Universal Orlando Resort to illuminate Edinburgh Castle for epic show
Innovative techniques will complement the aesthetics of the five astounding worlds that can be found within the theme park - Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Dynamically transforming from one world to another, the landmark's breathtaking transitions will captivate the audience in this historic spectacle, allowing the fans to contribute to the launch of Epic Universe in an unforgettable, shareable experience.
Guests in attendance will have a chance to win a seven-night trip to Universal Orlando Resort including tickets to all four of their theme parks – including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the brand-new Epic Universe. They will stay at the recently opened, Universal Terra Luna Resort.
British Airways Holidays – the official UK holiday launch partner of the brand-new Epic Universe theme park - will provide the flights for the prize winner in the Club World cabin.
"Transporting fans into the worlds of Epic Universe sits at the heart of this projection and we can't wait to for the people of Scotland and beyond to experience the thrills of this brand-new theme park.'
The Universal Epic Universe projection stunt is a free ticketed private event with very limited capacity.
Global content marketing agency TPF will deliver the Edinburgh leg of the project.
For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.
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Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
I visited the £7bn Epic theme park dubbed as the world's best and one ride blew me away
I visited the £7bn Epic theme park dubbed as the world's best and one ride blew me away Epic opened in May and is the third theme park and fourth park overall to open at Universal Orlando This was my bold introduction to Stardust Racers, one of the headline coasters at Universal's long-awaited Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. (Image: Universal Resort ) I was upside down, mid-barrel roll, stomach-lurching, and questioning every life choice that had led to this moment, chiefly smashing a giant pizza mere minutes before riding a 100 km/h roller coaster. As the Florida sun beat down with oven-like intensity, I could only white knuckle the rest of the insanely fast ride. I wouldn't decorate the person behind me with mozzarella and regret. This was my bold introduction to Stardust Racers, one of the headline coasters at Universal's long-awaited Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. I was here for an early preview of the park that's had theme park fans in a spin for months. Naturally, I kicked things off by throwing myself into the deep end. Let it be known: I'm a ride-or-die theme park girlie. I'll happily queue for hours, scream like a banshee, and race straight back to the start for another go. But Stardust Racers hit differently. In under 90 seconds, I cried, swore, and sweated through my SPF 50 as we hurtled around 5,000 feet of freshly built track. This Epic coaster doesn't warm you up gently. It hurtles you into the cosmos at 62 miles per hour with a savage full-throttle force that threatens to rearrange your insides and make you wonder if your life insurance is up to date. (Reader, it is not.) At one point, as we spiralled through an inverted crisscross at full speed, I was fairly convinced I'd touched the edge of the cosmos. It was undoubtedly a bold start to my time at Epic Universe, Universal's long-awaited new Orlando theme park, with an estimated construction price tag of $7.7bn. Announced in 2019 and almost a decade in the making, this 110-acre park is the biggest Universal ever built and is, as Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury puts it, 'the most technologically advanced park in the world.' Epic Universe guide Epic Universe also holds the distinction of being the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. (Image: Universal ) Epic Universe also holds the distinction of being the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. With lucrative IPs to rival Disney's, including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, it's coming for the House of Mouse. Ambitious, immersive and bursting with brand-new rides and cutting-edge tech, Epic is Universal's boldest swing yet at the theme park crown. It's also the first new addition to their Florida line-up since Islands of Adventure. 'We have a fantastic destination here already,' says Universal CEO Mark Woodbury. 