Epic Park Day

While going to the Orlando, Florida theme parks is not the first thing on my travel list, I have been wanting to experience the new Epic Theme park at Universal, which opened in May 2025. At the very least, I'll have new intel for my clients interested in visiting Epic. Before going, I had spoken to two different people that weren't very impressed with the park, but I beg to differ. Epic is a wonder. Once again, Universal has created fantastical worlds that immerse you in their lore. #epicthemepark #epicuniversal #epicorlando

Epic has five themed areas that are completely separate and unique from one another. They include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and Celestial Park. #ministryofmagic #isleofberk #supernintenoworld #darkuniverse #celestialpark

We Flew into Orlando in February on a late Thursday nite flight and purchased tickets for a one-day Epic ticket for Friday and park to park one day pass tickets at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for Saturday. Sunday was our chill day, and Monday was our flight home. Once again, a few of my adult kids and I were joining Dave on a biz trip. He travels the right way...so super nice accommodations were definitely in the cards. We stayed at Vista Cay, and I highly recommend this condo for its spaciousness and proximity to Epic and the Convention Center. Our good friend and Dave's business associate, Jim, also came to town for the International Builder's Show at the Convention Center and joined us in the festivities! #vistacayorlando #universalstudios #orlandothemeparks

The Epic 22 Vista Cay Resort Orlando Florida

Friday: Epic Park Day

Entrance into the park was easy. The lines weren't long and we were there 15 minutes early. The first area you walk thru upon entering Epic Park is their central hub land called Celestial Park. This area connects you to the other themed worlds. There's a whole astronomy and mythology theme here with fountains and glowing lights. The rides include Stardust Racers rollercoaster and Constellation Carousel, cosmic themed, and really lovely. #constellationcarousel

On our Way to Experience Epic

Constellation Carousel

Harry Potter

Strolling through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is like walking through the pages of the book. Universal has once again created perfection. Let's just start with the most sought out ride and one with the LONGEST lines, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Pre and Post ride is fabulous because you are completely immersed inside a living and talking story tale while you wait and walk through your line. I strongly encourage having Express passes to get the most of your day, as this ride alone can have wait times of 4+ hours. Battle at the Ministry is a top attraction, so I would make this your first ride of the day. If Express pass is not an option due to the additional expense, consider the single rider line. It moves faster than the regular line. #harrypotterorlando #harrypotterepicuniversal

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Dragons and Vikinngs

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk was a family favorite to walk through. The Viking and dragon packed themed village have vibrant colors where you'll encounter Vikings, fun rides, and Norse inspired feasts. Hiccup's Wing Gliders Coaster is a fun rollercoaster that we enjoyed. Dragon Racer's Rally is a high-flying ride where you'll be soaring in the sky.

 Fyre Drill, an interactive boat ride in a huge pool of water with themed character structures promises adventure at every turn, as you travel through the world of Berk. There is no shortage of dragons or Vikings on this ride.

Dining Suggestions in this land

Some of the dining options in the park include Mead Hall, the Viking gathering hall, which serves a creative mix of hearty meals. There is also Hooligans Grog & Gruel and Spit Fyre, quick service dining, that's great for on-the-go meals. You'll find a unique take on a family staple, Mac and cheese, which is served in a bread cone. I was sooo tempted to try one. It looked delicious. Huge regret! #meadhall #hooligansgroggruel #spitfrye #epicdining #epicmacandcheese #hiccupswinggliders #dragonsracerally #fryedrill

Dark Universe (Favorite)

Our next stop was Dark Universe. We knew this was going to be a family favorite as we love our monsters! The themed area did not disappoint. Universal brings classic monsters to life with Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This is a thrill and motion simulation ride featured inside Dracula's Castle. The atmosphere and attention to detail are right on par with Harry Potter. Monster's Unchained is an immersive ride experience that includes Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. It's an amazing tribute to the monsters of past. This is another top attraction at the park, as is the Curse of the Werewolf coaster. (Lots of twists and turns with this one...I had to pass, but the family loved it). #monstersunchained #curseofthewerewolf #draculascastle #itsalive #itsaliveitsalive #frankensteinexperiment #immersiveexperienceorlando

Dark Universe Themed Area is Epic!

