Epic Universe Review: Must-See Rides, Worlds & VIP Tips from Our Visit

First Look at Universal’s Epic Universe

On May 28, 2025, we had the chance to experience something truly unforgettable — the early preview of Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe. 

We were among the first to explore the park during its soft opening, and let me tell you, the name Epic is no exaggeration.

We stayed at the stunning new Helios Hotel, which made the entire experience even more immersive. The hotel has its own private entrance to the park, which felt like a major VIP perk (and helped us beat the crowds!). 

We booked one of the How to Train Your Dragon-themed rooms, which was not only incredibly detailed and fun, but also super practical — the kids had their own space, and so did we. Huge win.

To make the most of our visit, we also did the VIP Tour, which gave us front-of-the-line access to nearly everything and let us soak in the details without spending all day in line. 

From the moment we entered Celestial Park to the second we stepped into each themed world, we were blown away by the wow factor. Every land is completely immersive and feels like stepping into a different universe — from flying with dragons in Berk to battling Bowser in Super Nintendo World.

In this review, we’re breaking down each themed world, sharing the top attractions we rode, and giving our honest take on what makes each one so special.

What Makes Epic Universe So… Epic?

It’s hard to overstate just how impressive Epic Universe is — this isn’t just another theme park; it’s a completely new level of immersive design and storytelling. Universal didn’t just build new rides; they created entire worlds that pull you in the moment you step through each portal.

The park is laid out in a hub-and-spoke design, with the lush and futuristic Celestial Park at the center. 

From there, each of the lands feels like its own complete destination — you don’t just feel like you’re walking into a different area of the park, you feel like you’ve left the real world altogether. 

The transitions between worlds are seamless, and the entrances are so cleverly designed that each one builds excitement before you even see what’s inside.

Compared to other Universal parks, Epic Universe feels bigger, more open, and a lot more thought-out in terms of flow and space. 

The use of natural elements like water features, shaded walkways, and garden areas throughout Celestial Park makes it feel more like a destination than a pit stop between rides.

Another thing that really stood out: the attention to detail. Every building, ride vehicle, sound effect, and snack stand was perfectly in-theme — nothing felt out of place. And since we did the VIP tour, we got to learn a few behind-the-scenes details that made us appreciate the craftsmanship even more.

Whether you’re into high-thrill coasters, immersive storytelling, or just wandering through jaw-dropping environments, Epic Universe lives up to the hype — and then some.

Celestial Park – The Heart of Epic Universe

Celestial Park is the first area you’ll encounter when entering Epic Universe, and it absolutely sets the tone. This isn’t just a hub — it’s a destination all on its own. 

Think lush gardens, glowing water features, interactive sculptures, and an energy that feels futuristic but relaxing at the same time. It’s the perfect starting point before branching off into the themed worlds, and honestly, we could’ve spent hours here just soaking it all in.

Stardust Racers

This coaster was wild — and in the best way. It’s a dual-launch racing coaster with two intertwining tracks, and we loved how it wasn’t just about speed (though there’s plenty of that), but also about airtime, smooth turns, and competing side by side. 

The visuals are incredible — you can see parts of the ride from all over Celestial Park, which adds to the anticipation before you even get in line. If you love coasters, this one’s a must. Make sure you ride during the day and at night, as each will offer a unique experience.

Constellation Carousel

We didn’t expect to be wowed by a carousel, but this one is truly something special. Each “creature” you ride looks like a constellation come to life — glowing, abstract, and beautifully designed.

The entire ride has a slow, dreamy spin to it, and at night, it lights up in a way that makes it feel completely magical. It’s peaceful, it’s artistic, and it’s a great moment of calm in the middle of an otherwise thrill-packed day.

Beyond the rides, Celestial Park has plenty of areas to relax, grab a snack, or take photos (seriously, the photo ops here are next level). 

It’s also where the nighttime fountain and light shows happen, which we highly recommend sticking around for — it’s the perfect way to end your visit with a little sparkle.

Super Nintendo World – A Gamer’s Dream Come to Life

Walking through the iconic green warp pipe and into Super Nintendo World felt like stepping straight into a video game. 

The bold colors, iconic music, and constantly moving elements bring the world of Mario and friends to life in a way that’s completely immersive. Whether you’re a longtime gamer or just there for the adventure, this land is full of energy and surprises.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

This ride is one of the most unique theme park experiences we’ve ever had. It combines physical sets with augmented reality, letting you wear a visor and race through Bowser’s Castle while firing shells and collecting coins. 

The ride is fast-paced, interactive, and chaotic in the best way possible. Scoring points by aiming at targets adds a competitive element that had us wanting to ride again just to improve. The queue is also a standout — fans of the Mario universe will love all the Easter eggs hidden throughout.

Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness

This was a total surprise hit for us. The ride uses a new “boom coaster” system to create the illusion that your mine cart is jumping over broken tracks.

