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I found myself upside down, mid-barrel roll, stomach churning, questioning every decision that had led me to this point on a 100km/h roller coaster.

Under the scorching Florida sun, I had no choice but to grip tightly and endure the rest of the incredibly fast ride. I was determined not to shower the person behind me with remnants of pizza and regret.

This was my daring introduction to Stardust Racers, one of the main attractions at Universal's eagerly anticipated Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. I was one of the first people in the park that has had theme park enthusiasts buzzing for months. Naturally, I started by diving headfirst into the action.

Let it be known: I'm a die-hard theme park enthusiast. I'll happily queue for hours, scream at the top of my lungs, and rush back to the start for another round.

But Stardust Racers was a different beast. In less than 90 seconds, I found myself crying, swearing, and sweating through my SPF 50 as we sped along 5,000 feet of newly constructed track.

This Epic coaster doesn't ease you in. It catapults you into the cosmos at 62 miles per hour with a brutal force that threatens to rearrange your insides and make you question whether your life insurance is up to date.

At one point, as we spiralled through an inverted crisscross at full speed, I was almost certain I'd brushed against the edge of the cosmos.

Epic Universe guide

Epic Universe is Universal's eagerly anticipated new Orlando theme park, with a staggering $7.7bn spent on its construction.

The park, which was announced back in 2019 and has been nearly ten years in development, spans 110 acres, making it the largest Universal has ever constructed. Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, hailed it as "the most technologically advanced park in the world."

It is the first significant theme park to open in Orlando in a quarter of a century.

With a treasure trove of lucrative intellectual properties that could give Disney a run for its money, including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, Epic Universe is Universal's most daring attempt yet to snatch the theme park throne. Mickey Mouse might just be quaking in his boots.

Visitors are whisked away through a series of spectacular and unique portals to five distinctively themed realms: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, all seamlessly woven together with high-budget panache.

Orlando is set to unveil its most thrilling theme park yet, bursting with awe-inspiring universes and mesmerising attractions celebrating fan-favourite franchises such as Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and Nintendo.

Celestial Park

At the very heart of Epic Universe, just past the majestic entrance gates or via a direct connection from the Helios Grand Hotel, lies Celestial Park. This enchanting realm, untethered from familiar movies, shows, or games, takes centre stage with its verdant oasis of splendour comprising dancing waterworks, dream-like Art Nouveau buildings, and lush, shady promenades that perfectly harmonise with the park's celestial motif.

As dusk descends, an array of vibrant lights orchestrates a symphony with the park's opulent water displays, bathing the cosmic nucleus in a gentle radiance.

The entrance alone is a spectacle, an arched portal adorned with intricate astronomical symbols, rotating orbs, and golden flourishes. It has such strong Space Oddity energy that I half expect Bowie to float down and instruct me to take my protein pills and put on my helmet.

As I strolled through, radiant team members dubbed 'Celestians' welcomed me with beaming smiles and starry costumes, joyfully exclaiming, "Welcome, travellers!" The staff at this theme park aren't just friendly, they're utterly committed and it's hard to picture the crew at Universal's upcoming British theme park matching this level of fervour.

The standout attraction is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, boasting two separate launches and giving riders the choice between the exhilarating yellow "Photon" and green "Pulsar" tracks - a must-ride for any roller coaster aficionado.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the Constellation Carousel offers a whimsical ride through the cosmos on mythical creatures like lions, dragons, or peacocks, all to the tune of soothing space melodies.

When hunger strikes, indulge in the Space Cowboy pizza at Pizza Moon, a grand Victorian theatre turned pizzeria, where barbecue sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives, and crisps create an out-of-this-world flavour.

Insider's tip: Don't miss the sunset spectacle when Apollo passes the baton to Luna in a stunning light and sound show.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

The How to Train Your Dragon section is a paradise for families and cinema enthusiasts alike, bringing to life the adventures of Hiccup and his endearing 'night fury' dragon, Toothless, from the beloved film series.

The home island of Hiccup, Berk, has been recreated in stunning detail, showcasing a faithful representation of the rugged and chaotic world where boisterous Vikings and spirited dragons coexist.

The meticulous details of Viking life are impressive, but it's the dragons that truly take flight. With astonishing animatronics, they're so lifelike you might expect them to fly off into the sky.

The technological prowess is most evident in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience, where you can stroke an incredibly realistic Night Fury and capture enviable photos for your social media.

Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the rollercoaster to queue for if you want a dragon's eye view of Berk while soaring through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet-just like a real dragon rider.

