Celestial Park is the “the cosmic heart” of Universal's Epic Universe.

Epic Universe's Celestial Park

Celestial Park is the central hub of Epic Universe and the gateway to the other four worlds. It’s full of beautiful gardens, fountains, and water features — and thanks to its wide walkways, it doesn't feel too crowded, even during busy times. It really set the mood for the rest of the day.

Celestial Park: Attractions

In the middle of the park is Constellation Carousel, though not your typical merry-go-round — it spins in different directions, with lights and music that make it feel really unique and dreamy. No minimum height requirement

One of the biggest and most-anticipated thrills in the park is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster where two vehicles race each other. The part where the coasters twist and cross each other in midair — the “celestial spin” —took my breath away! Super smooth and incredibly fast (up to 62 mph), it’s definitely a highlight and made me reminisce on the Dueling Dragons coaster days at Islands of Adventure! Tip: plan enough time to ride BOTH sides of the coaster. Minimum height requirement: 48”

There’s also Astronomica, a fun splash area that’s perfect for cooling off during hot days. And throughout the day and evening, you can catch dancing water shows on the lagoon that runs through the park.

Universal Orlando Helios Hotel offers direct access to the park.

Celestial Park: Food and More

When it comes to dining, there's something to satisfy every craving. I dined at The Oak & Star Tavern, a delicious barbecue spot. For a caffeine boost, stop by the Starbucks in Celestial Park. Other dining options include:

• Atlantic – Full-service, seafood restaurant with a beautiful Victorian-style aquarium
• The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes in a neon-lit setting
• Pizza Moon – Casual and fun with a variety of pizzas

At the edge of Celestial Park is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room resort that overlooks Epic Universe and even has its own dedicated park entrance.

Dark Universe is a spooky, immersive land centered on Universal's classic monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolf Man.

Dark Universe at Epic Universe

Dark Universe is like nothing I’ve ever seen in a theme park. It's gloomy and atmospheric in the coolest, creepiest way — think twisted forests, gothic architecture, and an eerie soundtrack. It’s spooky without being scary — no jump scares here — so it’s generally family-friendly for kids and adults alike.

Dark Universe: Attractions

The main ride, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, is not for the faint of heart. This dark ride offers thrill elements within an immersive experience. I don’t want to spoil too much, the Epic Universe attraction involves a failed experiment and monster jailbreak. The ride system works the same as Forbidden Journey in Hogsmeade (at Islands of Adventure), but without the screen-heavy visuals, which is great news for anyone who gets motion sickness (like me!). I was totally fine on this one and completely blown away! Minimum height requirement: 48”

Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster inspired by The Wolf Man. It sends you zipping back and forth along the track while your cart rotates, adding a disorienting twist, without being too intense. Minimum height requirement: 40”

If you're looking for an extra dose of monster magic, check out the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. For an additional cost, guests (ages 5 and up) choose between two packages: a full face makeup look or a look complete with themed accessories. It's a fun way to lean all the way into the Dark Universe aesthetic.

Dark Universe: Food and More

Even without riding anything, just wandering around Darkmoor Village is an experience in itself -- the atmosphere is year-round Halloween. I had a surprise run-in with The Invisible Man, and watched flames erupt from the windmill at The Burning Blade Tavern.

The dining here is just as immersive:

• Das Stakehaus - Gothic restaurant run by vampire “familiars” with a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and kebabs
• The Burning Blade Tavern - A windmill-turned-monster-hunter hangout serving wings, pretzels, bratwurst, and more...complete with “trophy” monster heads on display
• De Lacey’s Cottage - Sweet and savory treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, and twisted taters located near Frankenstein Manor

Explore the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic

If you’re a Harry Potter fan — especially of the Fantastic Beasts era — this land is pure magic! The Ministry of Magic land is the third Universal Orlando theme park installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, joining Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. The details in Place Cachée (wizarding Paris) are unreal -- from cobbled streets to magical shop windows, I felt like I actually stepped into the 1920s wizarding world.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic: Attractions

