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Travel Weekly
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Waiting in line at Epic Universe: Which attraction has the best queue experience?
ORLANDO -- In the battle for the best attraction queue at Epic Universe, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge were in a tie when I rode them on Wednesday. Then I rode Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry on Thursday. Queues are just the precursors to attractions, but especially in periods of high demand (which Epic Universe is sure to experience), riders spend the most time there, waiting to board. A good queue can make all the difference, staving off boredom by entertaining and informing riders during wait times that climb from minutes to more than an hour. Battle at the Ministry rocketed above them all with a mind-blowing and jaw-dropping queue. The most spectacular queue in any theme park Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is located in Epic Universe's Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Ministry of Magic. The themed world is set in 1920s Paris, but for Battle at the Ministry, riders are cleverly transported to 1990s London, just after the original seven Harry Potter books ended. The floo portal in the queue of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada To enter the attraction, riders walk into what they believe is the Paris Metro. Through the magic of floo powder, they are transported to the British Ministry of Magic to witness the trial of the beloathed Dolores Umbridge. The transportation via floo powder is particularly effective. To make it from Paris to London, riders simply walk through an opening in the wall and are surrounded by fog and green light. More green-lighted fog awaits them at the end of a short tunnel, and they emerge in the British Ministry of Magic. It's a simple, but effective, trick that delighted every rider I saw "travel" via floo. What awaits is the most spectacular queue in any theme park. Universal has recreated the British Ministry of Magic to perfection in an indoor space that feels larger than several football fields. The Atrium features the Fountain of Magical Brethren statue, flanked by ministry offices. In the distance, another statue and more offices can be seen, with interdepartmental memos (purple paper airplanes) flying around to find their intended recipients. Riders continue on, seeing more of the ministry and the packing of Umbridge's office by her house elf, Higgledy, who plays a significant role on the ride itself. Kudos to Universal Creative on this one: It will be hard to beat. It's as if they dropped the film set right into the theme park. Higgledy the house elf oversees the packing up of Dolores Umbridge's office in the queue of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Here's what guests will see on Epic Universe queues that finished a distant second and third to Harry. During Monsters Unchained, riders enter the Frankenstein Manor and see all sorts of things, from notes on human anatomy to wires cracking with electricity connected to a vampire bat. It's a (slightly morbid) feast for the eyes. During Mario Kart, riders find themselves walking through Bowser's Castle. His library is perhaps the most impressive feature, aside from the giant statue of Mario's arch-nemesis himself, featuring books like "Off the Edge: A Rainbow Road Story" and "Strong-Arm Your Way to the Top." Bowser's library is a feature in the queue of Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada While I can confidently say Battle at the Ministry has won the competition for best queue, best ride is another category entirely. And it's an extremely subjective one. Even if you use an objective scoring system, it wouldn't be applicable to everyone. For example, some might love rollercoasters. Others (ahem, me, formerly) might avoid them like the plague for fear of motion sickness. Here is my rundown of Monsters Unchained and Battle at the Ministry, as well as other attractions in Epic Universe's Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe. I previously wrote about other Epic Universe attractions. The village of Darkmoor at night in Epic Universe. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada The delightfully spooky Dark Universe Monsters Unchained is located in the Dark Universe world. It's set in the village of Darkmoor, which is beyond a doubt worth a visit after dark, when the spooky factor is multiplied. A scene from the queue of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada The attraction invites riders into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein has continued on the family tradition of working with monsters and trapped the likes of Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Mummy. Dracula leads a revolt, and chaos ensues. This is a delightfully spooky attraction with a ride vehicle that moves riders in every direction except upside-down. The motion-sensitive should avoid it, as should young children. It has a 48-inch height requirement, and would likely terrify the youngest visitors. While the level of terror depends on the individual child, I think parents of anyone younger than 8 should ride themselves first to determine if it's a fit for their kids. But for those up for some spooks and jump-scares, this attraction is great fun. I was impressed with how smoothly the ride vehicle moves. Also, the ride blends screens and real-life set pieces, including animatronics, incredibly well. The Dracula animatronics are particularly good. Dark Universe is also home to the roller coaster Curse of the Werewolf, with a minimum height requirement of 40 inches. It's a fun attraction with spinning coaster cars, but that spinning might affect motion-sensitive guests. It's a rather short ride, but a good bit of fun. Is Battle at the Ministry the best Epic ride? The sole ride in Ministry of Magic is Battle at the Ministry. It has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches. Riders board elevators in the Ministry of Magic to view Umbridge's trial. Of course, things go awry. Their elevator moves up and down, back and forth, as Umbridge attempts to escape with the help of Death Eaters. The elevator's movements are relatively smooth, albeit occasionally unexpected, making for a fun ride. "Le Cirque Arcanus" is a can't-miss show in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Ministry of Magic. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Like Monsters Unchained, the attraction does a particularly good job of deftly marrying screens with animatronics and set pieces. It also offers a new story in the Harry Potter universe, featuring the original three characters (Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger) and set just after the books conclude. If I had to choose between Monsters Unchained and Battle at the Ministry, Potter and friends would prevail as best Epic Universe ride, but by a slim margin. Ministry of Magic is also home to a stage show, Le Cirque Arcanus. I don't want to offer any spoilers here. All I'll say is watch the Fantastic Beasts movies before visiting, and expect an extraordinary show. It's surprising, delightful and not to be missed. Afterwards, I couldn't help myself and bought a plush Demiguise. It's, uh, for my daughter.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe — Universal Orlando's newest theme park — opens this week. From rides to restaurants, here's what you can expect from the five new 'worlds.'
Universal Orlando is unveiling its first major amusement park in over 20 years. Known as Epic Universe, the new theme park opens to the public on May 22 and will allow guests to explore five distinct worlds that are each inspired by renowned franchises. Celestial Park, a world dedicated to the heavens, stars and constellations, serves as a gateway to the four other worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Universal's Epic Universe is the latest amusement park to join the Universal Orlando Resort's multiverse. Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, followed by Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. Construction for Epic Universe began in 2019, was paused in mid-2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and resumed in early 2021. The park took an estimated eight years and $7 billion to build. Here's what visitors can expect from each of Epic Universe's five worlds. Recognized as the central hub of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is filled with astrology-based motifs. Offering an in-depth exploration of constellations, stars and the heavens, the park connects the other four worlds together — and features its own two attractions. Constellation Carousel gives guests the opportunity to 'ride the constellations' themselves. The ceiling of the ride is a Star Tracker that features rotating celestial star patterns. Stardust Racers, the other ride in this world, is a dual-launch roller coaster that races across the cosmos. Guests board 'a comet' and travel at speeds reaching up to 62 mph along twin tracks that intersect and invert around each other. Celestial Park also features a nightly light and water show at the Cosmos Fountain, celebrating each of the five worlds. Dining options include Atlantic, an 'undersea' restaurant with glass walls that resembles a large Victorian aquarium. Filled with shops, restaurants and streets reminiscent of 1920s Paris, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic invites fans of the franchise to immerse themselves in the magical Parisian atmosphere of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise. After encountering fantastic beasts, guests can then travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s via the Métro-Floo, to witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge. On the ride, known as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, fans will embark on adventures with Harry, Ron and Hermione and will journey deep within the ministry's departments. 'This ride is an industry game changer,' one TikToker said. 'The scale of this ride will have your jaw on the floor from the moment you enter.' The Ministry of Magic, complete with its golden statues and stately elevators, is covered in more than 125,000 subway tiles in five colors. One Harry Potter fan revealed on TikTok that she waited over five hours to get on the ride. Guests can also devour some Paris-inspired eats at cafés like Café L'air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir and Bar Moonshine. According to an early Epic Universe attendee, to enter Super Nintendo World guests must ride a green escalator, which will then lead them to two separate lands: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Replete with mushrooms, pipes, coins and piranha plants, the vibrant scenery bears an uncanny resemblance to the whimsical, virtual landscape on which it's based. 'The way that it's built, you really can't see out of the area where you are,' a reporter told NPR upon visiting the park. 'It's like you're inside a game completely.' In Super Mario Land, guests can re-create the magic of Super Mario Kart by racing alongside their favorite franchise characters on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, before taking a spin on Yoshi's Adventure to search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. With its tropical backdrop of majestic waterfalls and luscious foliage, guests are also welcome to ride Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster that careens through Donkey Kong Country and seemingly soars from one 'broken' track to another. To power up before venturing into another world, park attendees can visit Toadstool Cafe for burgers, soups, salads and desserts made by the one and only Chef Toad. Boasted by Universal Orlando as having 'fire-breathing fun' for all ages, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk immerses guests in the astounding village of Berk, where Vikings and dragons coexist with one another. Bringing the fictional world of How to Train Your Dragon to life, Isle of Berk features 30 animated and static dragons, representing 17 disparate dragon species from across the globe. 'It was important to have an even distribution of eye candy, so the dragons are tiered from complicated to simple to static,' Katy Pacitti, an executive producer of the Isle of Berk world, told Attractions Magazine. For some Epic Universe attendees who've yet to watch the How to Train Your Dragon films, the world's 'level of detail' has piqued their interest. Attractions here include the show The Untrainable Dragon, where a 1,100-pound Toothless with a wingspan of nearly 27 feet soars above the audience, a roller coaster known as Hiccup's Wing Gliders, a dragon racing trainer ride called Dragon Racer's Rally and a competitive water adventure known as Fyre Drill. Guests also have the option to eat like a Viking at Isle of Berk staples like Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Dracula. Frankenstein's monster. The Bride of Frankenstein. The Invisible Man. A land made for 'the goths and horror freaks,' as one TikTok user put it, Universal's classic movie monsters roam free in Dark Universe's Village of Darkmoor. 