Beginners Guide to Universal’s Epic Universe

From stepping into Super Nintendo World to spending the day as a Viking in the Isle of Berk Epic Universe transports guests to immersive lands and elevates the theme park experience. This beginners guide to Epic Universe will give you all the details to know what to expect when you plan your visit to the newest Universal Orlando theme park.

Epic Universe has been highly anticipated since 2019. In May 22, 2025 Epic Universe will finally open its doors to its first guests. Currently Team Members have been testing and it is going to be an incredible addition to Universal.

Epic Universe is going to be an immersive theme park that is great for the whole family. I have been following along on the construction and progress since I first knew it was opening back in 2019.

We have a big visit planned this summer where I will share even more details. So far all the rides, dining, shows, and shopping has been announced so lets jump into what to expect at Epic Universe.

Ambiance of the Park

Epic Universe is a fully immersive park that has portals to discover each land. Where Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure had a common theme throughout the park. Epic Universe does it a bit differently.

The common theme would be discovering immersive lands through portals that transport you to an entirely different world. As you enter you feel like you are part of the cosmos in Celestial Park.

All guests will enter Epic Universe through a portal that opens to Celestial Park. Guests staying at Helios Grand have their own entrance on the opposite side and into Celestial Park.

From Celestial Park guests can choose a portal to the 4 lands at the park. Super Nintendo Land is bright and busy and Dark Universe is dark and spooky. These contrasting themes make guests feel as if the portals really are transporting them to a different universe.

Tickets

One day tickets are available. Ticket prices start at $139.00 for one day/one park ticket. Be sure to purchase tickets before you arrive to save time and money at the parks.

Early Park Admission

Early Park admission allows hotel guests and some annual passholders to enter the park an hour before official park opening time. The parks offering this change depending on the season. The most updated info can be found here.

Epic Universe will offer Early Park Admission from May 22, 2025 – December 31, 2025 at the following attractions:

• Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
• Yoshi’s Adventure™
• Mine-Cart Madness™
• Stardust Racers

Insider Tip: I anticipate Stardust Racers and Mine-Cart Madness to be among the most popular attractions at the park. Riding them during Early Park Admission will most likely be shorter wait times.

Insider Tip: Purchase tickets before you arrive to get the best deal and save time!

How to Get to Epic Universe & Parking

If you are staying at a Universal Orlando Resort you will take the complimentary transportation from the resort to the park. If you are driving you will park at the Epic Universe parking lot.

The address is: 1001 Epic Boulevard; Orlando, FL 32819. Parking is $32.00/day.

Hotels Within Walking Distance of Epic Universe

With the completion of the new theme park, Universal has also opened 3 new Epic Universe Hotels. They are Helios Grande, Stella Nova Resort, and Terra Luna Resort.

Stella Nova and Terra Luna will have walking paths for guests to walk to the park as well as a shuttle bus option. Helios Grande has its own designated entrance to Epic Universe.

Layout, Lands, & Park Map

There will be five lands at Epic Universe. They will be fully immerse and guests will enter portals to visit. They are:

• Celestial Park
• How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk
• Super Nintendo World
• Dark Universe
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic

Celestial Park

Celestial Park is the hub of Epic Universe. It has gardens and a “god-like” theme as well as access to the portals. It also has rides, dining, and shops. Read my full guide to Celestial Park.

Stardust Racers is going to be very popular. It is an intense roller coaster on par with VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure.

How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk

How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk is the largest land at Epic Universe. It has rides, dining, character meet and greets, and shops. Check out all the details: Full Tour: How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk at Epic Universe

This is going to be a great area for families and I expect the rides to be busy. You also don’t want to miss The Untrainable Dragon show. The cast is so talented!

Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World will have 3 rides for guests as well as dining and shopping. Read more: Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe: Everything You Need to Know

Expect this area to be very busy!! Mine-Cart Madness will have long wait times. Take advantage of Early Park Admission if possible. Super Nintendo World also has the most rides with the 40″ or under ride height requirements so it will be popular with families.

Dark Universe

Universal is saying Monsters Unchained is the scariest ride they have ever created. Be prepared if you are visiting with young children.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic

The Wizarding World area has one ride and it is going to be very popular. Not much is known about what to expect but the queue alone is going to make this a must ride.

Most Popular Rides and Attractions

• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
• Hiccup’s Wing Glider
• Mine-Cart Madness
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

Parade & Nightly Shows

Universal has not announced a nightly show…yet. When we stayed at Stella Nova Resort we saw a full fireworks testing show. I am fairly confident there will be a nightly fireworks show but will update as soon as I have confirmation.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal events have not been announced for Epic Universe. I hope they do something for the holidays but we will have to wait and see.

Tips for Epic Universe

I debated having a tips section because I know I will have to update it once I visit the park, but there are a few things you should always do.

• Arrive 30-45 minutes before park open.
• Buy your park tickets before you arrive.
• Ride the most popular attractions in the first 2 hours of park opening.
• Take advantage of single rider line when it is available.
• Use Mobile Ordering for dining when available.
• Stay on-site if you can to take advantage of Early Park Admission.
• The following attractions require you to put your belongings in a locker: Stardust Racers, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

I think guests are going to love exploring Epic Universe. I hope this guide to Epic Universe has you as excited as we all are! Be sure to check back this summer for lots of Epic Universe updates.

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