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USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
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.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I visited the £7bn Epic theme park dubbed as the world's best and one ride blew me away
I visited the £7bn Epic theme park dubbed as the world's best and one ride blew me away Epic opened in May and is the third theme park and fourth park overall to open at Universal Orlando This was my bold introduction to Stardust Racers, one of the headline coasters at Universal's long-awaited Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. (Image: Universal Resort ) I was upside down, mid-barrel roll, stomach-lurching, and questioning every life choice that had led to this moment, chiefly smashing a giant pizza mere minutes before riding a 100 km/h roller coaster. As the Florida sun beat down with oven-like intensity, I could only white knuckle the rest of the insanely fast ride. I wouldn't decorate the person behind me with mozzarella and regret. This was my bold introduction to Stardust Racers, one of the headline coasters at Universal's long-awaited Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. I was here for an early preview of the park that's had theme park fans in a spin for months. Naturally, I kicked things off by throwing myself into the deep end. Let it be known: I'm a ride-or-die theme park girlie. I'll happily queue for hours, scream like a banshee, and race straight back to the start for another go. But Stardust Racers hit differently. In under 90 seconds, I cried, swore, and sweated through my SPF 50 as we hurtled around 5,000 feet of freshly built track. This Epic coaster doesn't warm you up gently. It hurtles you into the cosmos at 62 miles per hour with a savage full-throttle force that threatens to rearrange your insides and make you wonder if your life insurance is up to date. (Reader, it is not.) At one point, as we spiralled through an inverted crisscross at full speed, I was fairly convinced I'd touched the edge of the cosmos. It was undoubtedly a bold start to my time at Epic Universe, Universal's long-awaited new Orlando theme park, with an estimated construction price tag of $7.7bn. Announced in 2019 and almost a decade in the making, this 110-acre park is the biggest Universal ever built and is, as Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury puts it, 'the most technologically advanced park in the world.' Epic Universe guide Epic Universe also holds the distinction of being the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. (Image: Universal ) Epic Universe also holds the distinction of being the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. With lucrative IPs to rival Disney's, including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, it's coming for the House of Mouse. Ambitious, immersive and bursting with brand-new rides and cutting-edge tech, Epic is Universal's boldest swing yet at the theme park crown. It's also the first new addition to their Florida line-up since Islands of Adventure. 'We have a fantastic destination here already,' says Universal CEO Mark Woodbury. 'Adding this fourth park makes us the destination of choice for a full-week vacation.' Mickey must be bricking it. Through a set of dazzling and unique portals, visitors can 'travel' to five distinctly themed worlds, Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, all stitched together with big-budget flair. I got a sneak peek at what promises to be Orlando's most ambitious park yet. Here, you'll find immersive worlds to explore, each rich with detail and packed with showstopping rides and characters from beloved franchises, including Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon and Nintendo. Here's what to expect. Celestial Park Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. (Image: Portia Jones ) Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. Unlike the IP-driven lands beyond, this original world isn't tied to any movie, show or game. It's the lush centre of Epic, featuring dancing fountains, dreamy Art Nouveau architecture, and tree-lined walkways that effortlessly blend with the park's interstellar theme. As night falls, colourful lights flicker in sync with an extravagant fountain show, casting a soft glow over the park's cosmic heart. The entrance alone is a spectacle, an arched portal adorned with intricate astronomical symbols, rotating orbs, and golden flourishes. It has such strong Space Oddity energy that I half expect Bowie to float down and instruct me to take my protein pills and put on my helmet. As I strolled through, beaming 'Celestians' (team members) greeted me in splendid cosmic regalia, chirping, 'Welcome, travellers!' I almost asked if I needed a passport. Costumed staff here aren't just friendly; they're all in. Smiling, waving, and giving a vibe somewhere between a sci-fi epic and a David Lynch fever dream. I can't imagine employees at Universal's planned British theme park being this enthusiastic. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, featuring two independent launches, allowing riders to choose between the thrilling yellow "Photon" and green "Pulsar" tracks. For coaster junkies, this is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even the most steel-nerved thrill seekers. For coaster junkies, this is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even the most steel-nerved thrill seekers. (Image: Portia Jones ) Want a slower pace? Hop aboard the wonderfully over-the-top Constellation Carousel, where you can spin gently through the stars on a celestial lion, dragon, or peacock to ambient space music. For lunch, try the Space Cowboy pizza, a bold combination of BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives, and crisps, served in the grand 1900s Victorian theatre-turned-pizzeria Pizza Moon. Pro tip: Stick around for dusk; that's when our guy Apollo hands the sun over to Luna in a dazzling light-and-music ceremony. How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk Hiccup's home island of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail (Image: Portia Jones ) Visitors with kids (and film-nut adults) will likely be very familiar with How to Train Your Dragon. This wildly popular film franchise tells the story of a hapless Viking boy named Hiccup who defies centuries of tradition by befriending an adorable 'night fury' dragon named Toothless. Hiccup's home island of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail, with a faithful recreation of the craggy and chaotic world where raucous Vikings and feisty dragons coexist. While the painstaking details of Viking life are impressive, the dragons truly soar. Thanks to jaw-dropping animatronics, they're so realistic you half-expect them to flap off into the skies. