Discover the Top 11 Must-Ride Attractions at Universal’s Epic Universe!

by

Last week marked the debut of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, offering a plethora of exciting new realms to enthusiasts of all ages. For decades, Universal has reigned supreme in the realm of theme parks, with their global locations consistently premiering and upgrading an array of innovative attractions and rides. However, Epic Universe presents something extraordinary: travel to uncharted territories as Universal delivers state-of-the-art encounters enabling guests to dive deep into entirely distinct realms. Our team from ComicBook attended the park’s opening to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.

Regardless of which theme park attractions you prioritize, we’re ready to help you discover the unmissable experiences that await you across all the realms of Epic Universe.

11) Constellation Carousel — Celestial Park

The Constellation Merry-go-round, despite its beauty, remains a merry-go-round as suggested by its name. Any list or ranking will inevitably have something in last place, no matter how remarkable it may be; the Constellation Merry-go-round falls into this category. Visitors at Epic Universe are probably seeking more engaging or exhilarating experiences compared to what even an outstanding merry-go-round can provide. However, it’s important to mention that the Constellation Merry-go-round was intentionally designed to pay homage to the fundamental elements of any amusement park. While it may not revolutionize the concept of a merry-go-round (a pun on its wheels), it’s still a spectacle worth admiring.

10) Yoshi’s Adventure — SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

As a diehard cinema aficionado, I’d say that Yoshi’s Adventure at Epic Universe isn’t about breaking speed records like the Constellation Carousel, but trust me, it’s an essential ride for any Yoshi devotee. On this voyage, you’ll not only catch breathtaking panoramas of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, but you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported right into Yoshi’s homeland. Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter all the cherished Yoshi characters and landscapes that have won our hearts. For young fans, this ride will be a dream come true, while older enthusiasts might prefer the adrenaline-pumping experiences elsewhere in the park.

9) Fyre Drill — How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Fyre Drill shares a similar tempo with Yoshi’s Adventure, offering an enjoyable ride for fans of “How to Train Your Dragon” across all age groups. Simultaneously, Fyre Drill serves as a refreshing escape during a hot Orlando summer day, lowering the temperature by a few degrees. The interactive water ride replicates the sensation of being a Viking in training, preparing for an unexpected blaze on Berk, courtesy of the boat’s multiple water cannons. Aim at targets and watch the surroundings spring to life, miss them and get drenched with a large splash from a bucket or a powerful jet of water instead.

8) Dragon Racer’s Rally — How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

An exhilarating journey reminiscent of a real-life adventure in Berk, the Dragon Racer’s Rally promises an unforgettable experience for thrill-seeking visitors.

At first sight, it might seem that Dragon Racer’s Rally doesn’t capture the thrill of flying a dragon, but this ride truly provides a one-of-a-kind adventure. Once you’re airborne, you get to steer your dragon, deciding how much or how little it spins. Whether you fancy a leisurely tour of Isle of Berk from a lofty viewpoint or want to execute a precise barrel roll that gets your heart racing, the choice is yours at Dragon Racer’s Rally. You get to determine your own journey on this ride.

7) Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge — SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Since the debut of the first Super Mario Kart in 1992, fans have yearned for a chance to join the action themselves. With Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you can come closer than ever before. Equipped with AR goggles and real-world sets, this attraction brings the thrill of high-speed racing and turtle-shell-tossing from the cherished series to life. Those who embark on the ride with a Power-Up Band can track their points and compare them to Bowser’s on the leaderboard, adding an extra layer of excitement to the journey. However, some may find that Bowser’s Challenge leans more towards feeling like a video game rather than a traditional ride. While this could be a downside for certain visitors, it will undoubtedly enhance the experience for others.

6) Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness — SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

1994’s Donkey Kong Country, similar to the original Super Mario Kart, mesmerized Super Nintendo enthusiasts, leading to a devoted fanbase. The mine cart levels, a series staple, challenged players with blind jumps, and the gameplay in Mine-Cart Madness accurately reflects the experience of traversing those thrilling locations.

Experience Mine-Cart Madness instead of Bowser’s Challenge for a more exhilarating journey through the Nintendo World. This roller coaster takes you deep into the familiar catacombs of the game series, creating an illusion that you’re not on a safe ride. The bumpy and rickety tracks add to the authenticity of the ride, offering a thrill unlike any other coaster in Epic Universe.

