Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

10 Epic Universe Attractions that Will Change Orlando

Epic Universe will be the main reason people visit Orlando in 2025.

While Disney World was busy injecting itself into politics in 2020, Universal Orlando was quietly working on a top-secret project -  a massive new theme park called Epic Universe. Iā€™m hearing that this will be Orlandoā€™s most technologically advanced theme park and I think this has probably caught Disney off guard. This is going to be the new reason people come to vacation in Orlando!

Here's my list of 10 game-changing attractions that will raise the bar in the theme park capital of the world.

You can also watch the video here:

Everywhere I go in Orlando these days, Im met with major road construction projects and heavy traffic. This is all in preparation for Epic Universe, opening in the summer of 2025. I thought it was time to share with you some highlights of this new park. And get ready because itā€™s huge! It has 5 themed lands, like Super Nintendo World and Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, over 50 rides and attractions, several themed restaurants, and 3 new hotels.

#10 Super Nintendo World Interactive Key Challenges

I had an opportunity to visit Super Nintendo World in Hollywood, California last year and as a kid of the 90ā€™s, it was totally rad!  As soon as I entered through the tunnel, I had to press pause for a moment to take it all in. There are attractions, interactive challenges, character meets, and even a restaurant. But the Key Challenges in particular were especially fun. I am thrilled that weā€™re getting this in Orlando which i suspect will be nearly identical, only larger! The California version is actually kind of small. 

Super Nintendo World Key Challenge Game - Universal Orlando

Hereā€™s the story: Bowser Jr. has stolen the Golden Mushroom! Using your Power-Up Band, you can retrieve the Golden Mushroom for Princess Peach by playing interactive games throughout the land and collecting digital keys. I think this means that Universal mobile app be how you keep track of yoru keys. 

Once you obtain three keys, youā€™ll unlock a special game called Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. This is yet another technologically advanced attraction where you interact with Nintendo-themed shadows being projected on the wall. I did this in California and it was one of the highlights of our day. 

You will need to purchase a PowerUp Band, I got mine at Universal Hollywood for about $45. But without it, Super Nintendo World wonā€™t make very much sense. Even though itā€™s an additional cost, I think you get what you pay for here. 

Universal Power Up Bands

Now when I was invited to check this out in California I did notice that the lines for Key Challenges got pretty long - about 45 minutes per game. And you only play the game for about a minute. So Iā€™m hoping Universal thinks of a better way to manage this for Epic Universe.


#9 Fyre Drill

In How to Train Your Dragon ā€“ Isle of Berk, one of the 5 themed lands at Epic Universe, youā€™ll find four attractions, a live show, and several character meet-and-greets. But I think the ride Fyre Drill really stands out as a unique attraction. Youā€™ll head out to sea on a new boat ride where youā€™ll aim water cannons at targets and other objects (maybe even each other). Sounds to me like Buzz Lightyearā€™s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom or Men in Black Alient Attack but with water! 

Fyre Drill Ride at Universal Orlando

Fyre Drill at Universal Epic Universe

From your boat youā€™ll blast water cannons at flame-like targets to practice putting out fires ā€“ a crucial skill to master when living with dragons, of course. 

At Dragon Racerā€™s Rally, Berkā€™s new Vikings can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on a massive swing ride. Universal says this swing will go upside down and that riders will be able to make it as wild or mild as they wish. This ride at its core is an off-the-shelf ride likely built by S&S but with some very unique modifications. 

Universal says the Untrainable Dragon will be a Broadway-style production with spectacular music and a heartwarming story. Iā€™m surprised at how big the theater looks. This is going to be a major attraction at Epic Universe. 

#8 Das Steakhaus - Dark Universe

Das Steakhouse Epic Universe

Dacula invites you to dine in his new restaurant: Das Steakhouse 

I wasnā€™t going to include a restaurant on my list but this one looks exceptionally interesting. Inside the Dark Universe world, youā€™ll be able to dine in Draculaā€™s very own restaurant. I wonder if this is a play on words, I mean steaks and vampires donā€™t mix. Or are we supposed to picture a bloody steak perhaps - undercooked? I donā€™t know but itā€™s a great concept and I love it as a steakhouse. This fast-casual restaurant will have a castle theme and since this is Draculaā€™s restaurant, it will feature artwork that shows vampires as heroes for a change. 

