Guest Post: Epic Universe Review
An examination of the Theme Park Capital of the World’s latest gem.
EDITOR’S NOTE: As a newsletter mostly about adventures, explorations, and entertainment, I’ve had my eyes on the arrival of Universal’s Epic Universe for a long time. I plan on making a trip to the theme park at some point, but I’m lucky enough to have a spy on the front lines. An agent that was willing to scope it out before it officially opened, write a full review—unprompted—and allow me to share it here. A recon specialist who is none other than … my long lost brother!
Below is what he had to say about his experience at Universal’s Epic Universe.
Intro 🥁
Epic Universe, Universal’s newest addition to their line of Orlando theme parks, truly lives up to its title. The food is bussin, the rides are bangin, and the shows are a return to form. If the word epic means “particularly impressive or remarkable,” then this new park is exactly that.
The Celestial Center 🎡
When new theme parks are added to the pantheon of well established parks in Orlando, they need to feel like an evolution, a next step in the chain. Conceptually, Epic does this in spades. And we can thank Citywalk for the idea.
In the center of Epic is Celestial Park and—similar to Citywalk—it serves as the hub to all the other worlds branching off from it. It features a variety of restaurants & bars and allows you to hunt for Capt. Cacao plushies in the gift shops. But more than anything, it whets your appetite for discovery, gets you excited for what’s to come, and gives you the opportunity to plan your route and conquer the worlds.
It’s even connected to a hotel that’s pretty much right on the park grounds. Personally, I can’t imagine taking a whole hotel break, recharging, then elevatoring down back into the park. But you can if you want to.
Super Mario (and other) Worlds 🌎
Now the worlds themselves are truly incredible. I was thoroughly impressed with Nintendo World and the aesthetic of it all, as it felt like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong County leaping right out of an N64 cartridge. Whether it’s giving your best Mario impression by hitting a coin box, playing the bongos for Rambi the Rhino, or enjoying a parade of Yoshis, never have Nintendo icons come to life more.
On the other side of the Park, the French setting of the Ministry of Magic feels like a step up in general metropolitan recreations and a nice addition to the Harry Potter-themed worlds that Universal loves so much. This one makes it feel like you’re in Paris, and the Potter designers really out done themselves with the actual Ministry. I really felt like I was in that scene from Order of the Phoenix, and—not to mention—you have to use the floo powder network just to enter.
Digen Elley!
Finally, the Isle of Berk and Dark Universe round out the park and are equally impressive. With dragons out and about and a host of fan favorite vikings from the acclaimed franchise, Berk truly feels like a breathing occupational hazard. Then when it comes to the Dark Universe, you may want to wait til sundown for to full appreciate it, as that’s when it really comes ALIVE! (Cue the lightning behind Frankenstein’s manor.) Overall, Universal really nails making you feel like you’re on the set of these films better than I’ve seen other parks do.
The Power Ups 🧀
Nourishment among theme parks varies across the board from basic to absolutely pleasant and Epic Universe aims for the latter. The Brisket Sandwich from the Oak & Star Tavern was fantastic, with sauces adding flavor to a well seasoned meat. Just be mindful of the portion sizes for the platter plates, as I was disappointed to see that a singular wing and a sizable breast are going for the same rate.
Other offerings include the quintessential frozen butterbeer but—this time—paired with a chocolate croissant from Café L’air De La Sirène. Too hot? Feeling “Cranky”? How about a Pineapple Float from the Bubbly Barrel over at Donkey Kong Country? And if you really want to get messy, might I recommend the Mac & Cheese cones from Grog & Gruels in the Isle of Berk? This one came recommended, but I didn’t stop there. I also experienced the Dragon Fire Chicken Spire, a meal that lives up to its namesake by being straight fire. Creamy Mac, hot chicken, or the pork and bacon based one—all wrapped in this everything seasoned bread—reminds you that innovation is real.
Finally, for getting your drink on, I’d recommend the Burning Blade Tavern. It provides a dark speakeasy vibe with some creative cocktails from a host of Darkmoor friends. Also, the whiskey lovers—such as myself—will be very satisfied with the traditional werewolf repellent at Pure of Heart.
The Tracks 🏎
Now of course when it comes to theme parks, the rides and attractions must deliver and ultimately they did. There were an equal amount of thrills and spectacles throughout the park, with each of the worlds having plenty to offer. I had no business striking a conversation with three Wizardring students, and yet there I was speaking to them like I was a fourth year at Hogwarts and stroking the back of that iconic creatures book from HP3.
The biggest standout was the Stardust rollercoaster, which did the unthinkable of rivaling Velocicoaster. Maybe it’s the fact that it pays homage to the beloved Dueling Dragons with its twin coasters. Maybe it’s the canonical lore that Doc Brown of Back to the Future helped design it—there’s literally a flux capacitor on the back of each cart. Maybe it’s the tears that flew from my sockets due to the breakneck speed. Whatever it was, this ride rules.
Another standout was The Battle of the Ministry, which joins a line of incredible Wizarding rides. A cross between Tower of Terror, Spider-Man, and The Simpsons, this ride is a pure collage of funness. Also, who wouldn’t love a HP ride where get to cross wands with the deplorable Dolores Umbridge?
Let me also shout-out Monsters Unchained, as it revolutionizes the dark ride category. Highly inspired by Harry Potter: The Forbidden Journey, Monsters ups the voltage with incredible visuals of the iconic movie monsters and thrills.
The most puzzling feat has to be the Mario Kart ride. It should have been a no brainer, but it ends up being a hodgepodge of ideas that steers right off course from the moment you don the Mario branded visor.
With all that said, there’s something for everybody at Epic. Even the younger targeted rides have either enough spectacle or thrill for their adult counterparts. I’m looking at you Hiccups Wing Gliders, a leap above Flight of the Hippogriff.
High Flying Shows 🐉
Speaking of dragons, The Untrainable Dragon show is a welcomed return to form and a needed addition to allow folks to cool off and be amazed by the wonders of animatronics, choreography, and pretty decent impersonation. (Notice how I didn’t say songs?) The titular dragons—Astrid’s Gobber & Hiccup’s Toothless—are the show stoppers, as watching them fly over the audience gets everyone excited and evokes nostalgic feelings for the Universal shows of old.
I loved this inclusion to the park.
The Epic Verdict ⚖️
All in all, Epic Universe not only raises the bar for major theme parks, but also sets a new standard for entertainment capturing magic and immersing you in a fully transformed world.
In short, what Universal accomplished with Epic Universe is nothing short of … epic.
Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Theme: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Immersion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Attractions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 | A guest post by
|