It’s smooth, fast, and full of thrilling moments. The theming is spot-on, from the queue through to the final scenes, and it captures the essence of classic Donkey Kong games. It’s definitely one of the most innovative attractions in the park.

Power-Up Bands and Interactive Gameplay

We picked up Power-Up Bands, and they were well worth it. Throughout the land, we collected digital coins, unlocked mini-games, and faced off in fun challenges.

It turned the entire land into an interactive playground and gave the kids something to focus on between rides. Completing challenges to unlock a final boss battle added an extra layer of excitement that made the whole experience feel like a real-life video game.

Dining and Theming 

The Toadstool Café was another highlight. Even if you’re not planning to eat, it’s worth stepping inside just to see the design and animated windows. The food was playful and surprisingly good, themed dishes that tasted better than you’d expect from a theme park.

Super Nintendo World lived up to the hype. The attention to detail, combined with the innovative rides and interactive elements, made it one of the most fun and dynamic lands we’ve ever visited.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

This land was pure joy from the moment we stepped in. Isle of Berk is brought to life with incredible detail — from Viking architecture to towering rock formations and dragon statues tucked into every corner. 

It feels like you’ve actually arrived in Hiccup’s world, and it’s one of the most well-balanced areas in the park, with something for every age group.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

This was easily one of our favorite rides in the entire park. Wing Gliders gives you the sensation of soaring over Berk, gliding through the air with surprisingly smooth speed and incredible views. 

It’s thrilling without being overwhelming, making it perfect for a wide range of riders. The track twists and turns above the land, offering sweeping views of the water features and buildings below. If you’re lucky enough to ride at sunset, it’s next-level.

Dragon Racer Rally

This ride is an absolute blast. It’s a dueling coaster where you can actually control the rotation of your seat as you race — so you can keep it chill or spin things up if you’re feeling brave.

The motion feels like you’re part of a dragon racing tournament, and the dueling element adds a fun competitive edge. It’s fast, smooth, and has just enough intensity to keep thrill-seekers happy without crossing into “too much” territory.

Extra Details That Make It Special

There’s a lot more to Berk than just the rides. The kids loved the interactive play areas, splash zones, and themed games scattered throughout the land.

Even the food and drink options stay true to the Viking theme — expect hearty portions and rustic flavors.

From the roaring soundtrack to the dragon-shaped stonework and fire-breathing effects, everything in Isle of Berk feels alive. 

It’s one of the most immersive and family-friendly lands in the park, and we found ourselves lingering longer here than we expected — it just has that magical, adventurous vibe.

Dark Universe – Classic Monsters Get Their Revenge

Dark Universe is unlike anything else in the park. The moment you walk through the gates, the tone shifts — fog creeps along the ground, lightning flickers in the distance, and eerie music sets the stage. 

This land leans heavily into atmosphere, blending old-school monster lore with a modern twist, and it’s absolutely stunning. It’s spooky, yes, but not in a jump-scare way — more like walking through a beautifully crafted horror movie set.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

This is the headliner attraction for a reason. It’s a dark ride that combines massive set pieces, advanced animatronics, and some genuinely thrilling moments.

The storyline revolves around a twisted experiment involving Frankenstein’s monster, and things go off the rails quickly, in the best way. 

The pacing is intense, the visuals are jaw-dropping, and it’s easily one of the most immersive rides Universal has ever created. It’s not just about scares — it’s about story, and it’s executed perfectly.

Curse of the Werewolf

This coaster feels like a hidden gem. It’s smaller and more accessible than some of the park’s other thrill rides, but don’t let that fool you — it packs a punch. 

It launches you through dense forest theming with sudden twists and turns, creating just the right amount of suspense. It’s quick, it’s dark, and it delivers that classic werewolf-on-the-loose energy. If you’re not a fan of super-intense coasters but still want a thrill, this one is a perfect fit.

Why Dark Universe Stands Out

Beyond the rides, the entire area feels alive. Creatures roam the foggy streets, and the sound design is top-notch — subtle growls, echoing footsteps, and distant screams. 

The gift shops and food stands are even creepily themed, with Gothic architecture and dark color palettes that stick to the storyline.

This land is a must-visit for anyone who loves horror, classic movie monsters, or just great storytelling. It’s moody, mysterious, and completely unforgettable.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic is an experience that transports you into a completely different corner of the wizarding universe — and it might just be the most visually striking Harry Potter land yet. 

Instead of revisiting Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, this area blends the mysterious Parisian wizarding world from Fantastic Beasts with the grandeur of the British Ministry of Magic. The result is dark, elegant, and incredibly immersive.

Battle at the Ministry

This is the headline attraction, and it’s absolutely worth the hype. That said, getting on it isn’t easy. As of now, access is limited to a virtual queue system, and spots fill up fast — especially in the morning. If you don’t snag a spot early, you may miss your chance to ride entirely. Doing the VIP or Private Tour is the most reliable way to get on, which is how we experienced it. As long as the ride is operating, those tours typically guarantee access.

And honestly, even walking through the queue is an event on its own. The Ministry is brought to life with jaw-dropping realism — magical lifts, ornate office corridors, enchanted signage — it’s all there. You feel like you’re sneaking into a world behind the scenes of wizarding politics, and the queue could easily pass as a full attraction by itself.

As for the ride — it’s incredible. Smoother and far less intense than Forbidden Journey, it’s perfect for guests who may be prone to motion sickness. 

The pacing, visuals, and storyline are all incredibly well executed. You’re fully immersed in a magical battle with jaw-dropping effects and seamless transitions. It’s thrilling without being overwhelming, which made it enjoyable for everyone in our group.

Le Cirque Arcanus

Tucked into a darker, more mysterious corner of the land is Le Cirque Arcanus, the magical traveling circus first introduced in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. It immediately feels different from anything else in the park, and it pulls you in with curiosity alone.

The real magic happens inside. The live stage show is unlike any other in Epic Universe — it’s mysterious, intense, and immersive. 

Rather than going for big, over-the-top musical numbers, this show leans into the strange and supernatural. Performers show off magical abilities with a darker flair, and there’s a narrative thread that runs through the acts.

But the most jaw-dropping part? They bring magical beasts to life on stage.
Through a combination of puppetry, projection, lighting effects, and physical stunts, creatures begin to emerge from the shadows — massive, mysterious, and otherworldly. 

One moment you’re watching a contortionist twist through glowing hoops, and the next, a magical creature bursts into view, drawing gasps from the crowd. The way the beasts interact with the performers — and the set itself — makes it feel like they’re truly alive and present in the space with you.

This isn’t just a show — it’s a performance that fully commits to the darker, more arcane side of the Wizarding World. It’s captivating, unexpected, and adds an entirely new dimension to the land. Whether you’re a die-hard Fantastic Beasts fan or just appreciate theatrical storytelling, Le Cirque Arcanus is absolutely worth your time. It’s a quieter kind of magic — but no less powerful.

A Must for Wizarding World Fans

Whether or not you get to ride Battle at the Ministry, this land is worth wandering. The details are exquisite, the vibe is distinctly different from the other Harry Potter lands, and the spell-casting areas add another level of interaction for wand-holders. 

With the added bonus of Le Cirque Arcanus and its atmospheric show, this part of Epic Universe feels grown-up, cinematic, and deeply immersive — it’s everything fans of the franchise could hope for.

Tips for Visiting Epic Universe

If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe, here are a few key tips we learned from experience that can help make your visit smoother, more enjoyable, and truly epic:

1. Consider the VIP or Private Tour

If it’s in your budget, this is 100% worth it. Not only does it save you a ton of time by skipping most of the lines, but it also increases your chances of getting on hard-to-access rides like Battle at the Ministry, which uses a virtual queue that fills up quickly each morning. 

The guided aspect also adds a deeper appreciation for the storytelling and design behind each land.

2. Stay at the Helios Grand Hotel

This hotel was a highlight of the trip. It has its own private entrance into the park, which makes early entry easier and helps you beat the morning crowds. Plus, our How to Train Your Dragon-themed room gave both the kids and adults their own space — and the level of theming made the stay feel like part of the adventure.

3. Start Early and Explore Strategically

Even during the preview, this park draws serious crowds. If you’re not doing VIP, start early and prioritize the lands that fill up fastest, especially Super Nintendo World and the Ministry of Magic. Use the morning to knock out the biggest attractions and save the more relaxed experiences like Le Cirque Arcanus or Constellation Carousel for the afternoon.

4. Don’t Skip the “Non-Ride” Attractions

From the nighttime fountain show in Celestial Park to the live magical beast performance at Le Cirque Arcanus, there’s so much beyond the rides. These shows, walk-through areas, and interactive games are what really set Epic Universe apart — they bring the worlds to life in a way that’s hard to describe but unforgettable once you experience it.

5. Bring Comfortable Shoes and Your Imagination

You’ll walk a lot, and you’ll want to take your time in each world — there’s no “just passing through” in Epic Universe. The details in every corner are stunning, and if you rush, you’ll miss half the magic.

Final Thoughts

Epic Universe isn’t just a new theme park — it’s a whole new level of immersive storytelling. Every land feels like its own universe, crafted with love, detail, and imagination. 

Whether you’re flying with dragons, battling Bowser, or dodging curses in the Ministry of Magic, there’s a sense of wonder around every corner.

We went in expecting great rides, and left completely blown away by the experience. From the design of the park to the balance of thrills and family-friendly attractions, Epic Universe has something for everyone. 

It’s easily one of the best theme park experiences we’ve ever had, and we’re already counting the days until we go back.

If you’re thinking about planning your trip, timing is everything.

Be sure to check out our guide on the best time of year to visit Universal — we break down crowd levels, weather, and special events so you can plan the perfect visit.