As a theme park enthusiast, I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to experience Universal's Epic Universe before its official opening in May. Despite some shows being cancelled and rides having periods of downtime throughout the day, the park lived up to the hype and left me in awe. Here's a breakdown of the five worlds in Epic Universe, their unique themes, and some tips to keep in mind before you book your own trip.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: This world is inspired by the popular film franchise and takes you on a journey to the fjord-filled island of Berk. The two rides, Hiccup's Wing Gliders and Dragon Racer's Rally, are must-dos, and the interactive water ride Fyre Drill and Viking Training Camp are family-friendly. Special character offerings include meet and greets with Hiccup Haddock, Astrid Hofferson, and Toothless. Don't forget to say hello to vikings Ruffnut and Tuffnut if you see them. My favorite part of the Isle of Berk was the show "The Untrainable Dragon," which features live music, singers, and dragons. I highly recommend showing up at least a half hour ahead of time to secure your seat because they do fill up fast.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: This section of the park takes guests into 1920s Paris with incredible architecture and roaming entertainment. Be sure to go on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and check out Le Cirque Arcanus, a show featuring aerialists, puppetry, and music. While I didn't spend much time in this area since I'm not too keen on Harry Potter, the roaming entertainment and food made this section of Epic Universe worthwhile for me.
- Super Nintendo World: This world is a video game lover's dream with bright colors, loud noises, and characters that feel like they've stepped out of a game. Super Nintendo World has two floors filled with attractions, food, and fun. You'll want to get on Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country, Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge, and Yoshi's Adventure. I loved going on Yoshi's Adventure during sunset because it's essentially a tour of the land and offers an Instagrammable view perfect for your feed. The character offerings in Super Nintendo World are so cool; guests can meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong. I met Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach and they were so lovely and cute; they even talk! Mario told me I looked beautiful in my dress!
- Celestial Park: This world is inspired by the night sky and features attractions that take you on a journey through the cosmos. The park is home to the Space Mountain-style ride called Starry Skies, as well as other family-friendly activities like stargazing and planetariums.
- Dark Universe: This world is a thrill-seeker's paradise with dark rides that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The park features rides like The Haunted Mansion and The Walking Dead: The Exhibition, which are perfect for those who love horror and suspense.
Tips for visiting Epic Universe:
- Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long wait times.
- Use the Universal app to plan your itinerary and check wait times for rides and shows.
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