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk while soaring through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet–just like a real dragon rider (Image: Portia Jones ) The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience, where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap enviable pics for your social media. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk while soaring through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet–just like a real dragon rider. Bag a seat at The Untrainable Dragon for a Broadway-level production featuring film faves Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid in a musical, dragon-filled live show that astounds. The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience, where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap enviable pics for your social media. (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're short on time, Dragon Racer's Rally might be the one to skip. It promises a customisable dragon-riding experience with barrel rolls and aerial tricks, but by the time you've figured out the up-down lever, the ride's already landing. Top tip: Grab the carb-tastic Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone from Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Stuffed with creamy mac, spicy pulled chicken, hot honey, peppers, chimichurri, and crispy onions, all in a bread cone, it's a perfect portable lunch for busy riders. Dark Universe Film fans rejoice! Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe (Image: Portia Jones ) Film fans rejoice! Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe. Remember the weird Tom Cruise Mummy reboot in 2017? That was supposed to kick off an interconnected, cinematic monsterverse with classic characters, including Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. Sadly, the Mummy tanked (it was ghastly), and the project was scrapped. However, you can now see what this doomed film franchise could have been in a gloriously gothic fantasy village of Darkmoor, where monsters and ghouls roam among rides, restaurants and attractions. Grab a pic with the acerbic Invisible Man, whose dark humour is wickedly delightful. "Of course you'll see me in the pictures, foolish girl, I'm wearing bandages." Ouch. Grab a pic with the acerbic Invisible Man (Image: Portia Jones ) At the heart of Darkmoor, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment perfectly encapsulates Universal's classic characters in a menacing, sophisticated thrill ride with next-level animatronics. You're ushered into the eerie bowels of Frankenstein Manor and met by an uncanny valley, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, and a towering, 2.7-metre-tall Frankenstein monster so unnervingly lifelike, I briefly questioned my grip on reality. On this immersive ride, our unhinged heroine, Vic, attempts (and fails spectacularly) to control wayward monsters, triggering a full-blown uprising led by Dracula. Cue a chaotic escape through a nightmare fuel ride of werewolves, mummies, and clawing shadows. My rational brain knew it was fake; my racing heart rate and clammy shirt disagreed. You're ushered into the eerie bowels of Frankenstein Manor and met by an uncanny valley, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, and a towering, 2.7-metre-tall Frankenstein monster so unnervingly lifelike, I briefly questioned my grip on reality (Image: Universal ) Coaster-wise, Curse of the Werewolf is a family-friendly offering at 37mph, but don't let that fool you. The freely spinning cars mean every escape through the haunted forest is a chaotic, slightly disorienting surprise. Top Tip: Refresh with a lurid green Monocane Mocktail at the Burning Blade Tavern (look for a windmill on fire, yes really). Served in a plastic potion glass, the kids will love this sugary, sour sip. Super Nintendo World I felt full-blown '90s childhood nostalgia when I entered this colourful, kinetic world. (Image: Portia Jones ) I felt full-blown '90s childhood nostalgia when I entered this colourful, kinetic world. You enter the Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe–slash-escalator and land in the middle of a surreal video game land. It's loud, bright, and delightfully bonkers, with fun interactive elements and plenty of merch. For the first time in the U.S., you can explore banana-and-barrel-filled Donkey Kong Country and meet all your favourite characters. Enter Bowser's life-size Castle for a whirl on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, based on the iconic Mario Kart franchise, is a must for console connoisseurs. Don VR goggles and join the gang to defeat Team Bowser and win the surprise-filled race. You'll dodge obstacles, chuck shells, hoard digital coins, and race alongside Mario, Luigi and Peach for the Golden Cup. With multiple outcomes, it's never the same ride twice. Don VR goggles and join the gang to defeat Team Bowser and win the surprise-filled race. (Image: Portia Jones ) Mine-Cart Madness is Donkey Kong Country reimagined via a clattering high-speed coaster that's one missing bolt away from disaster. Ride through the lush jungle aboard mine carts as you help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the thieving Tiki Tak Tribe. Thanks to a clever track-jumping illusion, it feels like you're constantly about to be yeeted into the foliage via derailment. Honestly, National Rail couldn't dream of this level of chaotic engineering. You enter the Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe–slash-escalator and land in the middle of a surreal video game land. (Image: Portia Jones ) Top Tip: Feeling competitive? Buy a universal app-linked Nintendo-themed Power Up-Band to collect digital coins and keys, interact with the environment, and compete against family members and friends. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic I'll be honest, as a huge Harry Potter fan (why, yes, I am an elder millennial, thank you for asking), this was the magical moment I'd been waiting for. (Image: Portia Jones ) I'll be honest, as a huge Harry Potter fan (why, yes, I am an elder millennial, thank you for asking), this was the magical moment I'd been waiting for. Wand? Already in hand, muggles. My anticipation was fever pitch as I entered the portal to be transported into 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series. The scale and vision are frankly astonishing as you wander chic Parisian streets filled with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. If you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations around this land where you can conjure water, fire and wand lighting and interact with enchanted objects. The scale and vision are frankly astonishing as you wander chic Parisian streets filled with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. (Image: Universal ) Before you become too bewitched by your magical surroundings, head straight for Universal's most technologically advanced attraction yet, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The star attraction in this land. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle throughout the Ministry of Magic for the long-anticipated trial of Dolores Umbridge (a magic bureaucrat with a thirst for corporal punishments and pink outfits). Join the long queue and enter the vast and incredibly detailed atrium of the British Ministry of Magic. No expense has been spared on this extraordinary ride, with even the queue areas filled with wizarding elements that will distract from your aching legs. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle throughout the Ministry of Magic for the long-anticipated trial of Dolores Umbridge (Image: Portia Jones ) When you finally reach the front, board an enchanted lift and fly, drop and spin through the ministry as you follow a passive-aggressive Umbridge attempting to evade capture with a nicked Time-Turner. You're conscripted into helping the gang stop her while flung through a bureaucratic fever dream of eye-popping digital magic, smoke, animatronic wand-waving and dastardly death eaters. If you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations around this land where you can conjure water, fire and wand lighting and interact with enchanted objects. (Image: Portia Jones ) This ride blew me away and completely lived up to the hype. If you only do one thing in Epic Universe, this is the ride to queue for. I'm now spending every waking minute plotting how to get back on this ride. I'm guessing it's going to require a second mortgage; Orlando doesn't come cheap! If you still have time, encounter fantastic beasts at a travelling circus in the full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus. It's a family-friendly show that will delight the little ones and Potterheads. Top Tip: Mega fans should purchase a Second Generation Interactive Wand for enhanced spell-casting around the land. So, what's the final word? Epic isn't just Universal's biggest park yet; it's their boldest, most imaginative, and most high-tech experience yet. With its immersive lands, beloved characters, and no-expense-spared rides, it's ushering in a new era of theme parks in Orlando, and we're here for it. Verdict? It's a flawless 5/5 park. No notes. Top tips for Epic Universe Whatever ticket you choose, you'll need to lock in your visit date. (Image: Portia Jones ) First things first – you need a ticket to get into Universal Epic Universe; this is not a 'show up on the day' theme park. There are numerous options, ranging from single-day tickets to bundles that include Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Passholder? You get special pricing on 1-Day Epic Universe tickets. There are also vacation packages (hello, Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans!) to help you save. Heads-up: whatever ticket you choose, you'll need to lock in your visit date. Click here to explore all ticket and package options. Stay at the opulent Universal Helios Grand Hotel to enjoy a dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe and enter the park up to an hour before the general public. Want a more budget-friendly hotel? Book a stay at Stella Nova or Terra Luna, and Epic Universe is just across the street. Download the Universal Orlando Resort app to plan your day at the park. This free app makes it easy to access your Universal Account Wallet, shop with Universal Pay, order food and drinks on the go, explore attractions with interactive maps, and view showtimes. Bring a water bottle with you and save money on drinks. There are refill stations across the park, so you don't have to spend your hard-earned dollars on bottled water. How to Book British Airways Holidays offers Universal Resort holidays that include Epic Universe. Save up to 30% on your Universal Orlando Resort hotel stay when staying 7 nights or more. Article continues below Choose from 10 Universal Orlando hotels, including the brand-new Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna, both perfect bases for visiting the new Universal Epic Universe. Valid for selected 2025 and 2026 travel. Book here.
