EPIC Guide: Universal’s Epic Universe

Jetsetter
May 3
3 min read

Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando opens May 22, 2025, with five themed “worlds” and over 50 attractions. Below is an Orlando theme park guide for first-time visitors, breaking down each land, its target guests, rides (with heights and skip-the-line options), and specific ticketing tips.

Celestial Park – Family-Friendly Hub & Epic Universe Rides

Celestial Park is the lush central hub of Epic Universe, a garden-like plaza with fountains and gardens. It connects all worlds via “portals” and houses the park icon, the Chronos Tower. This area is great for families and anyone wanting a relaxing break from rides. Rides here are mild:

Constellation Carousel – A celestial-themed merry-go-round (no height requirement). Single Rider: No. Express Pass: Yes.
Stardust Racers – A high-speed, dual-launch racing roller coaster (min. 48″). Thrill-seekers will love its 62 mph launches. Single Rider: Yes. Express Pass: Yes.

Additional attractions: Astronomica (a water-play splash pad, no height limit) and dining/shopping at the Helios Grand Hotel and Atlantic seafood restaurant.

Ride/Attraction	Min Height	Single Rider	Express Pass
Constellation Carousel	None	No	Yes
Stardust Racers (coaster)	48″	Yes	Yes
Astronomica (water play)	None	N/A	No

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk (Kids & Families)

Isle of Berk immerses guests in a Viking village. It’s the largest land and ideal for kids and families. Highlights include light coasters and water play:

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – A family-friendly launched coaster. No min. height (riders 40″–47.9″ require an adult). Single Rider: Yes. Express Pass: Yes.
Fyre Drill – A boat battle ride with water cannons (no height limit). Single Rider: No. Express Pass: Yes.
Dragon Racer’s Rally – A thrilling “Sky Fly” tower (min. 48″), sending riders through flips and rolls. Single Rider: No. Express Pass: No.

Kid zone: Viking Training Camp (play area, no height restriction).

Ride	Min Height	Single Rider	Express Pass
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders	None (40″+ rides solo)	Yes	Yes
Fyre Drill (water boat)	None	No	Yes
Dragon Racer’s Rally	48″	No	No

Super Nintendo World – Gamers & Families

Super Nintendo World is a vibrant land for video-game fans with two sections: Mario’s World and Donkey Kong Country. It’s suitable for both families and gamers:

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – A 4-D motion dark ride (min. 40″). Guests shoot shells and collect coins. Single Rider: Yes. Express Pass: Yes.
Mine-Cart Madness – A Donkey Kong–themed family roller coaster (min. 40″). Single Rider: Yes. Express Pass: No.
Yoshi’s Adventure – An omnimover dark ride (min. 34″). Single Rider: No. Express Pass: Yes.

Other fun: Interactive games with “Power-Up Bands” to collect virtual coins.

Ride	Min Height	Single Rider	Express Pass
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge	40″	Yes	Yes
Mine-Cart Madness	40″	Yes	No
Yoshi’s Adventure	34″	No	Yes

Dark Universe – Thrills & Monsters

Dark Universe is a spooky village home to classic Universal Monsters. This area is geared to thrill-seekers and horror fans. It features:

Curse of the Werewolf – A wild spinning coaster (min. 40″). Single Rider: Yes. Express Pass: Yes.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – A motion simulator dark ride (min. 48″). Single Rider: Yes. Express Pass: Yes.

Add-on: Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience (face-painting shop).

Ride	Min Height	Single Rider	Express Pass
Curse of the Werewolf	40″	Yes	Yes
Monsters Unchained: Frankenstein Exp.	48″	Yes	Yes

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

This land, set in a magical 1920s Parisian square, features:

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – An “elevator” dark ride (min. 40″). Single Rider: Yes. Express Pass: No.

Also here is Le Cirque Arcanus, a live circus show. (Express Pass does cover this show.)

Attraction	Min Height	Single Rider	Express Pass
Battle at the Ministry (dark ride)	40″	Yes	No
Le Cirque Arcanus (magic show)	None	No	Yes

Skip-the-Line Tips (Universal Orlando)

Skip-the-line Express Passes and Single Rider queues are must-use options. Epic Universe’s Epic-Inclusive Universal Express Pass (1-day or multi-day) covers all five worlds. Single-rider lines (available at 7 attractions) fill empty seats and cut wait times.

Early Park Admission is available to resort guests. Staying at the Helios Grand Hotel grants early entry and Express access after 4 PM.

Ticketing Tips for Visitors

Buy in Advance: One-day tickets are now on sale. Buy in USD through official channels.
Florida Resident Deals: Florida residents get discounted bundles and vacation packages.
Multi-Park Passes: Multi-day tickets include Epic Universe plus other parks. No same-day park hopping.
Express Pass Savings: Add Express to your ticket for a fee or get it included in premium packages.
Plan Your Park Day: Consider a two-day park-to-park pass. Use the Universal Orlando app for ride info.