Epic Universe is the most recent theme park to open in Orlando — the Theme Park Capital of the World — and the third park to open at Common Orlando Resort (the opposite two being Common Studios Florida and Common Islands of Journey). Common can also be dwelling to Volcano Bay water park; the CityWalk eating, purchasing and leisure district; and 11 themed hotels.
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Like Common’s different parks, Epic Universe has lands and sights themed to well-liked leisure franchises. Except for that, Epic Universe takes every part you suppose a couple of theme park and turns it on its head.
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Common Epic Universe. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Epic Universe has 5 immersive worlds, together with Methods to Practice Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Tremendous Nintendo World, Darkish Universe and Celestial Park. You’ll be able to learn our full guide to the five worlds of Epic Universe for a better take a look at the lands and sights in every world, however after spending three days within the park, I’ve amassed a listing of ideas and tips that can enable you take advantage of your go to.
Listed here are 11 tricks to maximize your journey to Epic Universe to save lots of time in line, have extra enjoyable and guarantee your Common trip is nothing in need of epic.
Arrive early and keep late
If you’re staying in any of Common Orlando’s on-site accommodations, you need to use early park admission advantages to enter Epic Universe as much as one hour previous to the posted opening time. Solely choose sights are open throughout this time, however you possibly can ask a staff member or search for signage on the park entrance on the day of your go to to search out out which lands and sights are open for early park admission throughout your go to.
Up to now, Mine-Cart Insanity, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem and Yoshi’s Journey in Tremendous Nintendo World, and Stardust Racers in Celestial Park have constantly been on the early opening record.
Of those, the await Mine-Cart Insanity is often longer all through the day than the others. It’s best to be capable of head there first earlier than the wait climbs too excessive, after which knock out the opposite sights in Tremendous Nintendo World. Or, in case you get one or two sights performed in Tremendous Nintendo World and it is getting near the official park opening time, you can make your solution to one of many different portals to be first in line for the sights in that world.
Alternatively, you can head straight for Stardust Racers and get on this exceptionally thrilling coaster with a really brief wait. Since it’s a dueling coaster, you can probably trip each tracks earlier than the park opens to common daytime visitors.
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Lastly, you can forgo getting on any rides throughout that first hour and line up in entrance of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic to be first in line for Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry when it opens. The identical may very well be stated for different sights, like if you wish to be first to fulfill Hiccup and Toothless in Methods to Practice Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, however Battle on the Ministry often has the longest wait on the park, with wait instances constantly longer than an hour.
If you do not have early park admission, you continue to need to arrive a little bit bit early (about half-hour earlier than gates open) to depart time for getting by way of safety and into the park. I might keep away from Mine-Cart Insanity and Battle on the Ministry till later within the day when wait instances get shorter. You would test wait instances within the Common app to see what’s shortest when the park opens and head there first.
The explanations to remain till closing (or take a break and return later within the day) are twofold. From what I’ve observed to this point, the wait instances drop drastically within the final hour or two earlier than park closing. If there may be something you did not get to earlier within the day or something you need to reride, you ought to be in a position to take action with a brief wait near closing time.
Second, this park shines at night time. Each side of the park modifications as soon as the solar goes down and the park lights come on. (Extra on that later.)
Epic Universe just isn’t a 1-day park
Are you able to get on each trip at Epic Universe in in the future? Most likely. And if all you have got is in the future, you possibly can nonetheless have a good time.
However, in case your schedule and price range enable, two days is the candy spot to get on all of the rides and expertise the opposite issues that make this park so particular, like assembly characters, taking part in the interactive components in every land, seeing the reside exhibits and sitting down for a few good meals.
In two days, you possibly can discover two worlds on the primary day and two worlds on the second. You’ll be able to go to Celestial Park on each days as a result of it’s the central world that you’re going to move by way of to get to the opposite 4 worlds.
Extra time within the park additionally means you possibly can go at a slower tempo and soak up all the main points. You could come throughout a Viking and a child dragon in Methods to Practice Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, meet college students visiting Paris from totally different wizarding colleges in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic or race round Tremendous Nintendo World to see what number of cash you possibly can rack up punching blocks and taking part in mini video games.
For now, you will have to purchase two particular person one-day tickets as a result of there aren’t any multiday Epic Universe tickets, however that ought to change as soon as the park has been open for a bit. Or, if you wish to make a five- to seven-day journey out of it and go to Common’s different parks, you can buy a multiday package deal that features entry to Epic Universe and add an extra one-day Epic Universe ticket for 2 days at Epic.
Methods to maximize 1 day at Epic Universe
For those who solely have in the future to spend at Epic Universe, there are some things you will need to do to maximise your time (along with staying in one in every of Common’s official accommodations so you need to use the early park admission profit).
A number of of the sights at Epic Universe use a single-rider line, which may prevent time in line (so long as you do not thoughts your celebration being break up up and using with strangers).
However the best solution to save time in line and get on extra rides is to buy a Universal Express move, Common’s model of a skip-the-line move. Common Specific enables you to bypass the normal standby line on most sights and use a a lot shorter Specific entrance.