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Epic Universe says it's 'world's most advanced park' - I tested out the claim
Being catapulted 133ft into the air straight after a massive pizza lunch was, in hindsight, a bold choice. Especially in Florida's 35C heat. I'd been launched sky-high at Universal's brand-new Epic Universe, getting an early look at Orlando's most-hyped theme park before it opened to the public. And where better to start than strapping into one of its headline attractions, cosmic-themed dual-racing coaster Stardust Racers? I'm a theme park super-fan. I'll queue for hours for terrifying rides, scream myself hoarse and sprint straight back to the start. But nothing prepared me for this. During the roughly 90-second ride, I was screaming, crying and briefly convinced I'd broken through the stratosphere. This Epic coaster doesn't warm you up gently. It hurtles you into the cosmos at 62mph with a savage force that threatens to rearrange your insides. At one point, as we spiralled through an inverted crisscross at full speed, I was fairly sure I could even see my soul leaving my body. It was a thrilling start to my time at Epic Universe, Universal's long-awaited new Orlando theme park, with an estimated construction price tag of £5.7billion. Announced in 2019, this 110-acre park is the biggest Universal has ever built and is, as its chief Mark Woodbury puts it, 'the most technologically advanced park in the world'. It's also the first major theme park to land in Orlando in 25 years – and with icons to rival Disney including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, it's coming for the House of Mouse. Ambitious, immersive and bursting with brand-new rides and cutting-edge tech, Epic is Universal's boldest bid yet for the Florida theme-park crown. Through a set of dazzling and unique portals, visitors can 'travel' to five distinctly themed worlds: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, all stitched together with big-budget flair. Here's what to expect… Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. Unlike the lands beyond, this original world isn't tied to any movie, show or game. It's the centre of Epic with dancing fountains, art-nouveau architecture and tree-lined walkways that evoke the park's interstellar theme. As night falls, colourful lights flicker in sync with an extravagant fountain show, casting a soft glow over the park's cosmic heart. Beaming 'Celestians' (team members) greeted me in splendid cosmic regalia, chirping: 'Welcome, travellers!' I almost asked whether I needed a passport. The highlight is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, featuring two independent launches, allowing riders to choose between the thrilling yellow 'Photon' and green 'Pulsar' tracks. This is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even hardcore thrill-seekers. Want a slower pace? Hop aboard the wonderfully over-the-top Constellation Carousel, where you can spin gently through the stars on a celestial lion, dragon or peacock. For lunch, try the Space Cowboy pizza, a bold combo of BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives and crisps, served in the Victorian theatre turned pizzeria, Pizza Moon. Top tip: Stick around until dusk when Apollo hands over the sun to Luna in a dazzling light ceremony. This popular film franchise tells the story of hapless Viking boy Hiccup who defies centuries of tradition by befriending adorable 'night fury' dragon Toothless. Hiccup's craggy, chaotic home Isle of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail as raucous Vikings and feisty dragons co-exist. Thanks to jaw-dropping animatronics, the dragons are so realistic you half expect them to flap off into the skies. The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap pics. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk at speeds up to 45mph and heights of 50ft. Then bag a seat at The Untrainable Dragon for a Broadway-level production featuring all your film faves. Top tip: Grab the carbtastic Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone from Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Stuffed with creamy mac, spicy pulled chicken, hot honey, peppers, chimichurri and crispy onions, it's the perfect portable lunch. Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe. Remember the Tom Cruise Mummy reboot in 2017? That was supposed to kick off a cinematic monsterverse with classic characters including Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. The Mummy tanked and the project was scrapped. However, you can now see what this franchise could have been in the gothic village of Darkmoor, where monsters and ghouls roam among rides and spooky restaurants. At the heart of Darkmoor, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment encapsulates Universal's classic characters in a menacing, sophisticated thrill ride. Ushered into eerie Frankenstein Manor, you meet Dr Victoria Frankenstein and an unnervingly lifelike 9ft-tall Frankenstein's monster. On this immersive ride, our heroine Vic tries to control the wayward monsters. Cue a chaotic escape through werewolves, mummies and clawing shadows. My rational brain knew it was fake; my racing heart rate and clammy shirt disagreed. Coaster-wise, Curse of the Werewolf is a family-friendly offering at 37mph, but the spinning cars mean every escape through the haunted forest is a truly chaotic surprise. Top tip: Refresh with a lurid green Monocane Mocktail at the Burning Blade Tavern (look for a windmill on fire, yes really). Absorb '90s nostalgia as you enter the colourful, kinetic Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe/escalator. It's loud, bright and utterly bonkers. Take a spin on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, based on the hugely popular Mario Kart franchise – a must for console connoisseurs. Don VR goggles and help the gang to defeat Team Bowser, dodging obstacles and hurling shells as you collect digital coins alongside Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. Mine-Cart Madness is Donkey Kong Country reimagined via a clattering high-speed coaster that's one missing bolt away from disaster. Ride through lush jungle aboard mine carts as you help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the thieving Tiki Tak Tribe. Be warned, thanks to a track-jumping illusion, it feels like you're constantly about to derail. Top tip: Buy a Universal app linked to a Nintendo-themed Power-Up Band to collect digital coins and keys and interact with the environment. As a huge Boy Wizard fan, this was the moment I'd been waiting for. You're transported into 1920s' wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter films. The scale and detail are astonishing as you wander Parisian streets with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. And if you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations where you can conjure water and fire or interact with enchanted objects. It's home to Universal's most technologically advanced attraction yet, the showpiece Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron and Hermione in a bid to bring odious bureacrat Dolores Umbridge to justice. No expense has been spared on this extraordinary ride where you fly, drop and spin through various scenes, pursuing Umbridge as she attempts to evade capture. You're swiftly conscripted into helping the Hogwarts gang stop her while being flung through eye-popping digital magic, smoke, animatronic wand-waving and death eaters. If you only do one thing here, this is the ride to queue for. Top tip: Mega fans should purchase a Second Generation Interactive Wand. Epic is Universal's boldest, most imaginative, and most high-tech experience yet and heralds a new era of theme parks in Orlando.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Universal Studios' brand new Epic Universe – here's what you should see
And the incredible food you must try OUT OF THIS WORLD Inside Universal Studios' brand new Epic Universe – here's what you should see IT'S been a long time since I've been to Universal Studios Orlando. The hazy days of 1999 feel much further away than its quarter of a century of distance. Advertisement 10 Even the entrance to the park is epic Credit: ALL_RIGHTS 10 Stardust Racers is all thrills and no filler Credit: ALL_RIGHTS 10 The Isle of Berk brings the classic How To Train Your Dragon films to life So when I heard about the grand opening of the first new theme park in Florida in 25 years, I just had to be there. Universal has been working for years to bring the incredible new Epic Universe to the theme-park capital and it was well worth waiting for. It's home to five brand new hyper-immersive worlds themed on legendary franchises with rides, shows, and experiences unlike anything else in the world. Travelling over to Florida, I enjoyed the luxury of British Airways World Traveller Plus, which offers lots of comfort and some serious leg room. This is long-haul luxury I could get used to. Advertisement With over two decades since my last visit, it's safe to say things have changed a tad. I stayed at the thoroughly modern Universal Stella Nova resort, just a five-minute bus journey from the centre of all the excitement in the new park. The rooms were absolutely huge, with plenty of space for families to use as a base for their trip. Stepping into Celestial Park, it was clear this was on another level compared to anything I had ever experienced before. Advertisement Acting as a hub and a world in its own right, it features plenty of restaurants and attractions for visitors to explore. The highlight of Celestial Park, and one of the best thrill rides Universal has to offer, is Stardust Racers, which features two carts that intertwine and loop round each other as they battle to reach the finish. Most popular