I spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park – all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip
'I SCREAMED and I prayed', the stranger next to me recalled as we clambered out of our seats with a dishevelled look.
We hadn't known each other before this, but within 90 blurry seconds a whirlwind experience had bonded us.
9
I spent three days exploring Epic Universe to give you the low-down on what to do (and what not to do)
We had just ridden Stardust Racers, the must-try thrill ride at
Epic Universe, which opened this week [May 22], is the first major theme park to come to Orlando in 26 years, costing a mega £7billion to build.
'This is the most technologically advanced park in the world,' Mark Woodberry, Universal Destinations & Experiences' Chairman and CEO, says – and he's not lying.
No cash has been spared on taking each attraction to the
next
level with smooth tracks that won't jolt your neck and new-world immersion techniques that take away the woozy feeling caused by old-hat VR rides (something I greatly appreciated).
Read more on Universal
But with demand so high, Brits will only be able to purchase one-day tickets for this year, so what should you see and what should you skip?
I was one of the first to get a behind the scenes look at all the entertainment, rides and
food and drink
– and here's my verdict.
Celestial Park
This is the park's main hub with a glorious fountain at its centre and main food halls
cooking
up barbecue dishes, Asian grub and deep-pan pizza.
STARDUST RACERS: HIT (5 stars)
This dual 'racing' roller coaster is on par, intensity wise, with Universal Studios' leading thrill ride, Velocicoaster.
Most read in News Travel
If you're a roller coaster nut, then you won't want to miss this.
It's one of the largest steel coasters in the US and it hurls riders down steep drops and in spiral turns at speeds of up to 62mph for a terrifying 90 seconds. At times l feared my brain may burst through my skull.
I went to the huge new space-themed hotel part of the Epic Universe theme park
Top tip: Both sides of the rollercoaster offer a different experience, (the green side is supposedly more intense - but I was too focused on clinging on for dear life to confirm)
CONSTELLATION CAROUSEL: HIT (3.5 stars)
Tired feet will be all too pleased to climb aboard the theme park's most relaxed ride that welcomes all ages.
You can ride shiny
Each animal slowly spins in typical carousel-fashion under a starry dome where the ceiling twinkles -- it was very peaceful after a long day.
Top tip: head there after sunset – the twinkling lights are amplified by the dark sky
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Stardust Racers was a five out of five for me
Credit: EPA
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
A fire-breathing dragon and man-made lagoon welcome visitors through the portal into this
film
.
DRAGON RACER'S RALLY: MISS (2 stars)
Although this ride continues for a similar length of time to many others in the theme park, it feels much shorter.
The idea is sound, with riders climbing aboard their own 'dragon' which can be semi-steered using the wing controls on either side of your seat which can be lifted up and pushed down.
You can perform some pretty cool tricks, including barrel rolls by tilting the wings at a certain angle, but by the time you've figured that all out, the ride is over.
If you've queued for anything more than 45 mins, you may feel somewhat cheated.
Top tip: hold the wings steady in opposite directions to perform a barrel roll
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The How To Train Your Dragon land had some amazing rollercoasters
Credit: EPA
HICCUP'S WING GLIDERS: HIT (4.5 stars)
An all-round favourite. This roller coaster is one that kids (over 100cm) and grown-ups will enjoy in equal measure.
It may be relatively tame in comparison to stereotypical loop-de-loop rides, but that doesn't take from the thrill which comes in the form of sudden speed boosts, realistic animatronics and swooping turns that give the effect of riding a real
Top tip: if you're in need of a brief cool down, sit on the right seat in the second row - you'll be in the prime spot to be sprayed with water
FYRE DRILL: MISS (unless you have really young kids) (2 stars)
Don't get me wrong, a water-ride can be great in the searing Orlando heat, but this one isn't a mind-blower and if you're tight for time, could be one to skip.
Riders board an eight-seater Viking boat and are tasked with squirting various wooden targets with a pistol as they weave their way through dragon-infested waters.
The squirting and aiming action may be a little tricky for kids to grasp at first, but they'll sure love getting drenched at spontaneous moments by water-spouting monsters.
Top tip: do this after the show as you'll get drenched (you don't want to be sat indoors all soggy)
THE UNTRAINABLE DRAGON SHOW: HIT (4 stars)
Even adult's jaws will hit the floor when (spoiler alert) they see Universal's most famous dragon,
You don't need to have seen the
film
to follow the plot, although it helps.
Top tip: Don't stress about getting near the front, Toothless flies towards the back of the room
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Some of the rides definitely aren't worth the waiting times
Super Nintendo World
Step through the portal to the Nintendo World and travel through a Mario-style green tube to possibly the most immersive and colourful land in Epic - it's laid out just like the old-school games with coins spinning above boxes and piranha
plan
ts threatening to chomp at any moment.