Burning Blade Tavern Epic Universe

The Burning Blade Tavern will also be a major highlight in Dark Universe.  The windmill at the top of this quick-service restaurant erupts into flames several times an hour. Iā€™m told that two types of fuel are used, allowing for easy visibility during both day and night. But can you imagine how cool this will look especially at night? The exterior of The Burning Blade Tavern comes from the 1931 Universal film, Frankenstein where an angry mob surrounded the old mill, setting it on fire, and trapping Frankenstein inside. 

#7 Mine Cart Madness - Super Nintendo World

Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness Ride at Universal Orlando

Letā€™s go back to Super Nintendo World because thereā€™s a coaster here that does the unthinkable. It leaps across a collapsed section of track - using special effects obviously. Mine Cart Madness is a Donkey Kong-themed coaster where youā€™ll hop into a mine cart and go on a thrilling ride through the jungle. I have seen some of this in testing and I can tell you that the carts are designed to move just like they do in the Nintendo video game. Are you thinking that we will be jumping over barrels and old rickety sections of track too? 

#6 Monsters Unchained - Dark Universe

Dark universe at Epic Universe

I think Dark Universe will be one of the most immersive worlds at Epic Universe. And the flagship attraction will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Universal says this will be the most terrifying attraction they have ever created - and after seeing what they can do during Halloween Horror Nights, I imagine this will really be something. 

Youā€™ll start out in Frankenstein Manor. There youā€™re invited by Dr Victoria Frankenstein to witness her experiment on how she can control monsters. But something goes wrong and youā€™ll be set off on a dark ride attraction encountering classic monsters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and others. 

The ride system for this looks to be similar to the one used at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Dark Universe will also be home to Curse of the Werewolf, a thrilling dark ride attraction that will reach speeds up to 37 miles per hour, as you go racing through a dark forest encountering the glowing eyes and sharp teeth of the werewolf himself.

#5 Stardust Racers - Celestial Park

With speeds reaching 62 mph and soaring to heights of 133 feet on a 4,800-foot track, Stardust Racers will be a dueling coaster that simulates comets sailing through the skies. Itā€™s also going to be the longest coaster ever created by Universal. But what impresses me the most is that both coasters will perform an inverted crisscross at the same time. 

Epic Universe Stardust Racers at Epic Universe - Universal Orlando

Universal will not have any illuminated sections of track at night - and will only illuminate the coaster vehicles. This effect will make it look like comets are shooting across the sky above you.

#4 Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry - Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Harry Potter and The Battle at the Ministry will be a dark ride attraction where youā€™ll travel by MĆ©tro-Floo ā€“ a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films. On this ride, youā€™re on a journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge. 

Epic Universe - Harry Potter Ride

Upon arrival, you will enter the Ministryā€™s jaw-dropping grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take placeā€¦until Umbridge attempts to escape. Guests then join Harry Potter friends in a thrilling chase that will propel you up, down, forward, backward, and sideways throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge ā€“ all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures, and more along the way.

#3 Mario Cart Bowsers Challenge - Super Nintendo World

Mario Cart Bowserā€™s Challenge was the single best ride experience I had when I visited Universal Hollywood. And I think this is going to be a favorite here in Florida too. Like Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness, this ride is also a huge hit in Universal Japan. Mario Cart Bowerā€™s Challenge is rich in attention to detail. The queue is exactly like Bowser's Castle. As you walk along, the the queue gradually reveals that the ride's plot involves "Team Bowser" challenging "Team Mario."

epic universe at Universal Orlando - Mario Kart Bowser's Challenge Ride

I expect Orlandoā€™s version to very similar as Japan and Hollywood. In the first Preshow room, youā€™ll are given augmented reality visors and then itā€™s off to the second room. When you get to the ride, your visor will connect to your ride vehicle where you set out on a track that is a very realistic version of the video game, Mario Cart. 

