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Buzz Feed
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Epic Universe Food Review: What's Worth The Hype
Unless you've been living under a rock (okay, or maybe just quietly not paying attention to anything on social media), you probably know that Universal just officially opened its brand-new theme park in Orlando — Universal Epic Universe — and it's a huge deal. This is Universal's third park in Florida, and not only is it their biggest US expansion ever, it's also the first new major theme park built in the country since 1999 — yes...1999!!! The park has got five immersive worlds: a brand-new Harry Potter land set in 1920s Paris and the Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe based on the Universal Classic Monsters, Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon, the retro-futuristic hub land Celestial Park, and Super Ninentdo World. I was lucky enough to be invited by Universal to attend the media preview ahead of the grand opening. While the park at the time hadn't been officially opened, it had been open for a couple of months for previews (or basically dress rehearsals). As you can see, I am enjoying an ice cold Frozen Butterbeer while trying to beat the heat while exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Over that time, several new foods that were created for the park have gone viral. This meant one thing: Now that I was here for the media preview, I needed to try those foods and see if they were actually worth the hype (looking at you, pizza from Pizza Moon)!!! Full disclosure: While I was invited by Universal to Epic Universe, all opinions are my own. PB&J (Pork, Bacon, and Jam) Mac & Cheese Cone available at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel in Isle of Berk Thoughts: This was the first food from Epic that I saw go viral and was all over my TikTok FYP. There are three different flavors to choose from: Goldfish Mac & Cheese Cone, PB&J Mac & Cheese Cone, and the Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone. Of these, it seems like the PB&J is the most popular choice. I have to say, I was impressed and really, really, really enjoyed the taste. The salty mac & cheese and cone mixed with the sweetness of the peanut butter bacon jam and BBQ harissa pulled pork was the perfect combo of savory and sweet. I can see why it has become an instant hit. It was also a hearty size, so I don't know if it was as much a snack as a whole lunch. This will for sure be something I get again when I go back to Epic!!! So don't skip 9 out of 10 Frank & Friends Pretzel available at DeLacey's Cottage in Dark Universe Thoughts: I am not the biggest fan of pretzels. But, when I find a good one, I will certainly not say no and will more than enjoy it. I had seen the Frank & Friends Pretzel a lot on social media, so I was curious to try it. Sadly, I was pretty disappointed with it. It was a flat, soft pretzel that came with a (cream cheese?) dipping sauce. Maybe it was the salt, but the texture and flavor were more like an untoasted salt bagel — it was also missing the chewy outer crust that pretzel bread has. I also didn't love the dipping sauce, which was like runny cream cheese. Now, this could have just been the pretzel from the batch I got, but I would skip that said, DeLacey's Cottage also sells Warm Hearted Cinnamon Bites, which are cinnamon sugar donut bites with cream cheese icing and streusel. I didn't have these, but several people I was with did, and they all really enjoyed them and raved, so those might be the way to go if you're looking to try something at DeLacey's 1.5 out of 10 Pizza Lunare, The Giant Mushroom, and The Pizza Moon Pepperoni pizza available at Pizza Moon in Celestial Park Growing up in the '90s, I have not-so-great memories of eating pizza at amusement parks. While theme park foods have truly improved A LOT over the last 20 years, I don't know if I have had pizza at one since Clinton was in the White House. With that said, the word was that these pizzas were really, really good. But were they really, really good for a theme park pizza or really, really good in general? Verdict: They are really, really good in general!!!These are cooked in a fired oven, giving the crust and bottom crust a nice char that you would get at old-school traditional pizza places in New York or higher-end pizza restaurants. I tried three different flavors. Pizza Lunare Thoughts: This pizza, which is the one I saw most on my TikTok feed, includes roasted garlic béchamel, ricotta, pancetta, fromage garlic confit, and ube pizza crust (which gives it a purple-ish hue). Flavor-wise, it was fantastic! Certainly the more unusual one, because of the non-traditional ube crust and its flavor combo (which I have not had on a pizza before). Everything worked, and I really recommend it if you're looking for