Three things that surprised me the most about Universal Epic Universe

Universal Orlando’s new theme park, Universal Epic Universe opened its gates on May 22, 2025. The newest addition to Universal Orlando Resort adds five distinct lands, or universes, to an already impressive lineup of rides, dining, resorts, and entertainment.

I had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at Epic Universe prior to its official opening, and I have to say, the hype is real. I went in with pretty high expectations, and I still came out with several surprises that I think you should know ahead of your visit. 

Here is what surprised me the most about Epic Universe:

How beautiful Epic Universe is at night

The sentiment echoed among invited guests was just how much Epic Universe transforms at night. It is truly built to be enjoyed after the sun goes down, or at least from golden hour onward.

Each of the park’s five lands takes on an entirely different personality, and you may find yourself having to make some rough decisions on which universe to spend more time in as the sun sets. Of course, some lands lend themselves to nighttime vibes, like Dark Universe. You’ll definitely want to camp out to watch the windmill atop Burning Blade Tavern burst into flames at night.

Celestial Park is another must-see land at night. In my opinion, its two rides – Constellation Carousel and Stardust Racers – are meant to be enjoyed after sunset.

It is my sincere hope that Universal keeps Epic Universe’s hours as late as possible, including during the off-season. If you have an upcoming visit to Epic Universe, do not skip out early to eat dinner elsewhere. Stay until park closing so you can fully experience it at night. 

READ MORE: YOUR PREVIEW GUIDE TO EPIC UNIVERSE

How incredible the shows are

I’ll be honest: I’m usually the kind of theme park guest who skips shows when time is of the essence. Granted, they are wonderful extended breaks in the air conditioning, but I’m more of a long, slow-moving dark ride gal when I want a break from the sun and heat. So, when I heard Epic Universe was offering two indoor stage shows, I initially filed them under “I’ll get to them if I have time,” at least when it came to my own personal planning.

Boy, did I eat those words when I attended the media preview. You’ll find two stage shows at Epic Universe: The Untrainable Dragon in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. The Untrainable Dragon is inspired by a similar show offered at Universal Resort Beijing, while Le Cirque Arcanus is an original production.  

I’m not over-hyping things when I say that Le Cirque Arcanus is the best stage show I’ve ever seen at a theme park. 

Did I stutter?

I have a background in theatre and I have just about seen it all when it comes to special effects and “stage magic.” So when I say that my jaw was on the floor and I was moved to tears at Le Cirque Arcanus, you better believe it! It’s in my top three attractions if you’re including shows across all of Epic Universe.

Just how big Epic Universe is 

With five lands, around a dozen rides, two shows, and plenty of shopping and dining, Epic Universe is a true two-day theme park for you “completionists” out there. Could you do the park in just one day? If you only care about the rides, the answer is yes, but you’re probably going to miss out on a lot of the features that make Epic Universe so special.

There are plenty of character interactions in each of the five lands. You’ll find walk-around performers that add to the land’s atmosphere, such as Ygor in Dark Universe and the musicians in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as formal character meet-and-greets like Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon as well as Frankenstein’s monster and the Bride of Frankenstein in Dark Universe. 

We haven’t even gotten to talking about the interactive elements in the park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, like its predecessors at other Universal parks, sells wands that interact with the land so you can practice your magic. And Super Nintendo World sells Power-Up Bands where you can compete as a team throughout the day, collecting points throughout the land.

In total, you will find yourself pressed for time if you try to do Epic Universe in its entirety in just one day. I recommend slowing down in the evening too in order to enjoy the vibes, which isn’t always conducive to accomplishing your “to do” list. I haven’t even gotten to how exceptional the food is. Make sure you plan enough time (I recommend two days to enjoy everything at a leisurely pace) before you visit Universal Epic Universe.

READ MORE: WHERE TO EAT AT UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE

NOTE: I was invited by Universal Orlando Resort to attend a hosted media preview of Epic Universe. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my coverage are my own.

Three Things That Surprised Me the Most About Universal Epic Universe was originally published on The World of Spark.

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