After hearing so much about Universal’s newest theme park, we finally had the chance to visit Universal Epic Universe in June 2026. I went with my daughter and my 10-year-old grandson, and since this was our first visit, we were excited to experience everything the new park had to offer.
We already had Universal annual passes for the other three parks, and when Epic Universe became available, we added it on. Since tickets can be expensive, we decided to spend one full day at Epic Universe and make the most of our visit.
Our biggest concerns before going were the two things everyone talks about when visiting Florida in June: crowds and heat.
After spending the day there, I can honestly say — yes, it was hot and yes, it was crowded — but with some planning, we had an amazing day.
Was One Day Enough at Universal Epic Universe?
One of the biggest questions people have is:
Can you really see Epic Universe in one day?
For us, the answer was yes.
We were able to experience all five lands, ride everything we wanted to ride, enjoy the food, and still have time to explore and take in the details.
That being said, we did not walk into the park without a plan.
Before arriving, we researched the park layout, knew what time each area opened, and talked with our group about which attractions were priorities.
Our strategy was simple:
Prioritize your must-do attractions early, then spend the rest of the day discovering all the details that make the park special
We started with what was most important to my grandson and daughter, then circled through the park and returned later to our favorite areas.
If you only have one day, I would absolutely recommend doing the same thing. Decide what you cannot miss before you arrive. Once those must-do attractions are done, you can slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate all the details that make Epic Universe special.
When we entered the park, we headed toward Super Nintendo World because that was the priority for my grandson.
Seeing it for the first time was incredible. The land really does feel like stepping into a video game.
But one of the things I loved most about Epic Universe was that every area felt completely different.
As a 62-year-old grandmother, I expected my favorite moments might be different than my grandson’s — and they were.
Our favorite rides depended on who you asked.
My grandson’s favorite ride in the entire park was Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (I personally did not ride this one.) While Nintendo was definitely his favorite, my favorite areas ended up being The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
My daughter's favorite was Dark Universe and Ministry of Magic.
I went in without many expectations, and that made everything even more enjoyable. I was constantly surprised by the creativity, details, landscaping, and atmosphere throughout the park.
Exploring the Five Lands at Epic Universe
Celestial Park is the breathtaking centerpiece of Universal Epic Universe. This futuristic yet peaceful land blends gardens, fountains, architecture, dining, and entertainment into a place that feels like the gateway to the entire park.
Super Nintendo World
A colorful, interactive land that brings the world of Nintendo to life. From the moment you enter through the iconic pipe, you’re surrounded by familiar characters, bright landscapes, and playful experiences.
This was absolutely my grandson’s favorite area. The theming is amazing, and he loved the interactive experiences. Nintendo world opened early and the crowds were very heavy when we first arrived, but they improved later in the day.
The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic
Step into the magical world of 1920s Paris in this immersive new Wizarding World land. With stunning architecture, incredible details around every corner, and the groundbreaking Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction, this area feels like you’ve stepped directly into the wizarding world.
The theming is beautiful, and the queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry was one of my favorite parts.
Dark Universe
The theming in Dark Universe was fantastic.
My daughter and grandson rode Monsters Unchained, and they enjoyed it. They especially liked the Frankenstein aspects.
Even if you are not a huge monster fan, the atmosphere and details make this land worth exploring.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This was my personal surprise favorite.
While Nintendo was my grandson’s favorite, Isle of Berk was where I found myself wanting to slow down and enjoy everything.
The scenery was adorable, the details were incredible, and I loved photographing all the little touches throughout the area.
Even while waiting for the kids to ride attractions, I enjoyed walking around and taking pictures.
And yes — even the sheep were a highlight!
Favorite Rides at Epic Universe
Our favorite rides depended on who you asked.
My grandson’s favorite ride in the entire park was:Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. (I personally did not ride this one.) and my daughter's was Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
We did not use Express Pass for Epic Universe. We had used it during our visits to the other Universal parks, but adding it here would have made the trip even more expensive.
Don’t Skip the Helios Grand Hotel
One of the surprises of our visit to Epic Universe was how much there was to explore beyond the attractions themselves. Even if you are not staying at the Helios Grand Hotel, I highly recommend taking some time to walk over and experience it.
The views from the hotel area, especially looking back toward Celestial Park, are a great place to enjoy the scenery and take photos. It is one of those places where you can appreciate the creativity and design that went into creating the entire Epic Universe experience.
Even if you are visiting Epic Universe for just one day, plan a little extra time to explore the Helios Grand Hotel. It is easy to overlook, but it is one of the details that makes this new theme park destination feel so special.
One thing to know: You will have to go through security again when leaving the park area to visit Helios Grand Hotel, but we found it to be very quick and easy. It only takes a few extra minutes, and it is definitely worth it to see the beautiful landscaping, water features, and views around the hotel.
Food at Epic Universe
We tried:
- Pizza Moon
- Café L’air de la Sirène
- Donkey Kong’s Tropical Freeze Float
We loved everything we tried!
Visiting Epic Universe in June: Heat & Crowds
June in Florida means heat. Temperatures were in the 90s during our visit, and the heat definitely affected our day.
Our best decision was taking an afternoon break. We left the park for a couple of hours, went back to our room, cooled off, and returned later.
My biggest summer tip:
Don't try to power through the hottest part of the day. Take a break in the air conditioning, grab a free cup of ice water from any quick-service restaurant, and give yourself time to cool down before heading back out.
Would We Visit Epic Universe Again?
Absolutely.
After spending one day at Universal Epic Universe, my honest opinion is:
I loved it and will return, but I would probably only plan one day of my vacation for Epic Universe.
The park deserves all the attention it is getting. The amount of detail, beautiful landscaping, flowers, service, and creativity that went into everything is impressive.
Final Thoughts: Is Universal Epic Universe Worth the Money?
My rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
My biggest advice before spending the money on a ticket:
Visit during the off-season if you can. You will save money, avoid some of the heat, and be able to enjoy the park even more.
If you are only going for one day, do your research beforehand, decide your must-do attractions, and then give yourself time to slow down and enjoy the magic.
Because the details are what make Epic Universe special.
More Epic Universe Posts Coming Soon:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Ride Review
- Universal Epic Universe Food Guide
- Best Rides at Epic Universe Ranked
- Visiting Epic Universe in Summer: Heat & Crowd Tips
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort Review
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