a pizza flavor combination that you haven't tried 8 out of 10 The Giant Mushroom Thoughts: Ingredients in it include a roasted garlic bechamel, wild mushrooms, and truffle aioli. I love mushrooms on my pizza, so I found this extremely delicious. I realize that not everyone loves mushrooms or truffles (which you do taste in the background), so this might be a skip. But if you like the earthy taste of mushrooms, then I recommend trying this one because I know you won't be 7.5 out of 10 The Pizza Moon Pepperoni Thoughts: The Pizza Moon Pepperoni keeps it classic with just cheese and pepperoni — and honestly, it doesn't need anything else. It was the simplest one I tried, but it was still seriously good and nailed all the basics. If you're in the mood for a no-frills, straight-up delicious pepperoni pizza, this one's a can' 8.5 out of 10 Koopa Troopa: Red Shell Calzone available at Yoshi's Snack Island in Super Mario World Thoughts: The location sells two different flavors of calzones: a green one that is vegan and a red one that is traditional. I went with the red one! This wasn't bad, but it wasn't particularly memorable either — it was just…fine. The calzone was pretty standard (except with a thicker, more bread-like crust), filled with Italian meat sauce and mozzarella cheese, and, honestly, it kind of reminded me of a slightly fancier Hot Pocket. Not terrible by any means, but not something I'd go out of my way to get 3 out of 10 Yoshi's Mango Smoothie available at Yoshi's Snack Island in Super Mario World Thoughts: There were two flavors to choose from — mango and apple — and I went with mango since that's the one I've seen the most people rave about online. Right away, I wasn't sure if I'd like it because I'm not usually big on super-sweet things. Which is also why I chose the mango flavor, because I had heard that it was the least sweet of the two. But it turns out, it was actually really delicious, not overly sugary and genuinely refreshing. It also actually lives up to the name "smoothie" instead of just being a glorified slushy. What really sold it for me, though, were the fresh chunks of mango on top and the generous swirl of what tasted like fresh whipped cream — a nice little surprise I was not expecting. I would recommend this for 7 out of 10 DK Crush Float Tropical Banana Flavor available at The Bubbly Barrel in Donkey Kong Country (located within Super Mario World) Thoughts: Again, I'm not usually big on super sweet treats, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this float — a banana-flavored soft serve in a waffle cone, nestled in a cup of Fanta Pineapple soda, and topped with caramel popcorn and toffee. Yeah... it definitely sounds like a cavity waiting to happen. Since it was blazing hot when I got it, I didn't have much time to overthink it, so I had to dig in before it turned into soup. And honestly? I was surprised by how much I liked it. While it's definitely sweet, it's not as over-the-top as it sounds. The banana soft serve has a slight tartness that balances things out, and the caramel corn adds a nice salty crunch. This is one worth trying, especially if you're looking for a unique "only can get it at Epic" 7.5 out of 10 And lastly, the Butterbeer Crepe available at Café L'air De La Sirène in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic Thoughts: Yes, I know I've said over and over again that I'm not a fan of overly sweet treats, but I make a full exception when it comes to Butterbeer (maybe it's my soft spot for all things Harry Potter). The Butterbeer Crepe was everywhere online when Epic Universe previews first started, so naturally, it was the one thing I was most excited to try. And let me tell you: this crepe is a full-on Butterbeer overload in the best way possible. It's filled with a shortbread cookie butter, Bavarian cream, and Butterbeer cream, and topped with fresh strawberries (which added much-needed tartness and freshness), a shortbread cookie, Butterbeer whipped cream (like the kind you get on cold Butterbeer), and a Butterbeer drizzle. It's extremely rich and decadent, and obviously really sweet, but it's so, so delicious, and something I highly recommend. And it's also the type of dessert, because of its richness, that is great for even though it was nearly 100 degrees, I think the only thing that would have made it better was a cup of hot black coffee to enjoy with it!Rating: 9.5 out of 10 All in all, most of the viral foods at Epic Universe definitely live up to the hype. Whether you're going all-in on a Butterbeer crepe or just grabbing a classic pepperoni slice, there is definitely something for every kind of eater. BTW, there is more to come, I'll be reviewing the rides and giving my overall thoughts and tips on the park!!! Hungry for more? Download our free Tasty app to browse and save 7,500+ free recipes — no subscription required.
RTÉ News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Tom Felton reprises Draco Malfoy character for Harry Potter play
Tom Felton is reprising his role as Draco Malfoy for the Harry Potter And The Cursed Child play in New York. The Surrey-born actor, who starred in all the film adaptations of JK Rowling's fantasy novel until the last movie in 2011, will make a comeback as Harry Potter's school bully on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre in New York later this year. Felton, 37, made his West End debut in the supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story in 2022. He will begin his performance on 11 November for a limited 19 weeks in Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, the Instagram page for the production said on Thursday. The play, written by Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne, began in 2016 in London and has had a Broadway run since 2018. It was co-devised by Rowling and is set 19 years after the events of the seventh and final book, with Ministry of Magic employee Harry and his wife Ginny Weasley waving off their youngest son Albus Severus to school. The two-part play, which stretches over five hours, sees Albus struggle at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with the weight of his family legacy and go to extreme and dangerous lengths to right the wrongs of the past. Since the ending of the film franchise, Felton has been in 2011's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes and had recurring roles in the TV series Murder In The First, The Flash and Origin. He has also used his voice in the Harry Potter video games, based on the movie, and featured in the special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return To Hogwarts alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who played Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
Western Telegraph
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Tom Felton reprises Draco Malfoy character for Harry Potter play
The Surrey-born actor, who starred in all the film adaptations of JK Rowling's fantasy novel until the last movie in 2011, will make a comeback as Harry Potter's school bully on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre in New York later this year. Felton, 37, made his West End debut in the supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story in 2022. He will begin his performance on November 11 for a limited 19 weeks in Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, the Instagram page for the production said on Thursday. The play, written by Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne, began in 2016 in London and has had a Broadway run since 2018. It was co-devised by Rowling, and is set 19 years after the events of the seventh and final book, with Ministry of Magic employee Harry and his wife Ginny Weasley waving off their youngest son Albus Severus to school. The two-part play, which stretches over five hours, sees Albus struggle at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with the weight of his family legacy and go to extreme and dangerous lengths to right the wrongs of the past. Since the ending of the film franchise, Felton has been in 2011's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes and had recurring roles in the TV series Murder In The First, The Flash and Origin. He has also used his voice in the Harry Potter video games, based on the movie, and featured in the special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return To Hogwarts alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who played Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to Make the Most of Your Family Visit to Epic Universe
When Universal Studios announced they would be opening a new theme park, I was intrigued. As a parent and a lover of both their movies and properties, I couldn't wait to see what their creative teams dreamed up. And, as a self-proclaimed 'theme park person,' one who already loves Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, I was sure their latest venture would be amazing. But would Epic Universe—home to Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and the Ministry of Magic—be age-appropriate for my littlest as well as my tween? Would it be good for kids of all ages? Well, the short answer is yes: Epic Universe is a family theme park, through and through. But the long answer is complex. You see, I was one of thousands fortunate enough to visit Epic Universe during its technical rehearsal. I got to ride Stardust Racers and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. I ate at Das Stakehaus and the Atlantic. And I got to meet Princess Peach. I also saw the Invisible Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and Bride of Frankenstein. Here's everything I learned during one (very) full day at Epic Universe. If you are traveling with young children, you'll probably want to stick to three areas: Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. The theming in these sections is colorful and geared toward the younger set. The characters are pretty darn recognizable. (Hello, Mario, Toothless, and