We are reeling from our Epic Universe sneak peek during the park’s technical rehearsal. Exploring the park before it officially opened was a thrill, and sharing the adventure with our son and youngest daughter made it special.
Although we loved nearly everything about the park, there are a few things that we cannot stop talking about. We want to share our Epic Universe favorites so you can make the most of your trip.
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Meet the Team
I will give you four unique perspectives, but knowing a little about each evaluator is essential.
Our daughter, Erynn, is in her early 20s. She enjoys theme parks (mainly Disney), scary movies, Mario games, and the Harry Potter movies.
Our son, Tanner, is in his mid-20s. He loves sports, video games, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and theme parks.
My wife, Julie, is in her early 50s. She loves all things Disney and trying new foods and drinks. Julie is willing to try almost any ride but easily gets motion sick. She loves Harry Potter and is a casual gamer.
Scott, your author, is in his mid-50s. I love theme parks and trying new foods and drinks. Despite a fear of heights, I can ride most roller coasters. Due to the height and slow speeds, I do not enjoy Ferris wheels. Like Julie, I love the Harry Potter books and films and am a casual gamer.
Now that you have met the team, let’s dig into our Epic Universe favorites. As Mario says, “Here we go!”
Best Ride
Epic Universe currently has eleven rides across its five worlds. We enjoyed all the park rides as a group, but here are the standouts.
Erynn
Monsters Unchained is my favorite attraction. Walking through the queue gets you excited to ride, and I love all the monsters featured in the attraction.
My honorable mention pick is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The queue is fantastic, and I love the Metro-Floo experience, where you walk through a flash of green light and into the massive room at the British Ministry of Magic.
I only dislike the Battle at the Ministry ride because you must secure a spot through the virtual queue. We spent too much time on our phones trying to get the opportunity to ride instead of enjoying the park.
Tanner
My favorite is riding Stardust Racers at night. I love how the illuminated cars speed alongside each other. It’s a cool experience.
My honorable mention is the Battle at the Ministry. The level of detail is unparalleled. You feel like you are genuinely at the Ministry. Everything is so real, making it a top-notch attraction and one of the best rides in any park.
Julie
My favorite is Stardust Racers. I love the dual launch coaster and being side by side with the other car. It feels like the twin coasters are dancing in the air.
My honorable mention is Hiccup’s Wing Gliders in the Isle of Berk. The ride is smooth, and you feel like you are riding a dragon.
Scott
I grew up riding roller coasters at Cedar Point, so I have an affinity for that type of ride. My top pick is Stardust Racers. It is unique because the twin coasters criss-cross often and accelerate again in the middle of the ride. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best roller coasters I have ever experienced.
My honorable mention is Battle at the Ministry. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and the attraction brings the world to life in the queue and on the ride. Seeing the world come to life in such a big and fantastic way is surreal.
Best Themed World
Each Epic Universe world has the most immersive theming we have ever seen. Theming stays on point with water fountains, restrooms, and accessibility signs. It is incredible.
Erynn
My favorite is Dark Universe. Frankenstein Manor towers over the land, setting a dark ambience. The world comes to life with spooky music, energy pulses, and blue flickering lights. And I love how you hear people screaming from the Curse of the Werewolf ride.
Tanner
My favorite is Super Nintendo World. You are in the middle of it as soon as you walk in. The land includes everything you would expect from a Mario game, including mushrooms, shells, and Piranha plants. It truly feels out of this world, and it pulls you in.
The details in Bowser’s Castle within the Mario Kart queue are awesome. You feel like a kid again.
Julie
My favorite is Dark Universe. I like Halloween, and this world feels like a year-round Halloween celebration. I love it.
Scott
I also give the nod to Dark Universe. Most theme parks romanticize fairy tales and heroes. Dark Universe caters to our dark side, and not just at Halloween. The roaming characters exhibit dark humor or mischievous behavior. It is a lot of fun.
As an honorable mention, I will say do not sleep on the Isle of Berk. The massive world is so detailed. I love seeing all the Viking and dragon-themed elements. It is a must-see as well.
Favorite Portal
Guests go through portals to access each of the five worlds. The novel concept fits perfectly with the park’s hub-and-spoke layout and commitment to fully immersive worlds.
Erynn
I love the Super Nintendo World portal. Going through a warp pipe is a dream come true, and the noises make you feel like you are in a game.
Tanner
I love the Ministry of Magic portal. When you walk around the bend, the world really wows you, and the 1920s Paris scene is so cool and unique.
Julie
My favorite is the Dark Universe portal. I love the purple color and the electricity zapping through it. The whole park feels alive when you walk through and hear the dinging of the bells.
Scott
I love going through the Ministry of Magic portal. After crossing through and looking back, you see the massive arch with its ornate details of magical creatures and the giant phoenix at the top. It is a powerful reminder that you have stepped into another world.
Best Savory Food
Each themed world offers many delicious savory dishes and snacks. Here are our Epic Universe favorites.
Erynn
I love the Baguette de Dinde from Cafe L’air De La Sirene in the Ministry of Magic world. It consists of turkey, apple slices, brie, and arugula topped with mustard and apple butter and served on a warm baguette. Apple and turkey flavors complement each other perfectly, and the baguette is crisp. The salad that comes with it is well-dressed and tasty.
Tanner
Two dishes stand out for me. My top pick is Stoick’s Steak Bowl from Spit Fyre Grill in the Isle of Berk. It is sticky rice topped with tenderloin steak, roasted balsamic mushrooms, sweet potato hash, Manchego cheese, and horseradish sauce. It is outstanding, especially for a theme park.
I also love the Big Bang Burger at the Meteor Astropub in Celestial Park. The burger is topped with whiskey bacon jam, beer cheese sauce, bacon, lettuce, and tomato and served on a potato bun. That bacon jam is fantastic!
Julie
I also like Stoick’s Steak Bowl from Spit Fyre Grill. It feels healthy, and I love the sweet potato hash.
Scott
My two standouts are the Baguette de Dinde from Cafe L’air De La Sirene and Stoick’s Steak Bowl. I love the combination of the brie, apples, and turkey on the sandwich. That steak bowl is incredible. I quickly devoured it.
Best Sweet Food
Sampling sweet treats is one of our favorite things at any theme park. Epic Universe does not disappoint!
Erynn
My pick is the butterbeer crepes (Bieraubeurre Crepe). Butterbeer drizzle, strawberries, and cream top delicate crepes containing butterbeer cream. The crepes have a nice amount of filling and a good consistency. Ironically, they do not remind me at all of a butterbeer drink.
Tanner
I love the orange whoopie pie from How to Treat Your Dragon in the Isle of Berk. Of course, I have a soft spot for orange and creamsicle flavored treats. The flavor and theming of the whoopie pie are excellent, though.
Julie
I have two standouts. The baklava at Le Gobelet Noir in the Ministry of Magic world is tasty but not too sweet. It has a good texture. Plus, I enjoy the atmosphere of the somewhat hidden eatery.
I also enjoyed the Labotocotta from Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe. It is a Greek yogurt vanilla panna cotta covered in raspberry sauce. It looks like a brain covered in blood.
I love the theming. Plus, that raspberry sauce is delicious! It feels like a breakfast dish of yogurt and fruit rather than a dessert.
Scott
I do not just like butterbeer crepes; I love them. And this was unexpected.
Usually, when I drink a butterbeer, the flavor becomes too sweet halfway through. That does not happen with the crepes. The taste is not too rich or sweet. It is perfect from the first bite to the last.
Best Adult Beverage
You will discover plenty of adult drink options in every land except Super Nintendo World. While we enjoyed the colorful drinks from Bar Moonshine in the Ministry of Magic, none of those concoctions made our list of best drinks.
What are our Epic Universe favorites?
Erynn
I like the Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, served throughout the Ministry of Magic world. It is light, refreshing, and has citrus notes.
Tanner
My favorite drink is actually served in the Universal Stella Nova Resort, a 5-minute walk from the park. The Orion is vodka shaken with mandarin orange syrup, citrus-sour juice, and orange juice. It can be found at the Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill, adjacent to the outdoor pool.
My favorite beverage in the park is the Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc. It is a smooth-drinking beer with citrus notes.
Julie
I love the Kunuku Daiquiri with rum, a refreshing frozen drink with a great strawberry flavor. You can find it at CelesTiki, a walk-up tiki bar in Celestial Park.
Scott
My favorite is a secret menu drink from the Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe. The Crossbow combines mead and Strongbow cider. It is delicious! Ask for it by name.
Beyond the excellent drink, the Burning Blade Tavern’s dark atmosphere and monster theming make it a wonderful place to hang out. We had a funny conversation with a Monster Hunter in the pub.
