Good morning from Universal’s Epic Universe!
Well, I actually visited about a week and a half ago – May 8th, to be exact. Roughly 1,100 photos later, I will do my best to concisely summarize my first trip to Epic Universe, along with my personal thoughts on the new park.
I wasn’t expecting to attend Epic Universe previews, as I am not a Universal passholder… reasons for which we’ll get into a little bit later. However, with the opening of previews to all guests, I was invited to attend alongside WDWNT’s Eric Morton.
This article will be part one of a three-part report covering my complete experience.
With that preface out of the way, let’s get going.
Obviously, the park is in technical rehearsal. Quite a few attractions were unavailable, though it was more than I expected with the Grand Opening being only two weeks away.
Our day was probably not the normal order of things that most guests would experience. We started at Pizza Moon for some food reviews. That review will be published separately soon, but the restaurant itself is a gem.
One of my favorite lands at any theme park is Discoveryland in Disneyland Paris, and Pizza Moon gives off many of the same charming vibes. In some cases, it does a better job at continuing the feeling than Discoveryland’s own eatery.
All of the effects are simple and accomplished with flat set pieces, but there is so much movement and classic design in Pizza Moon that you can’t help but be intrigued by all of the little elements around you.
The restaurant seemed extremely popular. Pretty much all of the tables were full during lunchtime, even during this limited-attendance preview.
From here, I wandered Celestial Park for a bit. I can’t imagine I walked even half of the pathways strewn around this central hub area.
From what I did experience, I appreciate that there is so much to see in any given direction.
Atlantic Restaurant and Constellation Carousel both offer unique structures and elements to break up the space. Naturally, the one downside to this open space is a lack of cover from the Florida elements, an issue all Orlando theme parks struggle with managing. Unlike Disneyland Abu Dhabi…
Opposite the park entrance is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. I think the building blends well enough with Celestial Park, adding little pops of color while being mostly unobtrusive.
On that note, I know sight lines are one criticism of Epic Universe. Personally, I’m not too bothered by what I saw within the park. No doubt you can and will see other rides and structures from within some of the lands. However, I don’t think any of them are as careless as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT or the Disney Skyliner. As far as domestic parks go, I think they did a “good enough” job at Epic Universe and really excelled in a couple of the lands.
Finally getting into lands, let’s take a look at Isle of Berk. Full disclosure, I have never seen “How To Train Your Dragon.” Nor have I seen any of the classic Universal Monsters movies, or any of the “Fantastic Beasts” series. I mention this as very few of the elements in their respective lands will make sense to me from a storyline standpoint.
That being said, I found Isle of Berk to be incredibly charming. The scale of it, the bright colors, and all the tiny details combine to form a beautiful land that even the uninitiated can appreciate.
Storms starting to move in the area perhaps made the skyline more dramatic-looking, and definitely shortened my ability to explore the land.
Despite the weather, I was still able to scope out some of the details in the land. Again, the vibrance and level of detail really made Berk feel special, even though I have zero knowledge of or connection to these characters.
Unlike places like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, Isle of Berk may actually inspire me to watch the source material.
On the note of Toy Story, Isle of Berk is really what Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios should have been. In comparison, Toy Story Land feels incredibly cheap and lifeless (moreso than it already did). Afterthoughts like Roundup Rodeo BBQ help, but still pale in comparison to what Isle of Berk does.
Mead Hall, for example, feels much more thoughtful than Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Not to mention it isn’t gatekept with pricey, family-style dining.
While I’m not sold on the execution of quick-serve style dining at many of the Epic Universe eateries (more on that in Part 3), there’s no doubt that Universal knocked it out of the park with the design of these restaurants.
I can’t speak too much to the food at Epic Universe beyond Pizza Moon, but what I did experience was well-presented and above-average for theme park food overall.
Of the lands I did experience, Isle of Berk is the one I really wish I had been able to spend more time in. I can only imagine that kids will be enthralled with how full of life and activity this area is, but I think parents and adults in general will enjoy it just as much.
Here is the one and only photo I took related to Super Nintendo World. Having been in the land at Universal Studios Japan, this was lowest on my priority list. With only 10 hours in the park, I knew it would be impossible to give every land its due. Dark Universe, Ministry of Magic, and Isle of Berk were much more important for me, as they’d be completely new lands in my eyes.
All that being said, Super Nintendo World was charming and nostalgic in Japan, and I assume it’s just as good (and crowded) here as it is there.
Similarly, my experience with Stardust Racers was little more than this sign photo. The ride was not open today, nor days before or after my visit, so I have no idea what it may add (or detract) from the Celestial Park experience. The coaster definitely seems to intrude on Isle of Berk aesthetically.
Like the Super Nintendo World portal, other elements in the central area of the park become more dynamic after dark.
Again, the Helios Grand Hotel remains noticeable but subtle, while the Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, fountains, and ground lighting really come to life after dark.
Even something as innocuous as a fish comes to life with color and texture at night. Epic Universe is, by far, at its best once the sun goes down.
As we conclude part one, you’ll notice two glaring absences: Dark Universe and Ministry of Magic. Each of these lands will represent parts two and three of my report, respectively, along with overall thoughts on Epic Universe at the end.
I hope you’ve enjoyed following along so far, and will return for the next installments!
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