Toad.) The height requirements on most attractions are reduced. And there are plenty of interactive features. From playgrounds to coin blocks, there is so much fun to be had. That said, it is important to note that lap riding is not permitted, even on rides without height requirements. Infants must be able to sit independently and support their bodies while experiencing rides, including Fyre Drill and Constellation Carousel. Still, there are things to do with smaller children. There is a play area in the Isle of Berk and a must-see show. There is also a show in the Ministry of Magic. And SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is full of games and activities. You also shouldn't let the 'younger' theming or lowered height restrictions fool you: These areas were some of my favorites. Both SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Isle of Berk are completely immersive experiences. The former, with its iconic castles, characters, and warp pipe entrance, and the latter with dozens of dragons, three rides, and one amazing show do not disappoint. And Celestial Park? Well, it is unlike any other theme park entrance. If you are traveling with tweens and teens, we still recommend you visit the other three sections; however, you should also add Dark Universe and the Ministry of Magic to your list. Dark Universe is home to one of the greatest dark rides of all time. (Truly. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a masterpiece, in and of its own right.) It's also home to some amazing character interactions. My husband and son met Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein and let's just say: core memories were made. And the Ministry of Magic is stunning. If you're a Harry Potter fan, it is a must-see. Whether you are looking for a sit down meal or just want to grab a quick bite, the food in Epic Universe does not disappoint. Everything I ate—and drank—was decadent, delicious, and highly themed. Even the napkins are on point. Here are some of my favorites: The Bubbly Barrel: If you are looking for a sweet treat, head to The Bubbly Barrel for the DK Crush Float. This signature item is made with banana soft serve and pineapple soda and served in a waffle bowl. It's topped with various treats like toffee pieces, caramel popcorn, and golden star sprinkles. And it comes in a plastic Donkey Kong mug, which is shaped like a barrel of course. Das Stakehaus: One of my favorite stops of the day was at Das Stakehaus. The atmosphere is dark and gothic, which I personally appreciate. The air is a welcome respite from the midday sun, and the food (and beverages) are delicious. Don't sleep on the Darkmoor Black Wings and/or the Das Burger. Trust me. Both are excellent choices. The Burning Blade Tavern: Located behind Monsters Unchained is The Burning Blade Tavern. Inside you will find a fully stocked bar, where you can get beer, wine, speciality cocktails, or the Mononcane mocktail—a delicious Sprite-based beverage served in a beaker. At the outside pickup window, I recommend trying the Hunter's Garlic Stake, a slightly pricey but oh-so-yummy garlic pretzel. Another great option? The Burning Cheddar Bites, which are crispy fried poppers served with sriracha ranch. I did not get a chance to try the highly-coveted mac and cheese cone at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel or the ube crust pizza at Pizza Moon; however, when I return, these are definitely on my short list. (And yes, I will be returning.) Epic Universe offers some amazing new attractions, with unique features and state of the art technology. For some rides, however, this does mean the bar is set higher, i.e. height requirements at Epic Universe seem to be a bit more restrictive. Here is everything parents of smaller riders should know: Stardust Racers (minimum height 48') Constellation Carousel (no height requirement but no handheld infants) Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge (minimum height 40') Mine-Cart Madness (minimum height 40') Yoshi's Adventure (minimum height 34') Dragon Racer's Rally (minimum height 48') Hiccup's Wing Gliders (minimum height 40') Fyre Drill (no height requirement but no handheld infants) Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (minimum height 40') Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (minimum height 48') Curse of the Werewolf (minimum height 40') Shows and entertainment. There are two stage shows in Epic Universe: Le Cirque Arcanus and The Untrainable Dragon. The former, which is in the Ministry of Magic, is a unique experience which blends live-action performances, puppetry, and special effects. The latter, in the Isle of Berk, involves life-sized dragons, music, and tons of action—perfect for fans of the movie. But the entertainment doesn't end there. There are street performers in Celestial Park, as well as live music and a fountain show. And in Darkmoor, the haunting village of Dark Universe, you will find characters roaming throughout—especially at night. There is also the Monster Makeup Experience, available at an additional charge. Playgrounds and more. If you're little one is looking for a playground, Epic Universe