We were incredibly lucky to experience the only ride in this land, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry! Even the queue is magical -- guests travel via the Floo Network (just like in the films!) into a stunning grand atrium, then wind through a series of themed rooms before boarding. The ride itself features omni-directional lifts where guests witness a dramatic trial that quickly takes a wild turn when Dolores Umbridge tries to escape. From there, join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a house-elf named Higgledy in a fast-paced chase through the Ministry. Expect to be launched in every direction — up, down, forward, backward, and sideways — as you dodge Death Eaters, wild creatures, and other mayhem to catch her. Minimum height requirement: 40”

One of my favorite surprises was the Le Cirque Arcanus live show. It’s a full-scale theatrical performance with acrobatics, puppetry, and seriously cool special effects. The story follows Ringmaster Skender, who steals Newt Scamander’s suitcase in an attempt to revive his struggling circus. Inside are familiar fantastic beasts — like Mooncalves, Diricawls, and even a Demiguise. It’s up to Gwenlyn, one of the circus staff, to save the creatures before Skender can exploit them. The show is entertaining, fast-paced, and a must-see when visiting this part of the park!

If you have an interactive wand from one of Universal's other Wizarding Worlds, be sure to bring it along! You'll find interactive wand stations scattered throughout the streets, where you can put your spell-casting skills to the test. Don’t have one yet? Visit the Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique Parisian Wand Shop, where you can choose the perfect wand to match your magical style.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic: Food and More

There are some great food and drink options in the Ministry of Magic area, all with wizarding-world details:

• Café L’Air De La Sirène - French café filled with marble carvings and magical creature designs, serving sandwiches, French classics, and desserts
• Le Gobelet Noir - Moody inn tucked into a shadowy corner of Place Cachée. It feels like a secret spot for dark witches and wizards to grab soups, entrées, and more
• Bièraubeurre cart - Go-to stop for a cold Butterbeer while wandering the streets of Place Cachée
   

Meet Toothless and other favorite characters at How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk.

How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk

In my opinion, Isle of Berk was the most impressive world when walking through the portal. It’s colorful, open, and full of energy — definitely the most kid-friendly land (I still had a blast as an adult). The whole land feels like you’ve stepped right into the movie — from the music and characters to the views over the water.

How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk: Attractions

The highlight for me was Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family-friendly thrill coaster that makes you feel like you're flying alongside Hiccup and Toothless. It hits speeds of 45 mph, swooping around the village and even through the lagoon — thrilling but not too intense, perfect for most ages. Minimum height requirement: 40”

For a splash of fun, the Fyre Drill boat ride lets families compete in water cannon battles. And don’t worry—there are convenient stand-up dryers near the exit so you don’t have to walk around drenched (although it may be a nice relief from the Florida heat). No minimum height requirement

Next up is Dragon Racer’s Rally, where you’ll hop aboard one of two Viking-designed dragon trainers and have the power to control the intensity of your ride. Soar high above Berk, reaching up to 67 feet in the air, and take in the views. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a dragon rider in training, this is your shot! Minimum height requirement: 48”

There’s also a fantastic live show called The Untrainable Dragon, featuring huge animatronic dragons, catchy songs, and a heartwarming story with all the familiar characters like Astrid, Gobber, and of course, Toothless. It’s a must-see!

Kids will love the Viking Training Camp, a multi-level play area full of climbing structures, dragon-themed equipment, and places to explore. There’s even a Viking agility course!

How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk: Food and More

And of course, no visit to Berk is complete without a meet-and-greet with Hiccup and Toothless at Haddock Paddock. It was such a fun moment and the photo opp is one you won’t want to miss. Throughout the day, there are plenty of chances to spot more Vikings and dragons throughout the land. We even got to see Dart, the cutest little offspring of Toothless!

