What qualifies as an EPIC vacation? One that includes a visit to Universal Orlando’s brand-new Epic Universe, of course!
Hi, I’m April — a travel advisor with Beach Bum Vacations. One of the best parts of my career is getting to explore exciting new destinations, including those that go “beyond the beach.” So when I had the chance to visit Epic Universe just after its grand opening in May with my 11-year-old daughter, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. And let me tell you, it exceeded every expectation!
Epic Universe features five immersive worlds, each with its own personality, design and attractions.
You begin your journey in Celestial Park, the heart of the universe. This beautifully landscaped world is filled with lush gardens, fountains and a relaxed vibe that sets the tone for the day. It’s also home to restaurants, a whimsical carousel and the dual-track roller coaster. There’s even a brand-new hotel inside the park, with other new hotel options nearby.
As a child of the ‘90s, Super Nintendo World hit all the nostalgic notes for me. It was like stepping into the video games I grew up playing. From punching golden blocks to earning points with your Power-Up Band (which you can purchase right inside the entrance of the park), the world is full of interactive fun for all ages. The Mario Kart ride was a standout — thanks to 3D tech and a touch of augmented reality, you feel like you're right in the middle of the race, battling for that checkered flag. My daughter and I loved it.
Next, we ventured into How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons rule the skies. With themed rides and lively entertainment, this area is a must for fans of the movie series. My daughter loved the dragon-themed coaster, and I had a soft spot for the bearded Viking roaming around in full costume. Totally in character, totally EPIC fun!
As a longtime fan, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic was a dream come true. While this world only features one major ride, it makes up for it with incredible attention to detail. Blending elements from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, it’s a magical version of Paris with wand shops, candy stores (with chocolate frogs) and that unmistakable wizarding atmosphere. It’s immersive, imaginative and full of little surprises around every corner. You can even purchase a wand and use the interactive wand locations within the world.
If you love all things eerie and thrilling, Dark Universe is where you’ll want to be. Inspired by Universal’s classic monsters, this land is all about the gothic and mysterious. Our favorite ride here was The Frankenstein Experiment — a dark, theatrical coaster that combined storytelling with jaw-dropping effects. It gave us just the right amount of goosebumps!
As a travel advisor who’s been lucky enough to see a lot of amazing places, I can confidently say — this park’s a must-see and lives up to its name ... EPIC!
Article written by April Guiden, travel advisor at Beach Bum Vacations.
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