Universal Drops a Bombshell: 2 Everyday Items Are Prohibited on Epic Universe’s Latest Ride
Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, is set to open on May 22, 2025. With five immersive lands—SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe—this park is shaping up to be a major addition to Orlando’s ever-growing theme park scene. We got a chance to check out the park during its preview days, and it didn’t disappoint! From exhilarating coasters to hidden surprises, Epic Universe is full of unexpected delights.
Related: “Influencer” Slammed For Breaking Epic Universe Filming Rules
Entering the Park: First Impressions
As we approached Epic Universe, the first thing that struck us was the stunning entrance. The parking area, which was beautifully landscaped with vibrant florals and greenery, set the tone for the day. The security process was quick and efficient, and once we passed through, the Universal app proved to be invaluable. We used it to navigate the park, check out wait times, and review the latest attraction closures.
Celestial Park: The Heart of the Park
Celestial Park, the park’s central hub, immediately impressed us with its impressive architecture and celestial theme. The giant Chronos Tower, with its intricate design and deep symbolism, was the centerpiece of this land. Stardust Racers, the park’s dual-launch racing coaster, took us on a thrilling ride through the skies on comet-shaped vehicles. The coaster was fast, smooth, and intense, offering a roller coaster experience akin to Dueling Dragons and VelociCoaster.
However, we were surprised to learn of a rule we hadn’t anticipated: no pins or buttons allowed on Stardust Racers. While this may seem like a minor detail, it’s one that caught us off guard. Before heading to the ride, we had to remove any pins or buttons from our clothing and store them in a locker. It was a bit inconvenient, but not a huge deal once we figured it out.
Exploring Celestial Park: More to See
After riding Stardust Racers, we explored more of Celestial Park, and it was well worth the visit. The Constellation Carousel, a beautifully themed ride that glides through a galaxy of lights and music, offered a much more relaxed experience. For those who enjoy interactive elements, Astronomica was a playful water area where visitors could cool off and interact with the landscape. If you’re looking for a place to eat, we highly recommend Atlantic, a restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium with gorgeous views of the park.
Dark Universe: Universal Monsters Await
Next, we ventured into Dark Universe, a land full of eerie vibes and classic Universal monsters. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by an electrifying portal leading into the world of Frankenstein and his monstrous creations. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment was a hauntingly exciting ride, using advanced special effects and an intense storyline. For thrill-seekers, Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster, was another must-try.
Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Magic Awaits
Another major highlight of the day was visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. This immersive land blends elements from both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. While we didn’t get the chance to ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, we explored the attraction’s queue, which was brimming with magical details. We also enjoyed Le Cirque Arcanus, a live theater show that showcased aerialists and fantastic beasts in an unforgettable performance.
Super Nintendo World: A World of Fun
A trip to Epic Universe wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Super Nintendo World, and we were not disappointed. Entering through the iconic green pipe, we were transported straight into the vibrant worlds of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong. The land is divided into two main areas: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Our favorite experience was Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which combined augmented reality with practical sets to create a thrilling race against Bowser. If you’re looking for something a bit calmer, Yoshi’s Adventure offered a more leisurely, scenic journey above the land.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: A Viking Adventure
Finally, we ventured into How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, which brought the world of Vikings and dragons to life in a truly magical way. The standout attraction here was Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family-friendly coaster that offered smooth, thrilling twists and turns. We also had a blast at Fyre Drill, a water-based attraction where guests compete to put out fires with water cannons. The live show The Untrainable Dragon was a must-see, combining puppetry, music, and life-sized dragons for an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts: Epic Universe Lives Up to the Hype
As we left Epic Universe, we were already planning our next visit. The park offers something for everyone—whether you’re a coaster enthusiast, a fan of interactive experiences, or simply someone who enjoys immersive themed environments. From Stardust Racers to Super Nintendo World and beyond, Epic Universe promises to be a truly unique destination that will draw visitors for years to come. We can’t wait to return and experience even more when the park officially opens on May 22, 2025.
