10 things to know before going to Epic Universe

Here are 10 things to know before going to Epic Universe. Epic Universe is Universal’s 4th park and 3rd theme park. If you’re planning a Universal Orlando vacation, you’re likely planning to visit Epic Universe, and you should! However, there are a few things to know before visiting Epic Universe.

Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025, but was open for previews for a few weeks prior. We were able to visit during this time in order to bring you all of the Epic Universe tips and tricks!

Things to know before visiting Epic Universe

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder.

I have firsthand experience with the parks, hotels, rides, dining options, and more, enabling me to offer tailored recommendations and insider tips to enhance your Universal vacation. Contact me for more information if you’d like assistance in booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you. 

One more Universal Pro Tip. Having a car can be handy during your Universal vacation. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They have the best prices, and you don’t have to pay until you pick it up!

Now, let’s get to the 10 things to know before going to Epic Universe. We also have a list of rides at Epic Universe, so make sure to check that out when you’re done here.

Things to know before going to Epic Universe

Here are 10 things to know before going to Epic Universe, listed in no particular order.

1. Most of the rides are outdoors

I said this list was in no particular order, but this is one of the most important things to know before going to Epic Universe. Unlike Universal Studios, most of the rides at Epic Universe are outdoors. This means there is very little protection from the sun, and if it starts to rain, well, the queues for the three indoor rides as well as the line for the busses back to CityWalk are going to get very long, very fast.

So, how do you prepare for this? First, pack lots of sunscreen and maybe an umbrella for sun protection. You can’t use the umbrella on the ride, but you’ll need it for other parts of the park. You’ll also want to bring emergency ponchos and an umbrella (the same umbrella is fine) for rain.

2. Express Passes need to be purchased separately

Although this will likely change in the future, the Express Pass aspect of Epic Universe is a bit confusing right now. If you’re staying at one of the Universal Signature Resorts that includes Express Passes, these Express Passes are only good at the other parks. Express Passes for Epic Universe are available but must be purchased separately.

3. There is a hotel on property

A unique feature at Epic Universe is a hotel that is actually in the park! Helios Grand Hotel is one of the best places to stay at Universal, and has a separate Epic Universe entrance just for hotel guests.

4. Epic Universe will be opened in phases

Although nothing has been officially announced, it is fairly well known that Epic Universe will be expanded in phases. There is space for expansion between Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe, as well as between The Ministry of Magic and Stardust Racers.

5. You need the Power Up Bands to fully enjoy Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World is one of the most impressive lands in Epic Universe. It is very immersive and features interactive games in addition to three rides. To fully enjoy this world, you’ll need a Power Up Band. These can be purchased at Epic Universe (and in other select locations at Universal) and cost about $45. They can be connected to the Universal app.

6. There is very little protection from the sun or rain

I mentioned that most of the rides at outdoors, but most of the park is exposed to the elements as well. During a very sunny or rainy day (and we have a lot of those in Orlando) you’ll be largely unprotected from the elements. Plan accordingly!

You should also know that the walk back to the parking lot is very long and completely exposed. I hope that Universal will eventually add some kind of awning, but as of right now, that has not happened.

7. The Ministry of Magic isn’t as Magical as the rest of the Wizarding World

This is a personal opinion and maybe a hot take, but I don’t think the Ministry of Magic is quite as magical as Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. There is one ride and the ride is fantastic, but the land itself isn’t that impressive. I was the most excited about this part of the park but found it underwhelming.

Make sure you check out the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter and don’t forget your park-to-park ticket so you can ride the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure (and back.)

More Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips:

• 6 Wizarding World of Harry Potter Rides
• 7 things to buy BEFORE going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips
• Hidden secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

8. This park is not right next to the other parks

You may already know this, but it’s worth mentioning that Epic Universe is not directly next to the other parks. While you can take the Hogwarts Express between Islands of Adventure, there is nothing connecting Epic Universe with the other parks. You can also walk between the other two parks in about 15 minutes through CityWalk.

For Epic Universe, you’ll need to either take a bus from CityWalk, or drive over if you have a car. If you’re staying at Stella Nova, Terra Luna, or Helios Grand, you’ll have to take a bus to CityWalk and that bus ride can be about 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. This isn’t a big deal, but it’s something you should know so you can plan accordingly.

9. There isn’t much for babies and toddlers

Universal Orlando has generally been considered a great park for adults, teens, and older kids. In recent years, expansions such as Dreamworks Land in Universal Studios have made the parks more friendly to families with babies and toddlers. In fact, we have a blog post with things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies.

However, there isn’t much at Epic Universe for toddlers or babies. There are only a couple of rides with no height requirement, and there is one large play area in the Isle of Berk. Other than that, you won’t find much for little ones at Epic Universe. Super Nintendo World is where you’ll find the most kids, but all of the rides have height requirements (34″ for Yoshi, 40″ for the other two.)

10. There aren’t many rides yet

If you have a ride-focused family, Epic Universe may end up being a half-day park if you have Express Passes. Although there are high crowds and long lines due to the park just opening, eventually this will calm down. With Express Passes, it may be easy to go on all the rides in half a day.

This is just one of many reasons why I recommend a park-to-park ticket. Starting in 2026, park-to-park tickets will include Epic Universe as well as Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Make sure to get these tickets, rather than base tickets, so you can enjoy more than one park per day!

Things to know before going to Epic Universe

I hope this list of things to know before going to Epic Universe was exactly what you were looking for! If you have any other Epic Universe tips that we missed, make sure to leave a comment and let us know!

Contact me today if you’d like some help planning an Epic Universe/Universal Orlando Vacation.

We have lots more Universal travel tips on the blog. Check them out!

• What to pack for Universal Studios (and what to wear at Universal)
• All the Universal Orlando Hotel Types explained
• A complete list of water rides at Universal Orlando
• 13 exciting behind the scenes tours at Universal Orlando
• Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites Review

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