Crush on the Magic

Back in May (2025), I had the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando Resort’s newest park, Universal EPIC Universe a part of a preview day prior to the park’s official opening on May 22, 2025.

During my visit, I stayed at one of the newest Universal hotels, Stella Nova (a Loews hotel). This budget conscious hotel is walking distance (with a nice walking path) and shuttle service to all the Universal Orlando parks (including EPIC for those who do not wish to walk).

I also had a chance to explore Loew’s Grand Helios hotel, another new resort, which direct access into EPIC Universe for hotel staying guests. I enjoyed dinner on the patio at their new lobby level restaurant, Flora Taverna, and also a few drinks on the top floor bar and lounge (Bar Helios).

I attended the preview with my colleague, Kelly Rimmer. It was incredibly hot for a mid-May trip to Orlando but sometimes that is how it goes in Central Florida!

On our EPIC Universe day, we were at the park gates about 45 minutes prior to the Early hotel guest entry time and we got through the security and ticketing right around the exact time of early entry. Our visit was of course at very limited capacity due to being in technical rehearsal; therefore, I cannot comment overall on park operations from a typical day of “normal” but the team was doing great at executing the general opening processes and was very excited to be a part of this big moment in history for the Universal Orlando Resort.

Overall, our day was good. My colleague is a ICBBES candidate and we were very easily able to get her pass setup well ahead of going through security and ticketing. We also pre-purchased Express Pass the day prior at the hotel Vacation and Ticket Planning Center. Express Pass is also being sold with resort guest packages and with tickets now that the park is open so guests can secure the Express Pass in advance (pending potential sell out). Express Passes are NOT included with any Universal Orlando Resort hotel stay. This is a key difference for EPIC Universe when considering the benefits available at the other parks and resorts. The other difference is that EPIC only allows for the base Express Pass and not the Unlimited Express.

I don’t feel like it is really apples to apples to review our overall ride efficiencies and park operations as we were attending during technical rehersal. I will say that the team members were very prepared and ready to open the park; however, they were (and still are) working through the challenges of new ride operations and capacity. I see this as an on-going issue for the months to come. We did spend most of the day in the park (aside from a short break for showers and coffee at the hotel in the afternoon before returning until park close. We rode everything that was opened during our park day but did not take in any of the shows. We prioritized taking in the scenery, shops, food, ambience and attractions as much as possible for one very hot day.

Overall park is BEAUTIFUL and very fun. Each portal brings it’s own beauty and enjoyment.

Here are my main takeaways:

• There is plenty of family friendly (if your kids/family are adventurous) thrill and excitement at this new park.
• It is small but you will still likely walk A LOT, especially if ride capacity and efficiency is struggling.
• The technology is very advanced when comparing to the older attractions in the other two Universal Orlando parks.
• If you like coasters, you will enjoy this park. There are multiple attractions you can ride with elementary and above aged children.
• If you have really small children, this park may be a little bit of a struggle until more attractions are added. There are things to do but it’s limited.
• The variety of the lands is great. Each unique and appealing to different genres. I really appreciated the portal transitions. Made the park feel a little softer and less garish in transitioning from land to land. Similar to entering and exiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
• It can be very hot standing around in some of the queues– but it is Orlando and I am sure Universal will address this with time.
• The park is close but not next door, to the other hotels and parks. It is worth it to plan your logistics to be nearby if your goal is EPIC. If your goal is all the parks, I recommend at least a Premier stay and/or a split stay at a Premier and then a closer value resort (if budget is an issue).

Overall, we both really enjoyed this park and I look forward to bringing my own kids back to experience it for themselves.

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