Universal Epic Universe opens in under three months. This new Orlando based theme park will feature flying dragon drones, numerous roller coasters, three themed hotels and so much more. But while we learn about the big features, there are some amazing items that aren’t as talked about. Just like a theme park isn’t just its biggest roller coaster, Universal Epic Universe is so much more than just its E-Ticket attractions.
Discover Universal Podcast reveals the details – big and small
The Universal Orlando Resort has their own podcast which helps plan vacations, give away Halloween Horror Night storylines and hype up Universal Epic Universe. The most recent podcast gave us fantastic insight into what we can expect from the How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk land. This podcast confirmed details we have been waiting to hear about – FLYING DRAGONS. But it also mentioned parts of that land that don’t always get the headlines.
A well-rounded theme park experience has food options that are grab-and-go and some that are more experience based. It offers rides with thrill and rides with chill. Entertainment ranges from personal interactions to show-stopping moments. To make a full experience, you have to focus on the smaller offerings, just as much as the big. This is what I wanted to highlight in this article, the attractions, shows and offerings that might have been missed.
5. A large and well themed kids playground: Viking Training Camp
The importance of areas for the youngest kids cannot be overstated. Theme parks are open for all ages, but height restrictions can stop some of the youngest adventurers from experiencing it all. The Viking Training Camp goes well beyond the requirement for a playground. Universal isn’t new to creating immersive playgrounds. In fact, Camp Jurassic at Universal Islands of Adventure is one of the greatest theme park kids play areas ever made.
Viking Training Camp is designed to be immersion and kid friendly. Universal states, “junior Vikings will discover all types of dragons in this sprawling, colorful, interactive play area. Adventures include multiple towers to climb and explore, a fun agility course, Viking drums and chimes to play, an interactive sheep launcher game, plus slides and activities for the youngest Vikings.” This goes beyond just some slides or set of swings. The How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk land will feature:
- 119 buckets
- 175 barrels
- 168 crates
- 151 feed sacks
- 115 books
- 120 baskets
How To Train Your Dragon kids area
This image of the Viking Training Camp clearly shows that Universal went above and beyond what is expected for a play area. It has plenty of cover, an essential part of the Florida experience. It has tons of color, because a boring kids area isn’t a proper kids area. It has slides and interactive areas, which allows for a varied level of fun tuned to each kids needs.
A playground doesn’t seem like a big deal to some in a park filled with Nintendo characters, dragon meet and greets and interactive show moments. But it is as essential as that park bench you didn’t realize you needed, or that extra set of tables near the restaurant when you need to find a spot to eat. Theme parks are for all, but they are filled with kids. I am happy to see that Universal made sure to try as hard for them as they have for the coaster fans.
4. Hidden fourth attraction inside of Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World has a hidden feature, another attraction waiting around for guests. This is behind a bit of a paywall because you need to own a Nintendo Power-Up Band, but the return may be well worth the price for video game fans. Now, you don’t need a Power-Up Band to enjoy interactive moments in the land. Mini games are located all over Super Nintendo World and don’t require a Power-Up Band, but the Power-Up Band does give you access to the final boss level. Anyone can enjoy Nintendo mini games, such as:
- Goomba Crazy Crank: Turn a crank to make the ground spin fast enough to make a Goomba fall backward, winning you a key.
- Piranha Plant Nap Mishap: Run back and forth, tapping multiple alarm clocks to put the huge Piranha Plant back to sleep.
- Koopa Troopa POWer Punch: Hit a POW Block with perfect timing to send a Koopa Shell up the pipe and knock over the Koopa Troopa.
- Bob-omb Kaboom Room: Gather fragments of a key from around the room and assemble them before the giant Bob-omb goes kaboom.
- Thwomp Panel Panic: Try to flip every tile on the wall to be the same color and win a digital key.
Power-Up Bands will track your progress via the Universal Orlando Resort app. This will allow you to see how you rank up against everyone else in the park with a Power-Up Band. It also stores your Digital Key to fight Bowser Jr. and tracks your digital trophies from accomplishments made in the park.
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown attraction
With at least three challenges completed, guests will be able to take on Bowser Jr. in a large-scale, multi-person game hidden in the land. This experience is recommended for guests ages 5 and up. But, you cannot truly lose this experience so don’t worry about being defeated by Bowser Jr. and ruining a young one’s day. This land is based around fun, so while some may get a higher score, all are in it to interact and have a good time.
3. You can get (temporary) tattoos or be transformed into a monster
For the monster lover, Dark Universe is basically a dream come true. Universal is creating their most horrifying attraction to date, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, complete with 14 high-speed animatronic figures. But, you can go beyond an attraction and become a monster yourself at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.
Guests, young and old, can be transformed into their favorite monsters with make-up and outfits for purchase. Or, temporary tattoos relating to the land are also an option. Universal states that guests can become, “werewolves, vampires, mummies, or something even more fashionably monstrous.”