MARIO KART: BOWSER'S CHALLENGE: HIT (but only if you're familiar with the console version of the game) (4 stars)
I was a huge fan of this fully-immersive, amped-up version of hit
Nintendo
game,
You'll don a special
Mario
cap alongside an ultra-high tech pair virtual reality glasses so that every rider is playing their own game and racking up coins.
You can fire shells at characters like Yoshi and Princess Peach, simply using your high-tech glasses to aim, plus you'll come face-to-face with a fire-breathing Bowser.
As a
Top tip: secure your hat as tightly as is comfortable on your head, that will make your
shell
shots more accurate
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Mario Kart fans will love the Super Nintendo World
Credit: EPA
YOSHI'S ADVENTURE: MISS (2.5 stars)
Great for little ones and those who want something gentle.
You'll board a colourful
The only downside is it can be a struggle in the searing heat, with much of the ride outdoors.
Top tip: don't go in the middle of the day, the ride passes outside a lot and it can get very hot
My top hacks for first timers in the park
Bring your own water bottle and use refill stations. A bottle here costs around $6. If you forget your water you can ask for a cup at Starbucks or use fountains.
Don't buy a wristband or wand unless you're a mega fan.
Avoid queuing for the character meet and greets, you may just catch them at the right time and if not, you'll get to see them at the shows
Pick your land – face reality, you're unlikely to get through everything in just one day. Prioritise your two must-see lands
Dark Universe is so much more immersive at night so save it for the end of the day.
It pays to stay in a Universal resort - it gets you access to park an hour ahead of everyone else.
If you're feeling overheated, head to Astronomica in Celestial Park – this wet-play area has mini fountains that kids can run through and splash about in
MINE-CART MADNESS: HIT (4.5 stars)
A crowd-pleaser. Despite not having loops or reaching spine-tingling speeds, this roller coaster will still impress even the biggest adrenaline junkies, thanks to the immersive chaos of
You board a rickety minecart to ride a seemingly broken track that jerks and judders. I felt as if I could tumble off any moment which only added to the thrill.
Top tip: don't go straight after lunch - this one is jolty
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Donkey Kong's Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster is not one to go after lunch
Credit: Reuters
Dark Universe
If the park is open late when you're visiting, save this world, crawling with Universal's well-known monsters and villains, until the evening to make it fully immersive. Everything feels much creepier in the dark, and you'll be able to spot things you may not notice in the light of day.
MONSTERS UNCHAINED: THE FRANKENSTEIN EXPERIMENT: HIT (4.5 stars)
Theme park fans say that this is one of the best dark rides ever created, thanks to its storytelling and advanced
technology
- and I agree.
There's some very strong theming here and even the queue is factored into the experience, with riders entering through the gruesome manor gates, passing through creepy corridors with eerie pictures and sketches of lab-tested creatures adorning the walls – a hint at what's to come.
The main ride places visitors on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm which then twists and turns as you try to escape the grasp of some pretty terrifying creatures.
Due to fewer videos and more animatronics, the ride didn't cause as much motion sickness as I often experience with a ride like this .
Top tip: pay attention to everything around you as you make your way through the creepy manor, it will add some context to the storytelling
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Look for the little details to really appreciate Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Credit: Reuters
CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF: HIT (3.5 stars)
This cart-twisting roller coaster is very good fun if you're into the theme, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as similar rides like Hiccup's Wing Gliders and Mine-Cart Madness.
The fun lies in the fact that you're not sure what to expect, no matter how many times you ride, with carts spinning at random paces.
Top tip: normally the back of the roller-coaster offers the most thrilling experience, but for this ride, head to the front
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Thrillseekers should head to the front of The Curse of the Werewolf rollercoaster
Credit: Reuters
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic
There may be
Paris
in mere seconds (a nod to the Fantastic Beasts films) and everything here feels wholly authentic from the old-fashioned
wine
bars lining the cobblestone streets through to the rustic-looking Metro signs.
HARRY POTTER AND THE BATTLE AT THE MINISTRY: HIT (but be prepared to queue) (5 stars)
Mega fans have been brought to tears upon seeing the entrance to this ride, the British Ministry of Magic - an exact replica of the one in the films featuring bottle-green glossy tiles and posters with moving images.
I was blown away by the magic, especially the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo, which makes riders disappear in a cloud of smoke.
The ride itself is very advanced and much longer than the others so you feel like you're getting your queue's worth.
Top tip: The queue can hold around four hours worth of guests and there were reports of five-hour queues on opening day, so if you're going to go, try and book a night in a Universal Resort (more on that in the Hot
Hacks
above) and
race
straight there when you enter.
LE CIRCUS ARCANUS SHOW: HIT (4.5 stars)
There's a pre-show to this circus-themed experience that keeps you on your toes. Then, magical creatures are brought to life with on-stage tricks really will have you guessing just how they did it.
It was 20 minutes very well spent.
Top tip: Go at lunchtime to avoid the queues and crowds
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The Harry Potter world took my breath away
Credit: EPA
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Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
20 years of YouTube: 'We couldn't have predicted how the platform would evolve'
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The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
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90 Day Fiance UK series four line up revealed with two age-gap couples, secret Mormon and proposal after single meeting
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The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Fighter jets scrambled to Brit TUI flight to Lanzarote after terrifying bomb threat note is found in toilet
HOLIDAYMAKERS were left terrified after a bomb threat note was found on a Brit TUI flight from Cardiff to Lanzarote - forcing fighter jets to scramble. Cheryl Sainsbury, 43 and her pals, from Pontypridd, were all smiles en route to the 7 Two Portuguese fighter jets were scrambled after a bomb threat note was found on a TUI flight Credit: Amanda Davies/Media Wales 7 Cheryl Sainsbury, Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were on the flight in question Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales 7 Spain's Civil Guard activated the security protocol Credit: Amanda Davies/Media Wales While flying over Portugal on Thursday morning, Welsh pals Cheryl, Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were stunned when the pilot announced the plane must land urgently due to Cheryl said: "We were sort of looking at each other thinking 'what's he on about'? "We were all scared but there was no sense of panic as such on board. Everybody seemed to come together and just looked out for each other. We all wanted to make sure everyone was ok." Everyone was told to remain in their seats. Read more world news The crew searched under the seats and in the overhead lockers to check that all the luggage was accounted for. Cheryl said: "I think they were looking for a black rucksack." Passengers reportedly tried to message loved ones to tell them what was happening as they anxiously waited for updates from the cabin crew. The group initially thought someone had phoned in a bomb threat - only later did they learn a handwritten note was found by a crew member in one of the aircraft's toilets. Most read in The Sun The pilot then announced a risk assessment had been done and the threat was deemed low, meaning the plane would no longer be landing earlier in Portugal . But for everyone's safety, two Portuguese fighter jets escorted the plane to its destination of Arrecife in Harrowing moment plane comes terrifyingly close to helicopter as it takes off at airport Cheryl said: "Once we landed on the ground, it was the biggest celebration and sense of relief. "We were taken to a remote part of the airport and there were police and fire engines surrounding the plane. We had to get off one-by-one." The group then had to wait for the emergency services on the ground to check through the luggage before they were allowed to leave. Cheryl explained: "We had to stand on the tarmac with all the luggage but we weren't allowed to touch of any of it. 7 The plane landed safely in Cesar Manrique airport in Lanzarote Credit: Alamy 7 Lanzarote is a popular holiday destination for Brits Credit: Getty "They brought sniffer dogs and the bomb squad so we just had to stand their and watch before they let us on the bus. "We got taken to some form of compound where there were no refreshments and just one toilet. "We just had to wait their until they had approval from the police to let us go to get back to the normal part of the airport where we could go through immigration and collect our cases." The friends are now unwinding in Lanzarote with a drink or two to help 'settle their nerves' after the ordeal. They are due to fly back home on Sunday - and are hoping that flight will be less eventful. Cheryl said: "It was such a weird experience especially as I'm a quite anxious flyer so I don't know how we did it. Even though we were all scared, we just stuck together and tried to keep it calm." She added that TUI cabin crew members remained calm and were "brilliant" with all the passengers. Spain's Civil Guard activated the security protocol after receiving a warning from the AENA control tower, as Specialists from the GEDEX (Explosives Deactivation Group), the Fiscal and Border Section, investigation units and citizen security patrols all intervened. The inspection found no explosive device on board. Flight BY6422 landed at Lanzarote airport at around 10.55am on Thursday. A spokesperson for Cardiff Airport said: 'We are aware of an incident involving flight TOM6422 from Cardiff to Lanzarote on 19/06/25. "The safety of our passengers is our number one priority. No concerns or suspicious activity were raised prior to departure.' Spain's Civil Guard has launched an investigation to determine who wrote the note. The force stressed that this type of act is a serious crime, as it causes alarm, compromises public safety and forces specialised resources to be used. TUI has been contacted for comment. 7 Cabin crew members were 'brilliant' with passengers, Cheryl said Credit: Alamy 7 Spanish police have launched an investigation Credit: Facebook/FL360aero
