Latest news with #Velocicoaster
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fans 'thrilled' by theme park announcement for fastest ever rollercoaster yet
News that a brand new coaster is coming to a theme park in California has fans ecstatic but especially because this one in particular has a special feature like no other - the highest speeds ever If you're a fan of thrills, spills and all things theme park, then you'll be just as over the moon as other avid fans who are delighted with news of a brand new rollercoaster coming to a fan-favourite park. And not just a new coaster, but one with a big name brand attached to it that fans of the movie franchise, that has spanned over 11 movies no less, will revel in. As if zipping about at ultra high speeds isn't thrilling enough, the new ride coming to Universal Studios Hollywood is the fastest coaster they've ever created, with expected speeds of 72mph - faster than the park's Islands of Adventure ride, Velocicoaster, which reach dizzying speeds of 70 mph, and is located over in Orlando, Florida. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is the first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster for the Californian park, launching in 2026, and will debut as the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio. Work is already well underway and fans are ecstatic to see the exhilarating Fast & Furious universe brought to light. Theme park super fan Karen McGregor, revealed the new coaster will see her travelling to the other coast of America. "I'm always in Orlando's Universal parks as an annual passholder, but this news means I'll be looking at flights to LA as soon as I find out the exact opening date. "It's so exciting to have a new outdoor coaster come to the west coast and I can't wait to ride - and take the whole family. The teens will love it!" Although an exact date hasn't been released yet, fans already know what they're in for after the ride vehicle was recently released. Riders can expect to zip along 4,100 feet of elaborate track inside a replica of main character Dominic Toretto's car, which will have a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation. Dom, played in the movie franchise by Hollywood actor Vin Diesel, is famous for driving a black 1970 Dodge Charger. The fully rotational ride vehicles will create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at furiously fast speeds while being catapulted along an aerial track that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots. And in classic Universal style, the queue sounds just as fun as the ride itself, with fans expected to line up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films. The ride will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood bringing a whole new perspective to the park for visitors. The ride will join Universal Studios Hollywood's slate of unprecedented groundbreaking attractions, including the interactive land, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge ride; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™, Jurassic World—The Ride; Illumination's award-winning The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash as well as the theme park's signature, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction. If you fancy visiting, then you can buy a one day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket and get a second day free with Prices for 2026 start from £89 per adult and £85 per child based on Spring arrivals. The second day can be used any time within a week of the first.
Sunday World
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
One new theme park, five new worlds and possibly the best rollercoaster of all
thrill-ogy | Stardust Racers in EPIC competes the Universal coaster thrill-ogy Set over five distinct worlds, the expansive theme park promises a lot but never in my wildest dreams did I think that one of the new rollercoasters would have such an impact on me and be able to compete with Hagrid and Velocicoaster in the other established nearby parks. Step forward Stardust Racers, which is just one of the four new coasters to accompany 16 new attractions designed and created since 2019 when EPIC was announced and costing an estimated €6bn in total. Last week I was invited to get a sneak peek at the park and enjoy its offerings for two days before they opened the over-the-top gates to the public. I even got to stay in one of their three new hotels, The Stella Nova, which is just a two-minute bus journey from the park. So, armed with enough SPF50 to bathe in, a selection of hats almost as over the top as the park itself and the all-important 'media' lanyard to get me in through the spectacular 'Chronos' clock gates, I did the Lord's work to be able to tell you if the reality of EPIC matches the hype. Daragh at Super Nintendo World It is 6.30am and I've been in America for less than 11 hours and the jetlag is real. But there is no time for self pity as we are herded off to the makeshift media centre where travel bloggers, influencers, content creators and one pasty white Irish travel editor are prepared for what lies ahead at the opening of the first theme park to open in the Floridian city for a quarter of a century. Since Universal broke ground in 2019, it has spent an estimated €6.2bn on turning the 'wasteland' adjoining their other three theme parks into what we now known as Universal's Epic Universe. There has been a lot of hype building up to this week, the kind of hype that can damage a brand in advance of opening due to the heavy burden of expectation. But Universal is unlike any other brand in the travel industry. Whether it is the duelling rollercoaster Stardust Racers (way more on this later), the Frankenstein-shaped pretzels at Dark Universe or the French-speaking staff at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (1920s Paris setting), every little detail has been cleverly crafted and thought out to ensure the user experience is second to none. How to Train Your Dragon Since 1990, this sun-soaked city in Florida has been home to the iconic Universal Studios and the accompanying Islands of Adventure (which opened in 1999) and Volcano Bay (2017), and has become synonymous with theme parks. Which is saying something, considering Walt Disney World is just 14km south on Highway 4. But this week, Universal has gone one step further towards the title of being the ultimate Orlando theme park by opening the stunning gates to Epic. Divided into five Worlds, the gathered media all got exclusive access to each one throughout the two days. Told at the outset to try to do anything and everything we wanted, we headed off to delve into the various lands. First up was How to Train your Dragon: Isle of Berk — an instant hit with everyone gathered. It brings the enchanting world of Berk to life, and I got to take on the first new rollercoaster of the week: Hiccup's Wing Gliders. In fact, I got to do it twice and loved every second of it. It is ridiculously smooth and fun. The Grand Helios Hotel stands tall at the front