A selected Specific move for Epic Universe is obtainable on the Common Orlando web site beginning at $139.99 per particular person, per day, however you can too buy it at Common accommodations or contained in the park (based mostly on availability). The Epic Universe Specific move lets you skip the road on choose sights as soon as per day.
At present, this is applicable to all Epic Universe sights aside from the next:
- Dragon Racer’s Rally
- Mine-Cart Insanity
- Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry
The one draw back to Common Specific is that you just bypass the standby queue, and a number of the queues at Epic Universe — like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry, all the Tremendous Nintendo World rides and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders — are virtually as spectacular because the rides themselves. If time permits, I might do these rides a second time with out utilizing Specific simply to see the queue and study extra in regards to the story behind the attraction.
For those who solely have in the future, I additionally suggest that you become familiar with the park’s sights earlier than your go to. Use this data to decide on your must-do rides and exhibits in every land. Give attention to these, and any time you have got left over is bonus time to do something you could have missed.
Keep at an Epic Universe lodge
Common opened three new accommodations this 12 months within the neighborhood of Epic Universe. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Common Terra Luna Resort are inside strolling distance of Epic Universe, but in addition provide bus service to the park. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is situated alongside the again of Celestial Park, permitting you to stroll straight by way of the lodge’s non-public entrance and immediately into the park.
Stella Nova and Terra Luna are in Common’s surprisingly budget-friendly Prime Worth lodging class. Costs begin at round $200 per night time for shorter stays and near $175 per night time for stays of 4 nights or longer.
Helios Grand is in Common’s extra upscale Signature assortment, the resort’s highest lodge tier. Which means along with elegant theming, luxurious facilities and an elevated stage of service, you will discover a larger price ticket: near $400 per night time for brief stays and $300 per night time for stays of 4 nights or longer.
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Once you keep at one in every of these three properties, you’re nearer to Epic Universe than in case you stayed at one other Common Orlando lodge. Being nearer to the entrance gate (or again gate in case you keep at Helios Grand) means you may get contained in the park sooner and simply pop out and in of the park for a noon nap or swim.
You will miss lots in case you run from trip to trip
Greater than any theme park I’ve visited, Epic Universe feels alive. Every world has a kinetic power that makes you are feeling such as you’ve truly been transported far, distant from Central Florida (minus the new and humid temperatures).
The rides are technological and storytelling marvels, however there may be a lot extra to this park than rides.
Every world absolutely integrates you as the primary character in your favourite tales. Wish to follow your dragon racing expertise and meet Toothless from “Methods to Practice Your Dragon”? At all times dreamt of being a wizard and touring to the Ministry of Magic through the Floo Community? You are able to do all of that and a lot extra on this enchanting new park.
Throughout my visits, I had an opportunity assembly with the Invisible Man within the Darkish Universe, accomplished the three key challenges essential to face off towards Bowser Jr. and win the Golden Mushroom in Tremendous Nintendo World, and danced alongside to a band taking part in on stage in Celestial Park.
My experiences solely scratch the floor of the adventures you possibly can have that do not contain getting on a trip. My level is, there may be a lot to see and do on this park, and you’ll miss out on a whole lot of it in case you solely give attention to rides.
Epic Universe is much more stunning at night time
Epic Universe is such an aesthetically pleasing park that I may very well be there all day with out getting on a single trip and nonetheless depart content material. And that sentiment is even stronger at night time.
Epic Universe glows with majestic, ethereal gentle after sundown. At night time, every part from the portals into the worlds to the rides and even the eating places takes on a brand new appear and feel. For instance, the massive fountain in Celestial Park modifications from a peaceable physique of water through the day to a colourful, glowing storytelling mechanism through the nighttime fountain present, with colourful fountains and music from the park’s worlds at night time.
Even in case you’ve been within the park all day, it is price popping into every world at night time to see the transformation.
I used to be blown away by how a lot spookier Frankenstein Manor in Darkish Universe felt and the way the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter shone a bit brighter at night time. The sights additionally provide a distinct expertise at midnight. The dueling coaster trains on Stardust Racers streak by way of the night time sky like comets, and the Constellation Carousel animals twinkle as you trip.
Don’t skip the carousel
With so many flagship rides to select from, it may be straightforward to skip what seems to be a basic carousel. In truth, on my first go to, I did skip the Constellation Carousel. I really like a carousel, however I needed to check out the varieties of rides I’ve by no means been on earlier than.
After I lastly did trip Constellation Carousel, it was such a stupendous second that I virtually teared up. Somewhat than a standard carousel, the animals dance round in light, rhythmic circles because the carousel spins to the music, making for a distinct power every time you trip.
And the way in which the animals sparkle at night time makes you are feeling as in case you’ve left Earth and spun proper up into the cosmos.
There are Easter eggs galore
There are far too many Easter eggs and secrets and techniques to record right here, and the simplest solution to study all of them is to talk to the characters and staff members in every world. You’ll be able to decide up bits of data by talking with the monster hunters and different residents of Darkish Universe or the Vikings in Isle of Berk.
However listed here are a couple of of my favorites you can search for in your go to:
You could find the smallest animatronic in Epic Universe inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Search for Newt Scamander’s Bowtruckle, Pickett, within the window of the locksmith store.
