I had the privilege of attending the multi-day grand opening celebration for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, a theme park that’s been years in the making - and more than worth the wait. From early morning walk-throughs of brand-new lands to a once-in-a-lifetime night event with fireworks, drones, and a fully open brand new park, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

This is my personal journal from those few days: what I saw, what I rode, what I ate - and how it all felt being among the first in the world to step foot in Universal’s most ambitious project to date. This first-hand journal of the experience captures the highs, a few lows, and everything that makes Epic Universe a new benchmark for immersive theme park design.

I've been to numerous openings of attractions and themed events at Universal Orlando Resort over the years, from the annual Halloween Horror Nights and to the star-studded Fast & Furious Supercharged premiere to the grand openings of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Illumination's Minion Land - but nothing compares to seeing the grand opening of a full new park.

"It's that incredible world behind us - Five amazing worlds that make up Universal's Epic Universe.It's unlike anything you will experience, and when you go out there, what you're going to see and feel and taste and experience is really the combination of a 10-year journey and is a clear reflection of the incredible creativity and the technical prowess and the operational excellence of our entire team of Universal Destinations & Experiences" ~ Mark Woodbury, Chairman & CEO, Universal Destinations & Resorts

Day 1: Into the Isle of Berk

Exploring Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon land with flying rides, dragon animatronics, and immersive Viking theming.

Our adventure began in How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and it immediately set the tone for what Universal Orlando Resort was trying to deliver with the Epic Universe. The land’s theming is exceptional - ropes, nets, and carved wood are built into the design instead of traditional gates and walls, safety messages and information are carved into rock, the lanterns are dragon-themed, and the bathrooms feature dragon murals.

The immersion is on point, bolstered by the land's team speaking and dressed for the part. And, of course, the actors playing the beloved characters from How to Train Your Dragon who are exceptional.

My first stop after taking a look at the family-friendly Viking Training Camp playground was Hooligan's Grog & Gruel, where I tried the Mac & Cheese Cone. It's the flagship food item of Isle of Berk, and it's fun and tasty, especially the garlic bread "cone" and the mac & cheese buried under the topping.

Then onto our first ride: Dragon Racer's Rally, a flying-themed ride where you can actually attempt a barrel roll. Each guest on this ride pilots their own dragonriding trainer and by manually controlling each wing using handles and shifting weight, you can really have some fun.

From there, we took a lap on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a gentle and smooth family coaster narrated by Hiccup himself (with an animatronic appearance to boot). You'll even get to see Toothless here and perhaps, some other unexpected dragons...

Later in the day, we explored the Mead Hall, a large and gorgeous banquet space with dragon carvings, banners, chandelier lighting, and grand doors at its entrance which stand over 16 feet tall. The food was on display for us to peruse, including meat, fish, sandwiches and desserts, and the chefs were on hand giving interviews and describing their themed creations.

Fyre Drill was next: a water ride where you man a Viking longboat and shoot targets with water cannons. The interactivity here is brilliant, especially when you can spray other boats. And it’s not just fun - you will get soaked. Ponchos recommended.

A giant Snow Wraith animatronic was a standout, blasting mist at guests. Then, at Spit Fyre Grill, we grabbed a protein bowl (I chose the chicken, but there are five choices including a vegan option) and another Mac & Cheese Cone. Later, we visited How to Treat Your Dragon, a themed sweets and merchandise shop with elaborately decorated candy and a mural-covered interior.

There are 17 unique dragon species to find throughout the Isle of Berk.

After a few more spins on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, trying to do a barrel roll, we left Berk with the feeling that this might be Universal’s best family-oriented land to date. I did manage to get my glider upside down but couldn't complete a full roll.

Celestial Park: The Hub That Isn't a Hub

Home to Stardust Racers, Constellation Carousel, and a wide range of dining options in Epic Universe’s central space.

Though Universal Orlando Resort's staff may shy away from the term "hub," the vastly open Celestial Park ties the entire Epic Universe together - and does so with style. In between exploring the Isle of Berk and visiting Super Nintendo World in the afternoon, we had access to two restaurants - Atlantic and Pizza Moon - for lunch and to Celestial Park's rides.

While exploring the rather open concept park, I rode the Constellation Carousel, a beautifully designed carousel with two layers of rotation, featuring cosmic creatures, cool music, and a nighttime-focused aesthetic that make it Celestial Park's centerpiece after dark as much as it is during the day. The lighting is beautiful.

