UNIVERSAL Resort Orlando has revealed a stunning first look at its biggest ever theme park – Epic Universe – and I was among the first to get a sneak peek at the £7 BILLION mega attraction in Florida.
From an awe-inspiring recreation of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic to a world-first Donkey Kong-inspired Minecart Madness ride where carts will appear to leap across a collapsed track, Universal have brought a whole .
The attention to detail and sheer scale of the park is jaw-dropping.
With five unique lands based on blockbuster movies and popular culture icons, there are more than 50 rides, entertainment attractions, shops and restaurants across the 750 acres as well as three vast new hotels.
The first new major resort to for more than two decades, Epic Universe is more than double the size of the existing theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure together.
Such is the anticipated demand, thrill ride fans will only be able to book just one day tickets to Epic Universe in 2025.
But with just one day to explore Epic and its – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park, here’s Head of Travel LISA MINOT’S low-down on the must-do experiences – and the few you could afford to miss on a first visit.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Universal’s original theme parks made history with their ultra-immersive first two – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
The Ministry of Magic takes it up a gear with vivid recreations of 1990s and the Ministry of Magic for its signature ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
And you’ll access the ride via the unique time-travelling Metro-Floo from a muggle park – Place Cachée – in 1920s Paris, setting of the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
LISA’S VERDICT: Universal have taken the Potter franchise to an entirely new level.
The sheer scale of the recreation of 1920s takes your breath away from the moment you enter through a towering Phoenix Arch into a streetscape so authentic you feel you’ve time travelled.
But most astonishing of all for me was the queue experience for Battle at the Ministry – a cavernous recreation of the British Ministry of Magic that drew gasps as we entered.
Interactive wand magic moments around every turn and a host of authentic Parisien restaurants and shops with a Wizarding twist mean you could happily spend a day in the world, despite the fact there are just two big attractions, the Battle at the Ministry and a show worthy of a West End stage featuring animals from the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Super Nintendo World
A must for young and old, this technicolour dreamscape of a park almost feels like you are living inside the classic video games.
Travel through the green pipe into Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country, passing Peach’s Castle and Mt. Beanpole.
There are three main rides.
Collect digital coins on Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, search for glowing eggs on Yoshi’s Adventure and leap across collapsed tracks on Donkey Kong’s Mine-Cart Madness.
LISA’S VERDICT: Double the size of the existing Super Nintendo Lands in Hollywood and Japan, this is a must for gaming fans young and old.
The intense theming and signature tunes mean you are instantly transported right into the very heart of the classic games.
Little ones will adore Yoshi – mum and dad will appreciate the overview of the entire world.
But it was Mine-Cart Madness that surprised – the optical illusion that allows you to believe you are leaping across the ruined tracks while hurtling along on this intense rollercoaster was mindbending.
Dark Universe
THE skies may be blue overhead but an eerie gloom envelops the village of Darkmoor – home to Universal’s monster legends , Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolf Man and more.
Stand-out attraction is Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment that will take you deep into Frankenstein Manor.
Curse of the Werewolf is a thrilling family coaster and the Monster Make Up Experience will allow fans of all ages to transform into their favourite fiend.
LISA’S VERDICT: This park will be best explored after dark.
While the attention to detail is impeccable, sunny Florida skies and sizzling temperatures make it more difficult to immerse yourself in the excellent theming.
I loved Monsters Unchained – a mind-bending blend of high-tech cinemagraphic excellence but with a kitsch nod to the classic film noir heritage in the astonishing animatronic monsters.
Grown-ups looking for a beer should head to the Burning Blade Tavern – sup a pint alongside some quirky characters desperate to tell you of their monster-taming deeds.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
THE most family-friendly of the five worlds, you’re transported into the set in a sparkling lagoon with 40ft Viking statues and colourful longboats.
Fly like a dragon on , soak the family on Fyre Drill and pick up dragon-riding tips on Dragon Racer’s Rally.
And there’s always time for a quick meet’n’greet with loveable dragon Toothless.
LISA’S VERDICT:You’ll need at least a day to appreciate this whimsical, sprawling world.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a fully-immersive, thrilling but smooth coaster with some surprise elements.
Fyre Drill is a welcome soaking in scorching temperatures.
But it was the astonishing staging of The Untrainable Dragon that had the most impact for me – Toothless’ soaring surprise appearance above the audience drew gasps.
The attention to detail across the parks – from dragon benches to surprising snacks – that take the storytelling to another level.
Celestial Park
GATEWAY to Epic Universe, the cosmic heart of from which you’ll travel through portals to the other worlds, features lush gardens and dancing fountains.
Soaring 133ft skywards is its signature attraction, Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that tops 62mph.
Younger fans will love the Constellation Carousel – a gentle galactic ride.
LISA’S VERDICT: The creatives behind Epic Universe had a mission: To bring the ‘park’ back into theme park and they have succeeded with this stunning hub.
Verdant gardens with well-established blooms beside endless sparkling lagoons bring a calm, relaxed heart to the entire park.
I loved the dancing fountains and chilled, relaxed vibe of this area where you can indulge in a cocktail or two or grab a sophisticated bite.
Don’t miss the Oak and Star Tavern for top notch barbecue goodies and home-style mac’n’cheese.
Epic Universe in Numbers
80,000 – the number of subway tiles covering the walls of the Metro-Floo – the unique time-travelling way to travel from 1990s London and the British Ministry of Magic to the streets of 1920s Paris, from the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise.
5,000 – the length in feet of the track of Stardust Racers, the dual-launch coaster at the heart of Celestial Park, reaching speeds of up to 62mph as it soars up to 133ft in the sky.
27 – the wingspan of How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk’s star Toothless, who stars in a show called The Untrainable Dragon
14 – the spooky animated robotic monsters in Dark Universe’s signature ride, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Go: Epic Univeral Orlando
Holidays offers seven nights room-only at Universal Terra Luna Resort from £799pp, travelling on select dates in January, 2026 and including return flights from Gatwick and one 23kg bag per person.
Universal Resort All Parks Tickets are available from £439pp.
Book by April 22 at britishairways.com/universal or call 0344 493 0787.