treats for Brits on holiday It goes toe-to-toe with the most hardcore rides in the original park. To get the full experience, make sure to split your party of riders in two. Advertisement Spinning fully vertical over your friends at 62mph while waving and jeering each other during straight sections makes this one of the most enjoyable coasters on the planet. My pals and I chose to ride it four times in one day, including twice back-to-back on each set of cars. It was just that good! Stepping through the entrance to each of the themed worlds is like walking through a portal to a different universe. Genius theming and brilliant design fully immerses you. Advertisement GO EPIC UNIVERSE GETTING/STAYING THERE: A week room-only at the 5* Universal Helios Grand Hotel is from £1,449pp and seven nights at the 3.5* Universal Stella Nova Resort is from £829pp on selected dates in January. See MORE INFO: Universal Orlando Resort All Park Tickets from £439pp for a week including one day at Epic Universe from British Airways Holidays. For all you need to know before you visit Epic Universe see 10 The incredible queue for Battle at the Ministry The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic As you rush through the portal to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, you're transported to a picture-perfect Parisian street with cracked cobbles below and towering French architecture. It's hard to believe you're still in the heart of the Sunshine State. Advertisement Potter fans will lose their minds at the new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride. Entering using Floo Powder in the fireplace just like in the films, you find yourself within the Ministry on the day of Dolores Umbridge's highly anticipated trial. It was like walking on the actual film sets themselves — incredible. And that's just the queue! Once on the ride, you'll experience the thrilling trial in its entirety with cutting-edge CGI and animatronics bringing every second of the intense battle to life. Advertisement 10 Super Nintendo World feels like a video game come to life Super Nintendo World If gaming is more your speed (it definitely is mine), then jumping through the warp pipe to Super Nintendo World will take you to a bright and colourful playground where fun is top of the agenda. With the much-loved Mario Kart ride melding the game, virtual reality, and traditional indoor rollercoasters, one ride will never be enough, and you'll find yourself wanting to turn back and immediately start queuing again, just like me. Advertisement In a first for the USA, Super Nintendo World offers visitors a chance to visit Donkey Kong Country, a vibrant jungle based on the classic SNES games. Its main ride, Mine-Cart Madness, captures the feel of jumping from track to track on an old mine cart just like those retro levels. Even Yoshi's Adventure is a perfect beginner coaster for younger children, if you can pull them away from the hidden mini games and interactive elements scattered throughout the world. Kids (and nostalgic adults) also have the chance to meet iconic Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and Donkey Kong as they explore. Advertisement 10 Hiccup's Wing gliders proved a fast favourite within the group How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk is a must for fans of the Dreamworks classic. Easily the biggest of the new worlds, it captures the spirit of the series perfectly. Hiccup's Wing Gliders sees you soaring through the air on a dragon glider, swooping from left to right as the movie's soundtrack fills the air felt utterly whimsical. Advertisement The park's only water-based ride, Fire Drill, lets you soak your friends, and was a fantastic, if slightly cruel, way to beat the Florida heat. The show, The Untrainable Dragon, was a real highlight, with Hiccup and Toothless soaring over us, giving a fantastic view of all the attention to detail paid to bring the franchise to life in the new world. 10 Visiting Darkmoor in the Dark Universe felt like stepping into another world Credit: ALL_RIGHTS Dark Universe Advertisement Easily my favourite of the new worlds was the spooky Dark Universe. Based on the classic Universal Monsters, horror fans will be delighted to see throwbacks to sorely missed characters like Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride and the Wolfman. The detail was, once again, on-point, from the austere gothic architecture to the windmill restaurant that bursts into flames as you dine. Both Curse of the Wolfman and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment rides were just the right mix of thrilling and fun, a love letter to the classic movies. Advertisement The latter's blend of special effects and unique movement had me giggling with joy on each ride. 10 The Burning Blade Tavern literally catches fire as you dine Credit: ALL_RIGHTS Throughout the parks, dining options were excellent. Isle of Berk's