For my first Epic Universe lunch stop, I went to Atlantic which features the Aquaria Bar at its entrance and multiple levels of dining areas with a wonderful view of Celestial Park's water and fountains. The scallops and dessert samples were wonderful at this seafood-focused restaurant, but the burger sliders weren't enjoyable. They were dry and burnt.

Pizza Moon offers a larger cafeteria-style venue where all the food was great; so too was the 1900s Victorian theater design. The whole aesthetic is inspired by A Trip to the Moon and it works well. I tried every pizza offering and the meatballs and I recommend Pizza Moon to travelers exploring Celestial Park.

Two lunches didn't stop me from immediately heading over to Celestial Park's stunning dual-track coaster, Stardust Racers. It's impossible to ignore as you can see this ride from everywhere, and you can just as easily hear the excitement of its riders. We rode it three times in a row, trying each of the two sides, denoted as green and yellow. Green seems to offer a little more hang time while yellow has a few more ups and downs.

Avoid the back seats on Stardust Racers; it’s rough. The front row is incredible. Easily one of the best coasters in Florida.

I have more to say about Stardust Riders from day two at Epic Universe, but know that this ride hits speeds above 60mph thanks to a double-boost moment and goes as high as 133 feet, fitting the theme that you're riding a comet racing another coaster. There are twists and turns as you over and underneath the rival coaster, even coming face-to-face while inverted. It's the best.

Super Nintendo World: Super Mario Land & Donkey Kong Country

Power-Up Bands, immersive visuals, and the debut of Mine-Cart Madness - why this new area is a mixed experience.

Entering through the iconic green Warp Pipe from Celestial Park, we stepped into Super Nintendo World after lunch which immediately turns heads with its vibrant designs, pulled straight from the SNES classic. I went straight to Yoshi’s Snack Island, a quick-service spot for themed smoothies and calzones. I tried the Red Shell Calzone which looked great, and it was just okay, with too much crust, not enough insides. It's overpriced at $12.99 for its size, though it looks perfect. The Yoshi’s Smoothie (with Mango or Apple Melon options) however, is an easy recommendation at $7.49.

Before heading into Super Nintendo World, I received a Diddy Kong Power-Up Band, which syncs to the Universal app and unlocks mini-games and interactive elements in this land. One notable example is how guests can complete challenges to acquire at least three keys and, once they have these, they can use their band to enter Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, an interactive game where players use their body motion to dodge attacks and slap away incoming Bob-ombs.

Super Mario Land's Key Challenges are like playing real-life Mario Party.

The Power-Up Bands come in a variety of character-themed options and retail for more than $40 plus tax each, so they are an expensive add-on cost to participate. The Power-Up Band is easy to setup via a QR code in the packaging to update the Universal app on your smartphone, followed by a QR code on the Band itself to connect the device. For gamers, as an added bonus, the Power-Up Band also serves as an amiibo that can connect with the Nintendo Switch.

There are two rides in the Super Mario Land section of Nintendo World, one representing the friendliest option for young children, in Yoshi's Adventure - a simple, slow, and smooth family-friendly attraction through the Mushroom Kingdom landscapes. There's an interactive element in searching for the easy-to-spot colored eggs along the journey and pressing the corresponding colored egg button on the ride handle.

The other is a far more ambitious ride in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge where guests put on an adjustable Mario cap and, upon entering their own Kart, attach AR goggles which prompt you to turn the wheel at key times during the race and use your head to target and launch shells at Team Bowser opponents. To win, Karts need every rider to score 100 points from successful attacks and turns. The ride itself is ironically slow given the race theme but the exciting element comes from the AR action. The queue for this ride is one of the best parts of Super Nintendo World, and you'll see everything from Bowser's throne and weapons to deep cuts to Mario lore.

The big draw in Orlando's version of Super Nintendo World is the Donkey Kong Country expansion, an isolated area of Super Nintendo World. It looks gorgeous - lush, interactive, full of kinetic energy and it delevers the perfect soundscape. Its Mine-Cart Madness ride uses a faux track to simulate jumps and moments from the Super Nintendo game, but due to its elevated design with the Mine-Cart attached to a hidden lower track it’s shaky, far too rough to consider it a must-try. It's a cool concept, but lacking in execution in of comfort, even if it has great moments in theory. In this area I did enjoy collecting the K.O.N.G. letters using the Power-Up Band and playing the drum game to get Rambi the Rhino to come out of its crate.

If anything, Super Nintendo World's Mario Land and the new Donkey Kong Country area are worth exploring for the nostalgia and views. And in the latter, the DK Crush Float from The Bubbly Barrel is high on my recommendations list, especially with the souvenir mug. I must note too that everyone loves meeting the Nintendo characters, including Toad, Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong for a photo!

