First look: inside Universal’s Epic Universe

A team of our travel experts has just returned from Florida, where they got an exclusive first look at Universal’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe. Now officially open, it’s the first new Orlando park in over 20 years and it’s making a big splash with its next-level rides, immersive lands and sky-high thrills.

Leigh Di Lauren from Kuoni at John Lewis Southampton and Alex Killeen from Kuoni Manchester were two of the lucky few to explore it all. Here’s what they found…

It’s not just for thrill seekers

Neither Leigh nor Alex would call themselves adrenaline junkies, but they still loved every second of their time here. “Even if you aren’t fans of massive rides,” Leigh said, “Epic Universe really does have something for everyone.” There’s loads to enjoy beyond the coasters. Think character meet and greets, a seriously impressive design and delicious themed dining from butterbeer crepes to vampire-run taverns.

The layout: five worlds, one universe

Epic Universe is laid out like a wheel, with Celestial Park at its centre. It’s the first world you enter and home to two major rides, a handful of dining spots and the new Helios Grand Hotel. From here, four Portals lead into the headline lands – each one fully themed with its own rides, food and atmosphere.

The Portals at a glance

Celestial Park

Don’t rush through this one. Yes, it’s the park’s entry point – but it’s also a full land with serious ride cred. It’s got two definitely worth doing – Stardust Racers is a dual-track coaster where you race across the sky chasing falling stars. Constellation Carousel is slower but beautifully done, with constellations instead of horses and a hypnotic rotating ceiling. Oak & Star Tavern serves decent barbecue – the mango bread’s a win – and the facial-recognition lockers make life easy.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Step into 1920s Paris, then take the Floo Network to the British Ministry for a new ride with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry features massive LED screens with impressive lifelike animatronics – look out for Higgledy the house-elf in the queue and a very pink Dolores Umbridge. There’s also a live show (Le Cirque Arcanus), interactive spells and a French café that does some seriously good baguettes (washed down with a Butterbeer, of course).

Super Nintendo World

Enter through a green-piped escalator and you’re in. It really does feel like stepping into a video game. The rides here include Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure and Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country, where clever track tricks make you feel like you're jumping gaps. Power-Up Bands are optional, but they let you unlock interactive challenges as you go. It’s bright, busy and great fun for families (and anyone who grew up with a Nintendo controller in hand).

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

This one’s big with families. It’s all dragons, Vikings and splash zones – less intense than some of the other lands but still packed with fun. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a great starter coaster, Fyre Drill is a water battle ride where you soak the other side and The Untrainable Dragon is a sweet live show that’s worth seeing whether you know the films or not. You can meet Astrid, pet Toothless and there’s loads of space to explore without queuing non-stop. Don’t miss a stop in Viking shop near the exit where you can adopt your own baby dragon.

Dark Universe

Classic Universal monsters get their own twisted little world here, from Frankenstein’s lab to Dracula’s favourite haunts. The main ride, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, is packed with detail, big effects and a few solid jump scares. It's a bit like Escape from Gringotts, only darker. Curse of the Werewolf adds a spinning coaster to the mix and you’ll spot vampire hunters, fortune tellers and more as you explore. There are good restaurants too. Das Stakehaus is a vampire-run grill and The Burning Blade has a windmill that bursts into flames every so often.

Top tips for planning your Epic day (or two)

Stay at a Universal hotel for early park access
Guests at any Universal hotel can get into the park up to an hour before general opening. It’s a big advantage when queues are shortest and the weather is cooler.

Plan ahead. You can’t do it all in a day
Epic Universe is big. You’ll want a game plan, especially for the big rides. We recommend two days to really enjoy it. For 2025, access is currently limited to one day with the standard ticket. But from 2026, the new 4 Park Explorer Ticket gives you multiple-day access to all four Universal Orlando Resort parks over a 14-day period. If you want to see and do it all, that’s your golden ticket.

Shade is limited, so pack for the heat
The Florida sunshine can be intense. Sunscreen, hats and light, breathable clothes are essentials. Epic’s central hub has some beautiful garden spaces, but the trees are still young, so shade is minimal for now. It’s set to feel more like a European city park in the future, but for now, plan for the full sun.

Charge up and bring a power bank
You’ll be snapping photos and using the app all day. A portable charger makes all the difference.

Mobile order your meals
Use the Universal app to skip the food queues. It’s especially handy at lunchtime when restaurants are busiest.

Hydrate, hydrate
Don’t forget to bring your water bottle as there are refillable water station everywhere. It’s ice cold and it's free!

Extras & upgrades – what’s worth it?

Universal Express Pass

This lets you skip regular queues on most rides. It’s an added cost but can save hours on busier days. Ideal if you want to do more without the wait.

Interactive extras (bands and wands)

Power-Up Bands (in Super Nintendo World) and interactive wands (in the Wizarding World) unlock bonus experiences. They’re fun but not essential.

Virtual Line passes

Some rides use Universal’s Virtual Line system. You reserve a return time in the app and show up when it’s your turn. It’s free but popular; keep checking the app as slots can go quickly.

Where to stay: three new Universal hotels – and more

With so much choice in Orlando, where you stay can shape your whole trip. Epic Universe is easy to reach from all the main areas, whether you're in a self-catering villa in Kissimmee, a Walt Disney Resort or one of Universal’s own hotels. The three newest options put you right at the heart of the action, with early park access and transport to Universal’s other parks and CityWalk included.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, A Loews Hotel

Set inside Epic Universe itself, this is the only hotel with a private entrance to the park. Expect sweeping views over Celestial Park, sleek Loews styling and a short stroll to your first ride.

Universal Stella Nova Resort

Next door to the park, Stella Nova has a fun, space-inspired design and a family-friendly vibe. Think bright colours, galaxy murals and a relaxed, easy-going feel.

Universal Terra Luna Resort

Also nearby, Terra Luna is the more chilled sibling, with clean lines, soft tones and a slower pace. A good pick if you’re after some downtime between park days.

How to get to Epic Universe

Epic Universe is set in the heart of Orlando, just south of Universal’s existing parks. It’s easy to reach by car or shuttle from all the main areas, including International Drive, Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista. Most travellers fly into Orlando International Airport, but Tampa and Miami are also options if you’re planning a twin-centre trip or looking for better value in peak season.

How to book Epic Universe

We can include Epic Universe tickets as part of your holiday. It’s covered by the Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket with an added day at Epic Universe. From 2026, it’s included in the 4 Park Explorer Ticket, which gives you multi-day access across all Universal Orlando parks – including Epic Universe – over 14 days. Our North America experts can talk you through the options and help tailor the right combo for your trip.

This feature was created on 4th June 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.