A Day of Magic and Thrills: Our Epic Universe Preview Adventure
When we heard Universal Orlando was offering a limited preview day of their newest theme park, Epic Universe, we didn’t hesitate yes, even if it meant pulling the kids out of school. And let me tell you: it was absolutely worth it.
We packed up and hit the road to Orlando for what turned into a day full of magic, motion, and unforgettable family memories. We booked a stay at Helios Grand Hotel, and if you’re looking for jaw-dropping views of the new park, this is it. From our room, we had panoramic views of Epic Universe lighting up the skyline already a highlight before we even entered the gates.
Rope Drop Rush
We were among the first in line when the gates opened (true rope-drop energy!).
The plan? Start with the Donkey Kong's Mine-Cart Madness ride. The reality? It was down. But in true theme park fashion, that detour turned into a win.
We pivoted and ran to ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and then toward the How to Train Your Dragon portal and what a hit it was! From Hiccup's Wing Gliders coaster to the playful, immersive theming, this land is both thrilling and incredibly family-friendly. The kids couldn’t get enough of the dragon gliders and seeing Toothless.
A Taste of Wizardry
Next up: the brand-new Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic section. If your family loves Harry Potter, prepare to be blown away. The wand experiences were a highlight for all of us interacting with the magical windows, casting spells, and watching in awe as little surprises appeared around every corner. Even if you’ve visited the original Wizarding Worlds before, this expansion brings a whole new layer of enchantment. The Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride is AMAZING but even just the queue to get in, is a MUST see. Have your cameras ready for the immersive experience.
Snacking Our Way Through the Park
Theme park food has come a long way and Epic Universe is proof. We tried everything from the now Insta-famous stuffed bread bowls (yes, they live up to the hype) to colorful artisan ice cream cones that were as photogenic as they were delicious.
The Kids Favorite Rides
Raegan's Favorite Ride: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
Jed’s Favorite Ride: Curse of the Werewolf
Joy's Favorite Ride: Hiccup's Wing Gliders
Hands down, the winner of the day for our thrill-seeker Jed was Curse of the Werewolf. It’s fast, it spins, it has just enough story to make it feel like a mini movie and Jed rode it three times. This ride may look intense for kids, but ours had the time of his life and begged for more. Joyanna's favorite ride was Hiccup's Wing Gliders the cutest roller coaster ever that is not too short and not rough and bumpy! It's the perfect attraction for kids! Raegan's favorite ride was Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge which she rode multiple times and it was the perfect mix of interactive fun with movement!
Epic for All Ages
One of the most common misconceptions about Epic Universe is that it’s not ideal for younger kids. We couldn’t disagree more. We had friends surprise their own kids that came down for the day to join us! It was a blast!
Between the massive playground in the Dragon portal, interactive shows, plenty of amazing rides for all personalities both timid and thrill seekers (thank you, Universal!), incredible food, and the one thing my kids love anywhere they go, a carousel which here was found in in Celestial Park, our whole family from little explorers to thrill-chasers—found something to love.
Final Thoughts
If Epic Universe was this magical on preview day, we can’t wait to see what opening day brings. From immersive lands and next-level food to ride variety and thoughtful design, it’s clear Universal has created something truly… well, epic.
If you’re planning a trip or even just thinking about it don’t wait. We’d go back tomorrow if we could.
Stay tuned for our full Epic Universe travel guide, coming soon! And if you want help booking your own family trip, you know where to find us!