Super Nintendo World has lots of stairs and is the most vertical land of the Epic Universe. Due to its design, there are hidden areas where guests can find interactive elements for their Power-Up Band challenges. There's also gift shop called 1-UP factory that guests enter via a Warp Tube entrance and this land's big eatery is the Toadstool Cafe which features a great burger, cool themed healthy options, and fun desserts based on the Mario games. This is a great spot for kids to eat.

Isle of Berk and Super Nintendo World offer younger children two excellent lands to spend the day at, with strong food choices at each. Add in the family-friendly Constellation Carousel in the main Celestial Park and there's a lot here for families.

Day 2: Dark Universe Is The Surprise Star

Universal Monsters shine in a richly detailed land packed with thrills, dark storytelling, and nighttime ambiance.

Day 2 began with a visit to the grand opening of the Dark Universe, and the moment I walked through the Celestial Park portal to this land and saw the fog effects and windmill on fire, I knew this land was special. It’s moody, cinematic, and steeped in lore. I started by trying Warm-Hearted Cinnamon Bites I picked up at a shack called De Lacey's Cottage, and they were amazing. Then it was time to hop on the first of two rides in this land, Curse of the Werewolf.

This spinning coaster is smooth, thrilling, and fun. The surprise? It’s better when full. We rode multiple times, trying different seat combinations and positions and to achieve maximum rotation (and feel the g-force) was with a packed coaster. Regardless, the ride remains consistently excellent and one of my favorites in Epic Universe.

Then I tackled the Dark Universe's crown jewel: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This is a next-gen ride that blends practical effects, animatronics, and a fun narrative. Victoria Frankenstein, Ygor, and a new Frankenstein's monster, must stop Dracula’s uprising in the catacombs beneath the estate. The experience represents the evolution of what guests love from Universal’s Potter rides and blends screens with cool practical elements and advanced animatronics.

I met Ygor who told us his name was spelled with a "Y" and he asked for someone's digits, referring, of course, to their fingers.

To escape the heat I visited The Burning Blade Tavern next, its nondescript entrance tucked away underneath the old mill. Here I grabbed a drink in a green glowing potion bottle, and later dined at Das Stakehaus, this land's large eatery (each land has one big one with plenty of seating) where the food comes on... stakes.

Don’t miss the face-painting salon in Doctor Septimus Pretorius’ shop, even just to see the cool setup and production design, which sells monster-themed merch in a setting that feels like a haunted apothecary.

I mentioned that I met Ygor walking around Darkmoor Village and there's also a Frankenstein & Bride meet-and-greet opportunity which was immensely popular. In the town square there's also a well that creates mist, helping make Dark Universe the most atmospheric land in the park, especially at night where you'll see the Franksenstein Manor get electrified.

These elements, the sound, and the burning mill, make Dark Universe such a notable additional Universal Orlando Resort and I hope the parks take advantage of this land during the Halloween season.

Celestial Park's Best Restaurant Revealed

Trying Food at The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, Oak & Star Tavern and Meteor Astropub

In between the two lands we explored on Day 2 of my Epic Universe adventure, we returned to Celestial Park where the other three restaurants were open. I started with The Blue Dragon where I sampled the Chicken Khao Soi which was wonderful! A trio of desserts rounds out the offerings on the Pan-Asian menu, but I'd skip the ion Fruit Mooncake which lacked flavor and was too thick and dry.

The Oak & Star Tavern and its barbecue options are my top pick for all the food available across Celestial Park. I visited this restaurant next and every item on the menu is awesome, my favorites being the 14 hour smoked brisket, pulled pork, mango bread, and mac and cheese. There are also two must-try desserts in the Banana Pudding and Warm Sticky Cake. I'd go to the Oak & Star Tavern every time I visit Epic Universe. It's that good.

Last but not least, there's the Meteor Astropub which is geared towards beer and cocktail enthusiasts, but it's food is worth recommending too. There's lots of seating in this eatery and I love the Chicken & Waffle, Grilled Fourmaggio, and Tomato Bisque. If you're into pub food, the Meteor Astropub is the place to be. Aesthetically, it's most aligned with the theme of Celestial Park.

The Oak & Star Tavern is by far the best restaurant in Celestial Park and I'd go there every visit.

Before moving on to the second land of Day 2, and the final land I'd yet to visit, we made time for a return to Stardust Racers. I'd return again later in the evening - because it's the best - but next I had to visit the concierge where I received a randomly selected second-generation interactive wand that I could (in theory) use during my visit to 1920s Paris.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic

A magical trip to 1920s Paris with a standout live show, immersive queue, and a new take on Harry Potter lore.