Me Sharing Beauty Tips

Monsters Unchained

We had decided on Das Stakehaus for lunch (this was a given). We all wanted a sit-down meal, and a friend recommended dining here. Located in Dark Universe (naturally), the theme is spooky and vampire inspired. The interior feels like an old gothic inn with dark stone architecture and eerie artwork throughout. Menu selection is great. #dasstakehaus #dasstakehausepic #darkuniversedining

Don't Miss the Amazing Bloody Mary at Das Stakehaus!

Super Nintendo World & Mario Kart

By far the most brightly themed park area is Super Nintendo World. Super Mario World and Donkey Kong are hands on attractions that take you on an adventure through colorful landscapes in true Mario Kart fashion. Mario Kart Bowser's Challenge is an interactive ride, where you wear special goggles, go through courses alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach and collect coins. Lots of fun with video game vibes. #mariokartbowserschallenge

On our way up to Super Nintendo World

Mine Cart Madness is a thrilling family coaster. Your objective is to assist Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in protecting the Golden Banana. After getting into your mine cart, you enter the Magnificent Golden Temple and speed through the mine, jumping across gaps on the track (not really), while performing mind blowing stunts. This was a fun one! #mincartmadness #familyvacationorlando

Yoshi's Adventure is a family friendly ride geared for younger guests. We passed on this one, but it is another immersive attraction where you search and find glowing eggs, as you make your way through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes. #yoshisadventure

Atlantic Restaurant Celestial Park

We stopped into the Atlantic restaurant to check it out before we left the park for the day. We thought it was so cool, we made reservations for dinner. In the heart of Celestial Park, Atlantic is a seafood and steak house. We were lucky to get reservations the day of. The interior feels like a magical underwater aquarium with fish-shaped lanterns that appear to “swim” above the dining room. Aquatic sculptures and ocean-inspired décor with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlook Celestial Park and Neptune’s Pool. This is a perfect spot to view the nightly synchronized fountain shows (similar to Bellagio in Las Vegas). **Highly recommend #atlanticepic #celestialparkdining #diningexperience

Reservations required: Universal Studios Orlando - Get a Dining Reservation

Downtime at the Atlantic Bar

Carousel in Celestial Park

Atlantic Restaurant

Chill Day

Saturday was our Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Day. I've already written about those in a previous blogpost, Disney vs. Universal

Sunday was our last full day in Orlando, and our good friends Janine & John drove up from Sarasota to visit with us. This day was the star of the trip for me, as Janine is one of my oldest friends, and she and John are Fiona's godparents...I was beyond excited to share a day with them and a nice dinner out in Disney Springs! #bestfriends #makingmemoriesinorlando #orlandomemories

Your best friends totally get your humor...priceless moments

Dinner in Disney Springs at Paradiso 37

Disney Springs is such a great stop. For starters, it doesn't cost anything to enter. You've got award winning restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and attractions as well. You can easily dedicate an entire afternoon or nite here just walking around, people watching, and listening to music. Foot traffic is heavy with big crowds, but it's also a beautiful area to take in with great water views. If you're looking for Disney souvenirs, the biggest Disney store in the world is within reach in the Marketplace. Some of our favorite restaurants include The Boathouse, Morimoto, and STK Guesthouse, but if you're leaning for more family fare and family prices, there is also The Rainforest Cafe, T Rex Cafe, and Planet Hollywood. Guests staying at Disney hotels will be able to access them directly from Disney Springs, which serves as the main shuttle system. #disneysprings #disneyspringsdining

I hope you enjoyed my short post...it was just one day! If you would like any additional information or help booking your next vacation, please contact me at thill2@aaanortheast.com/978-208-3196. I love being a travel agent and planning vacations that create a lifetime of memories. #aaanortheast #aaanortheasttravel #travelagent #vacationplanner #traveltips #travelconcierge

Best, Tina