Initial Thoughts on Epic Universe

More than five years ago, I published a series of articles about everything coming to Universal Epic Universe.

While those articles didn’t get everything right, they speak to how much of an open secret this theme park was.

Universal Studios knew it had the goods and felt no need to hide anything from reporters in the know.

Sadly, the pandemic delayed construction at Epic Universe, a park that should have been open for a year by now.

Thankfully, the wait is over, though. In two months, the East Coast’s newest, most immersive theme park finally opens to the public.

While I haven’t been one of the fortunate few who has experienced Epic Universe, others have.

One of our clients at Let’s Adventure Travel got to visit during one of the ongoing sneak previews at the park.

So, they’ve allowed me to share their initial thoughts on Epic Universe. Here’s everything we just learned.

Exploring Celestial Park

Each of the themed lands at Epic Universe tells its own immersive story.

Celestial Park comprises the spiritual hub of Epic Universe. This area celebrates the stars in the night sky. You’ll enter a celestial wonderland that will take your breath away.

Our friend visited during the daylight, but they expressed certainty that Celestial Park will glow in the dark.

Our friends at bioreconstruct are now on YouTube, and this recent video supports the argument. Isn’t this visually stunning?

At the 2:10 mark, you can watch Constellation Carousel light up the night.

Our client was delighted that the creatures on the carousel can spin around entirely, adding an unprecedented range of motion to the ride.

Of course, the star of Celestial Park is Starfall Racers, and I’m told this dueling coaster is so good it justifies the entire visit.

You should expect to hear that a lot, as I have an absolutely glowing review sitting in my inbox.

While early reviews tend to be favorable anyway due to the excitement a person feels in being first, this one is different.

People know when they’re experiencing a legitimate game-changer, and that’s what Epic Universe is. You’ll encounter small touches throughout the park that enhance the guest experience.

For example, a water feature in the middle of Celestial Park creates tranquility due to the surrounding green space and trees.

You’ll feel compelled to hang out in the area a bit longer due to the pervasive sense of serenity. It’s a vibe.

While Universal Helios Grand Hotel wasn’t open yet, our guest noted that it’s uncannily close to Celestial Park.

Since this hotel features a private park entrance, it’s definitely worth considering for your vacation. Its convenience is immeasurable.

General Park Thoughts

Before we discuss the other specific lands, I should mention the general layout and style of Epic Universe.

I’m told that the park is smaller and more intimate than expected.

Other sites have indicated that the campus is massive. Our guest didn’t feel that way at all.

Instead, they stressed the Goldilocks nature of Epic Universe. Everything is just right.

The park is large enough that you’ll rarely feel claustrophobic, but it’s small enough that you won’t walk 10 miles in a day.

You can stroll around at your own pace rather than feeling compelled to rush. So, drink it all in during your first visit!

Remember that if you don’t get to explore everything on day one, there’s always next time.

While you’re there, make sure to interact with the Team Members.

These are the best of the best Universal employees, people who have earned the right to work at the park.

Their glee is palpable, as they’re proud to work at such a fresh, new theme park brimming with possibilities.

The other thing you should know is that each land loops back via a portal.

Even better, each portal features its own unique imagery and music, enhancing the illusion that you’re being transported somewhere.

On the date of our client’s visit, professional photographers camped out at each portal.

So, you could take your picture at all of them, giving yourself timeless memories of each immersive themed land’s entrance!

Let’s Talk about Dark Universe

All four theme parks have their passionate evangelists, which speaks highly of Epic Universe.

Universal officials selected the ideal franchises to anchor the park, starting with the one that put Universal Studios on the map.

Universal Classic Monsters are so vital to the Universal brand that they anchor every Halloween Horror Nights.

However, our guest doesn’t love Lon Chaney Jr. like I do. So, they had lowered expectations for Dark Universe. You won’t be surprised to hear that the themed land wildly surpassed their expectations.

They marveled at the theming, noting that “it has all of the elements of feeling like you walked into a horror movie.”

We’re talking spooky fog, unsettling mist, and other staples of gothic horror.

I’m envious of them for getting to grab a drink at The Burning Blade Tavern, which they loved.

The idea of sitting among fellow monster hunters and awaiting word of the next Classic Monster sighting appealed to them.

Our friend also treasured the merchandise here, giving special praise to things like:

“Beaker shot glasses, science experiment-inspired home goods, classic monster costumes, and plenty of nods to your favorite horror movies.”

This sounds like a place that will prove extremely dangerous to my wallet.

Due to their limited park time, they didn’t get to experience the rides here, but everything else about Dark Universe blew them away.

Let’s Talk about Isle of Berk

When you enter Epic Universe, you may feel drawn to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.

The thing drawing you is likely a child, as they’ll feel a compulsion to turn right and enter this themed land.

Cleverly timed to match the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, this themed land is as family-friendly as they come.

As you explore Berk, you’ll feel like a part of the community, as you’ll find yourself immersed in Viking culture and dragon lore.

References to these fantastical creatures and the fully developed world of How to Train Your Dragon are everywhere.

You may not realize this, but the live-action remake will already be the fourth film in the franchise.

