My 2-Day Epic Universe Experience
- Marissa Benson
- May 1
- 4 min read
My 2-Day Epic Universe Experience: Unforgettable Worlds, Thrilling Rides & Foodie Surprises
I just got back from two days at Universal’s Epic Universe, and I’m still processing how amazing it all was. It truly felt like I stepped into another dimension—no exaggeration. Universal has redefined what a theme park can be. With its completely immersive lands, next-level attractions, and some of the best park food I’ve ever had, Epic Universe is an experience you simply have to see to believe.
Here’s a deep dive into my visit—what I loved, what surprised me, and why this park is now at the top of my "must-return" list.
Dark Universe – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
This land was my personal favorite. The Dark Universe is moody, eerie, and incredibly well-designed, full of gothic architecture, flickering lanterns, and cobblestone paths. You feel like you’re stepping into an old European horror village, and I was obsessed with every detail.
My favorite ride is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It’s a thrilling dark ride that brings Universal’s classic monsters—like Dracula, The Wolfman, and of course, Frankenstein’s monster to life in a modern, intense, and cinematic way. The effects, storytelling, and suspense were out of this world. The queue line was just as good as the ride. I have never wanted to stand in line longer!
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This land is an absolute dream for anyone who loves the How to Train Your Dragon films. Even if you have never seen the movies, this land is beautifully designed, bright colors, and viking architecture. When you walk into Berk you are immediately surrounded by colorful Viking houses, rocky cliffs, and playful dragon-themed details. It’s vibrant, whimsical, and incredibly family-friendly.
The main coaster here, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders it is a fantastic ride that captures the sensation of flying with dragons. It’s smooth, scenic, and great for both kids and adults. There are also fun interactive areas for little ones to explore and even dragon encounters where you can "train" your own! The whole land had such positive energy, and it really made me feel like a kid again.
Don't miss the dragon show! It was so fun, and had me leaning over to my husband and saying "I want a baby dragon."
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
If you’ve ever dreamed of diving deeper into the magical world beyond Hogwarts, this land delivers. The Ministry of Magic is breathtaking. The massive, towering halls, magical office buildings, and streets pulsing with energy. It brings together elements from Fantastic Beasts and the Harry Potter series into one seamless magical experience.
I felt completely transported walking into the Ministry’s main atrium, and the ride (no spoilers!) is immersive and thrilling in the way only Universal can do. Magical food and drink carts serve up Butterbeer and other wizarding treats, and the entire land has that same "magic is real" feeling that makes the Wizarding World so iconic.
The new 2.0 wands are priced at $85 and have the ability to light up and vibrate when casting spells. Are they worth the investment? Yes, for those who enjoy spellcasting at Universal, they are definitely worth it. However, your original wand still functions perfectly, so there's no need to feel pressured to spend extra money.
Super Nintendo World
Talk about stepping inside a video game. As soon as I entered Super Nintendo World, I felt like I’d jumped into a life-size version of Super Mario Bros.. The colors, the music, the blocky terrain, it all just made me smile!
You can collect coins using a Power-Up Band, play interactive mini-games, and of course, another favorite ride - Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness. The ride is just fun, the music, the wild mine cart, and the characters are all adorable.
There’s also Toadstool Café. The food was surprisingly good (the Mario-themed desserts are a hit), and the theming is next level. Even the windows are animated!
Best Meal: Das Stake House
After all the exploring, I was ready for a great meal—and Das Stake House completely delivered. Located in the Dark Universe, it offered a cozy yet upscale atmosphere with rich wood finishes and moody lighting. Its not a STEAK house it is a STAKE house. The food is on stakes. I got the salmon, my husband got the chicken and both were delicious. The best part is brains for dessert. YOU HAVE TO GET THE BRAIN!
Least Favorite: Atlantas Restaurant
The only downside of my trip was dining at the Atlantas Restaurant. While the theming was beautiful (think glowing blue ambiance and underwater fish), the food itself lacked flavor. Compared to the rest of the park’s incredible culinary experiences, it just didn’t measure up.
Final Thoughts: A Theme Park Like No Other
Epic Universe exceeded every expectation I had. The immersive lands, the innovative rides, and the incredible food made this one of the best theme park experiences of my life. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a fantasy lover, or someone just looking to escape into another world, there’s something here for you.
I’m already dreaming of going back—this time with more days and more time to soak in every magical corner. If you're ready to plan your Epic Universe adventure, I’d love to help make it unforgettable.
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