incredible mac and cheese cone and the Dark Universe's Monocane drink in a neon green vial proved to be my personal favourites. If you're a theme park newbie or someone who just can't get enough of the much-loved original Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, there are also free buses every half-hour from Stella Nova resort. Advertisement All are well worth a visit, and have a great range of coasters, from the classic Revenge of the Mummy Ride to modern favourites like the adrenaline rush that is Hagrid's Magical Creatures, and the unrelenting thrill-filled Jurassic World Velocicoaster. And if you want even easier access to the amazing Epic Universe, Loews and Universal have teamed up to create the stunning Universal Grand Helios Hotel which, among other luxuries, boasts its own private entrance to the park. With rooms themed around worlds like How to Train Your Dragon, it's perfect for families who want to skip the queues or take breaks from the parks throughout the day. Watching the dazzling fireworks display fill the night sky for the grand opening, it became clear to me that Epic Universe well and truly lives up to its name. Advertisement So if you've been looking for an excuse to explore some epic new worlds and have an absolute blast doing so, now is the perfect time. 10 The EPIC grand opening celebrations
Sunday World
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
One new theme park, five new worlds and possibly the best rollercoaster of all
thrill-ogy | Stardust Racers in EPIC competes the Universal coaster thrill-ogy Set over five distinct worlds, the expansive theme park promises a lot but never in my wildest dreams did I think that one of the new rollercoasters would have such an impact on me and be able to compete with Hagrid and Velocicoaster in the other established nearby parks. Step forward Stardust Racers, which is just one of the four new coasters to accompany 16 new attractions designed and created since 2019 when EPIC was announced and costing an estimated €6bn in total. Last week I was invited to get a sneak peek at the park and enjoy its offerings for two days before they opened the over-the-top gates to the public. I even got to stay in one of their three new hotels, The Stella Nova, which is just a two-minute bus journey from the park. So, armed with enough SPF50 to bathe in, a selection of hats almost as over the top as the park itself and the all-important 'media' lanyard to get me in through the spectacular 'Chronos' clock gates, I did the Lord's work to be able to tell you if the reality of EPIC matches the hype. Daragh at Super Nintendo World It is 6.30am and I've been in America for less than 11 hours and the jetlag is real. But there is no time for self pity as we are herded off to the makeshift media centre where travel bloggers, influencers, content creators and one pasty white Irish travel editor are prepared for what lies ahead at the opening of the first theme park to open in the Floridian city for a quarter of a century. Since Universal broke ground in 2019, it has spent an estimated €6.2bn on turning the 'wasteland' adjoining their other three theme parks into what we now known as Universal's Epic Universe. There has been a lot of hype building up to this week, the kind of hype that can damage a brand in advance of opening due to the heavy burden of expectation. But Universal is unlike any other brand in the travel industry. Whether it is the duelling rollercoaster Stardust Racers (way more on this later), the Frankenstein-shaped pretzels at Dark Universe or the French-speaking staff at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (1920s Paris setting), every little detail has been cleverly crafted and thought out to ensure the user experience is second to none. How to Train Your Dragon Since 1990, this sun-soaked city in Florida has been home to the iconic Universal Studios and the accompanying Islands of Adventure (which opened in 1999) and Volcano Bay (2017), and has become synonymous with theme parks. Which is saying something, considering Walt Disney World is just 14km south on Highway 4. But this week, Universal has gone one step further towards the title of being the ultimate Orlando theme park by opening the stunning gates to Epic. Divided into five Worlds, the gathered media all got exclusive access to each one throughout the two days. Told at the outset to try to do anything and everything we wanted, we headed off to delve into the various lands. First up was How to Train your Dragon: Isle of Berk — an instant hit with everyone gathered. It brings the enchanting world of Berk to life, and I got to take on the first new rollercoaster of the week: Hiccup's Wing Gliders. In fact, I got to do it twice and loved every second of it. It is ridiculously smooth and fun. The Grand Helios Hotel stands tall at the front of the new theme park There is also the Dragon Racer's Rally, which is a pretty good attraction for younger thrill seekers but won't give you the rush of the Wing Gliders. A brilliant 18-minute show in a giant theatre wouldn't look out of place in the West End, by the way, offering guests welcome respite from the heat outside too. If you are into the How To Train Your Dragon franchise, you will adore this. Personally, I don't know the difference between Hiccup and Fishlegs (I had to look them up), but it is still amazing. Luckily for me though, my favourite video game from my childhood was next up on the to-do list. Quite simply, I challenge anyone to mount the green escalator to Super Nintendo World and walk out on level 3 and not say 'wow' to yourself... or even out loud for that matter. Power-up wrist bands allow you to collect gold coins and points around the park, adding to the clever, user-friendly gaming element that has already proven to be a huge success in similar worlds in Los Angeles and Japan. You and your family can play interactive activities all over this world as you encounter Goombas, Piranha Plants and more. Daragh at the gates to Epic You also get to steer through iconic Mario Kart courses (pangs of nostalgia coursed through my veins, to be honest), search for the glowing eggs on Yoshi's Adventure and speed through Donkey Kong Country on a mine cart. I know full well that this world won't excite some as much as me but for anyone who grew up on the NES game from the late '80s, the whole place is a joy. Third up on my whistle-stop tour was The Ominous World of Dark Universe, which is dedicated to Universal's Classic Monsters (if anyone is familiar with Halloween Horror Nights, you'll know) that brings beloved characters like Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolfman to life through an array of attractions and genuinely spine-tingling experiences. You can escape science gone wrong in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment or speed through the woods on Curse of the Werewolf (so good I did it a handful of times) before heading to Darkmoor Village to become a Shopping Monster, or enjoy scarily good drinks in the Burning Blade pub. The final (almost) world was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, which is a magical space where adults can be kids and kids… can just be themselves. Inspired by the Fantastic Beasts, it is Parisian 1920s in style compared to Hogwarts or Diagon Alley (like in Universal Studios down the road). We took the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry of Magic and were plunged into a brilliantly fun interactive ride that uses technology and animatronics really well. You could spend hours here watching the world go by, but if it is adrenaline fuelled fun you want then be prepared to queue as the Ministry of Magic ride is surely going to be one of the biggest draws in Epic for years to come. The Ominous World of Dark Universe Those four worlds are all separate areas of Epic Universe and are entered through unique portals to add some more wow to the theme park, but in the middle of the whole area is a world called Celestial Park, which somehow seems calm and tranquil with luscious green space and hypnotic fountains. The bosses claim it puts the 'park' back in themepark, but I would love to see what it looks like in the height of summer. There are giant restaurants, merchandise shops, old-world carousels and it became a go-to for 'quiet' this week. But there is a giant asterisk on that calm, because just off to the left is what I think may actually be the company's best ever rollercoaster. Currently, I rate Velocicoaster and Hagrid as their top two, but now you can add Stardust Racers to the thrill-ogy. I did it a half dozen or so times over the two days and each time it got better. The creators here decided to run two coasters side by side in a race against each other. With each meander and undulation you edge ahead of the other and there are times when you are travelling upside down looking at the others. It is pure genius. This park may not be a household name yet, but it won't take long for Universal's Epic Universe to gain momentum and popularity. There are already plans to expand on some of the Worlds, so you can expect even more from Epic. But for now, you will just have to make do with a very-family friendly theme park with exhilarating rides, brilliantly genius attractions, stylish merch, delicious food and possibly the greatest roller coaster I have ever been on. ■ Daragh was a guest of Universal Studios. ■ Single day tickets start from around $139 (€123) to $199 (€175), depending on the day, but you can also buy multi-day and multi-park tickets. The Universal Express Pass, from $140 (€123) per person, lets you jump into shorter queues. ■ There are direct flights from Dublin to Orlando with Aer Lingus. Alternatively, British Airways Holidays is running a series of deals to mark the launch of the new theme park, flying out of Gatwick.
