ORLANDO, FL. – There are many planets yet to be discovered in this universe of ours, but at the soon-to-be-open Universal Epic Universe, there are five worlds ready for guests to arrive.
The new park opens on Thursday, May 22, and The Atlanta Voice was among the first visitors to see what all the fuss was about. There is something for Harry Potter fans and rollercoaster junkies alike. Fans of classic monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein and “How to Train Your Dragon” will each have a world to spend time in at Epic Universe
The opening to the Epic Universe looks like a portal to, well another universe. There are several of these portals around the park and each comes with a quote above it. At the beginning of the journey through the worlds of the Epic Universe, it reads: “Beyond this gate find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams.”
Now to the worlds of Epic Universe, first up is Darkmoor. If monsters are your thing then Darkmoor is for you. From casually seeing the Invisible Man walking around to making your way past Dracula’s tomb, Darkmoor offers monster fans a good time.
The stars of Darkmoor are the rides, however. The Curse of the Werewolf and Monsters Unchained are both well worth the wait till next month.
For the people who dress up as students from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Halloween (and on other days as well), the Ministry of Magic ride is a wonderful experience. The ride takes guests from a jury box at a trial to fighting evil alongside Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.
On the Isle of Berk where dragons are a part of life, “How to Train Your Dragon” fans will get a kick out of a pair of rides that allow flight and fun.
Hiccup’s Wing Glider and the Dragon Racers Rally will quickly jump to the front of the line for thrillseekers and rollercoaster junkies.
For the kids, there is an opportunity to take a photo with Toothless the Dragon and attend Viking Training Camp. The camp is for kids 40 inches tall and under, while the rides call for kids to be 48 inches and taller to enter.
The Fyre Drill, a seated water ride, is something adults and kids can tackle together on the Isle of Berk.
As far as rollercoasters are concerned, the Stardust Racers, will grade high in their books. Not only was it fast, but there are several moments of suspended reality, particularly when the coaster stops mid-track and is upside down.
Among the restaurants at Epic Universe is the Oak and Star Tavern, which will give guests a classic tavern, wood-laden vibe, and Pizza Moon. The amount of dining options should allow for shorter lines. And if the waits are too long there are two Starbucks locations for the caffeine-deprived park-hoppers in all of us.
