I’d read a ton of mixed reviews about Epic Universe and wasn’t sure what to expect. But here’s the thing—everyone’s got a different perspective, and you really can’t judge it until you walk in yourself. Go with an open mind and your own sense of adventure.
And honestly? Walking into Epic Universe for the first time was a jaw-drop moment. The view is huge and stunning, with every detail—from the lighting to the landscaping—carefully designed. We were immediately hooked. We even stopped to admire the tilework in the bathroom (yes, we took a photo). Someone rolled their eyes and said, “Really?” Must be the interior designers in us!
Epic Universe is a dream for anyone who loves immersive theming. From glowing lights and beautiful ceilings to the tiniest hidden details, every inch feels like it was made with intention. Even the ride queues are visual masterpieces. The rides themselves? Awesome! But if the wait’s over 45 minutes, I’m out. Thankfully, there’s so much to look at, even waiting in line feels like part of the adventure. Universal nailed it.
The Hub ✨
Celestial Park is stunning. Think glowing gardens, dancing fountains, whimsical music, and architecture that looks straight out of a dreamy sci-fi fantasy. It’s the heart of Epic Universe—and the perfect place to pause between thrills, snack in hand, just soaking up the vibes.
Dinner at Oak & Star Tavern? A total win. The BBQ was shockingly good. We weren’t expecting to be obsessed with theme park brisket, but here we are. Juicy, flavorful, and 100% worth a stop.
We also loved the Constellation Carousel—a magical merry-go-round where the creatures float and spin like they’re gliding through space. It’s beautiful by day and absolutely enchanting at night.
And don’t skip Stardust Racers. It’s one of the best coasters we’ve ever done—smooth, speedy, and full of “wait, did that just happen?!” moments. At one point, the other car literally flies upside down over your head. Wild.
Celestial Park is the perfect mix of chill and thrill, sparkle and surprise. We could’ve hung out here all day.
The moment you walk through that giant green pipe—BOOM—you’re not in the real world anymore. You’re in the game. Super Nintendo World hits you with bright colors, bouncy music, spinning coins, and that unmistakable “did I just shrink into a video game?” feeling. It’s like joy exploded in 3D. Every corner is packed with fun—hidden ? Blocks, secret spots, interactive games, and mini-adventures that make you feel like you’re actually on a quest with Mario and friends.
Want to level up your visit? Snag a Power-Up Band! These colorful, character-themed wristbands (think Mario, Peach, Yoshi, and more) unlock a whole new layer of fun. Connect it to the Universal Studios app, and suddenly you’re collecting virtual coins, battling bosses, unlocking achievements, and racking up points like a pro. It’s part souvenir, part game controller, and 100% awesome.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge was a wild ride! It’s fast, colorful, and full of chaos—in the best way. The AR goggles make it feel like you’re right in the middle of the game, tossing shells and dodging obstacles. I’ll admit, it made me a little queasy with all the spinning and visuals, but the Rainbow Road section? Absolutely loved it—bright, trippy, and totally iconic.
And for a tasty power-up, don’t miss the Donkey Kong-themed goodies! Grab the Bubbly Barrel, a fun and fizzy tropical drink served in a collectible barrel cup—perfect for cooling off after jungle-style adventures. Or try the banana-chocolate swirl ice cream that tastes like it came straight from DK’s treehouse kitchen. Sweet, playful, and picture-perfect.
Take your time wandering—it’s easy to get lost in the magic (in the best way possible). Oh, and a quick heads-up: there are a lot of stairs. But don’t worry, there’s an elevator if you need it. Now go break some blocks, find those hidden keys, and see if you’ve got what it takes to beat Bowser!
Spooky, foggy, and the perfect amount of creepy—Dark Universe feels like stepping into an old-school monster movie, but with way cooler effects, dramatic lighting, and fog that follows you around. The land is packed with classic Universal Monsters vibes: crumbling walls, shadowy forests, flickering lanterns, and a haunting soundtrack.
I’ll admit—I’m not big on monsters, but I still got pulled into the atmosphere. It’s not jump-scare scary, just dark, immersive, and really well done. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a mysterious, forgotten village with something lurking around every corner.
Curse of the Werewolf is a fun roller coaster with spinning cars that zip you through a spooky forest. It’s fast, fun, and just the right amount of creepy. It’s a short ride, but the spinning makes it a thrilling twist!
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment didn’t totally blow me away (I’m not into monster movies), but it’s made really well. Huge sets, great effects, and the kind of immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
I had a blast—and I’m sure the true monster fans will want to explore every creepy corner. Even if monsters aren’t your thing, Dark Universe is still worth a visit. It’s dark, detailed, and just the right amount of creepy cool.
We absolutely LOVED Berk. It’s like walking right into How to Train Your Dragon—Viking houses tucked into cliffs, boats by the shore, and even the smell of the sea. The village feels totally alive with Vikings wandering around, cracking jokes, and fully acting like they live there (some might actually believe it). It’s part theme park, part movie set, and all kinds of fun.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders coaster was a blast—fast, smooth, and perfect for families. You get a great view of the land and feel like you’re soaring right alongside dragons. The Untrainable Dragon live show was seriously impressive. It had heart, humor, and some jaw-dropping dragon moments. It’s one of those shows that pulls everyone in—kids, adults, even that one grumpy Viking uncle.
We didn’t ride the Fyre Drill, but it looked like a ton of fun! It’s a water cannon game where you help put out fires from Viking boats—great for a little splashy competition and perfect on a hot day.
And let’s talk food! Berk serves up plenty of Viking-worthy bites—grilled meats, hearty stews, and sweet treats that even a dragon wouldn’t pass up. The themed food carts and restaurants are just as fun as everything else.
Also, the kids running around in Toothless gear? Absolutely adorable. With all the rides, shows, snacks, and storytelling, Berk was a total standout—playful, immersive, and packed with dragon-sized fun.
Okay, this one hit close to home—literally. Paris is like my second home, and I’ve spent more time there than anywhere else. So I was a little skeptical after hearing some of the online chatter. But let me tell you… they nailed it.
As soon as we stepped into the Wizarding World’s take on Paris, I could feel it inside of me—that familiar spark. The cobblestone streets, the charming cafés, the metro signs, the little shops lining the alleyways—it genuinely felt like walking through the City of Light… with a magical twist. The stairs leading up and the view of Sacré-Cœur were so realistic. I’ve walked them many times in France, and it was wild to see them recreated in a theme park setting.
And the Ministry of Magic queue? Even though we didn’t ride, just walking through it was worth it. It’s like stepping into an epic wizarding story—grand, mysterious, and packed with details. Every hallway felt like something out of the movies, with magical signage, clever theming, and that perfect sense of anticipation. I was honestly tempted to loop back around just to walk through again.
And of course—we grabbed a butterbeer, because some traditions are too tasty to skip. Always.
Now, if you’re just here for thrill rides, you might say, “There aren’t enough coasters.” (We still really enjoyed the ones that are here!) But if you love being swept away into cinematic worlds and immersive lands—this is your park.
We truly felt like we were exploring five entirely different worlds, each one beautifully built with so many little moments that made us feel like:
“A total pinch-me moment—like stepping into a storybook.”
Every portal had its own vibe, and we were living our best theme park life from start to finish. We were lucky enough to preview the park before the crowds, so the longest line we waited in was 35 minutes. (Okay, yes—we might be a little spoiled.) But once the gates open, I have no doubt the crowds will come running.
Just pack your patience, take your time, and soak in the magic. It’s totally worth it. And don’t miss all the portals at night—each one lights up in its own unforgettable way. It’s a whole new level of wow. ✨
Heidi Jackson
Kentucky
859-379-9260
heidi@lotmv.com
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