Epic Universe Review
Alright y’all, I finally got to step foot inside Epic Universe during one of the limited preview days for hotel guests and passholders. Let me just say this loud and clear: Universal didn’t just raise the bar. They launched it into another galaxy.
Let’s break this down, land by land, because each one deserves its flowers.
Celestial Park
Rating: 7.5/10
This is the heartbeat of the park, and it’s drop-dead gorgeous. Fountains, kinetic sculptures, glowing walkways at night—it has that magical mix of nature and sci-fi. While I didn’t get to ride the Constellation Carousel this time around, it’s officially on my to-do list for Mother’s Day when I head back.
Out of the 10 hours I spent at Epic Universe, I held out on riding Starfall Racers until the very end—and let me tell you, it was so worth the wait. I rode the green side, and I’ll be trying the yellow side next visit. It’s intense, long, and visually stunning—especially at night with the glowing track.
I also stopped at Oak & Star Tavern and had the Plastered Owl—an incredible whiskey cocktail—and then visited Meteor Astropub for the Meteor Strike, a flaming gold-glitter cocktail that literally gets ignited like a crashing meteor.
Between the vibe, the food, and the starlit coaster, Celestial Park earns a 7.5/10.
Super Nintendo World
Rating: 7.5/10
This land hits all the nostalgic feels. I revisited it after my trip to Universal Studios Hollywood in August 2024, and walking into it again was a full-circle moment.
Watch my YouTube Review (start at 41:50):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmENhqh5XhA&t=2510s
Super Nintendo World Hollywood
The Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride is solid and fun—and this time, I broke a high score.
Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness was visually incredible with that jumping track tech, but it was rough. I walked off feeling like I bruised a rib. The audio wasn’t loud either. Still worth riding, just brace yourself.
Yoshi’s Adventure was chill and charming—the kind of ride I’d love to bring a drink on.
Watch on TikTok: Yoshi’s Adventure
Still gotta figure out those three egg buttons on Mother’s Day.
This land gets a 7.5/10—a bit rough physically, but full of emotional payoff.
Dark Universe
Rating: 8.5/10
Dark, eerie, and absolutely immersive—this land is built for fans of monsters and mood. The fog, music, and lighting transform it into a gothic dream—especially at night.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment blew me away. There are three entrances, and I tried two of them, including the disability access route. Inside, the animatronics (especially Victoria Frankenstein and Dracula) were so lifelike I thought they were real.
Curse of the Werewolf is a fun spinning coaster that shines after dark, and while I didn’t eat here yet, I plan to visit The Burning Blade Tavern, Das Stakehaus, and De Lacey’s Cottage on Mother’s Day.
I also didn’t catch the roaming monsters, but I’ll be hunting them down next visit.
This land’s haunting atmosphere earns it a very strong 8.5/10.
The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic
Rating: 6.5/10
Set in 1920s Paris, this land is undeniably beautiful. But as someone who’s not a hardcore Potter fan, I felt a little disconnected. It leans heavy on shops and wand experiences like Hogsmeade, but didn’t pull me into the world as much as the other lands.
Battle at the Ministry of Magic (currently closed until grand opening as of May 10) uses the SCOOP system like Spider-Man, but it hit me with motion sickness—which never happens to me. Way too many screens, but the animatronics were insane. At one point, I genuinely couldn’t tell if I was seeing a robot or an actor.
There’s also a magic show I didn’t get to see—so that’s a Mother’s Day to-do.
Visually striking, but a one-and-done for me. 6.5/10
Isle of Berk – How to Train Your Dragon
Rating: 8.5/10
This land is massive—one of the biggest in Epic Universe—and breathtaking. The sights, sounds, and overall energy of Berk made it the place I spent the most time in—over 3 hours.
Let’s talk rides:
Dragon Racers Rally is a flat ride where you control your dragon’s flight path. I couldn’t get it to spin, no matter how hard I rocked it. Not a repeat ride for me.
Fyre Drill is a splash battle boat ride. I skipped it this time because it wasn’t hot out, but I’m planning to ride on my next visit.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is the real MVP. Think Hagrid’s meets Slinky Dog Dash, but smoother and longer. You feel like you’re actually flying. A must-ride for families.
There are 30 animated dragons scattered across the land—see how many you can spot!
Then there’s the live show: “The Untrainable Dragon.” I loved it. You get storytelling, music, and live dragon puppetry. Toothless didn’t fly during my show, but he did sneak up behind me for a surprise entrance. I’ll be hoping for a full flyover next time.
I didn’t get to do the Toothless meet-and-greet due to the long line, but it’s top of the list for Mother’s Day.
Even without trying the food yet, Isle of Berk gets a solid 8.5/10. It’s pure magic.
Food & Merch
Rating: 7.5/10
Universal definitely delivered when it comes to themed snacks, drink menus, and immersive dining spaces—but let’s be real: the merchandise and food offerings are mostly the same stuff you’ll find at any Universal park, just housed in much larger and more detailed stores.
That said, the store designs, layout, and overall presentation make browsing way more fun. Theming is on point, and drinks like the Meteor Strike or Plastered Owl elevate the experience.
Solid, fun, and good-looking—but not game-changing. 7.5/10
Final Thoughts
There are still soft-opening hiccups, but this park already feels legendary. The ambition, the innovation, the way each land transports you somewhere new—it’s all here.
Final Verdict: 9.5/10
Once fully launched and dialed in, Epic Universe will be the crown jewel of Orlando. Universal didn’t just build a park—they built a multiverse.