'You are watching where the movies went. The land itself could be considered a sequel to the original films. We took everything from the original films and used that as the basis for all of the continued storytelling,' Patrick Braillard, a Universal Creative show writer, said at New York Comic Con. In addition to themed-dining experiences like Das Stakehaus, De Lacey's Cottage and the Burning Blade Tavern, where monster hunters hang out, guests can explore the catacombs that lie beneath Darkmoor by way of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The ride, which features some of Universal's 'most technically advanced animated figures' they've ever created, sees Dr. Victoria Frankenstein return to the Frankenstein Manor to continue her great-grandfather's ill-advised experiments. Dark Universe has also received praise for its subtle attention to narrative detail. Curse of the Werewolf, Dark Universe's second attraction, is a spinning roller coaster that ravages through a darkened forest at up to 37 mph, in an effort to escape from a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe — Universal Orlando's newest theme park — opens this week. From rides to restaurants, here's what you can expect from the five new 'worlds.'
Universal Orlando is unveiling its first major amusement park in over 20 years. Known as Epic Universe, the new theme park opens to the public on May 22 and will allow guests to explore five distinct worlds that are each inspired by renowned franchises. Celestial Park, a world dedicated to the heavens, stars and constellations, serves as a gateway to the four other worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Universal's Epic Universe is the latest amusement park to join the Universal Orlando Resort's multiverse. Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, followed by Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. Construction for Epic Universe began in 2019, was paused in mid-2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and resumed in early 2021. The park took an estimated eight years and $7 billion to build. Here's what visitors can expect from each of Epic Universe's five worlds. Recognized as the central hub of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is filled with astrology-based motifs. Offering an in-depth exploration of constellations, stars and the heavens, the park connects the other four worlds together — and features its own two attractions. Constellation Carousel gives guests the opportunity to 'ride the constellations' themselves. The ceiling of the ride is a Star Tracker that features rotating celestial star patterns. Stardust Racers, the other ride in this world, is a dual-launch roller coaster that races across the cosmos. Guests board 'a comet' and travel at speeds reaching up to 62 mph along twin tracks that intersect and invert around each other. Celestial Park also features a nightly light and water show at the Cosmos Fountain, celebrating each of the five worlds. Dining options include Atlantic, an 'undersea' restaurant with glass walls that resembles a large Victorian aquarium. Filled with shops, restaurants and streets reminiscent of 1920s Paris, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic invites fans of the franchise to immerse themselves in the magical Parisian atmosphere of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise. After encountering fantastic beasts, guests can then travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s via the Métro-Floo, to witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge. On the ride, known as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, fans will embark on adventures with Harry, Ron and Hermione and will journey deep within the ministry's departments. 'This ride is an industry game changer,' one TikToker said. 'The scale of this ride will have your jaw on the floor from the moment you enter.' The Ministry of Magic, complete with its golden statues and stately elevators, is covered in more than 125,000 subway tiles in five colors. One Harry Potter fan revealed on TikTok that she waited over five hours to get on the ride. Guests can also devour some Paris-inspired eats at cafés like Café L'air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir and Bar Moonshine. According to an early Epic Universe attendee, to enter Super Nintendo World guests must ride a green escalator, which will then lead them to two separate lands: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Replete with mushrooms, pipes, coins and piranha plants, the vibrant scenery bears an uncanny resemblance to the whimsical, virtual landscape on which it's based. 'The way that it's built, you really can't see out of the area where you are,' a reporter told NPR upon visiting the park. 