As one of the fortunate few to visit Universal Epic Universe for its grand opening celebration, I set out to explore every corner of this ambitious new theme park and dive headfirst into every attraction it has to offer. My verdict? Epic Universe definitely lives up to its name.
If you have all the time in the world, I’d recommend doing virtually everything. But I also know that many family vacations are all about prioritizing the must-dos over the nice-to-dos. That’s why I’ve narrowed down this list to highlight the shows and rides you absolutely cannot skip. If you want to make sure you’re experiencing the very best attractions at Universal Epic Universe, this is the guide for you.
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Contents
1. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Monsters Unchained is one of the most impressive theme park rides anywhere in the world, and it’s also a masterclass in queue design. This ride is so good that I did it three times in a single day including once just to fully take in the immersive set. You enter through the front gates of Frankenstein Manor (now owned by Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of Victor Frankenstein) and enjoy two entertaining preshows that showcase some of the most advanced animatronics I’ve ever seen. With the stage set for a creepy gothic story involving classic Universal monsters such as Dracula, the Wolf-Man, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, you’ll be off on a ride that’s exhilarating from start to finish.
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Employing robotic arm technology that will be familiar to anyone who’s previously ridden Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is an even smoother and more dynamic experience, easily the new gold standard for motion simulator thrill rides. The elaborate narrative features more than a dozen truly lifelike animatronics (some of which are mind-bogglingly enormous) melded with both digital and practical effects including both fire blasts and a light spray of water. It’s a substantial ride, too, coming in around five full minutes of thrills once you’re strapped into the vehicle.
2. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is the standout family roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe. Set within the park’s fantastically themed How to Train Your Dragon land, Isle of Berk, it’s not too scary for kids (reaching a max speed of 45 mph) but it packs more than enough punch to thrill teens and adults. The ride’s narrative sees you soaring over water features and through the skies of Berk with Hiccup and Toothless guiding you back to safety.
What sets Hiccup’s Wing Gliders apart is its seamless blend of storytelling and ride mechanics. The coaster features animatronic figures and onboard audio, creating an immersive mini-story that leads to a memorable finale. Even if you’ve never seen any of the How to Train Your Dragon movies, there’s every chance you’ll be swept up by the ride like I was and disembark with a grin on your face. My 15-year-old and I kept coming back to it for repeat rides, and we’re complete newbies when it comes to this particular fantasy world.
3. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Epic Universe’s flagship Harry Potter attraction transports you into the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic to witness the trial of sadistic former Hogwarts professor Dolores Umbridge, played once again with delicious wickedness by Dame Imelda Staunton, reprising her role from the films. After traveling via the Métro-Floo (and some time-turning magic) from 1920s Paris to the modern-day British Ministry, you’ll get a first-hand look at Umbridge’s escape attempt alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione (voiced convincingly by sound-alike actors filling in for the original trio) as well as a new house-elf named Higgledy.
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A masterful blend of physical sets, animatronics, and projection mapping is used to bring to life a brand-new story set within the Potterverse. The attention to detail is evident throughout, from the queue’s authentic Ministry decor to the ride vehicles themselves, designed as enchanted lifts that move omnidirectionally to simulate the sensation of navigating the Ministry’s whimsically complex architecture. Better yet, you don’t need to be deeply immersed in the Harry Potter lore to enjoy this ride, which is both intricately themed and entirely able to stand on its own as a theme park experience for non-Potterheads.
4. Mine-Cart Madness
The headlining attraction within Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an augmented reality dark ride, but I found the Donkey Kong-themed Mine-Cart Madness to be much more fun. Located in the Donkey Kong Country section, this herky-jerky coaster creates the illusion that you’re leaping over broken mine tracks just like in the video games. There are sudden drops, sharp turns, and the simulated “jumps” achieved through a hidden track system beneath the visible rails. It’s bumpy and chaotic and a little bit crazy, but with a height requirement of just 40 inches, it’s still accessible to a wide range of riders.
5. Le Cirque Arcanus
There are two shows at Epic Universe: “The Untrainable Dragon” in the How to Train Your Dragon land and “Le Cirque Arcanus” in the Harry Potter land. FamilyVacationist’s senior theme parks editor Megan duBois loved the How to Train Your Dragon show, but it was only okay for me. The one that completely charmed me is “Le Cirque Arcanus,” a theatrical experience that combines live performers and dazzling special effects to bring a nearly 30-minute show to life.
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The storyline follows ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase full of magical creatures in an attempt to revive his failing circus. The show blends humor and impressive circus-style antics in a display that also sees Eddie Redmayne reprise his role as Newt Scamander in newly filmed scenes just for the show. Don’t let anyone tell you this is “just a puppet show” (and don’t let anyone spoil any of the set surprises, either). I went in with no expectations and left convinced I’d just seen one of the best attractions at Epic Universe.
6. Stardust Racers
The best way to describe this incredible dual-launching roller coaster is just “wow.” Located in the Celestial Park area of Epic Universe, this coaster puts you on one of two space-themed cars that “race across the cosmos” at speeds in excess of 60 mph. Spanning 5,000 feet of track and soaring to heights of 133 feet, it’s the tallest and fastest coaster in the park.
But that’s not all it has going for it. The signature “Celestial Spin” sees the two tracks intertwine in a sort of graceful vertical corkscrew that will take your breath away. I don’t usually like extreme coasters, and while this is not a ride for the faint of heart, I couldn’t help going back for a second (and third) ride on the rails. It’s especially cool at night when the illuminated cars look like streaking comets against the darkened tracks.
More from FamilyVacationist:
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