If riders collectively earn 100 points, the ride ends with "Team Mario" winning the race. However, if riders don't accumulate enough points, they'll see an alternate ending where "Team Bowser" wins.

Without a doubt, this is the most technologically advanced ride I have ever been on. 

#2 Terra Luna / Stella Nova Hotels

Epic Universe will include 2 brand-new value hotels: Stella Nova and Terra Luna. Both are located just outside Epic Universe, a few blocks away from Icon Park and The Weel in Orlando. You canā€™t miss either of them with their reflective iridescent exterior and futurist windows. 

Terra Luna Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

Stella Luna Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

Stella Nova and Terra Luna will each have 750 rooms and will include Exclusive Theme Park Benefits and complimentary transportation. Terra Luna Opens on February 25, 2025, and Stella Nova opens on January 21, 2025. 

Both hotels will be opened several months ahead of Epic Universe. I suspect Universal is opening them early to carry out a test and adjust period and to compete with the current Orlando Convention Center area hotels. 

Stella Nova will be themed to reflect the infinite vastness of the universe while Terra Luna will place guests in an awe-inspiring solar system ā€“ accented with fresh surroundings and terrestrial greens and golds. Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna will be priced at around $147 per night. And I already have my reservation so stay tuned for a review. 

#1 Helios Grand Hotel

Universal Helios Grand Hotel is inspired by the Astronomical and Mythological Themes of Celestial Park inside Epic Universe. But the feature that I like most about this resort, and I think for many of you too, is that it will have its own dedicated theme park entrance. So youā€™ll be able to walk out of the hotel and go right into Epic Universe! 

Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe - Universal Orlando

This will give Universal Orlando 11 hotels, and 11,000 guest rooms total. About one-third of what Disney World has.

Now we donā€™t yet have an opening date for the Helios Grand or a price point. But something that itā€™s interesting is that Universal isnā€™t calling this a Premier hotel like Hard Rock, Portofino or Royal Pacific - this one is labeled as a Signature Hotel. So this has me wondering if it will be itā€™s own hotel class or if Premier Hotels will now be known as Signature Hotels. I suspect there will be some additional theme park perks as well for guests staying here. 

Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

Which of these ten attractions are you looking forward to the most when Epic Universe Opens? Letā€™s get the conversation started below in the comments. For me, it has to be Dark Universe i mean that flaming windmill looks amazing and Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness looks like so much fun.  Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to see a roller coaster somehow jump the track. 

Last Year I made a video based on my visit to Super Nintendo World in Universal Hollywood. It will give you some idea of what we can expect here in Orlando. You can watch that below: 


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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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More Details Revealed on Universal Orlandoā€™s Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular

Universal Orlandoā€™s new nighttime will feature dancing fountains and drones.

Debuting June 14 at Universal Studios Florida, the waters of the Universal Studios Florida lagoon will come to life with an all-new nighttime show celebrating the emotional power of music by leveraging the iconic scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlandoā€™s past, present and future attractions.

Cinesational Soundtrack

Songs being featured in the show include Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy and King Kong.

Dancing fountains typically involve lighting effects, high-pressure water jets, and are choreographed to a musical score. (stock image)

Drones and 4k Projection

CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular will have an impressive collection of technologies and special effects that bring the show to life.

The next-level lagoon show will feature 288 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones that fly directly over the lagoonā€”all coming together to envelop guests in a breathtaking display of unforgettable cinematic moments.


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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

Update on the NEW DVC Tower at Disneyā€™s Polynesian Village Resort

See photos and video of the new DVC Tower at Disneyā€™s Polynesian Village Resort

Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club Tower at Disneyā€™s Polynesian Village Resort. This week crews began installing an overhang on the highest point on the roof.

A coat of primer is being added to both side of the resort. Itā€™s expected that the final coat of paint will match the other buildings at the Polynesian - dark brown.

Disney has not released details yet on the DVC Tower including points charts and the official name. Stay tuned for more updates.


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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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