Inside Universal Epic Universe: Dragons, Dark Magic and Donkey Kong Universal Epic Universe is a brand-new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, and Chris Golds was among the very first journalists in the world invited to one of the largest and most expensive theme parks ever built—more than 50 days before it opened to the public. The trip was so EPIC, we had to split this article in half, so this is part two.
Universal Orlando Resort’s new park has many missions, but chief among them is to redefine what a theme park visitor gets to experience once they step inside. Every element of the visit, from the moment you arrive to the second you sadly have to leave, is as immersive as it can be. It opened this month to rave reviews, with five new worlds to explore. In my last article, I touched on two of them. Now, come with me as we visit three more: the charming How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, the insane Super Nintendo World, and the deliciously moody Dark Universe.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Walking through the vibrant portal, I could tell the Universal Creatives are not messing around. It’s a cliché, I know, but it really does need to be seen to be believed. This is a love letter to the franchise. The colours pop, the music takes over, and your senses are set on fire. I love water, and no world at Epic has more of it than here. It adds to the beauty and aesthetic of everything around you. I don’t know how they’ve done it, but it even looks like the sea, with ripples and waves enveloping huge statues of dragons that breathe fire non-stop. Everywhere you walk in the park, a dragon or a Viking is never far away. There are so many opportunities for gorgeous and very cute pictures, not least the chance to meet Hiccup and Toothless in an adorable meet and greet. But it’s not just the theming that soars.
The land’s signature ride, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, is a family-friendly coaster that delivers thrills for everyone. You’re strapped into a winged machine of Hiccup’s own design and sent hurtling over Berk’s cliffs, swooping through valleys and skimming past waterfalls. It’s very smooth, exhilarating, and filled with those “I can’t believe we’re doing this” moments. The theming is brilliant, the ride system is exhilarating without being scary, and the soundtrack is great (with Hiccup talking to you at every moment). It’s one of my favourite rides in the whole park and I can’t wait to ride it again.
Next up, you have to try your hand at dragon racing – a celebrated pastime on the Isle of Berk. At Dragon Racer’s Rally, young Vikings try out aerobatic manoeuvres and high-speed barrel rolls on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer. It’s super cute. This is the world that probably has more elements for younger visitors than any other. One of the best for kids is Fyre Drill. It doesn’t even have a height requirement. This water ride is a welcome treat in the Orlando heat, and be prepared to get wet.
For food, Mead Hall is a feast and then some. You sit at long communal tables to enjoy Viking-inspired food with a modern twist. My favourite was the Thawfest Platter. Tender chicken drumsticks glazed in a wild berry BBQ sauce, grilled salmon, and sausage, served with a medley of roasted carrots, cipollini onions, Nordic fries, and side sauces. Themed ales are available on tap for the grown-ups worn out from entertaining the little Vikings.
Super Nintendo World – Bright, Colourful Nostalgia
Next, we shrunk ourselves down for Super Nintendo World. I was never a big Nintendo fan, but I imagine this world is what it would be like if someone cracked open your old N64 and turned it into a theme park. It’s large, bright, and bursting with fun for Nintendo fans of every age. I don’t know what any of it meant, but I can tell you the real world disappears when you enter through the
portal via a bright green, glowing warp pipe. There’s music playing (you’ll know the theme, even I did), spinning coins, and interactive elements everywhere, including blocks that respond when you bop them.
If you want to get interactive, pick up the optional Power-Up Band – a wearable wristband linked to your phone that allows you to play your way through the land.
The showstopper here is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Forget the go-karts of your teenage years. This is augmented reality meets dark ride meets multi-sensory chaos. And I mean chaos. You wear an AR visor (be prepared for hat hair) and race through iconic tracks while steering, throwing shells, and dodging fireballs. It’s frenetic, immersive, and a little bit maddening in the best possible way. I had no idea what was going on, but yes, I did want to ride it again.
Dark Universe – A Dreamy Nightmare
Dark Universe is hands down the boldest, spookiest, and most immersive world at Universal Epic Universe. Here, Universal has leaned into its horror legacy and reimagined the classic movie monsters. No longer is horror reserved for their phenomenal Halloween Horror Nights – now it’s all year round. Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Invisible Man are not dusty relics but living myths, brought to life in a fully immersive gothic world. It’s misty. It’s dramatic. It’s beautifully sinister. I LOVED it. The entrance sets the tone with looming iron gates, crooked trees, and distant howls and screams. Once inside, you’re transported to a mysterious village gripped by fear and folklore. Brits will immediately feel at home, even if the Florida sun is beating down.
The headline ride? Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Before the trip, this was one of the rides I was most excited about. It uses the same tech as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – a robotic arm used in factories to build cars. Only here, you ride it. Backwards, forwards, up, down – you get the idea. In Potter, the tech is hidden. Here, it’s part of the story, and it works brilliantly. This is a next-gen dark ride.
And the story? Frankenstein’s monster has broken loose, setting off a chain reaction of mayhem across the creature-verse in the catacombs of the manor. Using robotics, screens, and practical effects, this is Universal Epic Universe at its best. They say it uses their most advanced animatronics ever – and I believe them. It’s story-driven, surprising, and filled with jaw-dropping moments. 10/10, no notes. At no point did I stop grinning from ear to ear.
For a break from the thrills, The Burning Blade Tavern offers dark ales, bubbling stews, and possibly a vampire lurking in the corner. It’s moody and fun in the best possible way – exactly the kind of place you hope to get stuck during a Florida downpour. And it’s not called The Burning Blade Tavern for nothing, make sure you catch the moment the windmills catch fire. It’s a viral moment you can’t miss.
I loved Dark Universe and can’t wait to see it at night. It looks so atmospheric during the day, I can’t imagine how good it must be after sunset.
Final Thoughts – This Is Universal’s Moment
Universal Epic Universe isn’t just a theme park – it’s a mission statement. It’s a Universal saying, “OK, that chap with the ears is down the road, but we’re not playing catch-up anymore.” Each land here is built around a single intellectual property, with a central hub that connects them like spokes on a cosmic wheel. The result? A feeling of focus, depth, joy, and true immersion. Whether you’re visiting with kids, reliving your gaming glory days, hoping to create wizarding magic, or just want to be spooked in the most fabulous way possible, Universal Epic Universe now feels like the crown jewel of Orlando’s theme park scene.
British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova Resort from £949pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 January – 31 January 2026 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, one checked bag at 23kg per person, and accommodation. Book by 31 July 2025. For reservations, visit here.
