Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park, Epic Universe, opens next month on May 22. The remaining wave of general admission tickets for 2025, including one- and two-day options, recently went on sale last month. However, before the first paid customer steps inside its gates, Epic Universe needs a final stress test with humans in the park.
In the weeks leading up to Epic Universe’s debut, Universal employees, their friends, and family attended the first previews of the park ahead of invited media or the general public. These previews gave the outside world the first glimpse of what will change the Orlando theme park landscape.
The earliest previews did not allow photography, so guests fortunate to attend relied on their first reactions to gauge Epic Universe’s potential for success. Across the board, preview attendees praised the park for its attention to detail and wide array of offerings for the entire family.
A Thrill Seeker’s Paradise
Fans love Universal Orlando Resort for its gripping roller coasters like VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. That tradition continues at Epic Universe with several new rides that promise heart-pounding screams.
After attending an early preview, Mikkel Woodruff, Editor of Sometimes Home, shares her initial thoughts on Epic Universe. “Universal has upped the ante with Epic Universe,” she says. Woodruff notes that Epic Universe solidifies Universal Orlando Resort “as the top theme park destination for thrill rides and superior visual technologies.”
Woodruff observed an impressive mix of attractions and entertainment for all thrill-seekers and age levels. She adds, “The new roller coasters throughout the park are superb and incredibly varied, and the screens used in stage shows and the design of the portals that lead to each land are jaw-dropping.”
Roller coaster enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at Epic Universe. The first land guests enter Celestial Park, which includes Stardust Racers, a dueling coaster. “Pro tip: keep your head firmly pressed to the back of your seat to avoid a headache when it accelerates to 62 miles per hour,” Woodruff shares.
Epic Universe does not confine its thrills to roller coasters alone. Immersive lands, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, bring heart-pounding experiences to guests before boarding a single ride. Woodruff advises future visitors of Epic Universe to “prepare to be in awe” at “the spectacular queue of the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” attraction.
There will likely be long lines for these new attractions when the park opens. Universal Express Pass for Epic Universe isn’t available during previews but will be offered soon after the park opens to guests.
Something For Everyone
Families seeking top-level thrills and those wanting to explore the park at a more leisurely pace will find plenty to see and do. Early preview attendees like Woodruff encourage guests to stop and smell the roses. “The park is stunning through and through with gorgeous landscaping and expert artistic finishes at every turn,” she says.
John Hoyt of the See.UO Facebook page also praises Epic Universe’s “unparalleled” attention to detail. Hoyt continues, “From the park entrance to the ride queues and restaurants, Universal has meticulously crafted every element, ensuring that no detail, no matter how small, is overlooked.”
Epic Universe’s commitment to providing a wide range of options extends to dining. Woodruff continues, “Practically speaking, there is no lack of food and drink options. I highly recommend the tomato tarte at Cafe L’air De La Sirene at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic if you like goat cheese and warm, flaky French pastries; it exceeded expectations.”
Between Epic Universe’s five lands, guests will discover uniquely themed dining options that cater to various palates and budgets. Table service restaurants include Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant in Celestial Park. Social media-worthy snacks abound in Super Nintendo World and How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Another land, Dark Universe, caters to different fear levels as well. Dark Universe pays homage to the classic Hollywood monsters from the earliest years of Universal Studios. The bravest guests will face state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics on Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Younger adventurers will love transforming into their favorite monster in Dark Universe at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.
If a roller coaster sounds too hair-raising, Hoyt recommends slowing down for an equally enjoyable time at Epic Universe. “I could easily spend a week wandering the park, simply appreciating the quality and sheer effort invested in every area,” he says. “This park is going to be an instant classic.”
Early previews indicate Epic Universe will satisfy all theme park guests, from thrill seekers to foodies and everyone in between.