.png)
How to Have The Best Day at Epic Universe
- Savvy Single Mama
- 12 minutes ago
- 16 min read
How to Have the Best Day at Epic Universe: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
If you're planning a family adventure to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe, as with all the theme parks, one thing is very clear: a little planning can make a HUGE difference.
Theme Park Madness is a real thing! Epic Universe being the newest of the Orlando parks, is absolutely packed with things to see and do. There are thrilling roller coasters, immersive lands, amazing food, hidden details to discover, and enough attractions to keep you busy from opening until closing. The portals have a catchy flair, and distinctly different worlds are entertaining and inviting. This is a place meant to attract a crowd. While not as large as other parks, this is well planned compact park ready to go when you arrive.
If you're visiting with kids—or simply want to make the most of your one-day adventure—there are a few things I highly recommend knowing before you walk through those gates.
As Universal’s new and technologically advanced park, it’s still attracting quite the crowd, and they are still ironing out some of the kinks. Not to worry, the main question is this: Is it worth the ticket cost? YES.
The biggest barriers to your day will be Ride Delays, crowds, and weather. Let's plan!
🌐 The Worlds
There are four Worlds that branch off one main loop known as Celestial Park.
Clockwise the four worlds/ portals are:
Super Nintendo World
Dark Universe
Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
Each world has themed rides, experiences, shops, eateries, and fun to go along with the vibe.
The Worlds themselves are not very big, but they each have enough happening that the visitor gets to discover and explore the area to really see all of the detail that goes into creating the atmosphere. It must be a lot of fun building out the props, and over all each world or kingdom does look as expected (with one major exception found below).
Young man in front of the Epic Universe Entry way Celestial bodies at Epic Universe Walking through the Celestial Park main rown
🎟️ Consider Getting an Express Pass
If your goal is to experience as much as possible in one day, an Express Pass is a game changer. We do not usually invest in express passes or Disney's Lightning Passes. We can manage a theme park with the time allotted. In this instance, it was smart to purchase the Express because we know that one day is not technically enough, but we only had one day to get it all in. Between crowds and unexpected delays, getting to experience all the rides is going to be tricky into 12-hours..
Express passes use face recognition, and this makes it super easy. I preferred this much more than a wrist band, qr code to pull up every time, or a lanyard. There were a few stations where their machine was down and we had to show the pass.
We were able to experience all 11 major rides during our visit, which made the extra cost worthwhile for us. Instead of spending the majority of the day standing in lines, we were able to spend more time exploring the lands, eating, taking pictures, discovering details, and even repeating some of our favorite experiences.
But there is an important catch: Don't assume an Express Pass means unlimited rides on every attraction.
Your Express Pass includes one Express ride. If you want to ride again, you'll need to use the regular standby line. And those standby lines can get LONG. Some of the most popular attractions can reach two-hour waits, particularly when crowds are heavy. That's a lot of your vacation day to spend standing in line! So, if riding a particular roller coaster more than once is important to you, plan accordingly.
⏰ Check the Opening Time—and Get There Early
Before you leave your hotel or vacation rental, check the official park opening time for that specific day. Park hours can change, and getting there early makes a big difference. If you are just going to the park to go with the flow and don’t feel the need to see and do it all, this may not be a priority for you. In our quest, it was super important to experience all that Epic had to offer, because we really wanted to check it off the bucket list. Leaving an unturned stone would have meant a return trip, which time and the budget just don’t call for right now. For us it was imperative this one-day excursion checked all the boxes. As a family, we frequent the Orlando theme parks, they are practically in our backyard! Lately our travels have taken us in other directions.
Arrive before the stated opening time rather than planning to pull into the parking lot at opening. Remember, your adventure doesn't start when you pull into the parking lot.
You still need time to:
Pay the parking fee
Navigate the parking attendants into your space
Walk to the park entrance
Get through security
Make your way to the gates (showing your passes)
And NOW your adventure begins!
This is why it’s important to get everyone organized before you start your day, even all of that so early in the morning can overwhelm the nervous system if we are not prepared for it!
With young children especially, give yourself some breathing room.
There's nothing worse than beginning your big theme-park adventure already feeling rushed!
