Everything you need to know before visiting Universal Epic Universe
Universal likes to say it 'put the park back into theme park' with Universal Epic Universe, but it also stepped up the theme with the park's rich, immersive worlds.
'It's an entirely different kind of theme park,' Steve Tatham, executive creative director for Epic Universe, told USA TODAY. 'I like to think of it as we're moving really from the short storytelling business into this feature-length storytelling business.'
From next-level attractions to highly themed foods, here's what to expect from Universal Orlando Resort's fourth park and what you should know before visiting.
What is in Epic Universe?
Epic Universe features five themed worlds. Guests enter each one through an ornate, oversized portal.
▶ Celestial Park is the heart of Epic Universe, not only because it runs along the center of the park and serves as the gateway to the other four worlds, but because this original concept world is all about exploration and discovery. 'You can meander and be in the shade and see water fountains and all these other very park-like experiences, which are super enjoyable, particularly for people who don't want to go on thrill rides,' Tatham said. However, those who do will also find Epic Universe's most thrilling roller coaster, Stardust Racers, in Celestial Park.
▶ How to Train Your Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk brings guests into the colorful world of its namesake DreamWorks Animation franchise. "On screen, it was already three-dimensional, and now you're living in the actual Berk," Justin Rupple, the actor who voiced Tuffnut in the third film and "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming" special, told USA TODAY. " I have never felt more like a kid... I got to do my own character's voice on my own ride." "How to Train Your Dragon" fans won't want to miss meeting characters like Toothless and Hiccup, soaring on Hiccups' Wing Gliders and the live show 'The Untrainable Dragon.' Families with young kids should also stop by the multi-level Viking Training Camp play area.
▶ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is largely set in 1920s Wizarding Paris, in the era of the 'Fantastic Beasts' films. With a little magic, guests are transported to Harry Potter's timeline and a life-size British Ministry of Magic for one of Epic Universe's most popular rides, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. 'Everything in the Ministry of Magic that's described in any of the books or seen in the movies, we have built in that queue line,' Tatham said. Expect a long but impressive wait through this one.
▶ Super Nintendo World is home to two smaller lands, Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Both make guests feel like they've stepped into their favorite video games with interactive challenges and rides like highly popular Mine-Cart Madness, which also has long waits. 'That whole world really is an attraction in and of itself, because you can use the Power-Up Bands. You can interact with the whole land,' Tatham said. At least one person in your party will need a band to qualify for a showdown with Bowser Jr.
▶ Dark Universe is where monsters from Universal's classic horror films – like Frankenstein, Dracula and the Invisible Man – live on in the village of Darkmoor. The village is mostly family-friendly, but Tatham warned its largest ride, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, 'is an intense ride, which is scary, and it's something only Universal would do.' This queue is also spectacular.
How many rides are at Epic Universe?
There are 11 rides at Universal Epic Universe.
Celestial Park: Constellation Carousel, Stardust Racers
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Dragon Racer's Rally, Fyre Drill, Hiccup's Wing Gliders,
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Super Nintendo World: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, Mine-Cart Madness, Yoshi's Adventure
Dark Universe: Curse of the Werewolf, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Guests should note that Dragon Racer's Rally, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, and Mine-Cart Madness are not included with Universal Express Passes. Also, Epic Universe is not included in the free Universal Express Unlimited passes given with stays at select Universal hotels.
Can you do Epic Universe in one day?
There's no way to experience everything Epic Universe has to offer in a day. You might be able to hit all the rides, but there's much more to the park.
"Each one of these worlds can be a full day experience where you're really immersed in the world,' Tatham said. 'It's about living a story for an extended period of time.'
If you only have one day, pick a few priorities and give yourself time to explore. Two days would be ideal.
How much does it cost for Epic Universe?
Single-day Epic Universe tickets start at $139 for guests age 10 and older. Like many other theme parks, prices vary by date and demand.
Annual passholders and Military Freedom Pass holders are eligible for specially priced single-day tickets.
Where is Epic Universe located? How far is Epic Universe from the other parks?
Epic Universe is located at 1001 Epic Blvd. in Orlando, Florida.
It's about 4 miles away from Universal's other parks or a roughly 15-minute bus ride, pending traffic.
Universal offers free transportation between its original campus and Epic Universe. Free shuttles are also available from Universal's hotels.
Is Epic Universe bigger than Universal's other parks?
Yes. Epic Universe is the largest of Universal Orlando's parks and while there are shaded queues and indoor restaurants, much of the picturesque landscaping is still young, so there's a lot of open space, exposed to the elements.
'Look at all the green, and this is the worst it's ever going to look. It's only going to mature and grow and blossom and bloom and be augmented,' Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Universal's parent company Comcast Corporation, said on the eve of the park's opening.
Guests should plan for all types of weather, bringing sunscreen and refillable water bottles for the heat and reusable ponchos for possible rain.
Does Universal do mobile ordering?
Yes. Mobile ordering is big at Epic Universe, which some guests may not be used to.
In-person ordering is available for guests who can't order on their cell phones, but most guests will order online at some walk-up stands and most sit-down restaurants.
'It's truly designed so that you could sit down, have that conversation with your family about what you guys are going to hit next, enjoy the A/C while this food is being prepared in the background, all while you're just relaxing,' explained Chef Robert Martinez Jr., culinary director and executive chef at Universal Orlando Resort. 'It's really with the thought process of our guests being able to unwind just a little bit more and then when that food comes out, it's totally elevated.'
Celestial Park's Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant at notable exceptions, as fully table service.
Is there a hotel inside Epic Universe?
No, but Universal Helios Grand Hotel is adjacent to Epic Universe and has its own entrance at the back of Celestial Park. Twin resorts Universal Stella Nova and Terra Luna are also located nearby.
Universal Orlando has 11 resort hotels in all, in partnership with Loews. Each offers perks like early park entry and free delivery of in-park purchases to hotels.
There are also plenty of places to stay off property for every budget.
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