'Adding this fourth park makes us the destination of choice for a full-week vacation.' Mickey must be bricking it. Through a set of dazzling and unique portals, visitors can 'travel' to five distinctly themed worlds, Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, all stitched together with big-budget flair. I got a sneak peek at what promises to be Orlando's most ambitious park yet. Here, you'll find immersive worlds to explore, each rich with detail and packed with showstopping rides and characters from beloved franchises, including Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon and Nintendo. Here's what to expect. Celestial Park Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. (Image: Portia Jones ) Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. Unlike the IP-driven lands beyond, this original world isn't tied to any movie, show or game. It's the lush centre of Epic, featuring dancing fountains, dreamy Art Nouveau architecture, and tree-lined walkways that effortlessly blend with the park's interstellar theme. As night falls, colourful lights flicker in sync with an extravagant fountain show, casting a soft glow over the park's cosmic heart. The entrance alone is a spectacle, an arched portal adorned with intricate astronomical symbols, rotating orbs, and golden flourishes. It has such strong Space Oddity energy that I half expect Bowie to float down and instruct me to take my protein pills and put on my helmet. As I strolled through, beaming 'Celestians' (team members) greeted me in splendid cosmic regalia, chirping, 'Welcome, travellers!' I almost asked if I needed a passport. Costumed staff here aren't just friendly; they're all in. Smiling, waving, and giving a vibe somewhere between a sci-fi epic and a David Lynch fever dream. I can't imagine employees at Universal's planned British theme park being this enthusiastic. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, featuring two independent launches, allowing riders to choose between the thrilling yellow "Photon" and green "Pulsar" tracks. For coaster junkies, this is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even the most steel-nerved thrill seekers. For coaster junkies, this is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even the most steel-nerved thrill seekers. (Image: Portia Jones ) Want a slower pace? Hop aboard the wonderfully over-the-top Constellation Carousel, where you can spin gently through the stars on a celestial lion, dragon, or peacock to ambient space music. For lunch, try the Space Cowboy pizza, a bold combination of BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives, and crisps, served in the grand 1900s Victorian theatre-turned-pizzeria Pizza Moon. Pro tip: Stick around for dusk; that's when our guy Apollo hands the sun over to Luna in a dazzling light-and-music ceremony. How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk Hiccup's home island of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail (Image: Portia Jones ) Visitors with kids (and film-nut adults) will likely be very familiar with How to Train Your Dragon. This wildly popular film franchise tells the story of a hapless Viking boy named Hiccup who defies centuries of tradition by befriending an adorable 'night fury' dragon named Toothless. Hiccup's home island of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail, with a faithful recreation of the craggy and chaotic world where raucous Vikings and feisty dragons coexist. While the painstaking details of Viking life are impressive, the dragons truly soar. Thanks to jaw-dropping animatronics, they're so realistic you half-expect them to flap off into the skies. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk while soaring through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet–just like a real dragon rider (Image: Portia Jones ) The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience, where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap enviable pics for your social media. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk while soaring through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet–just like a real dragon rider. Bag a seat at The Untrainable Dragon for a Broadway-level production featuring film faves Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid in a musical, dragon-filled live show that astounds. The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience, where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap enviable pics for your social media. (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're short on time, Dragon Racer's Rally might be the one to skip. It promises a customisable dragon-riding experience with barrel rolls and aerial tricks, but by the time you've figured out the up-down lever, the ride's already landing. Top tip: Grab the carb-tastic Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone from Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Stuffed with creamy mac, spicy pulled chicken, hot honey, peppers, chimichurri, and crispy onions, all in a bread cone, it's a perfect portable lunch for busy riders. Dark Universe Film fans rejoice! Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe (Image: Portia Jones ) Film fans rejoice! Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe. Remember the weird Tom Cruise Mummy reboot in 2017? That was supposed to kick off an interconnected, cinematic monsterverse with classic characters, including Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. Sadly, the Mummy tanked (it was ghastly), and the project was scrapped. However, you can now see what this doomed film franchise could have been in a gloriously gothic fantasy village of Darkmoor, where monsters and ghouls roam among rides, restaurants and attractions. Grab a pic with the acerbic Invisible Man, whose dark humour is wickedly delightful. "Of course you'll see me in the pictures, foolish girl, I'm wearing bandages." Ouch. Grab a pic with the acerbic Invisible Man (Image: Portia Jones ) At the heart of Darkmoor, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment perfectly encapsulates Universal's classic characters in a menacing, sophisticated thrill ride with next-level animatronics. You're ushered into the eerie bowels of Frankenstein Manor and met by an uncanny valley, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, and a towering, 2.7-metre-tall Frankenstein monster so unnervingly lifelike, I briefly questioned my grip on reality. On this immersive ride, our unhinged heroine, Vic, attempts (and fails spectacularly) to control wayward monsters, triggering a full-blown uprising led by Dracula. Cue a chaotic escape through a nightmare fuel ride of werewolves, mummies, and clawing shadows. My rational brain knew it was fake; my racing heart rate and clammy shirt disagreed. You're ushered into the eerie bowels of Frankenstein Manor and met by an uncanny valley, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, and a towering, 2.7-metre-tall Frankenstein monster so unnervingly lifelike, I briefly questioned my grip on reality (Image: Universal ) Coaster-wise, Curse of the Werewolf is a family-friendly offering at 37mph, but don't let that fool you. The freely spinning cars mean every escape through the haunted forest is a chaotic, slightly disorienting surprise. Top Tip: Refresh with a lurid green Monocane Mocktail at the Burning Blade Tavern (look for a windmill on fire, yes really). Served in a plastic potion glass, the kids will love this sugary, sour sip. Super Nintendo World I felt full-blown '90s childhood nostalgia when I entered this colourful, kinetic world. (Image: Portia Jones ) I felt full-blown '90s childhood nostalgia when I entered this colourful, kinetic world. You enter the Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe–slash-escalator and land in the middle of a surreal video game land. It's loud, bright, and delightfully bonkers, with fun interactive elements and plenty of merch. For the first time in the U.S., you can explore banana-and-barrel-filled Donkey Kong Country and meet all your favourite characters. Enter Bowser's life-size Castle for a whirl on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, based on the iconic Mario Kart franchise, is a must for console connoisseurs. Don VR goggles and join the gang to defeat Team Bowser and win the surprise-filled race. You'll dodge obstacles, chuck shells, hoard digital coins, and race alongside Mario, Luigi and Peach for the Golden Cup. With multiple outcomes, it's never the same ride twice. Don VR goggles and join the gang to defeat Team Bowser and win the surprise-filled race. (Image: Portia Jones ) Mine-Cart Madness is Donkey Kong Country reimagined via a clattering high-speed coaster that's one missing bolt away from disaster. Ride through the lush jungle aboard mine carts as you help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the thieving Tiki Tak Tribe. Thanks to a clever track-jumping illusion, it feels like you're constantly about to be yeeted into the foliage via derailment. Honestly, National Rail couldn't dream of this level of chaotic engineering. You enter the Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe–slash-escalator and land in the middle of a surreal video game land. (Image: Portia Jones ) Top Tip: Feeling competitive? Buy a universal app-linked Nintendo-themed Power Up-Band to collect digital coins and keys, interact with the environment, and compete against family members and friends. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic I'll be honest, as a huge Harry Potter fan (why, yes, I am an elder millennial, thank you for asking), this was the magical moment I'd been waiting for. (Image: Portia Jones ) I'll be honest, as a huge Harry Potter fan (why, yes, I am an elder millennial, thank you for asking), this was the magical moment I'd been waiting for. Wand? Already in hand, muggles. My anticipation was fever pitch as I entered the portal to be transported into 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series. The scale and vision are frankly astonishing as you wander chic Parisian streets filled with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. If you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations around this land where you can conjure water, fire and wand lighting and interact with enchanted objects. The scale and vision are frankly astonishing as you wander chic Parisian streets filled with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. (Image: Universal ) Before you become too bewitched by your magical surroundings, head straight for Universal's most technologically advanced attraction yet, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The star attraction in this land. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle throughout the Ministry of Magic for the long-anticipated trial of Dolores Umbridge (a magic bureaucrat with a thirst for corporal punishments and pink outfits). Join the long queue and enter the vast and incredibly detailed atrium of the British Ministry of Magic. No expense has been spared on this extraordinary ride, with even the queue areas filled with wizarding elements that will distract from your aching legs. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle throughout the Ministry of Magic for the long-anticipated trial of Dolores Umbridge (Image: Portia Jones ) When you finally reach the front, board an enchanted lift and fly, drop and spin through the ministry as you follow a passive-aggressive Umbridge attempting to evade capture with a nicked Time-Turner. You're conscripted into helping the gang stop her while flung through a bureaucratic fever dream of eye-popping digital magic, smoke, animatronic wand-waving and dastardly death eaters. If you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations around this land where you can conjure water, fire and wand lighting and interact with enchanted objects. (Image: Portia Jones ) This ride blew me away and completely lived up to the hype. If you only do one thing in Epic Universe, this is the ride to queue for. I'm now spending every waking minute plotting how to get back on this ride. I'm guessing it's going to require a second mortgage; Orlando doesn't come cheap! If you still have time, encounter fantastic beasts at a travelling circus in the full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus. It's a family-friendly show that will delight the little ones and Potterheads. Top Tip: Mega fans should purchase a Second Generation Interactive Wand for enhanced spell-casting around the land. So, what's the final word? Epic isn't just Universal's biggest park yet; it's their boldest, most imaginative, and most high-tech experience yet. With its immersive lands, beloved characters, and no-expense-spared rides, it's ushering in a new era of theme parks in Orlando, and we're here for it. Verdict? It's a flawless 5/5 park. No notes. Top tips for Epic Universe Whatever ticket you choose, you'll need to lock in your visit date. (Image: Portia Jones ) First things first – you need a ticket to get into Universal Epic Universe; this is not a 'show up on the day' theme park. There are numerous options, ranging from single-day tickets to bundles that include Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Passholder? You get special pricing on 1-Day Epic Universe tickets. There are also vacation packages (hello, Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans!) to help you save. Heads-up: whatever ticket you choose, you'll need to lock in your visit date. Click here to explore all ticket and package options. Stay at the opulent Universal Helios Grand Hotel to enjoy a dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe and enter the park up to an hour before the general public. Want a more budget-friendly hotel? Book a stay at Stella Nova or Terra Luna, and Epic Universe is just across the street. Download the Universal Orlando Resort app to plan your day at the park. This free app makes it easy to access your Universal Account Wallet, shop with Universal Pay, order food and drinks on the go, explore attractions with interactive maps, and view showtimes. Bring a water bottle with you and save money on drinks. There are refill stations across the park, so you don't have to spend your hard-earned dollars on bottled water. How to Book British Airways Holidays offers Universal Resort holidays that include Epic Universe. Save up to 30% on your Universal Orlando Resort hotel stay when staying 7 nights or more. Article continues below Choose from 10 Universal Orlando hotels, including the brand-new Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna, both perfect bases for visiting the new Universal Epic Universe. Valid for selected 2025 and 2026 travel. Book here.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Telegraph
Florida's 10 theme parks, ranked and rated
