Plumbers, dragons, wizards, and monsters come together to create one of the best theme parks in Florida
There was a lot of hype when Epic Universe was announced way back in 2019. Since then, six years have gone by as lands were slowly unveiled, rides came to life, and guests realized that Universal had something truly special in mind.
Epic finally opened its doors on May 22, 2025, and it’s safe to say that it got almost everything right. This is another major milestone for Orlando, and another must-visit park in Florida. Epic has top-notch atmosphere, some truly amazing rides, special meet-and-greets, and more waiting for you. Do you know what the best part is? That’s just the park in its early days, and it’s safe to say that, much like Islands of Adventure, it will only get better with time.
What we like about Epic Universe
One of the best things about Epic Universe isn’t even the rides themselves, it’s the atmosphere. Walking through here is magical. Epic Universe is comprised of five lands, and all of them look fantastic.
Super Nintendo World is super colorful and filled with nods to multiple Nintendo games; Isle of Berk feels like stepping into a realm ruled by vikings and dragons; the Ministry of Magic really feels like Wizarding Paris, with huge buildings surrounding you; Dark Universe has that gothic horror vibe, complete with a windmill that actually catches fire; and Celestial Park is a beautiful area full of trees, with the dominant Stardust Racers welcoming guests and the Helios Grand Hotel in the background.
That’s not to say the rides aren’t good. Oh, no, no, no. Epic Universe has at least three rides that really, really deserve your time: Stardust Racers, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. I consider all of them 10/10 rides. Stardust Racers is a strong competitor to VelociCoaster, while Monsters Unchained and Battle at the Ministry feature some of the best visuals and animatronics you’ll ever see at a theme park.
Most of the other rides are good to great too. We’re talking about Mine Cart Madness and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge over at Super Nintendo World, Hiccup's Wing Gliders at Isle of Berk, and Constellation Carousel at Celestial Park - a beautiful merry-go-round that’s perfect for couples in love. Every land has at least one great or standout ride, which is always good to hear.
A lot of attractions and lands look even better at night. Stardust Racers lights up, and the two vehicles dancing across the track resemble comets streaking through the sky. Dark Universe features a massive windmill that bursts into flames every 15 minutes, and the fire effects look incredible once the sun goes down. The Ministry of Magic also looks stunning after dark, especially around Le Cirque Arcanus. Seriously, stay at Epic Universe until the very end, you’re going to love it at night.
Do you know another thing that Epic does well? Character Meet & Greets! The meet & greet with Toothless at Isle of Berk is one of the best moments in the park. It features an amazing animatronic of Toothless that actually reacts to your movements. So, if you stretch out your hand to caress his head, the dragon lowers his face and closes his eyes as if he’s expecting your touch. How does Epic Universe do that? I don’t know. Maybe Universal has replaced that old technology called “animatronics” with real dragons?
Even the shows are pretty cool. Do not miss The Untrainable Dragon at Isle of Berk. It features great puppetry, some cool songs, and some really impressive visuals.
As you can see, there is something for everyone at Epic. Love good rides? Epic has your back. Want to try some meet & greets with your family? They have Toothless, Frankenstein, Mario, and more. How about a fun show? Go watch The Untrainable Dragon. I love that they have a good variety of entertainment options available and, like I said before, it will only get better with time.
What we don’t like about Epic Universe
As a brand-new theme park, it’s absolutely normal that some things need improving. Thankfully, there isn’t anything we could call a major mistake made by Epic.
I think the main problem with this theme park is the lack of shade in some areas. A lot of attractions feature queues out in the open, or the rides themselves are exposed. So, rain can be a big problem for Epic Universe, and let’s also remember that we’re talking about Florida. Standing in an outdoor queue while you slowly roast like a scrambled egg doesn’t sound like much fun.
Some rides are also a bit meh, but let’s be honest… there isn’t a single theme park in the world where every ride is a huge hit. Yoshi’s Adventure could definitely move faster, and Fyre Drill could use a few more gimmicks to make it more interesting. Still, they’re great options for kids, even if they might feel a bit underwhelming for teenagers and adults.
Conclusion
Epic Universe is a huge achievement for Universal and for theme parks in Florida. It has a fantastic atmosphere, some truly masterful rides, and excellent meet & greets - basically everything a theme park needs to succeed. This is just the first year of Epic Universe, and just imagining the kind of updates it will get over time is enough to fill us with hype. I can’t wait.
Epic Universe FAQ
Where is Epic Universe located?
Epic Universe is located in Florida, about 4 miles south of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Need help getting there? Click that Request a Quote button and let’s talk!
Is Epic Universe within walking distance of Universal CityWalk?
No, it’s not. You’ll need to drive to Epic Universe or catch a complimentary bus if you’re staying at a Universal Resort.
Is there a Universal Resort close to Epic Universe?
Yes! There are three of them: Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the Helios Grand Hotel. The last one is located inside the theme park, while the first two are connected by a 15-minute walking path to Epic Universe.
What are the best rides at Epic Universe?
This one’s subjective, but the most popular picks are Stardust Racers, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
