Universal’s Epic Universe is the newest and most immersive theme park experience in Orlando, Florida and it’s tailor-made for families who love thrills, storytelling, and unforgettable adventures. This next-level park by Universal Orlando Resort introduces five distinct lands, each with its own fully themed environment, groundbreaking attractions, and interactive experiences.
The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Family Trip to Universal’s Epic Universe
We took a family trip to Orlando, Florida last month and got to experience Epic Universe for one day….and let me say, one day is definitely not enough time to see and do it all! But, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for spending one day at Epic Universe to help you pack as much fun as you can into this memorable family trip!
First off, I HIGHLY recommend setting your expectations accordingly…or you may walk away a bit disappointed. Don’t focus so much on doing all of the rides…instead focus on exploring the lands, connecting with the characters, and finding the hidden gems that make Epic Universe…..well, EPIC!
This post will give you a broad overview of Epic Universe, then I also have some posts listed below that will break down each land for you and help you find those hidden gems.
Table of Contents
Why Families Will Love Epic Universe
Epic Universe is more than just a theme park, it’s an opportunity for families to step into story-driven lands, interact with beloved characters, and experience cutting-edge rides that are as entertaining as they are immersive.
From roller coasters to interactive wand play, the park is built for kids, teens, and adults alike. It’s also conveniently connected to new on-site hotels with special perks for those staying at Universal Orlando Resorts.
The Worlds of Epic Universe
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
One of the most sought after worlds at Epic Universe is the highly popular Harry Potter themed land. This Parisian-meets-magical world brings guests into the heart of 1920s wizarding society, complete with cobblestone streets, magical storefronts, and the Battle at the Ministry ride.
This is a world that I would save for later in the evening because it will be packed first thing in the morning with Harry Potter fans rushing to ride Battle at the Ministry of Magic. Plus, in the evening, this land comes alive with lights and magic!
Must-do: Don’t miss the Living Portraits Character Experience in the back alley across from Le Goblet Noir… it’s one of the most personal and charming character interactions in the entire park.
📌 Read these blog posts:
2. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This colorful, cliffside village is filled with dragons, Viking games, and water rides. It’s the most family-friendly zone in the park and perfect for younger kids, tweens, teens, and anyone who loves the How to Train Your Dragon series.
We accidentally rope dropped this land and if I could go back in time, I would head on over to Dark Universe first. Isle of Berk is the first land you come to when entering Epic Universe so everyone just walks right into it following the crowd. Unfortunately, this means LARGE crowds which translates to LONG wait times. I recommend heading over here around lunchtime…you can grab a delicious meal at Mead Hall and enjoy the land once the initial crowds have dispersed.
Must-do: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is the one ride you absolutely shouldn’t miss…smooth, thrilling, and full of spectacular views.
Dining Tip: Eat at Mead Hall—great food and the theming is top-notch.
📌 Don’t Miss these blog posts on Isle of Berk:
3. Super Nintendo World
Gamers and nostalgia fans, this land is a dream come true. Race on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, punch question blocks with your Power-Up Band, and explore the Mushroom Kingdom with your kids.
One of the most impressive lands in all of Epic Universe is definitely Super Nintendo World. You enter the portal through a green pipe and the escalator takes you upstairs where you emerge right in the center of the video game. My family was in complete awe… even my teenager was smiling ear to ear!
Must-do: Interact with the games throughout the land to collect digital coins—this keeps teens especially engaged!
📌 Learn More About Super Nintendo World:
4. Celestial Park
This is the central hub of Epic Universe…a cosmic garden full of fountains, celestial architecture, and the towering Stardust Racers dueling coaster. Take a break from all the lines and enjoy the fountain show in front of the Grand Helios Hotel…it’s quite spectacular!
Must-do: Take time to explore this area at night…it’s beautifully lit and a great spot for family photos.
The Secret Picture Spot at Epic Universe You Don’t Want to Miss:
In the video below I share the exact spot you’ll want to take your family travel pics at Epic Universe:
5. Dark Universe – The Land You Want to Rope Drop!!
THIS is the land you want to hit right at rope drop!!
This land is often overlooked first thing in the morning because everyone is either rushing to grab a spot to ride Battle at the Ministry in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or their going with the flow of guests straight into Isle of Berk… or they have early admission and are already hanging out in Super Nintendo World. Which means Dark Universe is pretty empty….giving you the freedom to explore and ride the rides without the crowds and long lines.
Perfect for older kids and teens, this eerie land inspired by Universal Monsters includes a major Frankenstein-themed ride and atmospheric walk-throughs. Don’t miss out on the character experiences here….they are top notch!
Parental Note: While it is considered a MUST DO ride, Monster’s Unchained may be too intense for little ones.
📌 Don’t Miss these blog posts on Dark Universe:
Tips for Families Visiting Epic Universe
- Visit during the school year off-peak times for lighter crowds.
- Stay at Universal’s new on-site hotels for early access and park-to-park convenience.
- Use the Epic Universe app to track wait times, mobile order food, and locate rest areas.
- Bring your own Power-Up Bands or wands from previous visits…they’ll still work in this new park!
- Pack a Reusable Water Bottle, you can refill water for free at the Coca Cola Freestyle machines all over the park!
- Don’t forget an umbrella… and not for the rain but to shade yourself from the sun. This new park has very little shade because the trees haven’t matured yet.
- SPF is a MUST on this trip… since there’s limited shade, the sun gets intense in this theme park!
Final Thoughts
Universal’s Epic Universe is a game-changer for family travel. With its themed lands, interactive experiences, and thoughtful design, it offers something special for every age group—from toddlers to teens to parents. As this park opens and evolves, I’ll be diving into each area with detailed reviews, insider tips, and family-focused travel guides.
📌 Start Planning Your Family Trip to Epic Universe:
- Hidden Gems at The Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe
- Hidden Gems at The Isle of Berk in Epic Universe
- Hidden Gems at Dark Universe in Epic Universe