Universal Epic Universe is here. Check out our first look at Florida's new theme park
'It's Alive! It's Alive!'
That iconic quote from the 1931 film adaptation of 'Frankenstein' ushered in an era of classic monster movies for Universal Pictures. Now, almost 100 years later, it's helping Universal herald a new era of theme parks in Florida.
Ahead of its grand opening on May 22, the Miami Herald recently got an early preview of Universal Epic Universe, the company's third theme park in the Sunshine State — fourth if you count Volcano Bay water park — and the first major park in the Orlando area in 26 years, when Universal's Islands of Adventure opened its gates.
Located about five miles southeast of the existing Universal Orlando Resort, the new complex – which NBCUniversal spent about $7 billion to create, according to the New York Times – includes Epic Universe, as well as three hotels. And there's plenty of expansion space for future additions.
During the preview, we got to explore all five of Epic Universe's fantastic worlds, which are entered through tunnel-like portals inscribed with memorable quotes from the corresponding franchises:
Celestial Park is the astrologically-themed entrance and hub of the park. Meant to 'put the 'park' back in 'theme park,'' this ornate Victorian world is home to winding paths, flowing fountains, an abundance of dining options and the park's entry icon, the towering Chronos portal.
Super Nintendo World is a highly interactive homage to the characters and experiences of the beloved Japanese video game maker, including participating in your own Mario Kart race.
Dark Universe pays tribute to Universal's heritage of classic monster movies, complete with the aforementioned 'It's Alive' quote above its portal, a haunting windmill that dramatically catches fire several times per hour, and one of the most impressive and technologically advanced dark rides ever built.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic transports visitors to both the 1920s Paris of the 'Fantastic Beasts' movie franchise, as well as the 1990s Britain of the main Harry Potter stories.
How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk is a family-friendly viking paradise full of immersive moments based on the DreamWorks animated movie franchise.
So what can you expect to experience when the park officially opens? Here's an inside look:
What are the best rides at Epic Universe?
Epic Universe has 11 rides, and three are showstoppers that rank among the best attractions in Florida:
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a simulated elevator ride (that not only goes up and down, but every other direction as well), which thrusts riders into a mission to find the villainous Dolores Umbridge on the day she's set to stand trial for the crimes she committed in the Harry Potter book and movie series. After traveling through a jaw-dropping queue that takes you into the British Ministry of Magic, you board a ride that feels like a hybrid of two beloved Florida attractions: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (at Universal's Islands of Adventure) and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (at Disney's Hollywood Studios). Blending live sets, crystal-clear enormous screens, and animatronic figures so fluid they could pass for real people, Battle at the Ministry is Epic Universe's ultimate statement piece.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a modern twist on both a classic haunted house attraction and Universal's historic monster movies. With an overwhelming amount of animatronics (including Frankenstein's monster, Dracula and the Phantom of the Opera) and a next-gen version of the robotic arm vehicles previously used for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure, this powerhouse pushes the boundaries of theme park technology.
Stardust Racers is the park's signature roller coaster featuring two intertwined, dueling tracks: Pulsar (the slightly more intense green side) and Photon (yellow). With multiple launches, a relentless pace and a 'Celestial Spin' maneuver that puts you mere inches from another train full of upside-down riders, this 'shooting star across the cosmos' is a must-do for thrill seekers.
How to pet a dragon — and cast a spell
Beyond rides, Epic Universe provides a surprising amount of interactive elements and experiences that were first teased in the existing Harry Potter lands in their two previous Florida parks. Casting spells with new second generation wands ($85 each) trigger all sorts of 'how did they do that?' effects in the windows and shops of 1920s Paris in the Ministry of Magic world, including floating feathers, talking portraits, and mystical creatures emerging.
In Isle of Berk, guests learn how to pet a dragon, as they meet with human viking Hiccup and his dragon buddy Toothless. The convincingly lifelike dragon blinked, smiled, and moved its head in reaction to each person's touch. Elsewhere in the world, a robotic dragon blasted passersby with an icy blast, and a baby animatronic dragon hopped with and reacted to a small girl, much to her delight.
And in Super Nintendo World, guests with Power-Up Bands ($42) can hit the familiar question-mark boxes of the Mario universe, track their Mario Kart score and play drums like Donkey Kong to unveil hidden effects and Easter eggs.
What is there to eat and drink at the park?
Each world in Epic Universe is overflowing with themed food and drink items.
Mushrooms are appropriately a staple of the Super Nintendo World menus. In Dark Universe, Das Stakehaus serves a 'blood orange' chicken sandwich with black buns and a grisly red sauce. And the nearby Burning Blade Tavern is a monster hunters' hangout, complete with the severed heads of creatures behind the bar and a giant windmill outside that periodically catches fire.
In Celestial Park you can grab unique pies at the kitschy Pizza Moon, which recalls Jules Verne's stories about fantastical trips into space, or exotic cocktails at Celestiki, an outdoor bar billed as an outpost of Universal's Volcano Bay water park. But the grandest option is Atlantic, a waterside, seafood-centric, fine-dining location with a mostly glass exterior that looks like a giant aquarium.
Is Epic Universe good for kids?
Will your kids love Epic Universe? It depends how old (and how tall) they are. Nine out of the 11 rides have a height requirement (ranging from 34 inches for Yoshi's Adventure in Nintendo World to 48 inches for multiple rides, including Stardust Racers and Monsters Unchained), and the remaining two attractions require a supervising companion for riders under four feet tall.
Besides the luxurious Constellation Carousel, the dragons-themed Fyre Drill water ride and Yoshi, there's not much for children under 40 inches, and especially not for infants or toddlers. But there's plenty to enjoy for elementary-aged kids and older.
Where can I stay when visiting the park?
Epic Universe is paired with three new hotels, bringing Universal Orlando's total to 11, all of which Universal runs in partnership with Loews Hotels. Twin budget-friendly options Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are already open and offer space and discovery themes with pools, bars and quick-service dining options.
The signature hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, bookends Epic Universe and offers a dedicated entry for its guests into the park. It officially opens with the park on May 22, but an early preview of the resort offered an up-close look at the enormous statue of Apollo (god of the sun) that sit at the edge of the hotel and the theme park, an elevator mural that magically animates into a story about the transition between day and night, and a constellation-adorned rooftop bar providing unparalleled views of the park below.
Were there any issues with Epic Universe?
Universal warned that during the early preview, attractions would be in technical rehearsals and that downtime should be expected. But in our visit, all rides and shows seemed to be operating smoothly, with no obvious problems.
One of the few overall downsides of Epic Universe was the lack of shade. Celestial Park, with its wide stretches of concrete pathways, and Isle of Berk, with its meandering walkways and uncovered queues, were both particularly hot under the blazing Florida sun. As the freshly-planted trees begin to grow around the park, that should hopefully mitigate the issue.
How much are tickets?
One-day tickets to enjoy Epic Universe start at $139 for guests 10 and older and $134 for children between the ages of 3 and 9. Tickets are also available in various multi-day configurations that include admission to Universal Orlando's other parks.
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