I will mention a few other beverages that we all enjoyed. Reaper’s Reserve is a specialty beer designed for Dark Universe. The brown ale exhibits cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes and has a slightly creamy finish. It tastes like autumn in a cup.
Stoick’s Ale is the specialty beer for the Isle of Berk. The wildflower honey white ale is smooth, light, and refreshing. It is perfect on a hot day.
You will also find Gobber’s Mead in the Isle of Berk. The drink has boysenberry, black currant, vanilla, and honey notes. It is excellent!
When in the Isle of Berk, enjoy your drink in Mead Hall for the whole Viking experience.
Best Non-Alcoholic Drink
We have two favorite non-alcoholic drinks, both served throughout the Ministry of Magic. You may be surprised to learn that neither is butterbeer.
It is essential to note that I am the only person in our group who genuinely likes butterscotch. However, I find the butterbeer drinks too sweet for my taste. Butterbeer will be a popular choice for many kids and adults. It is a must if you are a Harry Potter fan and have never tried one!
After you have a butterbeer, we have two other beverages for you to try. These should appeal to kids and adults alike.
Erynn
I like the lavender lemonade. The lavender is subtle, just enough to taste. Plus, the drink has a pretty color.
Tanner
I enjoy the autumnal flavors of pumpkin juice. Plus, it is an iconic drink from the Harry Potter books and movies.
Julie
Lavender lemonade is my favorite. It is not too sour, and the lavender is a nice complement, making it a smooth drink.
Scott
Although I enjoy pumpkin juice, my top pick is lavender lemonade. The subtle lavender taste elevates a basic lemonade. The color will appeal to kids, and it is a refreshing drink.
Biggest Wow Moment
Epic Universe provides many thrills and unique experiences, but what really stopped us in our tracks?
Erynn
Entering Super Nintendo World for the first time was a shock. It is the world I most wanted to see. As you step into the world, you get surrounded by moving pieces. Then you see Bowser’s Castle, Toadstool Cafe, and the Piranha plants. The theming is amazing!
Tanner
Entering Super Nintendo World and walking through Bowser’s Castle is overwhelming. The level of detail in the castle library, the trophy case, and the wall art is incredible. Everything is so unique.
My honorable mention is the Battle at the Ministry ride. The queue and the ride are so detailed and lifelike. It is a surreal experience.
Julie
Entering the Battle at the Ministry attraction feels just like the movie. After you walk through the green smoke, the room is enormous. It feels like you are really in the British Ministry of Magic.
Scott
Although entering every world is rewarding, walking into the grand atrium of the Battle at the Ministry ride is special. Floo powder travel is a dream come true, and the size and detail of the atrium are surreal. If you are a Harry Potter fan, it is emotional.
Most Unexpected Surprise
Before our visit, a few attractions had already received a lot of hype. However, some things we had not heard about struck our attention.
Erynn
In general, I was impressed with the food. Everything we tried was either good or excellent. I was happy with everything I ate and have never been able to say that about a theme park.
Tanner
I love the portal designs and the transitional views of the worlds. The portal obstructs your view of the world until you pass through and go around a bend or an obstacle. Upon going around that obstacle, you get this “woah” moment. The transition is drastic, and it pulls you in.
Julie
Seeing every world at night is special. The lights, or lack thereof, in the Dark Universe give these worlds a unique and more energetic vibe than you experience during the day.
I love how the dragon and Viking statues in the Isle of Berk each have fire in their mouths. Lights in the Paris buildings bring the city to life in the Ministry of Magic. Celestial Park is gorgeous. Between Stardust Racers, dazzling lights, and the fountains, darkness reveals a world of dancing lights.
Scott
Everyone talks about the four parks based on intellectual properties. I was impressed with the hub world. Celestial Park is beautiful, and it offers so much to explore.
I have two honorable mentions. All the worlds are breathtaking at night. Do yourself a favor, and at least quickly walk through each land in the dark.
Among the four primary lands, Isle of Berk occasionally gets overlooked. Plan to spend time here, even if you do not like the How to Train Your Dragon films. The world is so vast and detailed. We also immensely enjoyed the food and drinks from the Isle of Berk.
Plan Your Epic Adventure
As you can tell, we enjoyed our Epic Universe preview. We can’t stop talking about the park and can’t wait to return. I hope sharing our Epic Universe favorites will help you decide where and how to spend your time in the theme park.
Now, it’s your turn to plan an epic adventure. We can’t wait to hear what you most enjoy about the park.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
