I visited Universal's new theme park, Epic Universe. I see why some people wouldn't like it, but I'd happily go back.

Epic Universe is Universal's newest theme park — and the first major one to open in Orlando in over 20 years.India AmosI visited Epic Universe, Universal's newest Orlando theme park with five immersive worlds.The park only has 11 rides, but this felt like enough for me, and I enjoyed the ones I went on.Overall, the immersiveness and theming of the worlds blew me away and made my ticket a great value.Universal has officially added another theme park to its Orlando repertoire — and it may be one of its best yet.Epic Universe officially opened to the public on Thursday, and it's the first major theme park to debut in Orlando in over 20 years.It was first officially announced in 2015 and is located a few miles away from Universal's other Florida parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.I've been impressed by Universal's other parks for years and even used to be a season passholder, so I was thrilled to see Epic Universe for myself.I visited the weekend before the park's official opening date and paid $164 for a preview ticket. It came with the caveat that some experiences would not be available since the park was still putting the final touches in place before its grand opening.Here's what my experience was like.Epic Universe consists of five themed worlds.The Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter area looked incredible.India AmosEpic Universe has five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.Since they're all part of Epic Universe and only spread across about 110 acres, they're generally within walking distance from each other.The themed areas feel more impressive than the rides at Epic Universe.Isle of Berk was visually stunning.India AmosWith the massive sculptures and design details, I really felt like I was being transported into each world I visited, which was the highlight of the trip for me.The park also has 11 rides, and I rode at least one in each world. For comparison, Universal Orlando is a bit smaller and has more than double that number of rides.When I visited during previews, only the Curse of the Werewolf (Dark Universe) and Mine-Cart Madness (Super Nintendo World) rides were closed.In terms of worlds, I was most excited to explore the one from the Harry Potter universe.I felt like I was in France.India AmosWhen I first entered the Harry Potter world, I felt immersed in 1920s France. The world is inspired by Place Cachée, which is shown in the franchise's "Fantastic Beasts" movies.There were magical statues, signs, and pretty pastel buildings everywhere I looked. While exploring the world, I even tried the series' famous Butterbeer — my first ever — for $10.It lived up to the hype and was a refreshing drink on a 90-degree day.Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry was my most anticipated ride.The Ministry of Magic felt unreal.India AmosI'm a huge Harry Potter fan who grew up reading the books and watching the movies, so I was most excited about the Battle at the Ministry ride.In order to get to the screen-based ride, guests go through a "Floo" (a magical transportation system in the wizarding world) station from 1920s France to contemporary London.Once there, I got into one of the most visually stimulating queues I've ever seen. I felt like I'd been transported into the Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter movies.Unfortunately, the single-rider line I was in bypassed several of the themed areas of the queue. The parts I did see were spectacular, though.All in all, I waited in line for three hours. The ride itself was exciting and filled with recognizable characters. It felt like a great nod to the Harry Potter world, but I wouldn't wait so long to ride it again unless I could be more fully immersed in the queue.Super Nintendo World felt nostalgic.This isn't the first Super Nintendo World.India AmosThere are several themed Super Nintendo World areas throughout the world, but this is the first one in Florida.It felt incredibly immersive and nostalgic, with giant character statues and item replicas from popular games I used to play as a kid.While here, I rode Yoshi's Adventure, a slow-moving train ride, and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.The latter was my favorite because I got to walk through an impressively themed Bowser's Castle before being transported into my own real-life racing game.Isle of Berk was a pleasant surprise.The mac-and-cheese cone I tried was tasty.India AmosThe Isle of Berk world is based on the "How to Train Your Dragon" movies, which I haven't seen in years. I remember almost nothing about the franchise, so I wasn't particularly excited to visit the world, but I'm so glad I went.While here, I tried the mac-and-cheese cone from Hooligan's Grog and Gruel. I got pork, bacon, and jam mac and cheese inside a garlic-bread cone, which was really tasty. That and a bottle of water cost around $23.Later in the day, I came back and rode Dragon Racer's Rally. It didn't look like much and was a pretty short ride, but it was fun to control my "dragon." I like that riders could use handles to make the experience as intense or relaxing as they want.I didn't have time for the other rides in this land — Fyre Drill (an interactive boat ride) and Hiccup's Wing Gliders (a family-friendly coaster).Celestial Park was beautiful, and I loved its coaster.Stardust Racers is a classic roller coaster.India AmosThemed after stars and constellations, Celestial Park has a lot of fun decorations and statues.Its standout ride is definitely Stardust Racers. It's the biggest roller coaster in Epic, and it was a fun, fast-paced thrill ride I'd go on again.The other ride in this world is Constellation Carousel, but I didn't have time for it. It seemed to be a typical carousel, and it looked beautiful with its vibrant colors and starry patterns.I enjoyed Dark Universe more than I thought I would.I ate at Das Stakehaus.India AmosDark Universe's theme is all about classic monsters and creatures, from vampires to Frankenstein. I don't usually gravitate toward spooky things, so I wasn't sure how much I'd like it.However, I enjoyed Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a dark ride into the world of Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolf Man, and other iconic creatures.Later in the afternoon, I headed to Das Stakehaus, one of this world's quick-service eateries, for lunch. I got a "blood" orange chicken sandwich complete with a black bun and a slice of red velvet cake shaped like a coffin. It cost around $27.The meal was satisfying, and I enjoyed sitting inside the chilled vampire-themed restaurant to get a break from the heat.In total, I spent about $60 on food and drinks.The Butterbeer was nice and refreshing.India AmosEverything I ate and drank at Epic Universe was good and cost typical slightly-high-theme-park prices.Although I didn't order very much throughout the day, I still spent $60 on food and a drink for one person. My favorite buy was the $10 Butterbeer, and I will definitely get it next time I visit one of the parks.All in all, I recommend visiting Epic Universe.Since Epic Universe places such a heavy emphasis on world immersion and storytelling, I think 11 rides are enough for this park.India AmosI was at Epic Universe from the time it opened at 9 a.m. until around 6 p.m.My ticket seemed like a solid value, plus it'd cost me about $20 less now that I'm able to use my Florida resident discount.I think the park is especially great for adults looking for an ambient vacation with a little fun sprinkled in. It's probably not ideal for those seeking thrills, and I've seen some people online criticizing the park as not having enough rides. That said, the number of rides didn't disappoint me. I didn't even go on all 11, and I still didn't leave feeling like I needed more. Plus, the rides I did go on were enjoyable.After all, Epic Universe really shines with its world-building and storytelling. If you want to be immersed in stunning lands inspired by pop culture and famous franchises, this park is worth a visit.Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

