Top Ten EPIC Surprises
By: Maggie Ballantyne, Travel Advisor
May 19, 2025
During an exclusive Travel Agent Preview Day, my friends and I had the opportunity to open and close Epic Universe—and what an epic day it was! We stepped through portals into brand-new worlds, experienced cutting-edge attractions, met some friendly characters, and sampled plenty of delicious food. There’s nothing quite like exploring a new destination firsthand, and we’re excited to bring back everything we learned to help our clients get the most out of their own Epic adventure. Here are TEN things that surprised me about the NEW Epic Universe:
1. Theming. Simply put, Epic is a beautiful park. I love the twinkling lights at night especially in Celestial Park, the gardens, the lagoon, and the dancing fountains… they even put on a show! Each land has its own distinct atmosphere, and the theming is spot-on.
2. Portals. I knew there would be portals—but I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved them. These aren’t just walkways into different parts of a theme park. Each portal is a beautifully designed gateway that completely immerses you, transporting you from the outside world into an entirely new universe. The transition feels magical, setting the tone for what’s to come in each land. My favorite? The Super Nintendo World portal. Stepping through it felt like diving straight into a game—and I couldn’t stop smiling. I wish someone had caught all our reactions on camera as we first stepped out of Princess Peach’s castle and into what felt like a real-life videogame. Pictures do not do it justice!
3. The Food. I’ll be the first to admit—food hasn’t always been a highlight for me at Universal Orlando. Surprise… Epic Universe completely changed that! I was surprised by how many great dining options there are, and there’s still a long list of dishes I’m excited to try. The food here is a step up from what you’ll find in the original two parks. My favorite so far? The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe. My clients will receive a list of quick service, table service, and snack recommendations!
4. The Attractions. I was pleasantly surprised that Epic Universe doesn’t rely as heavily on 3D screen-based rides like the other Universal parks. It’s nice to see so many attractions that are still immersive without being dominated by screens. The Mario Kart ride uses screens as part of the experience as you are playing the role of a character in a video game, and it is fun, but I still prefer rides where I don’t have to wear 3D glasses.
5. The Queues. Many of the queues are just as impressive and meticulously designed as the attractions themselves. It’s clear that an incredible amount of time, planning, and creativity went into creating these immersive spaces. Most queues tell a story that enhances the overall experience of the ride—they're not just lines, but part of the adventure. My favorite queue is definitely at the new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. It is just as extraordinary as the ride!
Contrary to what I had read in blogs or seen on social media, every ride we experienced offered shade and fans in the queue areas, which made waiting much more comfortable. Many lines even take you indoors, providing a welcome break in the air conditioning. Of course, being in Florida, there are still moments spent under the hot sun—it's unavoidable—but it honestly wasn’t too bad!
6. The Queues (part 2). I was equally surprised by how many of the queues include multiple staircases. You will get a workout in! While this design choice adds to the visual appeal and complexity of the park, it also means that guests may encounter numerous stairs throughout their visit. For example, navigating between levels in Super Nintendo World involves multiple flights of stairs, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues. Going through the queues at Monsters Unchained and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry also includes a few sets of stairs.
Please note: Elevators and alternative routes are available at most attractions to accommodate guests who cannot use the stairs.
7. Helios Grand Hotel Location. I knew from my research and training before the trip that Helios was located inside Epic Universe—but I don’t think I fully appreciated what that meant until I arrived. The moment I walked into the lobby, I was genuinely surprised and excited. Through the large glass windows, you can see roller coasters soaring, guests enjoying themselves, and you can take in a sweeping view of the portals and Celestial Park. It was an unforgettable first impression. I instantly loved it.
8. Early Park Entry from Helios. Once again—Helios isn’t just close to Epic Universe; it’s inside the park. Not next door, not a shuttle or water taxi ride away—literally inside the gates. I’ve always thought Universal Orlando does a great job with Early Park Admission, and it’s a must if you want to make the most of a full park day. But staying at Helios takes that experience to another level. Early entry from Helios was by far the most effortless I’ve ever experienced. Security and ticket scanning happen right inside the hotel lobby—in a cool, air-conditioned space (you can’t beat this, especially in the summer!). Then, just steps from the lobby, you walk out, and you’re instantly immersed in Epic Universe. No long lines of crowds, no transportation, no stress. It’s incredibly convenient and makes rope-dropping the park feel like a luxury.
HINT: Take photos with the portals NOW while there are no people in the background!
9. Meeting Toothless. Character meet-and-greets are always my favorite part of any Florida theme park, and meeting Toothless was no exception. I heard the animatronics were groundbreaking, and I wasn’t disappointed—this was the highlight of my day! The technology behind Toothless allows him to move like a real dragon—blinking, purring, and even growling. Guests can interact by gently rubbing his snout, and in return, he purrs, making it feel like you’re bonding with a real pet. I walked away feeling like I’d just met a living dragon. He smiles, he poses for photos, he is cute, and I will definitely go back and say “hi” to him again!
10. Celestial Park and Constellation Carrousel. When people ask me about my favorites in Epic Universe, I keep coming back to Celestial Park. It was the land I knew the least about before my trip and it is one of the lands I can’t wait to return to when I go back. I especially loved the Constellation Carrousel. I think I like a carousel as much as the next person, but I was surprised this ended up being in my top three attractions of the day. Unlike traditional carousels, each ride vehicle rotates 360 degrees and can rise to 6 feet in the air. Guests can choose from beautifully crafted celestial creatures inspired by constellations, such as lions, dragons, and peacocks. We chose a phoenix! This dynamic movement creates the sensation of gliding through the stars. Each ride vehicle is capable of independent movement, so no two rides will ever feel the same.
Epic vacations require epic planning! When you are ready for your next epic adventure, please reach out to me at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com. I would love to help you plan your next vacation to Universal Orlando. My services will be complimentary to you. In the meantime, you can learn more about theme parks, travel tips, promos, and more over on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie