It’s been over two decades since a brand-new theme park opened in Central Florida, and theme park lovers are SCREAMING. And crying. And SQUEALING! And sobbing (which any self-respecting emotional wreck knows is completely different from crying).

And why is that? Because Epic Universe—Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new theme park—is ALIVE!

This park is clearly a labor of love. Disney and Universal have always poured incredible attention into environmental storytelling, and Epic Universe is no exception. You’ll leave with looser head and neck muscles because the floor-to-ceiling details will have your head on a swivel the entire time. And even then, you’ll still only notice about 25% of the sights, sounds, and smells crafted to ground you in these fantastical worlds.

Park Tip: Always. Look. UP!

But I’m getting ahead of myself—let’s talk about the lay of the land…s.

Epic Universe has five distinct lands, connected by four “portals.” Celestial Park, the “entrance land,” is the central hub, thematic anchor, and soul of the entire park.

While I’ll often put my foot down about the correct direction to start in a theme park, there’s no wrong way to begin your Epic day. Unlike other parks, there’s no “connective tissue” that gently transitions you from one area to another. There also aren’t restrictive walking paths that force a single flow of traffic (looking at you, EPCOT). Each world is fully self-contained in one of the four corners of the park, with Celestial Park’s open plaza making it easy to orbit toward whichever portal pulls you in the most:
Super Nintendo World™, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, or How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.

There will be full articles diving deep into each of these lands, but for now, let’s stick to an overview of the most important elements:

• Attractions & Entertainment
  
• Food & Drinks
  
• Interactions & Environment

Attractions & Entertainment

The rides at Epic aren’t just rides—they’re vessels for stories. Even Stardust Racers, the most intense roller coaster in the park, was designed so that the only light source is the ride vehicles themselves, making them look like comets streaking through the sky (especially at night).

In a park where the nostalgia is HEAVY, so many attractions brought back the joy of first discovering beloved characters and worlds.

Leaning into turns and launching green shells on Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge instantly transported me back to sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, gripping a controller and thinking my body could help me win the race. And if you think you’ve felt joy before, just wait until you actually race on Rainbow Road.

The one attraction I returned to again and again was Monsters: Unchained. This thrilling motion simulation consistently had one of the lowest wait times in the park. Even with a posted 15–20 minute wait, it felt like a walk-on, which was almost a shame, because the queue’s theming is so rich. I would’ve gladly waited longer just to soak it all in, but I don’t think it’s even possible to catch them all in one visit.

And while most people come to theme parks for the rides, do not sleep on the shows. They are just as innovative and exciting. The Untrainable Dragon and Le Cirque Arcanus both had me in (happy) tears. As someone who is so over VR, these shows completely won me over with their stunning practical effects and puppetry. If I leave a show thinking, “How did they do that?”—I’m a happy girl. It’s amazing what sheer human creativity can accomplish.

Park Tip: Do NOT use the single-rider line for Monsters: Unchained. You’ll miss too much!

Food & Drinks

The freaking YUMS are YUMMING at Epic! Unlike Universal’s other two theme parks, Epic Universe doesn’t have its own CityWalk right outside with a variety of food options, so they went all in on making the food inside the park count. And it shows.

Unfortunately, both my wallet and tummy space were limited, so I couldn’t try everything. But from what I did try, I can confidently say: Epic is about to become the next foodie destination.

I’ve got two words for you: PIZZA. MOON. This is not your standard puffy, flavorless theme park pizza. This is one of the most delectably decadent pizzas I’ve ever had—and that’s saying something because I got it in a theme park.

The purple ube crust? Adorable. The buttery confit garlic, salty pancetta, creamy roasted garlic béchamel, and ricotta? A flavor bomb. I was over the moon (I had to).

The PBJ Mac N Cheese Cone from Isle of Berk is going viral for a reason. This huge, buttery, everything-seasoning-flavored cone is packed with BBQ harissa pulled pork, chopped parsley, and peanut bacon jam.

The mac and cheese itself isn’t grandma-level, but for theme park food? It’s fine.

Park Tip: If you’re one of those cheese-eating lactose intolerants (like me), do not get this cone. This is an “F around and find out” kind of cone. If you do get it—make sure it’s right before you leave the park and you’re no more than 10 minutes from a bathroom once you take your last bite. You paid too much money to spend your day riding the toilet.

Interactions & Environment

Character interactions at Epic Universe are on another level. I don’t want to give too much away and ruin the magic, so I’ll just say this: you need to meet Peach, Mario, and Luigi. They are the most technologically advanced costumed characters I’ve ever seen.

Still, nothing beats a great “face” character interaction. My favorites are on opposite ends of the park—the Vikings of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and the Universal Monsters in Dark Universe. They satisfy the goofy and sinister parts of my soul so perfectly.

I am eternally grateful that the Bride of Frankenstein allowed me to call her my Bestie! And I can think of no higher compliment than Frankenstein’s Monster describing my personality as “garlic” and inviting me to live in Darkmoor so I can repel Dracula just by being myself.

And it’s not just the characters—Epic’s Team Members are an absolute delight. The ones in Dark Universe, in particular, are so committed and fun. Anyone can walk into a restaurant, but being beckoned into a vampire-themed eatery by a slow-curling finger and the words, “My Master would love to have you for dinner,” will have me sprinting toward the entrance.

I truly haven’t stopped thinking about how astounding, innovative, and breathtakingly beautiful Epic Universe is. Recreating the awe of playing your first Super Nintendo game or screaming at the sight of your favorite monster icon is no easy feat, especially when those memories are so deeply cherished.

I’m beyond grateful for Universal’s commitment to wonder and magic. I’m so excited for everyone who gets to experience the joy of entering Epic to find “gardens green and epic worlds to fill {their} dreams.”

6 out of 5 Portals