colorful, and a nice break from the more intense attractions.
Beyond the rides, Super Nintendo World offers interactive gameplay. With a Power-Up Band, available for purchase, you can punch boxes and bricks, uncover secret items, and compete in mini-challenges. At the time of writing, the bands cost around $45 + tax, so make sure you budget for this, especially if you are also planning to buy an interactive wand.
Super Nintendo World is bright, loud, and tends to be one of the busiest corners of Epic Universe. Early in the morning or later in the evening are the best times to enjoy it with slightly fewer crowds.
Dark Universe
Dark Universe is a misty, gothic village that feels like it’s straight out of a black-and-white horror film. It is also my favorite land in Epic Universe. This land is Universal’s love letter to the classic Universal Monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, etc.), brought to life in richly detailed environments. It’s always twilight in Dark Universe. In this creepy setting, lamps will flicker, strange noises will be heard, and you might feel like something is watching you.
The classic Universal Monsters have been given a long overdue “Theme Park Life”, including Count Dracula, The Invisible Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster. The central icon here is Frankenstein Manor, but there are lots of other things to see in Darkmoor Village. Don’t worry, it’s spooky fun, not a full-blown horror experience like Halloween Horror Nights.
There are two main attractions in Dark Universe:
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – A high-tech dark ride that combines practical effects, animatronics, and a bit of simulator thrill. Think of it as an upgrade on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. In this story-driven ride, you’re invited to an exhibition by Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, who claims she can control the monsters. However, things go quickly off-plan. You’ll encounter Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more as chaos unfolds. Despite this being one of the biggest attractions at Epic Universe due to its large capacity, it often has some of the shortest waits.
- Curse of the Werewolf – A coaster with a twist: the cars are designed to spin as you whirl through the dark forest. The story sets you as part of a mystical guild warned about a werewolf curse. A great fun ride where the twists aren’t too intense. It is better to ride at night, when the waits are usually longer.
The atmosphere is a star here. Don’t miss the details: look for a lab window where you might see the shadow of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or a mirror that doesn’t show Dracula’s reflection. And if you’re in the land after dark, the creep factor goes up a notch. Plus, don’t miss some of the food locations that sell some of the most innovative cuisine Universal has created to date.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The Wizarding World returns at Epic Universe with an all-new area, and it’s a magical mix of two settings: 1920s Paris (from the Fantastic Beasts films) and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. Essentially, this land lets you step into the story of Fantastic Beasts and then travel by Métro-Floo into the Ministry atrium seen in the Harry Potter films.
You’ll enter through 1920s Parisian streets, all designed as if wizards have their own secret district in Paris. The level of detail rivals and probably surpasses Diagon Alley. There is a lot to explore, especially if you decide to buy an interactive wand, so take your time.
Here’s what you can do in this land:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – The headline attraction, possibly for the whole park, and it’s truly epic. The queue itself is an experience: you’ll take a “Métro-Floo” ride straight to London and into the Ministry. The Ministry itself is stunning, and you arrive when Dolores Umbridge is about to stand trial. From there, you board an elevator with Harry, Ron, and Hermione down into the depths of the Ministry. The ride utilizes a trackless vehicle and seamlessly combines physical sets with media. Your mission: round up fugitive Death Eaters and creatures let loose during Dolores Umbridge’s trial. Expect plenty of thrills, but the ride is suitable for most guests.
- Le Cirque Arcanus – A live stage show that expands on the Fantastic Beasts lore. The show is a mix of real performers, puppets, and special effects. It’s family-friendly and a nice indoor break (runs ~20 minutes). Showtimes are posted outside the theater and in the App. It’s worth fitting into your schedule, especially if you need a rest (sleep).
Throughout the area, you’ll find richly detailed shops and a selection of food outlets. There is a lot to explore, and you could easily spend a couple of hours looking at all the details.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This land brings the DreamWorks animated franchise to life. It is arguably the unexpected hit of the park. The Isle of Berk is a mythical Viking island where humans and dragons coexist. The landscaping is impressive; It’s lush and coastal, with the sound of waves and distant dragon roars setting the scene. Kids will find a lot to do here, and it’s arguably the most kid-friendly area in Epic Universe.