Watching a dragon in the sky Afternoon storms are good for Epic Universe Paris at Epic Universe
📱 Your Phone Is One of Your Best Theme-Park Tools
Download the Universal Orlando Resort app before you go and get comfortable using it.
Crowds change.
Weather changes.
Ride delays happen.
Lines suddenly get shorter.
Other attractions suddenly get longer.
Your carefully planned itinerary may look completely different by lunchtime—and that's okay!
The app can help you keep track of wait times, attraction information, dining options, and other important details while you're moving around the park. The interactive map is helpful, but really those ride times are a bonus for the mind that wants to figure out the best plan!
Itinerary advice: Don't create an itinerary so rigid that you can't change it.
Use your plan as a framework, then let the app and the crowds help you decide what makes sense next.
The Dark Universe Portal at Epic, and a yong man The Hotel on site of Epic Universe Ready for Bowser's Challenge
🌎 Give Yourself Time to Explore the Lands ~ See a Few Shows
One of the biggest mistakes you could make at Epic Universe is treating it like a checklist of rides.
Yes, the rides are incredible. We were guilty of this our first visit.
The lands themselves are part of the experience.
Two Shows I strongly recommend are:
The Untrainable Dragon, in Isle of Birk and Le Cirque Arcanus
Both of these are well done with live performers, large puppets, and very entertaining! Get out of the heat (or rain) and enjoy something unexpectedly good!
Take time to look around, explore the architecture, find the little details, take pictures, and let the kids enjoy the environments around them. The park is designed to feel like you're stepping into completely different worlds, and rushing from ride to ride means you'll miss some of the fun.
If you have children with you, allow time for wandering. Sometimes the unexpected discoveries end up being some of the best memories.
FLORIDA HEAT💦 There's Only One Water Ride—Use It Wisely!
Here's something worth knowing before you go: Epic Universe only has one water ride. In this experience you're on a Viking Ship shooting water guns at targets. It's fun, it's cool, and you may or may not get wet! My son barely got a drop of water on him. I got a few squirts of water which felt like relief in the heat. They person to my right was soaked completely!
That means you don't have a bunch of opportunities to cool off if Florida's heat starts getting to you.
If it's a hot day, think strategically about when you want to ride it.
You may want to save it for the warmest part of the afternoon—or use the weather forecast and current conditions to decide when it makes the most sense.
If you're traveling with little ones, having a change of clothes or something they can easily dry off in can be a smart move. There are blow dryers you can pay to use. We also saw many people riding with their rain ponchos on. Not a bad idea. However, I wore a bathing suit style dress all day and knew if I got wet it would dry quickly, and that the splash would take me out of the most ,miserable heat of the day. Which brings me to another point:
🍽️ What to Wear and Bring?
As adults, I wore my crossbody bag (slightly larger than a wallet) which has room for payment, ID, sunscreen, ChapStick, my glasses, and my cell phone. I also bought my charger. My son had pants with good pockets, and he bought a portable battery charger (we did need this), his wallet, and ChapStick. We both carried in a water bottle and refilled it as needed. I like to be as hands free as possible. I want to wander, take photos, check in with the ride wait times, and bounce around. There were three rides which had lockers to store your belongings (Stardust Racers (you will go through a metal detector for this one), Monsters Unchained and Hiccup's Wing Gliders.
In the hottest of days a portable wireless fan is great, I saw many people with them.
If you have children, (or dietary needs) I strongly recommend a small soft sided cooler with quick and easy to eat options. I'd also bring some fidget toys that can be looped to not fall and get lost. Long lines and not a lot of hands-on waiting or a fun play scape area can wear down even the most patient children. They may need something to help them stay regulated all day. It's part of the theme park madness!
A mac n cheese cone Salmon on a stick is delicious Butterbeer in Paris
🍽️ Where Should You Eat?
Don't wait until everyone is starving to figure out lunch! Wait times may get you hangry.
Epic Universe has several interesting dining options throughout the park, and where you eat can become part of the adventure. I am not a big fan of fast food or crap food. I favor nutrition, so theme park food is harder for me to justify buying.
Rather than leaving the park to find food elsewhere, consider trying one of the themed restaurants or quick-service locations inside the park.
Some of our favorites:
Butterbeer (inside the Ministry of Magic at a wagon, also in the restaurant),
Mac n cheese cones (found in Isle of Berk)
Salmon on a stick from Das Steakhaus (sit down and eat)
A few things to think about when choosing where to eat:
🍔 Want something quick?
Look for quick-service locations where you can grab food without taking a huge chunk out of your day. This can be especially helpful if you're trying to fit in as many attractions as possible.
🌎 Want the experience?
Choose a restaurant that fits the land you're exploring.
The themed environments are part of what makes Epic Universe special, so sometimes the restaurant itself is as much an experience as the meal.
⏰ Outside Food and Meal Planning
Eat breakfast prior to entering. Theme Park food is typically overpriced and not the most nutritious or delicious. However, don’t lose time eating elsewhere. This day is about the full experience. That said I usually bring some granola bars or fruit snacks in my bag to make sure I have something to hold me over. I don’t want to be starving.
Consider eating lunch a little earlier or later than the traditional lunch and dinner rushes. We ate right at 12, without a reservation at Das Stakehaus. There was barely any wait, and the food was good! It’s not the most budget-friendly choice you could make but at that moment we needed to cool off, sit down and eat, and have something nutritious. The fish on a stick option (salmon, mashed potatoes and carrots) were delicious. My son opted for the steak on a stick, which was good, but the steak was a little tough. Still what we liked was the mood of the place, the vampire at the door who greeted us, and the setting made this more of an experience than just food. If you’re into the vampire lure, it’s a good spot.
TIPS: You can bring some food. While they advertise small snacks, baby food/ formula and water as being okay, they do not allow coolers or full meals. You may bring a soft cooler that is less than 8.5 x 6 inches.
*Prioritize spending less time waiting for food and more time enjoying the park. Some of the more budget friendly options had long lines and less seating.
*Don't forget snacks! Theme-park days involve a LOT of walking, and keeping everyone fueled can make the difference between happy adventurers and tired, cranky ones. (I am definitely talking about myself here!)
Water Refill Stations: I made a collagen drink in my water bottle and refilled my bottle several times through out the day. Water in the park runs 5 -6 dollars a bottle, and the filtered water is cold and free! Just refill and save the dollars.
🎢 Prioritize the Activities That Matter Most to Your Family
Even with Express Pass, I wouldn't assume you'll casually walk onto every attraction all day long.
Your day will be influenced by:
Crowds + weather + ride delays + meals + walking time + your family's energy level.
That's why I recommend deciding ahead of time which attractions are your absolute must-dos.
If there's a particular roller coaster or attraction your family would be disappointed to miss, make that a priority.
Everything else is a bonus.
And if you happen to see a short wait for something you've already enjoyed?
Go for it!
The Warewolf warnings on the wall The Ministry of Magic features elves Portal to the Isle of Berk
🗺️ Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Plan
This might be my biggest piece of advice:
Your Epic Universe itinerary is a living document.
Maybe the ride you planned to do next suddenly has a 90-minute wait.
Maybe another attraction has dropped to 15 minutes.
Maybe a thunderstorm rolls through.
Maybe everyone needs lunch earlier than expected.
Maybe the kids discover something they don't want to leave.
Change the plan!
Use your phone, check the Universal app, look at current wait times, and make decisions based on what's happening right now.
That's how you make the most of your day.
❤️ The Goal Isn't to Do Everything—It's to Have an Amazing Day (unless you are me – I want to do it ALL)
Epic Universe can feel overwhelming when you first look at everything there is to do.
But you don't have to experience every single thing to have an incredible day.
With some preparation, an Express Pass, an early start, the Universal app, and a willingness to adjust your plans, you can experience an amazing amount in one day.
We were able to experience all 11 major rides, explore the different lands, enjoy food and snacks, and still have time to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
That's what I loved most about Epic Universe.
It doesn't feel like you're simply moving from ride to ride.
It feels like you're going on an adventure.
And isn't that exactly what an Orlando vacation should be?
Tips and Review....
I see how the themes are strongly weaved. To appreciate the stars and moon atmosphere, see Celestial Park at night, the lights definitely intensify the park coming to life. Celestial Park loops, with four portals branching off the main loop. The carousel in the middle is the best carousel I've ever been on.
Delays Delays Delays.... While we were scoping out the best time to hop over to Orlando and visit Epic Universe, we monitored the groups and pages where visitor's share experiences. There were many warnings of downed rides and delays, often lasting hours. This can be a real problem considering the ticket price. It's unfortunate to go and not be able to ride the expected roller coasters or get to have your top desired experiences. I recommend having a top 3, and not expecting to really do it all. Be flexible. The new technology leads to smoother rides and less dizzying motion, but does come with the down side of needing to be repaired often.
Weather - Is the biggest factor of your day. Florida lightning storms are likely for a good half of the year, and rides do shut down for weather related storms.
During our day, we were in line waiting for the Mine-Cart Madness Ride, which was 110 minutes (express wait is not timed but was just as long as the standard line). Lightning strikes and an afternoon monsoon blew through, stopping all of the rides in the park (except the three that operate indoors) leading to delays everywhere. Slowly people left the line and by the time the rode opened up, nearly two hours later, we were first to ride!
During the time the ride was shut down for delays, staff pulled out some yard games and invited those waiting to participate. It was a fun way to take a break and pass the time. Connect 4, and tic tac toe were favorites!
If it rains? Wait out the crowds. My son kept saying, "where did everyone go in this rain?" knowing they had to run through the down pour to get anywhere. You have limited options for where places to be where you can stay out of the elements: a show, restaurant, or indoor line. Short of leaving these are the only viable choices. Many people have run all the way to their cars in the lightning (not safe) which made the park great for those of us who waited it out. Lightning storms are dangerous. Find a safe place under cover and hang out! It's going to be rainy everywhere else also.
Themed Portals to Other Worlds are Epic!
Harry Potter Wizarding World - Ministry of Magic - Fails. Paris? No, it doesn't work. Connecting the Fantastic Beasts with the Harry Potter Kingdom is too big of a stretch here, and misses. Ways to fix it: Add the Forbidden Forest and create a world with the mystical beasts from both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. As is, it's confusing. It feels like the transported the Ministry of Magic into Paris and like they didn't read the books at all. The Ministry itself is well done. The Floo powder and smoke definitely do it justice. The Ministry ride was good. Much better than the Forbidden Forest ride in the Castle at Islands of Adventure, and easy to watch for a person who hates the motion sickness some of the Universal favorites bring on. I want them to go fix the other ride and bring it up to speed!
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk - YES! Definitely follows the theme of the movies, brining a fantasy to life. Great props and design. I want to be able to go inside some of those Viking village style homes and shops. Well done, the instructions for using Toothless' glider wing, and maps of the surrounding lands, keep the story line true. For kids, (or the young at heart) the Viking Training Camp Play Area is small, but fun!
Super Nintendo World - Wow. Mind blown how they brought the colorful video game world into life. This is also a huge area for kids to run and play. The interactive bands allow participants to bump the blocks and get points. How fun. Extremely crowded, and yet everyone was smiling! Even adding the Donkey Kong section felt fulfilling. For the record, my video gaming did not last long. Super Mario is the only game I ever beat. But Yoshi was always my favorite.
Dark Universe - Combining all of the Universal Monsters (Frankenstein, The Mummy, Dracula, and many more) into one creepy world does have a certain flavor to it. As many of these creatures are dated, it provides a place for them to live on and haunt reality. I think the setup is well done, and younger me would have been way more excited about this area. I will say the staff working here love the theme and carry it well. Super fun!
🎢Rating the Rides, Highest to Lowest and Intensity Level
1 - 5 with 5 bring super intense:
This is not how enjoyable the ride is, just personal preferences.
My son and I configured this list, if you've been there - do you agree?
Mine-Cart madness - 3 (loved the track!) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monster's Unchained - 4.0 (fun ride, well done, little ones may be scared from theme) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hiccup's Wing Gliders - 4 (loved the whole thing) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stardust Racers - 5 (would have been higher but the green side made me dizzy and rattled my brain) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Battle at the Ministry - 2.5 (very well done, the Ministry is a highlight. Paris? Can't get past it) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge - 3.5 (so fun, didn't get dizzy) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Curse of the Warewolf - 3.0 (needs to be longer) ⭐⭐⭐
Constellation Carousel - 1 (Best carousel, inspired by the Sea glass Carousel in NYC) ⭐⭐⭐
Fyre Drill - 1 (greatly enjoyed the fun!) ⭐⭐⭐
Yoshi's Adventure - 1 (so satisfying to the child in me, wished it was longer) ⭐⭐⭐
Dragon Racer's Rally - 2 (not a fan of rides that go round in circles) ⭐
Ride | World | Type | Height Req. | Must do/ Notes |
Battle at the Ministry | Harry Potter, Ministry of Magic | Dark Ride, motion simulation and movement | 40" | Yes. Longest wait in the park most times. Why is this in Paris? |
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge | Super Nintendo World | Augmented Reality (Advanced Virtual Reality style) | 40" | Yes. Visor is adjustable, shoot the shells and collect coins, scores are revealed at the end. |
Yoshi's Adventure | Super Nintendo World | Cart, Family style | 34" | Yes. An elevated cart gently takes you around Super Nintendo World to take in the sights |
Mine-Cart Madness | Super Nintendo World/ Donkey Kong | Coaster | 36" | Yes. Boom Coaster family coaster vibe, Sit up in the front. |
Hiccop's Wing Gliders | How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Rides | Roller Coaster (family) | 40" | Yes. Smooth and scenic cart roller coaster. |
Fyre Drill | How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Rides | Boat Ride | 40" | No, unless you want to cool off - fun water gun shooting, may get soaked or stay dry! |
Dragon Racer's Rally | How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Rides | Sky Fly (figure 8 rotation) | 48" | No, cute but repetitive track |
Curse of the Warewolf | Dark Universe | Coaster | 40" | No - Super short ride, although super fun and smooth. |
Monster's Unchained | Dark Universe | Dark Ride | 48" | Yes. The queue through Frankenstein Manor is possibly the best themed ride cue. This may be the best ride of the park! |
Stardust Racers | Dark Universe | Coaster (thrill ride) | 48" | Yes. Two trains which launch at 62 mph and soar to 133 feet. Both sides are different. Green slightly more intense. |
Constellation Carousel | Celestial Park | Carousel that dances | None | Yes. Not your typical carousel. |
The houses at Berk, Epic Universe In Dark Universe the setting Enter a floo and go to the Ministry
Epic would not be my choice of Theme Park for little ones. Click here for info about where your little one will have the best theme park experience!
🌴 More Things to Do Around Orlando
If you're spending several days in the Orlando area, don't make Epic Universe your only adventure!
Check out my Central Florida guides here, or the Theme Park Guide here, to help you plan the rest of your trip, including family-friendly attractions, places to eat, other Universal Orlando experiences, and other fun things to do throughout Central Florida.
Keep exploring—you came all this way to make some memories!
Wherever your travels take you, enjoy the journey and be blessed!
Be Flexible, make the best of every moment
Reframe your anxiety into excitement for the unknown
Once you commit, decide to make the best of it!
Quality time with quality people always makes the journey better!
A little planning goes a long way!
I will help you build an itinerary.
If you are planning to go to Islands of Adventure, or Universal Orlando, this will help you with your day!
Come travel with me!❤
I plan retreats to inspiring places and would love for you to be a part of the journey.
Budget self love for the win! Click HERE for retreats.
Thank you for stopping by!
I'd love for your feedback, and to hear about your travels!
Please subscribe and say hi :-)
Check out some of our other family travels, and get lost in the world of possibilities!
Every step of the journey is a memory we will cherish ❤❤❤ Please subscribe, and join the journey! I enjoy sharing itineraries I've tested for your convenience.
Mz. Savvy
A note from the editor:
The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. Confirm details when planning your trip. I hope this makes it easier for your planning process.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please share your thoughts and experiences, we are all on this journey to live and love together. I welcome your travel tips & tricks :-)
Thank you for subscribing, let's stay connected!
Comments