Armed with my interactive wand (I received the fir wood design from Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique), we entered the newest Harry Potter land, the third across Universal Orlando Resort, via a portal and were immediately wowed. Set in 1920s Paris, the setting is impressively real - perhaps because it's naturally less magical than Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, for better or worse.

My 2nd generation wand would not pair with the Universal app on my phone, either by scanning the barcode on the box or using the wand itself. The app itself seems interesting, listing spots with a map for all three Harry Potter lands across Universal Orlando Resort, and the new wands are supposed to allow guests to collect achievements, find new adventures, earn points for their house, and build out and progress their own profile.

Le Cirque Arcanus stands out immediately with its entrance serving as the land's centerpiece located at an intersection of the land's two main streets, and it's the first thing I head towards. It's a live stage show mixing actors, puppets, and acrobatics. The queue takes guests through a carnival setting with moody lighting that leads to an open pre-show waiting area. Real actors and digital characters on screen work together seamlessly and pull off some neat tricks, including one that immediately wins over the crowd when the Demiguise appears out of Newt Scamander’s suitcase. This moment and a few other bits of stagecraft trickery set the tone for what’s to come as the show's antagonist, ringmaster Skender, invites us in for the show.

The main theater features open seating, and I sit in the front row. We're treated to live acts, including a bit of acrobatics and wirework with an enchanted broomstick from the performers. Then the main characters us inside of Newt’s suitcase as the entire stage transforms and we meet the main attraction - various Fantastic Beasts, a combination of costumes and puppetry.

A heartwarming story, a special appearance from you know who, and an amazing curtain closer effect make this a worthwhile -level experience for the Ministry of Magic. Like the Frankenstein Monsters Unchained ride, Le Cirque Arcanus is top tier and feels like a worthy addition to Orlando theme parks.

The new Harry Potter land's one and only ride, Battle at the Ministry, includes the classic film characters (though not voiced by the original actors). The queue is phenomenal with interactive portraits, include some of cats, and a hilarious animatronic house elf named Higgledy who's the star of the attraction. The ride itself is solid, but doesn’t innovate past what Potter fans have already seen.

While Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry isn't among the top attractions at Epic Universe, Le Cirque Arcanus is a must-see. The new Potter land, while seeminly compact in size, also delivers one of Universal Orlando's best new desserts in the Butterbeer Crepes which I could not get enough of. Café L’air De La Sirène offers amazing breakfast options like this. For something hearty, and something I personally find akin to the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley (a favorite), Le Gobelet Noir is a must-visit for a heavy lunch or dinner.

Epic Universe Nighttime Grand Opening Celebration

Full access, free food, big names, and a fireworks finale - An inside look at Epic Universe's spectacular opening event.

That evening, the day before Epic Universe fully opened for the public on May 22, 2025, Universal hosted a full-park grand opening event for press and partners. Everyone from NBCU and Comcast to partners at Nintendo, Warner Bros. Discovery, Loews, and state and local government officials, not to mention, celebrities, were there. Every ride and restaurant were open, and food and drink were complimentary.

We revisited Curse of the Werewolf in the Dark Universe and had our best ride yet on Stardust Racers, which might be the most fun coaster in Orlando.

The night ended with a stunning fireworks, drone, and water show over the Cosmos Fountain, backdropped by the glowing Helios Grand Hotel. It was ambitious, elegant, and unforgettable.

Final Thoughts on My Epic Universe Experience

Ranking Epic Universe's lands, naming the best rides, and reflecting on a theme park experience unlike any other.

Epic Universe is exactly that: epic. It’s a park built for modern audiences. It's immersive and takes full advantage of the powerful IP each land is built upon, and full of both spectacle and heart. Each of the five lands - including Celestial Park - feels distinct and justified by lore and design.

It’s difficult to rank the lands and food, but below are some easy highlights of the Epic Universe

• Best Overall Land: Isle of Berk (our reporter Kara Hedash agrees from her experience at the preview)
• Best Family Land: Isle of Berk
• Best Ride Land: Dark Universe
• Best Themed Land: Dark Universe
• Best Ride Overall: Stardust Racers
• Best Dessert: Butterbeer Crepes
• Best Restaurant Overall: Oak & Star Tavern

Super Nintendo World feels underwhelming in comparison, with tight pathways and gimmicky games, while Ministry of Magic is stunning but could use one more attraction to round it out.

Still, the park as a whole is a triumph. From early previews our team participated in to that unforgettable grand opening night, this was one of the most impressive theme park experiences I’ve ever been part of.