Epic Universe: Top 10 Things You Have to Do FIRST

At Universal Orlandos Epic Universe, guests begin their journey in Celestial Park, the central hub that branches off into four lands. Across from the entrance, youll see the brand new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which is an adventure of its own with themed suites, ample dining options, and a rooftop bar. Celestial Park is a vibrant utopia during the day and at night, but this astrology-themed area has more than lush greenery and dancing fountains. Kids and adults alike will gravitate toward the Constellation Carousel, where you can ride celestial beings across the Milky Way. Its a slow-moving attraction with the standard 360-degree rotation, but additional turntables add some extra spin, making it a perfect thrill-ride primer, or a nice way to wind down.

If Constellation Carousel is too tame, youll want to hop on Stardust Racers, an intense, dual-launch roller coaster that can reach up to 62 mph. Guests climb aboard comets and duke it out with a neighboring comet vehicle to see whos the fastest. The most exciting element thats unique to Stardust Racers is Celestial Spin, an inverted crisscross that takes riders either up and over, or down and under, the other train. Like everything in Celestial Park, this coaster will be a different experience when ridden during the day vs. at night. Thats all the excuse you need to line up for repeat rides!

Years after building Super Nintendo World in Japan and Hollywood, Universals Epic Universe finally brought the lively land to Orlando, split into two sections Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Through the portal, guests go to Princess Peachs Castle, ascending an escalator inside a green warp pipe, with that iconic sound effect sure to ignite some nostalgia. Nintendo fans will love familiar sights like the Mushroom Kingdom and Mount Beanpole, plus a chance to meet their favorite characters. To completely immerse yourself, purchase a Power-Up Band to play various challenges and collect digital keys. Theres more gaming fun to be had behind the wheel in Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge. And, for a stellar view, hop on the leisurely omnimover, Yoshis Adventure.

With so much to see and do, Super Nintendo World can be overwhelming. But after leveling up in Super Mario Land, dont miss the entrance to Donkey Kong Country. The jungle-themed area is alive with the beat of drums, some of which you can play yourself! Guests can explore what this land-within-a-land has to offer, like grabbing refreshments at The Bubbly Barrel and perusing the souvenirs in Funkys Fly n Buy. Based on the video game, Mine-Cart Madness is a wild and wacky adventure with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on their quest to protect the Golden Banana. Universals patented Boom coaster concept creates the illusion of mine carts actually jumping the tracks, adding a few thrills to a family-friendly ride.

Whether or not youre a fan of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, youll want to experience Epic Universes Isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons live in harmony. Not only is it the largest of the five new lands, but it also has the most attractions. From flying dragon drones in the sky to a Viking Training Camp play area, theres something to see and do everywhere you look. Have a proper Viking feast at Mead Hall, battle it out on Fyre Drill, and/or watch The Untrainable Dragon. Isle of Berk is filled with almost lifelike dragons to interact with, as well as meet-and-greets with characters like Hiccup and Astrid. Guests can even pet Toothless!

Before sailing away from the Isle of Berk, dont forget to experience the lands two coasters. First, take flight on Dragon Racers Rally, a device made by Vikings to train aspiring dragon-riding champions. Guests can get as ambitious as they want using the controls to spin and perform high-speed barrel rolls. Soar around the Isle, through the lagoon alongside Hiccup and Toothless on Hiccups Wing Gliders. The Viking inventors latest contraption gives guests a chance to feel what its like to ride a dragon with speeds up to 45 mph. Both family-friendly rides are a must for How to Train Your Dragon fans, or anyone who loves a mildly thrilling coaster.

Potterheads have had the chance to experience Universal Studios Hogsmeade and Islands of Adventures Diagon Alley. Now, Epic Universe expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Place Cachée, the wizarding district in 1920s Paris, France, as seen in the Fantastic Beasts films. Guests can purchase one of the new interactive wands from local wand maker Cosme Acajor to cast spells, and taste a Butterbeer Crepe at Café Lair De La Sirène. Le Cirque Arcanus is an incredible live show with acrobats and impressive special effects. Ringmaster Skender puts on a show using Newt Scamanders fantastic beast-filled suitcase as his assistant, Gwenlyn, tries to free them.

After taking in the enchanting sights and sounds of Wizarding Paris, guests can head over to 1990s London via the fiery Métro-Floo where theyll find the lands marquee attraction Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Like Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts, this indoor coaster sends passengers on an adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Imelda Staunton reprises her role as the bubbly and cruel Dolores Umbridge, now on trial for her crimes. She escapes, prompting our favorite trio to bring her to justice, taking magical lifts that fly through the many departments inside the British Ministry of Magic. Wait times will be at an all-time high, but there are more than enough intricate details throughout the queue to keep guests invested.

The most anticipated land has to be Dark Universe, a world populated by the classic Universal Monsters. Horror fans will be eager to enter this world first, but Darkmoor Village has a spookier atmosphere after the sun goes down. Its the perfect time to catch the iconic fiery windmill of the Burning Blade Tavern, where youll meet the Hounds sharing their monster-hunting tales and trophies. Guests can join the frightening fun with a monstrous makeover at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience and meet the unusual denizens roaming around, who might tell a story or play a tune. Grab a bite at Das Stakehaus, a restaurant operated by vampire familiars. There are endless sights to see in Darkmoor. We havent even talked about Frankenstein Manor yet.

From the Invisible Man to monster hunters, guests will find plenty of thrills and chills in Darkmoor. The land also features two roller coasters that immerse you in different settings, like escaping a forest inhabited by snarling beasts on Curse of the Werewolf. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a total game changer in theme park technology and design. Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, an original character, and her unhinged assistant, Ygor, welcome brave souls into the electrifying lab. As guests are taken through the catacombs, theyll see the Universal Monsters' iconic rogues gallery, including the Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Phantom of the Opera, Wolf Man, plus Dracula and his brides. Like Dark Universe itself, the highly-anticipated Monsters Unchained is truly one of a kind.


What experience are you most excited for at Epic Universe? Have you bought your tickets yet? Let us know in the comments below.