The crypto industry saw Trump as a champion. Some now fear he's putting personal profits first

washington times

Comments

Business News

The crypto industry saw Trump as a champion. Some now fear he's putting personal profits first

Senate votes to block California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035

Tax bill passed by House Republicans would gut Biden-era clean energy tax credits

Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage rises to 6.86%, its highest level since mid-February

Panic as families face new £500k tax sting after Rachel Reeves changes

Princess of Wales officially names HMS Glasgow on the Clyde

Historic Scotch whisky firm parts company with chief executive

New coffee roastery launches on remote Scottish peninsula

Owner of famous Glasgow bar forecasts £130m cost rise

Microsoft fires employee who interrupted CEO’s speech to protest AI tech for Israel

Jamie Dimon sounds alarm on risk of stagflation as Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ passes House

Adidas, Puma expected to hike prices due to tariffs following Nike’s lead: ‘Moment they were waiting for’

Iconic alcoholic drink on tap for first time in pubs across the UK

Gunnar Henderson On Baltimore Orioles’ Rough Start To The Season: ‘It’s Hard’

Congress’s High-Stakes Gamble: Repealing California’s Clean Car And Truck Programs

WNBA: Why It's Hard To Ignore Racism In Angel Reese Vs. Caitlin Clark Rivalry

How The Nairobi City Thunder Is Monetising Community Engagement To Build A Basketball Brand

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Reviews Are Positive, But Some Critics Have Big Issues

Fei-Fei Li Warns of A.I. Innovation Risks Amid US Research Funding Cuts

Martin Lewis urges Brits to do 1 thing now to 'save massively' on energy bills

M&S shoppers urged to be on 'high alert' after cyber attack

FTSE 100 slides after jump in UK Government borrowing

Spring home-selling season off to terrible start as April sales fall more than expected

Billionaire Google co-founder Sergey Brin donates $700M worth of stock — but recipients are a mystery

Benson Boone Pushes Multiple Singles To New Chart Peaks

Here’s How OpenAI’s Deal For IPhone Designer Jony Ive Affects Apple

House Passes Trump Tax Bill After Marathon Session, Now It Moves To The Senate

From Passion To Commerce: Inside The Superfan Economy With Fave

UFC 317 Co-Main Event Pantoja Vs. Kara-France Opening Betting Odds

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Brings Indian Culture To Cannes 2025

Saks Global And Authentic Seek To Take Control Of Luxury Market

Netflix’s Best New Mystery Show Has A Perfect 100% On Rotten Tomatoes

Unlike CVS, Walgreens Interested In Rite Aid Patient Files, Not Stores

‘Murderbot’ EP David S. Goyer On Alexander Skarsgård And Staying True To Martha Wells’ Books

Drake Scores His First Hit On A Chart He’s Never Seen Before

Cirrus Aircraft’s Safety Focus Has Been Good For Business

Diddy Trial: Kid Cudi Testifies Sean Combs Broke Into His House Before His Car Was Firebombed

Judge Blocks Trump’s Dismantling Of Department Of Education

Amazon's huge chocolate boxes from Cadbury, Nestle and Celebrations are all slashed in price

More shoppers struggling with 'pay later' part of Klarna

Government to dump 'Tesla Tax' on new electric cars introduced in April as industry warns it's stifling EV demand

Wall Street sees mixed trading as 'big, beautiful bill' competes with bond market worries

ABC brass urges 'The View' hosts to tone down the Trump criticism

Disney CEO Bob Iger, ABC News boss told ‘The View’ hosts to tone down anti-Trump criticism: report

Billionaire investor Julia Koch eyes stake in NY Giants: report

Microsoft bars employees from using words ‘Palestine,’ ‘Gaza’ and ‘genocide’ in internal emails: report

Cucumber recall linked to salmonella outbreak sickening dozens across 15 states — including NY

Meta to label more workers as ‘low performers’ — months after sweeping layoffs

Partially funded teacher pay rise may lead to cuts to school provision – unions

Meet Trading 212’s Ivan Ashminov, the entrepreneur disrupting the world of UK finance

Holiday warning for ANYONE going abroad that could cost you £466 extra

Legendary UK retailer set to return 13 years after collapsing into administration and shutting 240 stores

Singapore-Based Fintech Unicorn Airwallex Raises $300 Million

What Do We Really Mean When We Say Culture?

Pandora Jewelry Opens First U.S. Flagship Store Despite Tariff Headwinds

‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Films ‘Neagley’ Cameo And Teases Season 4

$40 Billion Of M&A In 4 Years But More ‘May’ Follow, Says Emerson COO

French Open 2025: Iga Swiatek Handed Tough Draw In Title Defense

What Is The Right Price To Pay For Drugs? Part II

Billie Eilish Reaches A Chart Milestone For The First Time