That’s in addition to literally hundreds of episodes of television shows about Berk/dragons.

So, there’s a lot more going on at this themed land than you may even realize.

Importantly, Universal appears to have gotten Hiccup and Toothless right. You can encounter both at Berk and even get your picture taken with them.

The entire How to Train Your Dragon franchise hinges on Toothless, the adorable broken-winged dragon.

This animatronic will dazzle you, as will the food. Our guest mentioned a unique dish here.

You can try a Mac & Cheese Cone at Grog & Gruel. It’s exactly what it sounds like: Mac & Cheese in a cone. Also, Universal sprinkles Goldfish crackers on top because…why not?!

Our guest didn’t catch any breaks during their visit, with several rides not operating. Similarly, the buzzworthy Untrainable Dragon show wasn’t seating guests at the time.

However, they heard from other guests that it’s one of the must-do attractions at Epic Universe, which aligns with my intel.

Let’s Talk about Super Nintendo World

You’ll be delighted to know that Super Nintendo World was our client’s favorite themed land of the bunch.

We already have two versions of Super Nintendo World up and running at other Universal parks.

So, management had confidence in the new location and even went so far as to make Mine-Cart Madness an opening day ride.

It’s a recent expansion option at Universal Studios Japan, where fans waited almost two years, which makes Orlando tourists the lucky ones.

When you walk through the portal here, you apparently ride one of two “light-up neon green elevators.”

Basically, the story unfolds in front of you, and you get dumped in the middle of the action. You’re living out a video game!

Comments about the land suggest that “It’s dramatic, nostalgic, and totally immersive!” And it’s also “colorful and loud.”

I think I want to live there, partially because it’s a real-life Super Mario Bros. map. I’m not even joking.

You’ll discover warp pipes, mushrooms, and even coins. As part of the immersion, you will ridiculously jump up and down to get them.

There are also POW Blocks semi-hidden throughout the themed land. So, you may get a bit of exercise here chasing Easter eggs.

Our guest made special mention of the merchandise, which isn’t a coincidence. Universal understands that it will eventually pay for the entire theme park via Super Nintendo gear.

There’s something for everyone here, and I’d strongly encourage you to budget for it while planning your trip.

About the Rides

Super Nintendo World was the one themed land where our friend got to ride all the attractions.

As expected, they sounded the least enthusiastic about Yoshi’s Adventure, a ride that serves a purpose.

This slow-moving vehicle will display the entirety of Super Nintendo World from a bird’s eye view.

Therefore, you wouldn’t really want it going fast. Instead, you’d rather savor the experience…and you will. It is VERY slow.

There’s an “easy game concept here” where you’re supposed to be searching for Yoshi’s glowing eggs.

I presume they’ve set the difficulty to kindergarten level, but that’s sheer speculation on my part based on the other parks.

As for Mine-Cart Madness, our guest suggested that it’s ideal for fans of classic wooden coasters-i tis really bumpy!

This kind of ride has fallen out of favor a bit in recent years, with many high-profile closures at North American theme parks.

Mine-Cart Madness redeems this kind of coaster with its bouncy, oftentimes jarring ride experience.

Finally, we have the alpha at Super Nintendo World, which is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.

By now, you should know that Universal built three Mario Kart variants, one for each park with a Super Nintendo World.

Our guest hasn’t ridden all of them yet, but the one at Epic Universe transfixed them.

While they described the wait and long queue as prolonged, they kept circling back to the experience itself.

You watch a tutorial video about how to master your Mario Kart.

Then, you experience something akin to the 2020s version of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

You learn how to use your visor to aim and collect enough coins to overcome Bowser and complete the challenge.

The whole thing sounds like whizbang action of the highest order and an instant classic attraction at Universal Studios.

Let’s Talk about the New Wizarding World

Finally, we have the third version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

We’ve heard the least about this themed land since Universal knows it doesn’t need to sell the Potterverse.

Fans have clearly spoken with their wallets about their love of all things Potter.

Still, our park guest commented that the 1920s Paris theming felt truly immersive, but they adored something else, too.

Somehow, the Wizarding World felt a bit calmer than the other themed lands, which makes sense.

Fans have already spent 15+ years at similarly themed lands, while everything else at Epic Universe is entirely new.

This tip may help you during your first park visit, presuming the behavior holds until then, and I suspect it will.

At the third Wizarding World, you’ll discover Le Cirque Arcanus, which debuted in a Fantastic Beasts movie.

Our guest excitedly relayed details of encounters with the Ringmaster and two others, one of whom was a Fantastic Beast!

Also, they got to sample the cuisine at Café L’air De La Sirène, which wowed them.

They tried Lavender Lemonade, crepes, and a Goat Cheese and Tomato Galette and loved them all so much they couldn’t pick a favorite.

Sadly, the E-ticket attraction here, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry wasn’t open that day.

So, they couldn’t try that ride, but I think it’s clear that people are sleeping on the latest Wizarding World a bit.

To a larger point, the five years of hype about Epic Universe appears entirely justified. This place is very well named!

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Feature Photo: Universal