Orlando was pretty much a blip on the map in 1966 when Walt Disney chose this little-known destination (population, barely 90,000) for his second 'theme park'. The original Disneyland in California had pioneered the idea of themed attractions and entertainment 11 years earlier, but Walt was dreaming bigger for Florida. Much bigger. His Walt Disney World – or Project X, as it was known in its hush-hush planning days – would cover 43 square miles and begin a process of cutting-edge design and creativity that continues to the present day, with the recent high-profile opening of rival Universal Orlando's remarkable Epic Universe. Prior to Disney, Florida had plenty of attractions in its own right, including Silver Springs State Park, established in 1888, Bok Tower Gardens (1929), Monkey Jungle (1933), Cypress Gardens (1936), Gatorland (1949) and Miami Seaquarium (1955), but none were a true 'themed park' as drawn from Walt's hyper-active imagination. The immediate success of his World was all the state needed, though, to line up a series of parks that drew from his inspiration, going on to make Orlando the 'Theme Park Capital of the World'. But how do the 10 biggest hitters in the Sunshine State stack up against each other? After more than 30 years spent visiting them, we're uniquely placed to judge: here's our definitive ranking. 10. LEGOLAND Florida Resort Winter Haven When historic Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven closed its gates in 2009, a classic roadside attraction seemed lost – until the UK's Merlin Entertainments rode to the rescue, proposing to maintain the original gardens section of the park while building its signature LEGO-themed range of rides and interactive exhibits around it. The park opened in 2011 and has since expanded dramatically, but sympathetically, with hotels, new rides, a separate Peppa Pig park and the new SEA LIFE Florida aquarium. This variety has gone a long way to providing a multi-day experience, especially for younger children but also grandparents who find the other parks too frenzied. A major new indoor coaster is in the works for 2026 – the park's biggest individual investment at $90million – which should add even more appeal to this beautiful lakeside setting that continues to offer a genuine Florida vibe. The price of a Legoland day ticket is £98 at the gate, £56-£90 online (depending on the day/season). 9. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tampa Having started in 1959 as an adjunct to the Anheuser-Busch brewery, with gardens and an aviary, Busch Gardens evolved into a fully fledged Africa-themed park with the addition of more than 400 animals in the 1960s, then rides and shows after Disney World opened and proved their appeal. Today, as part of the SeaWorld Parks group, it continues to impress with extensive animal habitats as well as eight roller-coasters, including the monstrous dive-coaster SheiKra, fast-launch thrills of Cheetah Hunt, suspended ride Phoenix Rising and junior-sized Sesame Street offering, Air Grover. Africa remains the all-encompassing theme, notably with animal sections like Myombe Reserve, which mimics the gorilla forest territory of Central Africa, and the Serengeti, where guests can pay $50 extra for the chance to hand-feed giraffes on a safari-style tour of the 65-acre plain. The price of a day ticket for Busch Gardens is £110 at the gate, £53-£76 online (depending on day/season). 8. Disney's Animal Kingdom Bay Lake While Universal wowed us with its Harry Potter expansions in 2010 and 2015, raising the bar for immersive experiences, Disney's first full response was adding Pandora – The World of Avatar to its Animal Kingdom in 2017, giving the park a much-needed shot in the arm with its intense theming and blockbuster Flight of Passage simulator ride. The natural setting and fewer attractions make for less than a full day, but there isn't the non-stop frenzy of the other parks, while the animal habitats are impressive and include two extensive walk-through sections, the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail that recreates an African safari, and Maharajah Jungle Trek for an Asian adventure that includes water buffalo and tigers. Work is currently under way to transform the weak DinoLand section of the park into more dynamically themed areas for the Indiana Jones and Encanto film franchises by 2027, including at least two major rides that are urgently needed. The price of a Disney day ticket is £90-£131 (depending on the individual day/season); the UK-specific 14-day Disney Magic Ticket works out at around £40/day. 7. Disney's Hollywood Studios Bay Lake The 2019 addition of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, hot on the heels of the new Toy Story Land – in response to the growing competition from nearby Universal – rescued the Studios from slipping into the shadows of the other parks and brought new life to a flagging mock film studio. Iconic attractions like the dramatic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway still provide excellent entertainment, but they lack the full immersive drama of the Star Wars land, which justifiably draws by far the biggest crowds in the park. More change is on the horizon, though, with a new land dedicated to the Monsters, Inc films in the works that will include at least one major coaster-type ride and a theatre show. Sadly, the Muppet-themed Grand Avenue area will make way for the new development, with Disney still to announce a timeframe for all the changes. The price of a Disney day ticket is £105-£146 (depending on the individual day/season). 6. SeaWorld Orlando Orlando Opened in 1973 as Orlando's second theme park, SeaWorld has undergone a dramatic change in recent years, moving away from its original focus on animal shows and exhibits to a more ride-based experience featuring state-of-the-art roller-coasters. New in May 2025, the swooping Arctic-themed simulator ride Expedition Odyssey added another string to the park's bow, but today's SeaWorld is still heavily weighted towards thrill-ride fans, who are lured by the attraction of high-speed rides like the towering 200ft Mako, the 'flying' style of Manta, the fast-launch demon Ice Breaker and stand-up style of Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. This spacious 200-acre park remains a more leisurely experience than most and is ideal as a starter experience for Orlando's ride-laden landscape, while the clever Sesame Street Land provides plenty of junior-sized excitement, with six kiddie rides, splash play area and daily parade featuring Big Bird, Elmo and Abby Cadabby. The price of a Seaworld day ticket is £110 at the gate, £53-£81 online. 5. Universal Studios Florida Orlando Disney's theme park rival arrived in 1990 with a similar offering to its Hollywood movie studio version, but which quickly took on a life of its own, expanding into a 735-acre resort, Universal Orlando, with a second full theme park and Volcano Bay water park, plus shops, restaurants and hotels. The original park has been transformed and enlarged in the past 35 years, replacing nearly all its original attractions and adding the blockbuster creation of the second Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened the way for the clever Hogwarts Express linking ride between the two parks. Children are well served with rides based on the likes of E.T, the Despicable Me films, The Simpsons and Men In Black, and many attractions are indoors, which is a bonus in hot, humid Florida. Iconic coaster Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will close in September 2025, opening the way for another exercise in themed rides that will boast indoor and outdoor sections. Price of a Universal Orlando Resort day ticket: £86-£136 (depending on individual day/season). The UK-specific Three-Park Explorer Plus ticket works out at around £33/day over two weeks. 4. Universal Islands of Adventure Orlando An all-round sensation when it opened in 1999, boasting dynamic coasters and cutting-edge rides like The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, Islands of Adventure was boosted still further 11 years later by the creation of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, which introduced a whole new level of theming (along with Butterbeer). Signature attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey claimed the title of Orlando's Best Ride, and was backed up by another Wizarding original in 2019, when Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure added more Hogwarts artistry and thrills. The only element the park lacks is a headline night-time show or parade to round out a range of rides and attractions that are hard to beat, especially with the 2021 expansion of the Jurassic Park land to include the adrenalin-fuelled VelociCoaster and fun Raptor Encounter, with its unpredictable life-sized dinosaur. Price of a Universal Islands of Adventure day ticket: £86-£136 (depending on individual day/season). 3. Epcot Bay Lake If any park can claim to have undergone a total metamorphosis since it opened, it is 1982-vintage Epcot. Originally created as a combination of technology adventure and world expo, it has morphed in recent years into more of an overtly Disney-fied package, featuring the film characters from Guardians of the Galaxy, Ratatouille, Finding Nemo and Moana, plus Anna and Elsa from Frozen in the Norway pavilion. A five-year transformation of the former Future World section of the park was completed in 2024 and added a fresh look, as well as new dining and entertainment options. Happily, it maintains most of its world culture heritage through its original 11 international pavilions that offer the sights, sounds and tastes of the likes of Japan, Morocco, Canada and Mexico through film shows, live performances and national cuisines. The pizza in the Italy pavilion and baguettes in France are arguably the best in Florida. Price of a Walt Disney Epcot day ticket: £97-£142 (depending on individual day/season). 