Let’s Talk about the Rides at Epic Universe

In three months, Universal Epic Universe finally opens after years of anticipation.

Now that the park is ready to flip from theoretical to tangible, it’s time to discuss our actual expectations for many of the high-profile attractions.

Let’s talk about the 11 opening-day rides at Epic Universe.

11) Constellation Carousel

On the one hand, this is just a carousel.

Then again, that’s like saying The Starry Night is just a painting.

Constellation Carousel is one of the most beautiful-looking carousel rides ever created, and it’ll use a unique rotational design.

All the pieces on the board are capable of independent movement, just like the stars in the night sky.

10) Fyre Drill

I debated ranking this attraction last, probably because I’m not as excited about it as most people.

Fyre Drill undoubtedly qualifies as the most child-friendly attraction at Epic Universe.

It’s basically just a water cannon battle at sea.

You can understand why kids will enjoy it, but unless there’s more to this boat ride, I’m less than enthusiastic.

9) Dragon Racers Rally

This ride requires less guessing than some of the others, as we’ve seen it before.

It’s an air spinner that will probably skew a bit younger due to the How to Train Your Dragon theme.

However, it may prove divisive, as other variants of this attraction have been known to cause motion sickness.

Then again, I may be overthinking things. It’s a flying ride in the sky with dragons. A lot of people are going to love it.

8) Yoshi’s Adventure

Are you familiar with the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Walt Disney World?

The concept of Yoshi’s Adventure is eerily similar.

On that Disney ride, the transportation system cleverly disguises its true purpose.

Disney wants you to notice the gorgeous themed land surrounding you.

So, it has designed an entire ride to take you through Tomorrowland.

Yoshi’s Adventure does the same thing at Super Nintendo World, providing you with epic glimpses of a Super Mario game come to life.

This attraction will be one of the three most atmospheric offerings at Epic Universe. I’d rank it much higher if it went more than two miles an hour.

7) Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

The concept of the land of Berk is that you learn to train a dragon.

In reality, that’s something of a misnomer, as the dragon is training you.

It’s the one that can kill you where you stand, after all.

Somehow, this launched roller coaster will recreate that sensation by telling a story about dragon training.

I honestly have no idea how this works and again circle back to a Disney World creation, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which Imagineers describe as the first storytelling roller coaster.

I presume this will be somewhat similar but nowhere near as technically advanced.

This is more silly family fun. That will be the prevailing theme at Berk.

6) Curse of the Werewolf

Most people are excited about Super Nintendo World, which Universal officials expect to be the top seller.

Personally, I’m here for Dark Universe, as I’ve been watching Universal classic monsters since I was a wee werepup.

This land recreates one of those traumatized villages where everyone drinks heavily, knowing that a monster could slay them at any time.

While this isn’t the E-ticket attraction at Dark Universe, it is one of the park’s new roller coasters.

I’ve seen testing done on this attraction, and it seems perfectly charming.

Still, I think there’s a lot better coming to the park.

5) Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Now we’re talking!

To me, this is the line of demarcation between the basic rides at the park and the ones that should have long lines for the rest of the 2020s.

This attraction is a known quantity, especially compared to some of the others at Epic Universe.

We already have two versions of Mario Kart running at other Universal theme parks, plus God knows how many Mario Kart games for the various Nintendo systems.

So, I can tell you that this attraction will be very popular, but it won’t be for everyone.

The headset can be a bit overwhelming, and the ride experience caters to gamers more than everyone else.

As someone who owned an original Nintendo and every console since, I feel like the mothership is calling me home.

4) Mine Cart Madness

By now, you may be aware of some negative buzz for this attraction at Universal Studios Japan.

Critics have lamented the length of the ride, which is maybe 90 seconds.

To me, that’s like saying a beignet isn’t a good snack because you can eat it in a couple of bites.

Universal created and patented ride technology just for this ride.

The clever design creates the illusion that your roller coaster is flying off the tracks.

Since this is a fairly calm family coaster, there is no cause for concern.

That’s how realistic the illusion is.

Moreover, you’ll experience an atmospheric Donkey Kong adventure that feels like it comes straight from the video game franchise.

And I’ll throw in for good measure that some of those levels are quite short.

3) Stardust Racers

I’m a sucker for dueling roller coasters.

Gemini at Cedar Point is a favorite of mine, and Stardust Racers feels like the futuristic version of that.

Then again, if you’re a Universal fan, you may consider it the spiritual successor to Dueling Dragons, an attraction Universal closed and seems to regret.

To a larger point, this attraction will be the one that everyone at the park covets, since it’s one of the visual centerpieces of Epic Universe.

I also think it’s in the discussion for best thrill ride at the park.

2) Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

Meanwhile, the best dark ride at the park is up for debate, with the answer depending on how you categorize the Harry Potter ride.

For me, that one’s more of an experience, saving the title of best dark ride for Monsters Unchained.

Thematically, this is the most important ride at Dark Universe, as it tells the story of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and the mistakes of various family members’ experiments.

Universal has gleefully shown off several audio animatronics, all of which appear state-of-the-art and genuinely spooky.

They have also teased a couple of jump scares, rivaling any that Boris Karloff ever did.

1) Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

I’ve known the details of this ride since early 2020.

That’s five years, including the grueling pandemic era, where an attraction I anticipated made no forward progress.

Now, I’m thrilled to know that the time is almost upon us, as Universal extends the Harry Potter universe with an entirely new story centered on the trial of the remorseless Dolores Umbridge.

This story takes place in multiple countries and decades.

It’s probably the most ambitious thing that Universal has ever done, and I’m giddy with anticipation.

I consider this THE E-ticket attraction at Epic Universe.

So, there you have it. These are the rides that will make Epic Universe such an unforgettable theme park experience.

Which one has you most excited? Let us know in the comments.

 

 

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Feature Photo: Universal Orlando