The big attractions are:
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – The headline attraction of Berk, this is a multi-launch steel coaster that gives a sensation of dragon riding. You board Hiccup’s latest invention, and it launches you multiple times across the land, zipping around rockwork and over water, with at least one launch going up a hill for a nice “airtime” moment. It’s fast but not too extreme, making it an incredible thrill for the whole family. I actually think it’s the best overall coaster in Universal, yes, it’s better than Hagrid’s!
- Dragon Racer’s Rally – Think of this as a mix between a flat ride and a coaster: it’s a pair of “sky fly” attractions, meaning you board a ride vehicle that you can actually control to some extent. Two dragon-themed rigs spin and rise, and riders can flip (or at least attempt) their wings to do barrel rolls.
- Fyre Drill – A wet family attraction where you join a Viking ship battle training exercise. You board a Viking longboat equipped with water cannons, and so do other riders on another boat. As the ships circle a course, you fire water jets at targets and at the other boat’s riders!
One of the gems at the Isle of Berk is the meet-and-greet area. The biggest star is Toothless, who interacts with guests. Toothless blinks, sniffs, and even “talks” in his own dragon way. It’s incredibly well done, and lines can get very long.
The land also features a big playground called the Viking Training Camp. Parents can sit and take a breather while kids burn off energy here. It’s one of the largest play zones at Universal.
Entertainment-wise, there’s a delightful stage show called The Untrainable Dragon in an indoor theater. It’s a fun story about a new dragon on Berk that doesn’t want to be trained. Showtimes will be listed in the App.
In addition, there are several shops and food locations. The main quick-service is Mead Hall, and my personal recommendation would be trying the turkey wings, but you might want to try a Yaknog!
The Isle of Berk is brilliant in the evening when lanterns around the village light up, and you might catch an impromptu sing-along of “Where No One Goes” by some husky-voiced Vikings. It’s a charming land that balances thrills and kid-friendly activities perfectly. It is no wonder it has been such a hit.
Epic Universe Dining
Universal Orlando has been upping its dining game over the past few years, and Epic Universe continues that trend. The food quality at Epic Universe is impressive and often a good value compared to Disney’s parks. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or sitting down for a full-service meal in the hub, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste.
Epic Universe offers two full-service (table-service) restaurants, both located in Celestial Park, as well as a variety of quick-service counters, food stands, and bars spread across the lands. We highly recommend making reservations for the sit-down restaurants if you plan to dine there.
Table Service Locations
Atlantic is a full-service restaurant located in Celestial Park, boasting an elegant, modern vibe. The menu is a mix of seafood and upscale American fare. Despite the upscale surroundings, Atlantic is family-friendly and not overly pricey (entrées here often cost about the same or less than some quick-service combo meals at Disney!)
The Blue Dragon offers Pan-Asian cuisine. The atmosphere is a blend of fun and upscale, with lanterns, bamboo accents, and a mythological twist. The menu pulls from various Asian cuisines. If you love Pan-Asian flavors or want something different from burgers and pizza, this is an excellent pick.
Quick-Service and Snacks
Epic Universe has a solid lineup of quick-service eateries in each land, each fitting the theme of its world.
While we won’t list every single food stand, here are some notable ones:
Toadstool Café (Super Nintendo World) – a must-visit for Nintendo fans. Because it’s small, consider eating at non-typical meal hours.
Café L’Air de la Sirène (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) – A French-inspired quick serve with savory and sweet options.
Mead Hall (Isle of Berk) – Big portions, rustic comfort food.
The Burning Blade Tavern (Dark Universe) – Quick-service and bar, with a creative menu. It’s a fun place to grab a bite, and the seating area feels like an old tavern lit by flickering (LED) candles. There is an interesting use of food colorings, which you might realise after you visit!
Additionally, there are countless snack kiosks and carts.
Lastly, for those with dietary needs, Universal has been improving in this area. Most major quick-service spots offer at least one vegetarian (if not vegan) option, and you can request allergy-friendly preparations. It never hurts to ask a Team Member if you need an ingredient list or substitution; they’re generally quite helpful.
Read More
To learn more about Universal Orlando’s parks, hotels, and vacation planning, visit our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort. That guide contains the latest tips for all three parks (including Epic Universe), plus how to save money, when to visit, and everything else you need for an epic trip. We’ll continue updating our Epic Universe coverage as the park evolves, so stay tuned to Modern Life is Good for more news and tips!