When it’s time to eat like a Viking, Isle of Berk has you covered with some fun and flavorful dining spots:

• Mead Hall - Cozy gathering place where you can dig into hearty meals all paired with traditional meads and ciders
• Spit Fyre Grill – Quick-service dining spot by Fyre Drill with flame-grilled dishes, supposedly cooked by a hidden dragon chef?!
• Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel - Tasty bites at a stand in the Viking Training Camp
   

Step into the worlds of beloved game characters as you explore Super Nintendo World, featuring Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and more! 

Super Nintendo World

As Mario would say, "Let's-a go!" As soon as you walk through the Super Nintendo World portal and travel up the green warp pipe to Princess Peach’s Castle, it’s game on. Super Nintendo World bursts with color and energy — there’s kinetic excitement everywhere: coins spinning, blocks bobbing, characters waving. Even non-gamers will enjoy the attention to detail here.

Super Nintendo World: Attractions

I put on my Power-Up Band (a fun, slap bracelet accessory), and embarked on a hunt for hidden keys, which you collect by completing interactive games scattered throughout the land. It was ridiculously fun! Tip: Link your Power-Up Band to the official Universal Orlando app to keep track of your score and keep the competition going.

As a Mario Kart fan, I was excited for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and it didn’t disappoint! Join Team Mario to race against Team Bowser for the Golden Cup. This Epic Universe attraction combines augmented reality and projection mapping to drop you right into the game. It’s not just a ride — it’s an interactive race where you’re steering, collecting coins, and throwing shells, all while zipping through iconic Mario worlds! Minimum height requirement: 40”

Yoshi’s Adventure is a gentle, family-friendly ride where guests hop aboard their own Yoshi and journey through the Mushroom Kingdom, enjoying views of Super Mario Land. Minimum height requirement: 34”

At the edge of Super Mario Land is the entrance to Donkey Kong Country — a jungle-themed area with waterfalls, tall trees, and familiar landmarks like the Golden Temple. Mine-Cart Madness is a one-of-a-kind family coaster where you join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on an adventure to protect the golden banana. The ride uses innovative tech to recreate iconic game moments — like blasting out of barrels and “jumping” over broken tracks — for a fun and immersive experience. Minimum height requirement: 36”

Super Nintendo World: Food and More

When it’s time to refuel, there are a few dining options in Super Nintendo World:

• Toadstool Café - Super Mario–inspired dishes like Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs, and more
• Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats – Walk-up locations with quick dining treats, sweets, and drinks

Tips to Make Your Epic Universe Visit Truly EPIC!

• Plan for Time - Plan to spend two full days in the park. If you’re limited to just one, consider purchasing Express Passes to skip the lines and maximize your day. Note: Express Passes are not yet available (as of this publish date) but will be launched at a later date before the park opens.
• Buy Tickets Now - Epic Universe does not officially open until May 22, 2025, but tickets and packages are on sale now!
• Pack Sunscreen - Shade is limited since the trees are still growing, so bring sunscreen and reapply often.
• Stay Hydrated - Bring a refillable water bottle as many fountains have bottle-filling stations to keep guests cool and hydrated.
• Use Early Entry - Guests staying at Universal hotels and resorts can enjoy early park entry (usually one hour before the general public — double-check exact times for your stay).
• Know the Layout - Epic Universe isn’t connected by foot to the other Universal Orlando theme parks; it's about a 15-minute bus ride away. Luckily, buses frequently run between Epic Universe, Universal hotels, and CityWalk. Epic Universe also has its own dedicated, open-air parking lot.
• Explore New Hotels - Make it a full getaway by staying at one of the three brand-new hotels near Epic Universe: Helios Grand Hotel (located directly in the park), Terra Luna Resort, and Stella Nova Resort.
• Locker Storage - Free standard-sized lockers are available in the queues of select attractions (Hiccup's Wing Gliders, Monster's Unchained, and Stardust Racers), equipped with facial recognition technology for quick and secure access.

Unless noted, photos by the author