Epic Universe Guide: Rides, Food, and Tips for Every Age

Yes! It’s finally here! Epic Universe is open, it’s massive, it’s beautiful, and we braved the crowds in June 2025 because we just had to see it! Me, Matt (my husband), and our 11-year-old Emm went. Between dodging Koopa shells, getting chased by dragon fire, and trying not to sweat through my shirt in the Florida heat, I’ve got ALL the tips you need before you go. This is your “save for later” Epic Universe guide.

First Impressions

Epic Universe is HUGE! I’m still upset my watch died (and i forgot the charger). I know I walked more than I have in my life 😳. Its divided into five lands, each with its own personality.

• Celestial Park – Home of the Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that shoots you faster than you can scream! It’s so beautiful at night!
• Dark Universe – Think sci-fi horror meets fun. It’s not too scary, butit definitely gives spooky vibes.
• Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) – Dragons, Viking lore, and tons of interactive things! Emm loved talking to Toothless and meeting Ruffnut and Tuffnut!
• Super Nintendo World – Step into Mario’s world. Emm intensively tried every interactive block in there! (My husband and I called this Overstimulation Nation) It was bright and loud. It definitely felt like we shrank down into the game!
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter – It’s magical, detaile,d and yes… You feel like a wizard. Do not skip the interactive wand spots! Even with a 1st gen wand it was so fun!

Trip Tip: Grab a park map. You will need it.

Rides & Attractions – Who Should Go Where

Toddler Friendly Attractions:

• Yoshis Adventure
  • Height – minimum 34 inches. 34″ – 48″ require a supervising companion
  • Description – An omnimover-style ride where guests embark on a journey through the Mushroom Kingdom, guided by Yoshi.
• Fyre Drill
  • Height – Children under 48″ must have a supervising companion.
  • Description – A family-friendly “splash-battle” water ride where guests can shoot water at targets.
• Constellation Carousel
  • Height – Under 48″ will need a supervising companion
  • Description – A beautifully themed carousel featuring mythical creatures, providing a gentle, relaxing ride (try this at night, it’s stunning!)

Grade School-Friendly Attractions:

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
  • Height – Minimum 40″, with a companion needed for under 48″
  • Description – An interactive ride combining augmented reality and physical elements, allowing guests to race through Mario-themed environments
• Mine-Cart Madness
  • Height – Minimum of 40″, but again, if they’re under 48″ tall they will need a rider companion
  • Description – A family-friendly coaster that simulates jumping rail tracks, inspired by Donkey Kong games, of course!
• Hiccups Wing Gliders
  • Height – Minimum 40″ with a companion needed for under 48″
  • Description – A flying ride that offers a mild aerial experience, suitable for children and adults alike.
• Curse of the Werewolf
  • Minimum 40 inches; a supervising companion is required for riders between 40–48 inches.
  • Description: A dark ride that immerses guests in a spooky adventure, featuring werewolves and other creatures.

Teen & Adult Thrill Seekers:

• Stardust Racers
  • Height – Minimum 48″
  • Description – A high-speed dueling coaster that offers an exhilarating experience for thrill seekers
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
  • Height – 48″ Minimum
  • Description – A dark ride that delves into the world of classic monsters, offering a thrilling experience for older guests (Emm is 11 and she isn’t a fan of scary thing,s but this was not too bad for her)

Weather

Orlando’s weather can vary, so it’s important to be prepared:

• Orlando’s weather is usually warm to hot, with occasional humidity. Light, breathable layers are best for daytime, and a light jacket or sweater is handy for cooler mornings or evenings.
• Rain happens—especially in summer, but occasional showers can appear any time of year. Pack a compact poncho or rain jacket just in case.
• Stay hydrated—even mild days involve walking 10+ miles across the park. Bring a refillable water bottle or take advantage of water stations.
• Sun protection is always smart: sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses will save you from unexpected burns.

Food & Snacks

Epic Universe takes food seriously. Like, I’m talking Instagram-worthy snacks AND real meals:

• Isle of Berk – Fish and chips, plus Viking-themed “Dragon Scales” (basically spicy chicken tenders). Emma loved them; I pretended they were healthy.
• Super Nintendo World – Mushroom pizza bread and Power-Up smoothies. Definitely a sugar rush, but worth it. Emma is still talking about the “Yoshi Egg Pancakes.”
• Wizarding World – Butterbeer (Emma had the frozen version, obviously). Adult tip: Hot butterbeer does help when you’ve been running in 95°F weather.
• Celestial Park – Cosmic fries (they’re glittery!) and giant pretzels. They are literally as good as they look.

Trip Tip: Mobile order everything. Lines are long. You’ll spend more time eating than waiting.

Trip Tips

• Arrive Early – Beat the lines in Super Nintendo World or Stardust Racers
• Express Pass – Life saver, especially on weekends
• Single Rider Lines – Can save you hours a day!
• Stroller Rental – If youve got little ones (or not so little), trust me you will want it
• Souvenirs – Each land has themed merch you won’t find elsewhere

Must Have Photo Ops

You’ll definitely want to get pictures in the morning, crowds grow fast

• Super Nintendo World entrance
• Isle of Berk dragons (meeting Toothless)
• Celestial Parks cosmic sculptures by Stardust Racers
• Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic architecture

Exit through the gift shop

Epic Universe is a must-visit if you’re in Orlando. With the right planning, layers, sunscreen, and a little stamina, you can see it all in a day (two is even better). Emma and I had an absolute blast, learned the ropes of interactive wands, battled Mario shells, and survived cosmic speeds together.

My biggest tip: Go with an 11-year-old if possible. Their energy is contagious, and they help you find all the hidden fun spots you might otherwise miss.