2. Universal Epic Universe Orlando Orlando's newest park opened in a blaze of worldwide publicity on May 22, building on the hit formula of Islands of Adventure with a series of five themed lands, including Universal's first full-time homage to its back-catalogue of monster movies, featuring the likes of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Each land has huge appeal for its individual theme – Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts, Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe and Celestial Park – which translates into fully immersive environments that set the benchmark for all future theme park developments (and throws down the gauntlet to Disney once again). Nintendo World requires some understanding of the various computer games and their characters, but the attractions are still amusing, while the other four are, frankly, drop-dead gorgeous before you even reach the rides. The animatronic dragons may also be THE big hit of the park. Price of a Universal Epic Universe day ticket: £105-£154 (depending on individual day/season). 1. Magic Kingdom Bay Lake The park that sparked the Orlando boom remains its prime attraction, and rightly so. Packed with rides of all kinds – including a high-thrills coaster – and full of the emotional 'Pixie Dust' trademark of the films, the Magic Kingdom is a magical environment for families and couples alike. It still bears Walt's fingerprints on rides like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean and, while the technology in some of these classic rides is not overwhelming, the sense of imagination and creativity mirrors that of the films that inspired them. Cinderella Castle remains the iconic centrepiece, but recent additions – like swooping coaster TRON Lightcycle/Run and log-flume ride Tiana's Bayou Adventure – add a contemporary flourish that papers over some of the 54-year-old cracks. A 2024 update of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree animatronic show also succeeded in making this old-timer look new – and hilariously funny – again.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Inside Universal Studios' brand new Epic Universe – here's what you should see
And the incredible food you must try OUT OF THIS WORLD Inside Universal Studios' brand new Epic Universe – here's what you should see IT'S been a long time since I've been to Universal Studios Orlando. The hazy days of 1999 feel much further away than its quarter of a century of distance. Advertisement 10 Even the entrance to the park is epic Credit: ALL_RIGHTS 10 Stardust Racers is all thrills and no filler Credit: ALL_RIGHTS 10 The Isle of Berk brings the classic How To Train Your Dragon films to life So when I heard about the grand opening of the first new theme park in Florida in 25 years, I just had to be there. Universal has been working for years to bring the incredible new Epic Universe to the theme-park capital and it was well worth waiting for. It's home to five brand new hyper-immersive worlds themed on legendary franchises with rides, shows, and experiences unlike anything else in the world. Travelling over to Florida, I enjoyed the luxury of British Airways World Traveller Plus, which offers lots of comfort and some serious leg room. This is long-haul luxury I could get used to. Advertisement With over two decades since my last visit, it's safe to say things have changed a tad. I stayed at the thoroughly modern Universal Stella Nova resort, just a five-minute bus journey from the centre of all the excitement in the new park. The rooms were absolutely huge, with plenty of space for families to use as a base for their trip. Stepping into Celestial Park, it was clear this was on another level compared to anything I had ever experienced before. Advertisement Acting as a hub and a world in its own right, it features plenty of restaurants and attractions for visitors to explore. The highlight of Celestial Park, and one of the best thrill rides Universal has to offer, is Stardust Racers, which features two carts that intertwine and loop round each other as they battle to reach the finish. Most popular treats for Brits on holiday It goes toe-to-toe with the most hardcore rides in the original park. To get the full experience, make sure to split your party of riders in two. Advertisement Spinning fully vertical over your friends at 62mph while waving and jeering each other during straight sections makes this one of the most enjoyable coasters on the planet. My pals and I chose to ride it four times in one day, including twice back-to-back on each set of cars. It was just that good! Stepping through the entrance to each of the themed worlds is like walking through a portal to a different universe. Genius theming and brilliant design fully immerses you. Advertisement GO EPIC UNIVERSE GETTING/STAYING THERE: A week room-only at the 5* Universal Helios Grand Hotel is from £1,449pp and seven nights at the 3.5* Universal Stella Nova Resort is from £829pp on selected dates in January. See MORE INFO: Universal Orlando Resort All Park Tickets from £439pp for a week including one day at Epic Universe from British Airways Holidays. For all you need to know before you visit Epic Universe see 10 The incredible queue for Battle at the Ministry The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic As you rush through the portal to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, you're