'It's like you're inside a game completely.' In Super Mario Land, guests can re-create the magic of Super Mario Kart by racing alongside their favorite franchise characters on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, before taking a spin on Yoshi's Adventure to search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. With its tropical backdrop of majestic waterfalls and luscious foliage, guests are also welcome to ride Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster that careens through Donkey Kong Country and seemingly soars from one 'broken' track to another. To power up before venturing into another world, park attendees can visit Toadstool Cafe for burgers, soups, salads and desserts made by the one and only Chef Toad. Boasted by Universal Orlando as having 'fire-breathing fun' for all ages, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk immerses guests in the astounding village of Berk, where Vikings and dragons coexist with one another. Bringing the fictional world of How to Train Your Dragon to life, Isle of Berk features 30 animated and static dragons, representing 17 disparate dragon species from across the globe. 'It was important to have an even distribution of eye candy, so the dragons are tiered from complicated to simple to static,' Katy Pacitti, an executive producer of the Isle of Berk world, told Attractions Magazine. For some Epic Universe attendees who've yet to watch the How to Train Your Dragon films, the world's 'level of detail' has piqued their interest. Attractions here include the show The Untrainable Dragon, where a 1,100-pound Toothless with a wingspan of nearly 27 feet soars above the audience, a roller coaster known as Hiccup's Wing Gliders, a dragon racing trainer ride called Dragon Racer's Rally and a competitive water adventure known as Fyre Drill. Guests also have the option to eat like a Viking at Isle of Berk staples like Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Dracula. Frankenstein's monster. The Bride of Frankenstein. The Invisible Man. A land made for 'the goths and horror freaks,' as one TikTok user put it, Universal's classic movie monsters roam free in Dark Universe's Village of Darkmoor. 'You are watching where the movies went. The land itself could be considered a sequel to the original films. We took everything from the original films and used that as the basis for all of the continued storytelling,' Patrick Braillard, a Universal Creative show writer, said at New York Comic Con. In addition to themed-dining experiences like Das Stakehaus, De Lacey's Cottage and the Burning Blade Tavern, where monster hunters hang out, guests can explore the catacombs that lie beneath Darkmoor by way of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The ride, which features some of Universal's 'most technically advanced animated figures' they've ever created, sees Dr. Victoria Frankenstein return to the Frankenstein Manor to continue her great-grandfather's ill-advised experiments. Dark Universe has also received praise for its subtle attention to narrative detail. Curse of the Werewolf, Dark Universe's second attraction, is a spinning roller coaster that ravages through a darkened forest at up to 37 mph, in an effort to escape from a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Epic Universe sneak peek as one of history's most expensive theme parks opens
Buckle up for more thrills – Universal Orlando's £7billion Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, and it will be Florida's first major theme park in 26 years. Universal Orlando's fourth park, it features five 'portals' based on franchises such as Super Mario and Harry Potter. The sprawling 110-acre attraction includes more than 50 rides, roller coasters, shows, shops and restaurant experiences and is undoubtedly set to be one of the most visually impressive and immersive parks guests will have ever seen. Centred on the main hub of Celestial Park, guests are transported into each portal section. I visited last month for a sneak peek before it opens and here's what you need to know... Iconic UK coastal town declared even better for kids than Disney World Here be dragons My visit started with a trip to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons co-exist. The largest of the portal worlds, the area is breathtakingly beautiful with huge, soaring landscapes, hills and vast waters. Within seconds, I've forgotten where I am, don my best Viking accent and roam around. The best ride in the area has to be Hiccup's Wing Gliders – a launched roller coaster that is one of the smoothest of its kind. Roaring through the skies as if you're on a dragon yourself, it's fast (but not frightening), exciting and will be a big hit. The animatronics are seriously impressive. Another knockout in the Isle of Berk is the breathtaking Untrainable Dragon stage show. With singers, dancers, performers and, of course, dragons, it blew me away. The animatronics and puppetry here really is top class. No spoilers, but be prepared to spend the entire time in awe and amazement. It's a must-see. Ministry of Magic For Harry Potter fans, Epic Universe expands on the offerings already at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure with a new 1920s' Parisian-themed world taken right out of the Fantastic Beasts film series. It's incredibly