has you covered with their Viking Training Camp. This sprawling, colorful, interactive play area has bridges, towers, slides, and more. It even has a sheep launcher game. A great area for youngsters who may not yet meet height requirements and/or kiddos who just need a break from long lines. Interactive features. There are two ways to interact with the lands in Epic Universe: wands and Power-Up Bands. Both items, which are sold separately, allow guests to experience the park in a new light: casting spells, tapping coin and question blocks, or completing mini-games (respectively). The latter even connects to the Universal Orlando Resort app. And, if your kiddo collects enough keys, they'll unlock a final interactive challenge with Bowser Jr. Rainy day fun. If I have one complaint to wager, it is this: Epic Universe is not really a 'rainy day park.' Sure, it can handle Florida's midday storms just fine, but there's not a ton to do if the rides shut down for a long period of time—as most of Epic's attractions are outdoors. Still, if you find yourself in the park during a storm, having a strategy is a good idea. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry both have long indoor queues, if you don't mind the wait. Eating a delicious sitdown meal may be a good solution. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant and Atlantic are excellent choices. Both are located in Celestial Park. Toadstool Cafe, Pizza Moon, Das Stakehaus, and The Oak and Star Tavern all offer indoor seating. You can also take in a show, if seating is available. Epic Universe is—without a doubt—an epic new theme park: for kids and adults. Whether you are collecting coins, casting spells, or soaring through the skies like a dragon, Universal's latest venture is something you just have to experience. They redefined what a theme park is. Will there be hiccups in the weeks and months to come? Probably. When Universal opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, the wait to get in was hours long. (I would know, I was there.) And I expect Epic's popular attractions will see similar waits. Delays and closures are also bound to occur. However, Epic Universe already stands out as one of the great theme parks, and I imagine that—as it finds its footing and evolves with its guests—it will become an even greater experience. Read the original article on Parents
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Meet your new Harry Potter: HBO series casts Harry, Ron and Hermione
Meet your new Harry Potter: HBO series casts Harry, Ron and Hermione Show Caption Hide Caption Take the Metro-Floo at Universal Orlando's Ministry of Magic Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park will bring the iconic Ministry of Magic to life, fans will be able to go to 1920s wizarding Paris. We have a new Harry Potter. HBO has cast three newcomers in the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley for its upcoming "Harry Potter" TV series. Producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod said the iconic casting decision followed an "extraordinary search." "The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen," they said in a statement. "We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there." 'Harry Potter' TV show cast: Meet Arabella Stanton, Alastair Stout and Dominic McLaughlin Dominic McLaughlin is set to play Harry, while Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley. Along with the announcement, HBO released a photo of the three actors posing while crouching in grass. The studio previously put out a casting call seeking actors between the ages of 9 and 11 for the parts. 'Harry Potter' series cast announced: Here's who plays Dumbledore, Snape HBO's "Harry Potter" series will be a new adaptation of the original books by J.K. Rowling, which were already turned into the hit film series starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. Rowling serves as executive producer on the show. The series had previously cast several of its supporting roles, with John Lithgow set to play Dumbledore, Nick Frost starring as Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu playing Snape. It has not yet been announced who will play Voldemort, the series' overarching villain portrayed in the movies by Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes himself has backed the idea of Cillian Murphy getting the role. 'Harry Potter' HBO TV series casting children for roles of Harry, Ron, Hermione When the "Harry Potter" series was announced in 2023, Rowling said that HBO Max's "commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me," adding that she is "looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series." New 'Harry Potter' cast With the central trio set, here's what the cast of the "Harry Potter" show looks like thus far: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch When is the 'Harry Potter' series coming out? HBO has not set a premiere date for the "Harry Potter" TV series. But according to Deadline, HBO CEO Casey Bloys said the show will likely debut in late 2026 or early 2027. Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge
