Universal’s EPIC Universe is now open – and, according to one of our homeowners, is the most exciting opening in Orlando this year.
Our White Rose Villas homeowner Pauline Upson shares her view on what makes EPIC so, well, EPIC… and why it should be top of your Orlando to-do list this summer!
“Even as a Disney fan, I have to tell you that EPIC absolutely blew me away!” says Pauline.
Pauline, what are your first impressions of the new EPIC Universe?
“I was lucky enough to visit EPIC Universe at the start of May during one of the park Previews. I subscribe to the Universal blog so, when I saw there were preview tickets available, I bought two – one each for my husband and me.
“EPIC is completely unbelievable! Everything – from the organisation, to the theming and the phenomenal attention to detail. It is like nothing else! It is miles ahead of all the other parks!”
What did you like most about Universal EPIC Universe?
“How to Train Your Dragon is one of my favourite films, so I loved the How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk. It looks just like the films and is incredibly well done.
“Isle of Berk is not a big area, although it feels more spacious than it is. We had dinner in the Great Hall, which was wonderful. I recommend that sharing platter – it could feed several people. It also has some great rides. And the show is spectacular.”
What did your husband like most about Universal EPIC Universe?
“He loves the existing two Universal Parks already – probably because he doesn’t have to wait for me to swap Disney pins! I am an avid collector! The Universal Parks tend to attract an older demographic and they feel a bit more relaxed. He enjoys the atmosphere. I think he also liked that he could wander around with a beer in EPIC Universe, which is something you can’t do in some of the other, dry parks.
“My husband is into classic horror. So he really enjoyed the Dark Universe area of the park. We visited the Burning Blade pub, which feels very authentic – like a seventeenth century British tavern – and you can see traditional horror characters like Frankenstein. It had a really good cocktail menu, so I enjoyed a cocktail there while my husband had a beer. My cocktail was delicious, bright green and served in a Bunsen burner flask!”
Do you have any advice for anyone planning to visit Universal EPIC Universe?
“I would start at Dark Universe on the far side the park. EPIC Universe is built around an artificial lake, so most people start by visiting the worlds at either side of the entrance, depending whether they choose to make their way clockwise or anticlockwise around the park.
“I’d suggest making your way back to the worlds close to the entrance in the middle of the day, as they are likely to be a bit quieter.”
What did you think of the new Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts “Ministry of Magic” world?
“I think we were very lucky when we went to the preview because the queues in the Ministry of Magic world were not that big. The world building is unbelievably good and there is a lot more to see in that section of the park than just the ride.
“We really enjoyed the Le Cirque Arcanus show. It is very cleverly done with a mix of live performers, puppets and videography. I can’t say too much about it as I don’t want to give away all the surprises – but it is very clever. The special effects are amazing: you come face to face with fantastic beasts!
“Although we were lucky with the queues when we visited, it’s worth noting that you can’t use your Lightning Pass on the Ministry of Mayhem ride. The lines can be as long as seven hours! We waited for over two hours, but the time went very quickly because there is lots to see and do while you are queueing. There are characters and little shows to keep you occupied.
“I’d suggest going to the Ministry of Mayhem ride after four o’clock when the lines tend to be a bit shorter. Even then, be prepared to queue for two to three hours.”
You’ve said you loved the How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk. What about that world most impressed you?
“I loved the character meet and greets in How to Train Your Dragon. And it was amazing to see the dragons. I was really overwhelmed to see the show and the dragons flying about! Some of the dragons are enormous. It blew me away. I couldn’t believe that something so huge could move so gracefully.
“It was well and truly EPIC – and outstripped all my expectations!”
What did you think of the Nintendo world?
“Be prepared! It’s very visual. It’s like being in the middle of a computer game! Obviously, it is designed for younger children and it was very busy when we visited. The queues were huge! It was the one area where we didn’t get to go on any rides. The lines were longer in the Nintendo world that they were for the Harry Potter rides when we visited.
“If you want to enjoy the Nintendo world, I would definitely recommend that you purchase a Lightning Pass.”
What advice can you offer anyone considering visiting Universal EPIC Universe to help them get the most out of their day?
“Whenever you visit any park, it’s really important to stay hydrated. So I’d suggest buying a refillable mug. This way, you can enjoy soft drinks as you travel around the park. It’s a good way to keep costs down and you get a souvenir to take home at the end of the day.
“Another important consideration when visiting Universal EPIC Universe is that it isn’t near the other two Universal Parks. Although there is a shuttle bus linking the parks, EPIC Universe is a considerable distance away. We had been planning to eat at Universal City Walk after visiting EPIC Universe. However, when we got back into our car at the end of the visit, the last thing we wanted to do was drive over to the other parks.
“I’d definitely advise that when you visit EPIC Universe, you plan to eat at EPIC Universe. And, although you could in theory travel between the parks on your day entrance ticket, I would advise planning to stay all day at EPIC.”
What else should people know before they go?
“In the Harry Potter World it can get busy in the shops. That’s because the Ministry of Magic world has some exclusive Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise that you can’t get in either of the other two Universal parks.
“The other thing that really impressed me about EPIC Universe was the amount of thought that Universal has put into making the park enjoyable during adverse weather. In most of the parks, especially Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the rides close when it is raining. However, in EPIC Universe there remains a lot to do. You’re not going to be huddling in a shop waiting for the rain to stop!
“You could do the Harry Potter ride or the Frank’s Manor show or the Ministry of Magic Cirque de Arcanus show. You’ve got a lot of options.
“The other thing I really liked about EPIC Universe is the fact there are plenty of rest places where you can sit down and take a break – and not just in the food courts.
“Finally, I recommend taking a moment as you go into each land. Pause and look at the gate. The gates have moveable screens, like a video projection, and they really set the tone for the world you are about to enter.
“All in all, I have to say that EPIC is aptly named!”
Has Pauline inspired you?
If you’d like to know more about Universal EPIC Adventure, you can discover more on our blog: EPIC News: Enjoy an EPIC adventure in Orlando!
If you’re ready to book a vacation to Orlando, check out our homes here: Vacation Homes – White Rose Villas
To book Pauline’s beautiful home: Balmoral Breeze – White Rose Villas
