Epic Universe sneak peek as one of history's most expensive theme parks opens
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 Racers.The 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.
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