Additionally in Wizarding Paris, you may get a peek on the sorcerer’s stone. You will must buy an interactive wand for this one, however there’s a spell-casting spot outdoors Nicolas Flamel’s dwelling subsequent to Le Goblet Noir. Once you carry out the spell efficiently, the sorcerer’s stone (or thinker’s stone, in case you’ve learn the unique British model of the books) will probably be revealed.
The Burning Blade Tavern within the again nook of Darkish Universe is a reproduction of the fiery windmill scene in 1931’s “Frankenstein.” Fortunately, this windmill is not truly on hearth (and you’ll go inside to fulfill monster hunters and drink scrumptious cocktails), however you possibly can see it catch flame about each quarter-hour. Pay attention for the bell tower on the entrance of the land to ring. That’s your sign that the windmill will quickly burst into flame.
If you’re acquainted with the cute (and teeny, tiny) Pikmin, you’re in for a deal with. Not solely can you see them in little nooks and crannies, but in addition you may get a close-up view by way of the binoculars stationed round Tremendous Nintendo World. Search for the binoculars on the second stage throughout from Yoshi’s Journey as you exit Peach’s Fortress. Zoom in on the bush to disclose Pikmin exhausting at work.
For those who look as much as the tippy high of Mead Corridor in Methods to Practice Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, you will see the hut the place Gothi, the village elder, resides. It is tough to see from such a far distance, however in case you zoom in along with your digicam or climb to the highest of the Viking Coaching Camp play space (which you’ll be able to solely enter with youngsters) and use the telescope, it’s best to get a greater view.
For those who look in the back of the Stardust Racers trains earlier than getting on the trip, you will see a small field with lights on the again of the final automotive. It is a Flux Capacitor that allowed Marty and Doc Brown to time journey within the “Again to the Future” movies. Although the trip has nothing to do with the movies, Again to the Future: The Experience was an early attraction at Common Studios Florida (it has since closed), and you’ll nonetheless meet Doc Brown in that park.
The reside exhibits are pretty much as good because the rides
Epic Universe provides two exhibits: “The Untrainable Dragon” in Methods to Practice Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and “Le Cirque Arcanus” within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Did each exhibits carry me to tears? Sure. However my proclivity to being overly emotional is not the one cause I might suggest these exhibits. Each do have their jaw-dropping (or, for some, tear-inducing) particular results, however they’re additionally filled with small, however magical, moments that can carry a smile to your face.
Every present has a couple of 20-minute run time, however I might price range nearer to 45 minutes. You will must arrive early to attend in line and be seated earlier than the present begins.
I can not stress this sufficient: Don’t skip the reside exhibits.
The place to go if it’s essential to cool off
There was a whole lot of commentary on the dearth of shade in Epic Universe, and to that, I might say, “Welcome to Central Florida.” I do not consider this to be an issue particular to Epic Universe, however at a theme park the place the warmth index can climb into the triple digits, it’s useful to know the place to search out shade.
Every world has a minimum of one or two sit-down eating places the place you possibly can order a meal or snack and sit inside for a bit. There are additionally indoor retailers in every land the place you possibly can browse for souvenirs (or just admire the decor if you’re on a price range).
I spent a whole lot of time in Burning Blade Tavern and Das Stakehaus in Darkish Universe, and Mead Corridor in Isle of Berk. They had been darkish and funky and helped restore my power earlier than venturing again out.
A number of rides, together with these in Tremendous Nintendo World, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Battle on the Ministry, all have prolonged indoor queues that can maintain you out of the solar. Stopping to soak up the reside exhibits can even get you a break from the warmth.
I additionally strongly suggest you carry a portable fan and a reusable water bottle. There are bottle refilling stations all around the park — I even noticed some within the trip queues. You can too get free water from the Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines, however do not attempt filling your water bottle with soda. There are sensors within the machines that do not can help you get round paying in your caffeine repair.
Older youngsters may need extra enjoyable than little ones
There are solely two rides at Epic Universe with no peak requirement (Constellation Carousel and Fyre Drill). The vast majority of what I might take into account “kid-friendly” rides at Epic Universe have a minimal peak requirement of 40 inches, so youngsters will in all probability have a greater time as soon as they hit that peak.
It isn’t simply their peak which will offer you pause on reserving that journey. There may be one world that’s meant to be a bit horrifying.
The setting for Darkish Universe is Darkmoor Village, dwelling to monsters and people who hunt them. To provide you an concept of how creepy Darkish Universe is, even I let loose a scream on the world’s premier attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
It isn’t simply the trip that’s scary, both. Once you enterprise into the darkish and spooky Das Stakehaus for lunch or dinner, you will see lifeless vampires (and the stakes that made them that means) on show lining the partitions.
Backside line
Epic Universe is the kind of theme park that lets you select your personal journey. For simply in the future, you is usually a wizard, a dragon tamer, a monster hunter, a online game character or all the above.
However it’s essential to perform a little planning earlier than you possibly can absolutely immerse your self in these fantasy worlds. The following tips will enable you put together in your go to and take advantage of your time at Epic Universe.
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