of the new theme park There is also the Dragon Racer's Rally, which is a pretty good attraction for younger thrill seekers but won't give you the rush of the Wing Gliders. A brilliant 18-minute show in a giant theatre wouldn't look out of place in the West End, by the way, offering guests welcome respite from the heat outside too. If you are into the How To Train Your Dragon franchise, you will adore this. Personally, I don't know the difference between Hiccup and Fishlegs (I had to look them up), but it is still amazing. Luckily for me though, my favourite video game from my childhood was next up on the to-do list. Quite simply, I challenge anyone to mount the green escalator to Super Nintendo World and walk out on level 3 and not say 'wow' to yourself... or even out loud for that matter. Power-up wrist bands allow you to collect gold coins and points around the park, adding to the clever, user-friendly gaming element that has already proven to be a huge success in similar worlds in Los Angeles and Japan. You and your family can play interactive activities all over this world as you encounter Goombas, Piranha Plants and more. Daragh at the gates to Epic You also get to steer through iconic Mario Kart courses (pangs of nostalgia coursed through my veins, to be honest), search for the glowing eggs on Yoshi's Adventure and speed through Donkey Kong Country on a mine cart. I know full well that this world won't excite some as much as me but for anyone who grew up on the NES game from the late '80s, the whole place is a joy. Third up on my whistle-stop tour was The Ominous World of Dark Universe, which is dedicated to Universal's Classic Monsters (if anyone is familiar with Halloween Horror Nights, you'll know) that brings beloved characters like Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolfman to life through an array of attractions and genuinely spine-tingling experiences. You can escape science gone wrong in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment or speed through the woods on Curse of the Werewolf (so good I did it a handful of times) before heading to Darkmoor Village to become a Shopping Monster, or enjoy scarily good drinks in the Burning Blade pub. The final (almost) world was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, which is a magical space where adults can be kids and kids… can just be themselves. Inspired by the Fantastic Beasts, it is Parisian 1920s in style compared to Hogwarts or Diagon Alley (like in Universal Studios down the road). We took the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry of Magic and were plunged into a brilliantly fun interactive ride that uses technology and animatronics really well. You could spend hours here watching the world go by, but if it is adrenaline fuelled fun you want then be prepared to queue as the Ministry of Magic ride is surely going to be one of the biggest draws in Epic for years to come. The Ominous World of Dark Universe Those four worlds are all separate areas of Epic Universe and are entered through unique portals to add some more wow to the theme park, but in the middle of the whole area is a world called Celestial Park, which somehow seems calm and tranquil with luscious green space and hypnotic fountains. The bosses claim it puts the 'park' back in themepark, but I would love to see what it looks like in the height of summer. There are giant restaurants, merchandise shops, old-world carousels and it became a go-to for 'quiet' this week. But there is a giant asterisk on that calm, because just off to the left is what I think may actually be the company's best ever rollercoaster. Currently, I rate Velocicoaster and Hagrid as their top two, but now you can add Stardust Racers to the thrill-ogy. I did it a half dozen or so times over the two days and each time it got better. The creators here decided to run two coasters side by side in a race against each other. With each meander and undulation you edge ahead of the other and there are times when you are travelling upside down looking at the others. It is pure genius. This park may not be a household name yet, but it won't take long for Universal's Epic Universe to gain momentum and popularity. There are already plans to expand on some of the Worlds, so you can expect even more from Epic. But for now, you will just have to make do with a very-family friendly theme park with exhilarating rides, brilliantly genius attractions, stylish merch, delicious food and possibly the greatest roller coaster I have ever been on. ■ Daragh was a guest of Universal Studios. ■ Single day tickets start from around $139 (€123) to $199 (€175), depending on the day, but you can also buy multi-day and multi-park tickets. The Universal Express Pass, from $140 (€123) per person, lets you jump into shorter queues. ■ There are direct flights from Dublin to Orlando with Aer Lingus. Alternatively, British Airways Holidays is running a series of deals to mark the launch of the new theme park, flying out of Gatwick.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park – all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) '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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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 Universal's brand new theme park. 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). 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. 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 unicorns, roaring lions and fiery phoenix's (seating up to three). 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 9 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 Viking-theme world based entirely on the hit animation 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 9 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 dragon. 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, Toothless, soar high above the audience in a plume of smoke during the show 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 9 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 plants 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, Mario Kart, that puts riders behind the wheel in a moving kart. 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 Mario Kart fan, I loved it; pals who had never played the game, however, were much less enthusiastic and struggled with the controls. Top tip: secure your hat as tightly as is comfortable on your head, that will make your shell shots more accurate 9 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 Yoshi and slowly plod through Mario World with epic views of the park below. 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 Nintendo themed music and realistic animatronics. 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 only one ride in this world, but the elements surrounding it took my breath away. You'll be transported from Orlando to 1920s 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
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 The Harry Potter world took my breath away Credit: EPA