Swap your experience from Bowser’s Challenge for Mine-Cart Madness, where you’ll be plunged into the heart of the iconic catacombs within the Nintendo World series. The ride gives off an illusion that you’re not on a safe roller coaster every time you approach damaged tracks. With its rough and rickety nature, the Mine-Cart Madness ride provides an authentic, adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other in Epic Universe.

5) Curse of the Werewolf — Dark Universe

Although “Curse of the Werewolf” is among the briefest roller coaster rides at a Universal theme park, it’s unique because no two experiences on this coaster are ever identical.

In Curse of the Werewolf, four passengers climb into a unique car with two seats facing opposite directions on either side. Despite having just one track, the car can rotate freely due to physical laws. The size and positioning of each passenger triggers distinct rotations at every curve in the track, ensuring an unpredictable ride for all.

Not only is the idea for this roller coaster thrilling, but be prepared to spot hidden werewolves lurking in the shadows at strategic moments throughout your journey on the ride.

4) Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Upfront statement: While many rides at Epic Universe are more striking, Battle at the Ministry stands out for a unique reason – its astonishing replica of the Ministry of Magic. To fully appreciate this part of the park, you must see it for yourself. As visitors stroll along the outdoor streets of the Ministry of Magic, they have no clue about the hidden secrets lurking beneath them.

For a fan of the Wizarding World, moving from muggle territories to the Ministry of Magic through the Floo Network is an unparalleled experience. It’s so immersive that you might lose track of time while being awestruck by the lifelike recreations of movie sets, which make it feel like stepping right into the story itself.

Although the actual experience may seem less exhilarating than the anticipation built up by waiting in line, enthusiasts of Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Hollywood can enjoy Battle at the Ministry, as it delivers comparable excitement. However, unlike its counterpart, Battle at the Ministry blurs the line between reality and special effects with the use of animatronics in conjunction with video screens, leaving you to question what’s genuine and what’s been enhanced. This attraction may require multiple rides for a clearer understanding.

3) Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment — Dark Universe

One hundred years following the debut of Universal Pictures’ legendary Universal Monsters, these cherished characters now have a permanent home, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment proved to be an exceptional addition, making the wait truly worthwhile.

Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a descendant five generations removed from Victor Frankenstein, intends to explore the frontiers of science beyond what her forebear accomplished, regardless of the chaos that might ensue. With her own interpretation of the Frankenstein Monster by her side, guiding her actions, Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and other cherished Universal Monsters stand opposed to Victoria’s goals. Their mission is to thwart her at any cost.

Similar to Battle at the Ministry, Monsters Unchained offers an exceptionally engaging and Easter egg-filled queue, paying tribute to various aspects of the Universal Monsters’ heritage. However, what sets it apart from Battle at the Ministry is that the queue serves only as a prelude; the main attraction follows, delivering an exhilarating, pulse-pounding, and frightening experience that surpasses all expectations.

2) Stardust Racers — Celestial Park

Similar to how Constellation Carousel sticks to the traditional carousel design, Stardust Racers maintains the essence of a roller coaster without trying to change your existing perceptions about it. What sets Stardust Racers apart is its delivery of an incredibly smooth, swift, and thrilling roller coaster experience that stands out among all Universal theme parks.

On its own, the track for the roller coaster offers one of the longest thrills for Universal fans, as the rhythmic blend of inversions, twists, and drops creates a highly gratifying journey. But what truly elevates Stardust Racers to an unforgettable ride is the dualing tracks design, making it seem like the riders in either car could nearly collide at any instant.

1) Hiccup’s Wing Gliders — How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Despite being primarily aimed at a younger demographic, the “How to Train Your Dragon” series manages to provide the heart-pounding excitement that universal fans crave with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. This level of adrenaline-fueled fun is uniquely crafted by Universal.

As I stand in line for this roller coaster, my heart races with anticipation. On its own, it’s fast, fun, and delivers an intensity that momentarily makes me question why I chose to embark on this thrilling ride. But then, as the story unfolds, the themed experience takes it to another level. The How to Train Your Dragon theme immerses me in Hiccup’s quest to teach Toothless how to fly. Despite Toothless’s questionable flying skills, I can’t help but cheer for them, just like a dedicated fan would.

Just as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders offers an enthralling narrative combined with heart-pounding excitement, making it a top must-see attraction across Epic Universe.

Universal’s Epic Universe is now open.

Read More

2025-05-26 23:19