Universal Studios Theme Park - Epic Universe

 

Epic Universe: A First Look at the Magic ✨  

                                        

Last week, I had the absolute honor of being invited to preview Epic Universe—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

As soon as you walk through the entrance gates, you're transported into Celestial Park, the heart of the new theme park. With vibrant flowers, intricate architecture, and storytelling woven into every corner, it’s a stunning introduction to the worlds that await. I could’ve spent hours just soaking in the beauty!

But the real adventure began when I stepped into the Isle of Berk, the land inspired by How to Train Your Dragon — this was my favorite world in this brand new park! 🐉

We kicked things off with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, and WOW. This ride quickly shot up my list of favorites (with a respectful nod to VelociCoaster, which still holds my #1 spot). It was so good, we rode it

twice. The thrills, the views, and the storytelling? Absolutely next level.

We also got to meet Toothless and Hiccup, and that was such a fun moment—especially for fans of the films. The land feels so immersive and alive, and the live show was nothing short of incredible. (No spoilers here, but trust me—it’s a must-see!)



A Magical Stroll Through the Wizarding World 

Next, we stepped into one of the most highly anticipated lands at Epic Universe—the brand-new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And let me tell you… it was breathtaking. 🌙

We began our magical journey in 1920s Paris, and it truly felt like walking straight into the world of Fantastic Beasts. The architecture, the wand shops—every single detail was thoughtfully crafted. I was completely immersed and couldn’t stop looking around in awe. 🖤

Like the other two Wizarding Worlds, you can use your interactive wand to cast spells throughout the area. ✨ There are also adorable themed shops, magical dining spots, and live entertainment sprinkled throughout. Don’t forget to take the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry, where you can ride the thrilling new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry!

To ride the Battle at the Ministry ride, you have to use floo powder to travel from Paris into the Ministry of Magic in London. And wow… the Ministry was nothing short of incredible. Seeing one of The Ministry of Magic come to life in such a grand and immersive way gave me chills. I could’ve spent hours exploring every nook and magical cranny.

Paris at night— it was pure enchantment. The glowing lamplight, soft music, and charming alleyways created a romantic and spellbinding atmosphere. We even saw some wandering characters from the Wizarding World and had a chance to chat with a few. It felt like the magic never stopped. 

As most of you know, the Harry Potter series holds a very special place in my heart—and getting to experience this new expansion was truly a dream come true. I can’t wait to return!





Next stop: Dark Universe—and wow, this one completely surprised me! I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge horror movie fan, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this land turned out to be one of my favorites! Universal absolutely nailed the theming—it’s eerie, immersive, and incredibly detailed from the moment you enter the spooky village of Darkmoor.

There are two main attractions, and I loved both. First up: Curse of the Werewolf, a thrilling coaster that spins as you ride! 🎢 It’s such a fun twist—literally—and I couldn’t help but laugh along with everyone around me. Then there’s Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and let me tell you… it might be one of the scariest rides I’ve ever been on! 😱 The animatronic monsters are so realistic, I definitely had to close my eyes at one point. It’s intense, but so well done!

One of the coolest parts of Dark Universe is the chance to get a monster makeover—a full face of themed makeup for kids and adults. Whether you're into subtle spooky or full-on creature feature, it’s a unique experience that really adds to the immersive feel.

Universal knocked it out of the park with Dark Universe. It’s creepy, creative, and filled with surprises—and even if you’re not usually into the horror genre, I promise it’s worth a visit. 🕯️🕷️



Next up was SUPER NINTENDO WORLD—and let me tell you, this one was pure nostalgia! As someone who grew up playing the original Mario, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong games, stepping into this land felt like being transported right into the video games of my childhood. Everything was larger than life, incredibly colorful, and packed with amazing details that fans of all ages will appreciate.

A few of us purchased the Power-Up Bands, which let you interact with various mini-games and elements scattered around the land. It was so much fun collecting virtual coins, unlocking hidden secrets, and tracking our progress through the Universal app. Honestly, you could spend hours just exploring and playing the interactive features—it’s a blast!

We also had the chance to ride Yoshi’s Adventure, a slow-moving, family-friendly ride that takes you on a scenic tour of the land. It’s a great way to see all the immersive details from above, and perfect for guests of all ages. I’ll be posting a few ride videos soon, so stay tuned for those!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD truly brings the magic of the games to life—I didn’t want to leave! 🍄✨


This was just a glimpse into what Epic Universe has to offer, and I’m already dreaming of going back. Universal has truly outdone itself.

If you are thinking of planning your trip to Universal Studios Orlando, be sure to reach out to me first! I take all the stress away from planning and share all my tips & tricks with you. 


Exclusive Travel by LeAnn
leann@traveletp.com

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