It’s been six hotly anticipated years since Universal Orlando Resort announced that a new park was going to be added to the theme park capital of the world for the first time in a quarter of a decade.
And now Universal EPIC Universe is almost ready to be open to the public.
Made up of five worlds and three stunning new hotels (including one located within the park), this new landmark is double the size of Universal’s existing theme parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
It’s also home to 13 thrilling rides, over 10 unique shows and experiences (including character meet and greets), and 28 delicious dining options.
I’m one of the first, lucky adrenaline junkies to get the chance to explore the new theme park before its grand opening on 22 May 2025.
Here’s my honest review of each of the massive park’s new worlds…
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Every Universal park around the world – excluding Singapore – has a Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, so it’s unsurprising that EPIC Universe has had one built too.
Scott Da Silva-Wells is one of the first, lucky adrenaline junkies to get the chance to explore the new Universal theme park, EPIC Universe, before its grand opening on 22 May 2025
in the Ministry of Magic park, Scott is transported to 1920s Paris, and gets the chance to shop a new range of wands at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique
The Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry Ride (pictured) in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Scott’s favourite ride
As I walk through this Ministry of Magic park, I’m transported to 1920s Paris, and get the chance to shop a new range of wands at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, and witness the brilliant Le Cirque Arcanus show, in which mischievous Ringmaster Skender steals Newt Scamander’s briefcase.
Harry Potter fans will be thrilled to know Eddie Redmayne reprises his role of Newt for this show, as does Imelda Staunton for the exhilarating Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry ride.
Here, us Muggles are transported to a life-sized, full-scale Ministry of Magic to attend the trial of Dolores Umbridge, played by Imelda, and the level of detail leaves me speechless.
In the queue alone, I get to meet Dolores’ sassy house-elf, called Higgledy, and step through the Floo Network, a mode of wizarding transportation, as green steam dramatically fills the space behind us.
And the ride itself? Without giving too much away, it’s a spectacle that has to be witnessed.
It’s a truly immersive experience that’s not just the crown jewel of this park, but the entire EPIC Universe.
How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
On paper, it may seem that the How To Train Your Dragon area would be more catered towards families, but this is a place for any age.
Pictured is a rendering of EPIC Universe’s new park
As I enter the park based on the animated movies, I’m greeted by two 40-foot statues situated in the river that flows around it.
I venture around and have the opportunity to meet and greet some of the most beloved dragons from How To Train Your Dragon, and take a break in Mead Hall to indulge in some tasty culinary creations.
My favourite part of this world is Hiccups Wing Gliders, a family-friendly, smooth rollercoaster that packs a punch with its speed, and twists and turns, soaring us through the air around the Isle of Berk.
The Untrainable Dragon stage show also puts the West End to shame.
The production value is phenomenal with excellent performers, an immersive set and a life-size Toothless flying above the crowd.
Dark Universe
Beware of iconic horror characters, such as Dracula, The Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s Monster, as you enter the spooky village of Darkmoor.
Touring through the Transylvanian-inspired world, I stop off at Das Stakehaus for an impressive, immersive dining experience, and am offered the chance to transform into one of the monsters with the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience – which I decline.
Dark Universe, the Transylvanian-inspired world in EPIC Universe
Pictured is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which Scott says ‘may just be Universal Orlando’s most terrifying and intense ride yet’
One of my top rides of the whole EPIC Universe is in Dark Universe – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
It may just be Universal Orlando’s most terrifying and intense ride yet as I come face-to-face with 14 impressive animatronics that nearly make my soul jump out to join the ride.
While I adore this world, I think it would be best to experience once the sun has set, in order to add to the spooky atmosphere.
Super Nintendo World
I’m thrusted into the world of Super Mario at Super Nintendo World, where I get to jump into one of the most-loved video games.
Double the size of the same areas in Hollywood and Japan, I’m greeted with an overload of the senses as nearly everything, except the floor, moves.
After riding Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure, I head around to Donkey Kong Country – the only one of its kind outside of Universal Studios Japan.
Here, Mine-Cart Madness puts optical illusions to the test as I travel along broken tracks, dramatic drops and speed surges.
‘On leaving Super Nintendo World, I have to take a moment to breathe and register what I’ve witnessed as there’s so much going on all around,’ says Scott
It’s a firm favourite among my fellow riders.
On leaving Super Nintendo World, I take a moment to breathe and register what I’ve witnessed as there’s so much going on all around.
Celestial Park
The beating heart of the park, Celestial Park is home to dancing fountains, tranquil gardens, and flowing, shimmering waters surrounding the dazzling Constellation Carousel.
This area is a place for people to take a moment from exploring and soak up the atmosphere, and it also serves as the gateway to the portals for the four additional worlds.
The best part of this area is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch rollercoaster that reaches speeds of 62 mph as it sends riders rocketing along its 5,000ft of track, and to heights of 133ft.
It comes a close second for my favourite ride at EPIC Universe.
The thrilling part? The ‘Celestial Spin’, which sees the two vehicles perform an inverted crisscross.
Scott’s verdict? ‘Overall, Universal has changed the game with EPIC Universe, as the level of detail, theming and scale has sky-rocketed of out this world’
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, where guests can stay in the park
It might look like you’re going to crash but, rest assured, you wont.
Verdict
Overall, Universal has changed the game with EPIC Universe, as the level of detail, theming and scale has sky-rocketed of out this world.
If this is what Universal can do now, who knows just how incredible the new UK theme park will be when it opens in Bedford in 2031.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .