Epic Adventures Await: Crafting the Ultimate Schedule for Your Universal Epic Universe Experience

Mandi Dee
6 hours ago
16 min read

Universal Epic Universe is ready to change family fun and excitement with its immersive lands inspired by your favorite franchises. With thrilling attractions and experiences around every corner, it is no surprise that theme park enthusiasts can’t contain their excitement! After experiencing the preview days firsthand, we learned how to maximize our time in this incredible park. If you’re planning a visit, you’re in the right place!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through our original plans, share valuable insights, and if you're short on time, you'll find an outline of our ultimate schedule at the end to help you decide how you want to plan your adventure at Universal Epic Universe. Let’s dive in.

Setting Up for Success: Our Initial Plan

Originally, we planned to begin with Super Nintendo World, as we knew Mine Cart Madness would have one of the highest wait times. Following that, we planned to try out How to Train Your Dragon, the Ministry of Magic, and finish the day at Dark Universe and Celestial Park, because we knew these areas would be particularly impressive in the dark.

Walking into Epic, we planned to head straight to Mine Cart Madness, but with a wait time hitting 85 minutes due to the Early Entry for hotel guests, we realized it wouldn't be a good use of our time. With the lowest wait time in Super Nintendo World being Yoshi's Adventure at 35 minutes, we decided to hop on that to see if the original Mine Cart Surge would subside a bit. We were also able to secure Virtual Line passes for Battle at the Ministry while in the Yoshi line, which now gave us our afternoon plan to be in the Wizarding World. However, after finishing the Yoshi ride, Mine Cart Madness was down, which made Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge a 90-minute wait. We decided to buy our Power Up band, do a couple of the games, and then walked over to How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk.

The first thing we did was head over to Dragon Rally Racers, which took about 20 minutes. We then took a ride on Hiccup's Wing Gliders. After our rides, we grabbed a Mac and Cheese Cone snack to eat while waiting in line at the Untrainable Dragon. With our Virtual Line approaching, we walked over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.

Unfortunately, Battle at the Ministry went down right before our Virtual Line, and Le Cirque Arcanus was also down. So, we wandered the streets of Paris for a little while before deciding to head back to Super Nintendo World, as the wait times for Mine Cart Madness and Mario Kart were listed as 45 minutes and 55 minutes.

We got back to Super Nintendo World to find Mine Cart Down once again, but we made it just in time to see Mario and Luigi come out to meet guests, so we waited in line for them before deciding to deal with the now 95-minute wait for Mario Kart. We got in line; however, a bathroom break and some more food were needed, so we ended up leaving the line and getting food at Toadstool Cafe instead. By the time we finished our food, Mine Cart Madness was running again, and we were able to get on. As we walked past Mario Kart, the time still read 95 minutes, but with it being one of our must-do rides, we walked in, only to find the line not anywhere near as long as it was the first time we attempted to ride, and we got on quickly.

Dark Universe was the next on our list, but Monster's Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment had been down most of the day and still hadn't managed to come back up from what we saw, but we were able to get on Curse of the Werewolf with only a 15-minute wait time, before heading to Constellation Carousel and even though we were hoping to do Stardust Racers at night, with Monster's Unchained not running, and Fyre Drill also delayed, we decided to head onto the 15-minute ride.

After everything was done in Celestial Park, we returned to the Isle of Berk and got in line to meet Toothless. By then, the sun was setting, so we walked around Dark Universe to see the Manor and Burning Blade Tavern at night, then watched the Fountain show to end our day.

Learning from Experience: Our Second Visit

On our second visit, we decided to rethink our approach. Instead of starting at Super Nintendo World, we kicked off the day in Dark Universe. We made this decision because of the large number of people heading to Super Nintendo World first, along with the fact that this world is one where you can spend a lot of time, and we would rather do it towards the end, so we wouldn't feel rushed to move on to other things.

Unfortunately, Curse of the Werewolf was scheduled to be down that day, so we knew we wouldn't be able to ride it, but we were able to get onto Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a ride we wanted to make sure we got done this time around. The line moved pretty quickly and only took about 30 minutes out of our day. We walked around Darkmoor a bit before heading over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic.

The Battle at the Ministry was also scheduled to be down for the day, but we did the Le Cirque Arcanus show before heading over to walk through the queue for Battle at the Ministry.

We then took a stroll over to Super Nintendo World, where Mine Cart Madness was also planned to be closed for the day, but we were able to get on Yoshi Adventure quickly, along with doing a bunch of the Power Up games scattered throughout the area. Since we had already tried Toadstool Cafe, we decided to head to Mead Hall in Isle of Berk this time for lunch.

After lunch, we jumped onto Hiccup's Wing Glider and then tried Fyre Drill before doing the Untrainable Dragon.

We then attempted to ride Stardust Racers, which happened to be delayed, so instead, we decided to ride Monsters Unchained again, as it only had a 15-minute wait. We then relaxed by the fountain before deciding to try dinner at Meteor Astropub. The park closed earlier that day, so we were unable to see the park after dark this time, but we enjoyed the day nonetheless!

OIC Take:

The Good

Did I cry when I walked under the Chronos? Yes, yes, I did.

I have been anxiously anticipating this park for years, and I frequently watched construction updates, so finally being able to enjoy the park was amazing! The serenity of Celestial Park, with its beautifully flowing water, combined with the portals that send you to different, exciting worlds, brings an outstanding balance that feels unique compared to the go, go, go of most other parks. Visually, this park is impressive during the day, but when the sun goes down, this park becomes enchanting as it sparkles with lights throughout the entire park.

Super Nintendo World was the first portal we walked through, and it took my breath away. It is bright, and overwhelming, and exactly what I was hoping for when entering this world. The colors, the movement of different elements, along with the levels, make this a truly fun area, and being able to interact as if you are in one of the games truly transports you. The character interactions are a lot of fun, and the rides give you a glimpse into the world of Nintendo.

Yoshi's Adventure is a wonderful, slow-paced ride that features bright characters, offers a cute interactive aspect, and includes numerous Yoshi-inspired elements.
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge not only offers a fun tour of Bowser's Castle but also immerses you in one of the most popular Mario games -- nearly every gamer's dream!
Mine Cart Madness brings the classic Barrel-Throwing Donkey Kong Game to life in a fun, family coaster, sure to make you feel like you're going off the rails.

This world also offers a wide range of food options throughout the area.

The Bubbly Barrel
Yoshi's Snack Island
Turbo-Boost Treats
Toadstool Cafe

We tried Toadstool Cafe and enjoyed the atmosphere. The "windows" give a fun peek into Chef Toad's Kitchen and Mushroom Kingdom, where every once in a while, the clouds grow dark and the entire atmosphere changes, bringing a sense of tension to the cafe as Bowser approaches. You can enjoy a combination of classic favorites and some unique flavors, making this a decent option for families. Some fun options here include a 1lb meatball and a Princess Peach Cake big enough for the whole family to enjoy.

You can also find some great Nintendo Merchandise throughout this area at 1-Up Factory, Mario Motors, Funky's Fly 'n' Buy, and a shop just outside the exit, Nintendo Super Star Store.

How To Train Your Dragon- Isle of Berk - Wow! I don't remember much from watching these movies, but after visiting this land, I'll be watching them again. This land pleasantly surprised me and ended up being one of my favorite lands. The characters roaming the land, the dragons all over, and all the attractions and dining areas are so well themed that you might forget this is a fictional land.

Dragon Rally Racers allows you to control your dragon while you soar up and down through the sky.
Hiccup's Wing Glider is a rollercoaster that takes you all around the Isle of Berk while making you feel like you're riding on a Dragon. This rollercoaster brings a slightly bigger thrill than expected and offers some wonderful animatronics.
Fyre Drill- We saw people either walk off completely soaked or barely get a drop on them, so we weren't sure what to expect in terms of how wet you get and how much control you have over it. We did get hit from behind way more than I thought we would, but this is a fun little water ride, which is great during the Florida heat!
The Untrainable Dragon show combines puppetry, musicality, artistry, and more in a live show that offers endless fun to the world and is the perfect place to cool down and be entertained during the warmest parts of the day.

This area also has some unique eating options.

Mead Hall
Spit Fyre Grill
Hooligan's Grog & Gruel

We tried the Goldfish Mac and Cheese Cone at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. The cone portion was much better than we expected and offered both basic and creative topping options. We also tried the Mead Hall, where this viking-esque atmosphere served up equally viking-esque meals. The substantial serving of turkey, and using your hands to dig in, brought the medieval feel. We also really enjoyed the mac and cheese bites with sausage for a kids' meal that came in a fun Viking boat.

Don't forget to stop by Toothless' Treasures, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup's Work Shop, and Viking Traders for some great souvenirs!

Venturing over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, you can hear the Time Turner click away as you walk through the portal on the streets of 1920s Paris. The attention to detail in this area is incredible, and the interactive wand elements throughout this area bring a magical extra to this world.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry- The queue for this ride is an attraction in and of itself, immersing you in the movie experience even before you board, where Dolores Umbridge is about to face trial for her crimes.
Le Cirque Arcanus- Step into this tent, which is much larger on the inside than it appears from the outside, and enter a world of delightful circus acts and a chance to see Fantastic Beasts.

Don't miss out on some French and American-inspired dining options while walking the streets of Paris.

Cafe L'air De La Sirene
Le Gobelet Noir
Bar Moonshine

You can also find French-inspired souvenirs, such as macarons and treats, at K. Rammelle, or wands and accessories at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique.

Next, step into Darkmoor. This world is the epitome of eerie as coffins, morbid statues, and decrepit buildings line the walkways, and classic Dark Universe Characters wander the paths. Don't miss some favorites, like Igor, the Invisible Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and Bride of Frankenstein. As you walk through this dreary land, you will find yourself in front of the extremely impressive and incredibly creepy Frankenstein Manor, which is surging with electricity from the town.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Enter the catacombs where monsters have escaped and are after you. This extraordinary mix of fantastic animatronics, digital media, and Kuka arm movement brings storytelling to a new level as you bob and weave your way away from the escaped monster. I had a smile on my face the entire ride, and even rode it again when the line was short. This is one of my favorite rides in the park.
Curse of the Werewolf puts you into a forest full of werewolves. This rollercoaster can range from intense to subtle spinning, all while on a rollercoaster track, as you try to get through the forest.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience - Immerse yourself in the Darkmoor experience by getting Classic Monster makeup done, then show off your new look in the park.

This area not only offers some amazing rides to enjoy, but also features unique themed restaurants and snacks.

Das Stakehouse
De Lacey's Cottage
The Burning Blade Tavern

The Burning Blade Tavern features a windmill that catches fire periodically throughout the day, or enjoy a snack from De Lacey's Cottage.

Also, get your monster apparel at one of the shops in the land: The Manor Storehouse, The Guild of Mystics, and Pretorius' Scientific Oddities.

Finally, enjoy the park's centerpiece- Celestial Park. With tons of food, shopping, and attractions, this is a land in its own right, and at night, this area really shines. Constellation Carousel twinkles under the moonlight, while the fountain and pathways light up the entire park.

Constellation Carousel, this ride is perfect for even the smallest of adventures, which even includes multi-person Constellation vehicles to enjoy the ride.
Stardust Racers - This racing coaster features two tracks, each with a unique ride experience. Don't let its appearance fool you; either side is an intense thrill ride.

This section of the park is also the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat on your way to your next destination, or even if you just want to take a break.

Atlantic
Starbucks
Star Sui Bao
Comet Dogs
Bar Zenith
Meteor Astropub
Pizza Moon
Frosty Moon
Celestiki
Oak & Star Tavern
The Plastered Owl
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant

With so many options, it's a bit challenging to determine what to try. We opted for Meteor Astropub as our final preview meal, and the burger we tried was pretty decent for theme park burgers, and it was a good-sized portion, plus the atmosphere within this restaurant matched the rest of the Celestial Park charm.

And with all the shopping options, you're sure to find the perfect thing to take home with you. Be sure to stop by Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, Other Worlds Mercantile, North Star Wintery Wonders, and Sensory Emporium.

The Not-So-Good

As fun as most of the restaurants looked, I faced some hurdles due to food allergies and picky preferences. While the park offers a variety of dining options and gives the option to discuss allergies with a chef, finding meals that fit my dietary needs proved to be tricky. Lack of confidence in the chefs' knowledge seemed to be a recurring theme, not just from my experience, but also from overhearing other guests who felt doubt about accurate information regarding their dietary restrictions as well. I do understand that part of doing previews is to train and work through some of these things as well, so for the most part, I opted for things I felt comfortable with, mostly eating popcorn. In addition to lack of confidence in accurate allergen information, I also found very little on the adult menus that sounded good, most trying to be unique and adding things that don't appeal to me, and the age restrictions for the children's menu that had options that sounded decent put me in a bit of a dilemma. I mean, come on, adults like Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese too!

Outside of the food, there were only a few things that really stood out as problems. A lot of rides went down frequently, which is something we anticipated and understood from our technical rehearsals. While we weren't upset about it, it does make one question how ready this park will be for its Grand Opening. Some rides seem to have quickly worked out the kinks, while others still appear to be a work in progress.

In Super Nintendo World, a few things we noticed are that there are a lot of stairs. We went up and down probably 6 times in one day, and while that isn't a big issue for us, we could see it being an issue for others. Note: *There are elevators around this area, but you have to be on the lookout for them as they blend into the scenery well. * Another thing I noticed is Yoshi's Adventure is outside a lot, and while it is fun, Florida weather may make this a not-so-fun one to do, especially with a little kid, and potentially getting stopped outside in the hot sun. For Mario Kart, as fun as the visor is to give each person their own interactive experience, instead of providing people with their own Karts to actually drive, we found the visor to be a little troublesome and potentially headache-inducing.

Isle of Berk- We had a very long wait for Fyre Drill, which that alone wasn't a big deal, but when we got up to the front we could see why; most of the boats were not being used while mechanics were on them diagnosing all the issues, and the one we ended up on had very little water pressure, so we were unable to hit any targets. Given the number of boats that were down and the ones that were running had issues, I hope they figure out how to get the kinks worked out.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic seems to be a bit lacking in things to do, with only a couple of shops, dining options, a show, and one ride. All the attention to detail seems lost when you don't have much drawing you in to make you stay in the area. The show started off wonderfully, but honestly, it's not one I will do over and over again. I felt like they were trying too hard to fit too much stuff into one show, and by doing so, missed a bit on both sides of it. The beginning had circus-type acts that, while fun, were not as magically impressive as I expected from a Harry Potter-themed show, and having more of that would have made more sense. It then switched directions to the Fantastic Beasts, and while there were a lot of cool beasts and fun puppetry, it just didn't quite hit the mark that the rest of the park seemed to hit.

For Dark Universe, I don't have much to say outside of wishing the Curse of the Werewolf didn't spin so much in some of the cars so that you could see the world around you a little better. Other than that, I can't complain.

And Celestial Park, I have heard a few people complain about how hot this park is and the lack of shade. I rarely had a problem finding shade when needed; in fact, we were there the whole day on a 95-degree day, and I was surprised to not be as miserable as I anticipated. So, I don't necessarily feel like this park is any better or worse than some of the other parks when it comes to shade; you just need to look for it. I can see why people feel that way, though, because it is a very bright park, but I would contribute some of that to the landscaping still being young, and I see potential for this to not be a massive problem in a couple of years. Finally, Constellation Carousel, this ride was a bit underwhelming for me. I did do it during the day, and I have heard that it is better at night, so I will try it again when it is dark, but in general, it just seems a little too slow.

Crafting the Ultimate Schedule: Our Final Plan

After two enlightening preview days, we developed a plan for our next day at Universal Epic Universe. Here’s our ultimate schedule to enhance your adventure. Note: You can use this advice as is, or as a starting point to adjust as needed to fit your "must-dos"! As this park will be welcoming many guests while it's still new, this list may not be possible to complete in one day. We will attempt this list on opening week to get a better idea of crowds and ride popularity, and update as needed.

Battle at the Ministry: Kick off your day with this thrilling attraction that no longer requires a virtual line. This line will likely be very long, so arriving early to get in line will help reduce wait times, allowing you to make the most of the rest of your day. Note: Staying at Helios Grand will put you closest to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic.
Cirque Arcanus: Although this attraction didn’t impress me as much as I had hoped, it was still enjoyable, and if the goal is to do everything, doing it after Battle at the Ministry is the best time.
Enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic: Walk through the streets of Paris, savor a butterbeer or crepe, and put your magic skills to the test with the interactive wand locations.
Head over to Dark Universe: Wander the streets of Darkmoor, grab a bite (of human food), while on the lookout for Igor or the Invisible Man.
Monsters Unchained - The Frankenstein Experiment: Walk through the corridors of Frankenstein Manor on your way to this state-of-the-art ride.
Curse of the Werewolf: Make sure you're not too full from lunch before getting on this spinning rollercoaster!
Isle of Berk Adventures: Find your way to How to Train Your Dragon- Isle of Berk
Dragon Rally Racers: Steer your own dragon while you fly through the air. You can make this as thrilling or as tame as you would like!
Hiccup's Wing Gliders: Hop on board for a ride that simulates flying on a dragon!
Snack and Untrainable Dragon: If you're hoping to try a Mac & Cheese Cone, grab one now and eat it while you wait for The Untrainable Dragon.
Fyre Drill: During the peak heat of the day, get in line for Fyre Drill so you can cool off and dry quickly for your next adventure.
Meet Toothless: If meeting Toothless is on your "must-do" list, do this now as you dry off.
Super Nintendo World: After soaking up the other lands, head over to Super Nintendo World.
Mine Cart Madness: Head to the back of Super Nintendo World to jump on this family coaster.
Yoshi's Adventure: Slow down and enjoy the view of Super Nintendo World on this ride.
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge: Walk through Bowser's Castle before embarking on a Mario Kart track, including Rainbow Road.
Power-Up Games: Explore the interactive game experiences at Super Nintendo World!
Stardust Racers: Might want to wait until after this ride to have dinner.
Dinner: If you're ready to slow down, take a leisurely dinner at the Atlantic or Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, or keep the fun going with one of the quick-service or On-The-Go eats around Celestial Park.
Constellation Carousel. Enjoy the night as you ride this sparkling ride, designed to spin around the stars.

Fountain Show Finale: Cap off your adventure with the stunning fountain show, a perfect way to commemorate your day at Universal Epic Universe.

Wrapping Up Your Epic Adventure

Visiting Universal Epic Universe promises unforgettable memories filled with excitement and adventure for everyone, regardless of age. With the planning we’ve shared, we hope you can navigate the park with confidence and get where you want to go.

Flexibility is key, though! While having a plan is great, being willing to adapt is essential, as we have had to adjust our plans both times when attractions or rides changed unexpectedly, or the timing is right for a different attraction.

We had an incredible time on both visits and are thrilled for you to experience the magic of Universal Epic Universe. Happy adventures to all theme park lovers!