transported to a picture-perfect Parisian street with cracked cobbles below and towering French architecture. It's hard to believe you're still in the heart of the Sunshine State. Advertisement Potter fans will lose their minds at the new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride. Entering using Floo Powder in the fireplace just like in the films, you find yourself within the Ministry on the day of Dolores Umbridge's highly anticipated trial. It was like walking on the actual film sets themselves — incredible. And that's just the queue! Once on the ride, you'll experience the thrilling trial in its entirety with cutting-edge CGI and animatronics bringing every second of the intense battle to life. Advertisement 10 Super Nintendo World feels like a video game come to life Super Nintendo World If gaming is more your speed (it definitely is mine), then jumping through the warp pipe to Super Nintendo World will take you to a bright and colourful playground where fun is top of the agenda. With the much-loved Mario Kart ride melding the game, virtual reality, and traditional indoor rollercoasters, one ride will never be enough, and you'll find yourself wanting to turn back and immediately start queuing again, just like me. Advertisement In a first for the USA, Super Nintendo World offers visitors a chance to visit Donkey Kong Country, a vibrant jungle based on the classic SNES games. Its main ride, Mine-Cart Madness, captures the feel of jumping from track to track on an old mine cart just like those retro levels. Even Yoshi's Adventure is a perfect beginner coaster for younger children, if you can pull them away from the hidden mini games and interactive elements scattered throughout the world. Kids (and nostalgic adults) also have the chance to meet iconic Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and Donkey Kong as they explore. Advertisement 10 Hiccup's Wing gliders proved a fast favourite within the group How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk is a must for fans of the Dreamworks classic. Easily the biggest of the new worlds, it captures the spirit of the series perfectly. Hiccup's Wing Gliders sees you soaring through the air on a dragon glider, swooping from left to right as the movie's soundtrack fills the air felt utterly whimsical. Advertisement The park's only water-based ride, Fire Drill, lets you soak your friends, and was a fantastic, if slightly cruel, way to beat the Florida heat. The show, The Untrainable Dragon, was a real highlight, with Hiccup and Toothless soaring over us, giving a fantastic view of all the attention to detail paid to bring the franchise to life in the new world. 10 Visiting Darkmoor in the Dark Universe felt like stepping into another world Credit: ALL_RIGHTS Dark Universe Advertisement Easily my favourite of the new worlds was the spooky Dark Universe. Based on the classic Universal Monsters, horror fans will be delighted to see throwbacks to sorely missed characters like Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride and the Wolfman. The detail was, once again, on-point, from the austere gothic architecture to the windmill restaurant that bursts into flames as you dine. Both Curse of the Wolfman and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment rides were just the right mix of thrilling and fun, a love letter to the classic movies. Advertisement The latter's blend of special effects and unique movement had me giggling with joy on each ride. 10 The Burning Blade Tavern literally catches fire as you dine Credit: ALL_RIGHTS Throughout the parks, dining options were excellent. Isle of Berk's incredible mac and cheese cone and the Dark Universe's Monocane drink in a neon green vial proved to be my personal favourites. If you're a theme park newbie or someone who just can't get enough of the much-loved original Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, there are also free buses every half-hour from Stella Nova resort. Advertisement All are well worth a visit, and have a great range of coasters, from the classic Revenge of the Mummy Ride to modern favourites like the adrenaline rush that is Hagrid's Magical Creatures, and the unrelenting thrill-filled Jurassic World Velocicoaster. And if you want even easier access to the amazing Epic Universe, Loews and Universal have teamed up to create the stunning Universal Grand Helios Hotel which, among other luxuries, boasts its own private entrance to the park. With rooms themed around worlds like How to Train Your Dragon, it's perfect for families who want to skip the queues or take breaks from the parks throughout the day. Watching the dazzling fireworks display fill the night sky for the grand opening, it became clear to me that Epic Universe well and truly lives up to its name. Advertisement So if you've been looking for an excuse to explore some epic new worlds and have an absolute blast doing so, now is the perfect time. 10 The EPIC grand opening celebrations