With this in mind, don’t be surprised if you see a family of mummies walking around Super Nintendo World or a pack of vampires invading Celestial Park. These special make-up and costume opportunities should also allow for well themed group photos with the characters around the land – but be wary of the monster hunters.
2. Themed bars can be discovered at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Le Goblet Noir and Bar Moonshine are two eateries located within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic land. While the majority of this land is themed to 1920’s Paris, it doesn’t mean that your only option will be French food. And, don’t worry, this land will have Butterbeer – it will even debut a Butterbeer crepe.
Food is a big factor at Universal Epic Universe. From fine dining with a view over Celestial Park to Viking Grub, or even the pun-based Das Stakehaus (served via Vampires), this park knows that food is a big part of a theme park visit. You may have to step off the main path, but witches and wizards can discover two unique dining locations.
- Le Gobelet Noir: A mysterious small inn, located in the shadowy corners of Paris’s Place Cachée.
- Hearty meals will be served with a side of dark magic
- This eatery will serve alcoholic beverages along with a signature “Alchemist’s Platter” consisting of smoked sausage, potato and cheese pierogies, pickled eggs, marinated beets, caramelized onions and a warm pretzel with zesty German mustard and cheese fondue.
- Bar Moonshine: An American themed bar where American witches and wizards in Paris can enjoy a taste of home.
- American based cocktails will be served alongside beer, wine and non-alcoholic Butterbeer
- The bar will be themed to an American Quidditch establishment, complete with “wizarding Americana.”
1. Putting the park back into theme park
Apollo, Luna, Chronos and The Cosmos. Individually, these names have meanings in history and human exploration, together at Universal Epic Universe they stand for the heart of it all, Celestial Park. This area will feature a dueling roller coaster, a stunning, re-imagining of what we consider a carousel, numerous dining locations, a massive fountain show, interconnected gardens and walkways and the serenity of a meticulously planned park.
Acres and acres of water features, handcrafted gardens and areas made simply to be beautiful. You don’t want to miss the attractions, shows and dining locations at this theme park, but Celestial Park is meant to be your moment of zen in a busy day full of adventure. The water fountains themselves are all interconnected, ready to showcase different stories throughout the day and a major finale at night. Recently, fireworks were seen testing over Universal Epic Universe!
And while I am very excited for a big finale, I can’t miss telling you about the importance of a park. Trees, gardens, benches, small snacks, time to talk with family, a playful moment in some water fountains or a walk around statues, all of these things will matter and create more memories than you might expect.
Making memories, both together and individually at Celestial Park
Let’s get a little philosophical. Memories are made on a personal level, on a one-on-one level, on a group level and on a societal level. Core memories can be made within a five second interaction or over the course of a five hour hike. Celestial Park, and stick with me here, is designed to create lasting memories outside of the individual.
Now, this isn’t to say that memories as a group cannot be made within the other lands – far from it. But, every experience at Celestial Park is revolved around the idea of “us.” We ride together as a family on the carousel. My kids and I splashed in the water area. The grandparents and I sat together, snacking on a bench watching the sunset. I raced my best friend on Stardust Racers. Our photoshoot walk around the gardens was the moment I won’t forget.
All of this can happen in any land, at any theme park or on any day. That being said, I think the small moments, the quick glances, the new favorite meal, all of it can be cultivated in a land such as this. Celestial Park both minimizes the idea of a theme park by removing some rides, yet amplifies the idea of a theme park through an interconnected set of stories and moments while together.
Universal Epic Universe boasts 50 attractions, shows and experiences
Everything in this article is but a small drop in a large body of water. Even with leaks, commercials, grand reveals and rumors, we don’t yet know all that is within this park. Just imagine your first time moving to a new town. You hadn’t yet discovered that favorite pizza place. You never knew you would propose by the lake. Now think of your favorite place to visit in the world. You probably know the best spot to sit, when to visit, where to suggest someone else goes.
Every single person is about to be brand new to an entire theme park. 10 years from now, you could be a passholder who runs over to Universal Epic Universe for a quick bite at CelesTiki. But this year, in just about three months, every single person will be making memories for the first time. The first bite of food, the first selfie, the first time figuring out that the back row of the coaster is the best seat.
We don’t usually talk about the small stuff, but looking back at memories we realize how many times the smaller things meant so much. I think I change my mind every day about what I am most excited about to experience. During my first visit, I expect to be very wrong and discover something I never thought about. So, while people online rumor this, complain about that or worry themselves, make sure to give yourself those moments during your Universal Epic Universe visit to just “exist” and create that core memory.
EYNTK.info spoke with WESH 2 News’ Christina Watkins about Universal Epic Universe, Team Member previews and how the park is entering its final stage of preparation, the “let’s-perfect-it phase.”
