After a yearlong COVID-imposed delay and a month or so of previews, Universal Orlando finally opens the doors on its Epic Universe Thursday.
The new theme park, which reportedly cost between $6 and $7 billion to build, is an escalation of the company’s WWE-like battle with Disney to attract theme park visitors in central Florida—and it’s likely to have an impact. (In truth, both companies are likely to benefit from the opening, as many families making the trip to Orlando will likely visit both parks.)
This is the fourth of Universal’s theme parks in Orlando and it’s certainly the largest by scale. Spanning 110 acres (with hundreds more available for future expansions), it embraces four key IPs, but each of the worlds is so rich, you’ll likely need at least two days to take them in.
Announced in 2019, Epic Universe has become a big enough threat that Disney has announced a major upgrade to its Orlando parks, part of a 10-year, $60 billion investment in parks and experiences.
With something so new, there are bound to be lots of questions. Fortune got a sneak peak at the park before its opening. If you’re thinking about a trip, here’s all you need to know (as well as suggestions on what you should ride).
Where is Epic Universe located?
Epic Universe is about 2.5 miles to the southeast of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as Volcano Bay water park and Universal CityWalk (all of which are in Orlando).
To transport visitors back and forth, Universal is running buses between the parks. Epic Universe also has its own separate parking area.
How much do Epic Universe tickets cost?
A one-day adult ticket will run you $139, while children will pay $135 for a single-day pass. (Florida residents do not currently get a discount.) A two-day ticket is also available for $116.50 for adults, or $112 for kids, but one of the two days must be spent in a park other than Epic Universe.
If you’re hoping to visit the park in its earliest days, though, you’ll need to get a multi-day pass (with only one of those days being spent at Epic Universe). Individual tickets won’t be valid for use until June 1.
What are the lands of Epic Universe?
The park’s layout is designed to let visitors enter a “portal,” which takes them to four different lands—with the hub, Celestial Park, acting as a fifth land. Note, however, that if you want to move from one land to another, you’ll have to “exit” the portal and then enter a new one. The lands are not connected to each other and there’s no way to walk from one to the other without going through Celestial Park.
Celestial Park
This central focus features dining, shopping, and three attractions, a carousel, a dual-launch coaster and interactive dancing fountains. The Helios Grand Hotel is located in this area.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic
Offering elements from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, this area will let fans explore the wizarding world in a Parisian setting.
Super Nintendo World
This interactive Nintendo-themed world is loaded with familiar characters from Mario to Bowser and several rides, which range from family friendly to intense.
How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk
Explore the Viking village at the heart of the franchise (which has a live-action film coming out June 13). You’ll also be able to ride a dragon.
Dark Universe
Universal brings old-school creatures—including Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and Dracula—into the modern era.
What are the best rides at Epic Univese for thrill-seekers?
Epic Universe is all about big experiences. And not only do its coasters give you an adrenaline rush, some of its dark rides (attractions where riders sit in guided vehicles) do as well. Not all rides are created equal, though. If you’re looking for a thrill, here’s what you’ll want to try.
Stardust Racers
This dual-launching high-speed coaster is not for the feint of heart. The two coasters shoot off at the same time, zipping past each other and often over or under each other. It doesn’t look as intense as it is from the ground, but the 62 mph ride is no joke. If you’re familiar with the VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure, you have an idea of what to expect intensity-wise.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
You wouldn’t expect a motion simulator to rank this high on a thrill-seeking list, but Battle at the Ministry will rock you around a fair bit in every direction. You won’t be able to predict what’s next, which adds to the intensity.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
If the addition of a motion simulator is surprising, then seeing a dark ride on this list might count as shocking. Universal calls this “the most chilling ride ever” and the marketing hyperbole is pretty close to the truth. Offering details would spoil the surprises, but this isn’t nearly as sedate an attraction as you might expect, given it’s built on creatures that are nearly 100 years old.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
This outdoor rollercoaster offers some solid thrills, on par with Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain. Like Stardust Racers, it’s a coaster that seems a lot more sedate from the ground, but doesn’t skimp on the thrills. It’s the perfect coaster for people that aren’t up for the ludicrous speeds and turns of Stardust Racers, but still like some intensity in their rides.
What are the best rides of Epic Universe for families?
While many of Epic Universe’s attractions might be a bit much for youngsters or people who don’t enjoy thrill rides, there are still several options for a milder day at the park. If you or your party is not looking to get your heart pumping, these are the rides for you.
Yoshi’s Adventure
The calmest ride at Epic, this one is made for kids. Slowly pass scenes from the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World and take part in a scavenger hunt. See an egg? Press a button.
Constellation Carousel
A carousel, located in Celestial Park, seems to be a staple at every theme park, but Epic Universe does things a big differently. The animals are spaced out a bit more, so it’s not as claustrophic as some merry-go-rounds. This ride also reverses course and goes backwards. It’s all done at a leisurely pace, though, making it fine for all riders.
Fyre Drill
Arguably the calmest ride on How to Train Your Dragon—Isle of Berk, you’ll board a Viking ship and shoot water cannons at targets. (You’ll also likely shoot at other boats—and be the target of other guests as well, so expect to get soaked.)
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
This Mario Kart-inspired ride has its share of twists and turns, but kids are still likely to enjoy it without getting too scared. The silliness of throwing virtual banana peels and shells at opponents is the main takeaway. Note that riders do wear headgear with special goggles, so if your kids can’t handle that, this might not be the ride for them.
What are the best hotels to stay at if I’m going to Epic Universe?
Three new hotels have been opened near the park so if your focus is solely on Epic Universe, you’ll want to stay in one of them. The crown jewel is the Helios Grand Hotel, which has a dedicated entrance to the park, along with a rooftop bar that overlooks the park. It’s ritzy and glamourous.
Stella Nova and Terra Luna are a bit further away, but only a five-minute or so bus ride. Both are clean and comfortable (and more affordable), but do lack the pizazz of Helios. If you choose to stay near the original parks, you’ll be facing at least a 15-minute bus ride through heavy traffic both ways.
