Hold onto your hats, Orlando fans—Epic Universe is finally opening its doors on May 22, 2025, and trust us, it’s going to change everything. Universal Orlando’s brand new theme park is packed with five wild lands—Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and the seriously spooky Dark Universe. We got an exclusive sneak peek during their preview days, and let’s just say… we weren’t ready for what we found.
First Impressions: A Park Unlike Any Other
From the second we rolled into the Epic Universe parking lot, we knew we were in for something special. Lush landscaping, fresh greenery, and—get this—an efficient security check that didn’t have us waiting for hours. We breezed through, thanks to the Universal app, which helped us keep track of wait times and gave us up-to-date info about closures. No surprises here—Universal is all about making your day as smooth as possible. And the first impression? Epic Universe knows how to make an entrance.
Celestial Park: The Center of All the Action
Alright, let’s get down to business. Our first stop was Celestial Park, and man, they weren’t kidding when they said this is the heart of the park. At the center? Chronos Tower, a giant masterpiece that screams “we’re not playing around.” It’s the perfect symbol for the grandeur of Epic Universe. The big ride here is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that’s got us questioning everything we know about roller coasters. Think Dueling Dragons meets VelociCoaster—it’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s gonna leave you speechless.
But hold up. There’s a twist. If you love your pins and buttons, get ready to leave them in the locker. Yep, that’s right. We were hit with a curveball when a team member told us our pins had to go. Apparently, the coaster doesn’t mix well with accessories, and we had to head back to the lockers to stash our buttons before getting in line. Is it a big deal? Not really. But if you’re a pin collector, you better plan ahead.
Locker Drama: Don’t Wear Your Pins or Buttons on Stardust Racers
So, here’s the deal: if you’ve got a button or a pin on your shirt, don’t even think about heading to Stardust Racers without hitting up a locker first. We learned that the hard way—twice. We had to run back down the stairs and drop off our accessories before we could hop on the coaster. Was it a hassle? Sure. But once we were locked in, soaring through the air, we didn’t care anymore.
After that hiccup, the ride did not disappoint. We zoomed through the skies on a comet, twisting and turning like never before. If you’re a coaster junkie, Stardust Racers will give you everything you need.
Celestial Park: More to See, More to Do
Post-coaster? We explored Celestial Park more, and there’s so much to discover. The Constellation Carousel was straight-up magic. It’s like spinning through the galaxy, with neon lights and the kind of music you’d expect at an intergalactic rave. If you need a break from the action, head to Astronomica, an interactive water zone where you can cool off and get a little wet. Plus, it’s got that whole “big compass” vibe, pointing you to the park’s wonders. When you’re ready for food, Atlantic is a full-service restaurant set in a Victorian-style aquarium. Trust us, it’s the place to be.
Dark Universe: Monsters, Mayhem, and Magic
From the bright lights of Celestial Park, we headed straight into Dark Universe, where the mood shifted fast. Think Universal Monsters meets sci-fi—this land is dark, edgy, and seriously cool. We dove into Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a terrifying ride that will have you screaming (in the best way). There’s also Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster that had us hanging on for dear life. Seriously, who needs the light when you can have all this chaos?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Magic, Drama, and More
Of course, we had to check out the Ministry of Magic. This isn’t just a Harry Potter land—this is a magical experience like no other. While we didn’t get to ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, we were still blown away by the incredible detail in the queue. And the live show Le Cirque Arcanus? You’ve never seen anything like it. Aerialists, magical creatures, puppets—you won’t want to miss it.
Super Nintendo World: Ready, Set, Mario!
Related: “Influencer” Slammed For Breaking Epic Universe Filming Rules
Now, let’s talk Super Nintendo World. This place is a freakin’ party. We walked through the iconic green pipe and immediately felt like we’d stepped into Mario’s world. The Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is everything you’ve heard about and more—augmented reality, practical sets, and high-speed thrills that make you feel like you’re really racing Bowser. It’s a blast.
For a slower vibe, check out Yoshi’s Adventure, which takes you on a relaxing tour above the land. It’s chill, it’s cute, and it’s the perfect way to soak in the scenery.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Vikings, Dragons, and More
Last but not least, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk offers up some family-friendly fun. The highlight? Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a smooth coaster that’ll have you twisting and turning in the sky. The water-based Fyre Drill is also a ton of fun, especially if you like soaking people with water cannons.
And don’t skip The Untrainable Dragon show. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, featuring life-sized dragons, music, and puppetry that brings the franchise to life.
Final Thoughts: Epic Universe is a Must-See
Let’s be real: Epic Universe is going to be a game-changer for Orlando. From high-speed coasters to interactive experiences, this park has something for everyone. Whether you’re there for the thrills or just to escape into some of your favorite franchises, it’s clear that Universal Orlando is ready to take things to the next level. Get your tickets now, because Epic Universe is about to become the place to be when it opens on May 22, 2025.
