Epic Universe isn’t a normal theme park. It is a five-land feast of Headliners and E-Ticket Attractions, and you’ve got a single day to complete it. The current ticket situation means that you can’t Park Hop to complete the park, so unless you’re willing to spend around another $200, there are no second chances. Due to the large crowds, it is unlikely that you will be able to do it all, even if you arrive for the rope drop. Even with an Express Pass, it’s still a big ask. Here is what I’d skip at Epic Universe if you only have one day to visit.
Are there any bad attractions at Epic Universe?
No! There really aren’t any bad or filler attractions at Epic Universe. Every attraction adds something to the experience.
Yes, Yoshi’s Adventure, unless you are a small child or a big fan of Nintendo, is underwhelming, but the rest are great. Even the carousel, due to its unusual nature, is a must-do attraction.
Note: Due to recent tragic events, I will not be discussing Stardust Racers in this post. However, our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.
The Shows
There are 2 stage shows at Epic Universe:
- Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- The Untrainable Dragon in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Both shows are genuinely great, but let’s be honest, it isn’t the reason you went to Epic Universe. None of your friends will ask if you saw The Untrainable Dragon. They will ask if you experienced Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry or Mine-Cart Madness.
Shows swallow a chunk of your day and move you through no ride queues. The shows will be around for your next visit, leave it until then.
Do instead: Any ride in the park!
Dragon Racer’s Rally (Isle of Berk)
Fun, colorful, and very skippable when minutes are at a premium. Plus, hardly anyone can make the thing roll. If the posted wait is anything beyond a walk-on, move along.
Do instead: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, my favorite coaster in all the Universal parks. Yes, I think it is better than Hagrid’s!
Yoshi’s Adventure (SUPER NINTENDO WORLD)
Adorable views and gentle pacing, but it’s a scenic ride first and never a must-do—unless you’re a Nintendo die-hard or you’ve got under-7s in tow.
For the rest of us, if you’re choosing between this and the land’s headliners, Yoshi waits. If the queue dies down later in the day, jump on.
Do instead: Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country. Unique and fun, non-Nintendo fans will also enjoy.
Curse of the Werewolf (Dark Universe)
The controversial one. There’s nothing wrong with it: good theme, fun atmosphere, and a perfectly decent family coaster. But once you stack it against the rest of Epic Universe, skipping it won’t hurt your day. If the Single Rider is open, use it. It’s better after dark, but the queues are longer then.
Do instead: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Possibly the best ride in the park.
Bottom line
You won’t have a bad day at Epic Universe, no matter what you choose. However, you might wonder why you just spent 90 minutes queuing for Yoshi! Hit the big headliners, and fill in the smaller attractions for a second visit or if the lines are quiet.
Read More about Epic Universe
Visit our Guide to Epic Universe for more tips and tricks.
Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort is full of helpful information.