detailed, jaw-droppingly authentic and full of character and whimsy. It's also somewhere that can be appreciated by both the diehard fans and those who may not know much about it. The Place Cachée area features shops, street performers, hidden alleyways, big feature fountains, tiled floors and plenty of magic. In this world, there's another stage show (Le Cirque Arcanus). Again, no spoilers, but expect a collection of beautiful creatures that come to life in great detail and a stage transition that still has me puzzled. The star attraction is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, with a remarkable queue area. It's sprawling, almost never-ending, but full of wild moments you don't want to skip or fly past as you head on the Metrofloo network and end up in the Ministry. The attraction itself is a lift-style dark ride, telling the story of Professor Dolores Umbridge on trial at the Ministry who is plotting her escape. Just like the queue, the ride is of such proportions that it's quite hard to grasp. Expect bumps and dips as you go through a story mixed with special effects, digital screens and other surprises. It will delight the biggest of Potterheads but also equally impress casual fans. There are also opportunities for fans to use Interactive Wands, which allow you to cast spells at special locations and unlock magical surprises. They cost around $85. Dark Universe I had been particularly looking forward to this – inspired by the Universal Monsters franchise – and it did not disappoint. Set in the Gothic Darkmoor Village, there are gloomy violinists, roaming visitors (such as the Invisible Man and the Bride of Frankenstein) and spooky surroundings. The main ride here is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment featuring jaw-dropping, never-used-before technology. It's a thrilling dark ride full of jumps and frights with an impressive array of classic horror characters as you join Dr Victoria Frankenstein in her attempt to stop them from taking over the village. The Curse of the Werewolf spinning roller coaster allows you to see your friends in the other carriages as you zoom back and forth and it may appeal to younger guests, especially those who might not be able to handle Monsters Unchained. Make time to visit the Burning Blade Tavern and its travelling performers with sinister secrets and stories who interact with you. It's Mario Time! As a big video game fan with a lot of Mario nostalgia, Super Nintendo World was a dream come true. Levelling up into the Mushroom Kingdom, you are greeted with a boom of bright colours and whimsical characters. It's sensory overload and is going to be extremely popular with young ones and young-at-heart gamers. Following suit to similar lands at Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood, there are POW blocks that guests can interact with and collect points by using a Power Up Band. It is, of course, optional and will cost you $40, but it's fun to interact and score big. Rides include Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, which brings the popular video game to life as you speed around wearing a Mario visor. It's augmented reality-based, a little jarring for me, but still good fun. For little ones, Yoshi's Adventure is a cute traveller ride that offers great views. Donkey Kong Country is a separate tropical oasis of temples, huts and more silly interactive elements. It's also where you'll find the Mine-Cart Madness ride that makes it feel like you jump over broken tracks. It's fast-paced fun and you do get thrown about a bit. Celestial Park One of the biggest attractions for rollercoaster fans here is set to be Stardust duelling coaster reaches up to 62mph and features inverted criss-crossing and an inverted 'celestial spin' manoeuvre. It also happens to soar 133ft in the air. Lasting a little over three minutes, it's an intense, adrenaline rush surely set to be one of the must-rides. The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel will also debut on May 22 and is moments away from the park. With themed rooms and a rooftop bar, it's a great base. A foodie highlight is the Oak and Star Tavern with ornate stained-glass windows and a cosy pub vibe. Expect delicious barbecued meats, homemade macaroni cheese and other delights. All in the detail During my visit, a number of shops and restaurants weren't fully open but what I did see and experience was very special. The team behind Epic Universe has created something people want from a theme park today. It's immersive, interactive and there is a huge level of love and attention to detail. Epic Universe will definitely measure up against some of the world's leading theme parks – and with the likes of Mario, Newt Scamander, Toothless and Frankenstein all part of it too, it's one for families and thrillseekers alike. Luna shuttle I stayed at the Terra Luna Resort, a short convenient shuttle bus ride (free) away from all four parks – Epic Universe, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventures and Volcano Bay. With a theme of a ''solar system of colourful worlds'', there is a restaurant, cafe and pool, along with a gym and games room. Book the holiday
Miami Herald
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
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.