Secure a seat at The Untrainable Dragon for a Broadway-level production featuring film favourites Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid in a musical, dragon-filled live show that will leave you astounded.

If you're pressed for time, Dragon Racer's Rally might be the one to miss. It offers a customisable dragon-riding experience with barrel rolls and aerial tricks, but by the time you've figured out the up-down lever, the ride's already coming to an end.

Top tip: Grab the carb-loaded Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac and Cheese Cone from Hooligan's Grog and Gruel. Packed with creamy macaroni, spicy pulled chicken, hot honey, peppers, chimichurri, and crispy onions, all in a bread cone, it's the perfect portable lunch for busy riders.

Dark Universe

Cinema enthusiasts, the wait is over! Universal has ingeniously repurposed its defunct Dark Universe. Cast your minds back to the peculiar 2017 Tom Cruise Mummy reboot - it was intended to launch a sprawling cinematic universe with legendary figures like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man.

Alas, the film was a disaster (truly dreadful), leading to the cancellation of the entire venture.

Yet, there's a silver lining as you can now immerse yourself in what might have been at the spectacularly spooky Darkmoor fantasy village, where monsters and spectres wander amidst thrilling rides, eateries, and attractions.

Snap a photo with the caustic Invisible Man, whose biting wit is devilishly amusing. "Of course you'll see me in the pictures, foolish girl, I'm wearing bandages."

At the epicentre of Darkmoor lies Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a ride that masterfully embodies Universal's iconic creatures in a chilling, highbrow adventure featuring state-of-the-art animatronics.

Guests are led into the sinister depths of Frankenstein Manor, greeted by an eerily realistic Dr Victoria Frankenstein and a colossal Frankenstein monster standing at 2.7 metres tall, so convincing it may make you doubt your own sanity.

During this captivating experience, our deranged protagonist, Vic, disastrously tries (and spectacularly fails) to rein in the rebellious monsters, sparking a full-scale revolt spearheaded by Dracula.

Prepare for a chaotic escape through a terrifying ride filled with werewolves, mummies, and shadowy figures. Despite knowing it's all make-believe, my heart rate and sweaty shirt begged to differ.

Don't be fooled by the family-friendly 37mph speed of the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster. The freely spinning cars ensure every escape through the haunted forest is a chaotic and slightly disorienting surprise.

Top Tip: Recharge with a vibrant green Monocane Mocktail at the Burning Blade Tavern (yes, it's the one with the flaming windmill). Served in a plastic potion glass, this sweet and sour drink will be a hit with the kids.

Super Nintendo World

Stepping into this colourful, kinetic world, I was overwhelmed with '90s childhood nostalgia. You enter the Mushroom World via a giant green Warp Pipe-cum-escalator and find yourself in the middle of a surreal video game land.

It's loud, bright, and delightfully mad, complete with fun interactive elements and plenty of merchandise. For the first time in the US, you can explore the banana-and-barrel-filled Donkey Kong Country and meet all your favourite characters.

Venture into Bowser's life-size Castle for a spin on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. Based on the iconic Mario Kart franchise, it's a must-try for console enthusiasts.

Don your VR goggles and join the team to defeat Team Bowser in a surprise-filled race. You'll dodge obstacles, throw shells, collect digital coins, and race alongside Mario, Luigi and Peach for the Golden Cup. With multiple outcomes, it's never the same ride twice.

Mine-Cart Madness is a high-speed roller coaster that reimagines Donkey Kong Country. You'll ride through the lush jungle in mine carts, helping Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the thieving Tiki Tak Tribe.

Thanks to a clever track-jumping illusion, it feels like you're constantly on the brink of being thrown into the foliage via derailment. Frankly, National Rail couldn't dream of this level of chaotic engineering.

Top Tip: Purchase a universal app-linked Nintendo-themed Power Up-Band to collect digital coins and keys, interact with the environment, and compete against family members and friends.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic

I must admit, as a massive Harry Potter fan this was the magical moment I'd been waiting for. Wand? Already in hand, muggles.

My anticipation was at fever pitch as I entered the portal to be transported into 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series.

The sheer scale and vision are truly breathtaking as you meander through stylish Parisian streets brimming with enchanting shops, eateries and a revolutionary ride.

If you possess an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting spots scattered around this land where you can summon water, fire and wand lighting and interact with bewitched objects.

Before you get too entranced by your magical surroundings, make a beeline for Universal's most technologically advanced attraction yet, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The star of the show in this land.

Hop on the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they fight throughout the Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of Dolores Umbridge (a magic bureaucrat with a penchant for corporal punishments and pink attire).

Join the lengthy queue and step into the vast and incredibly detailed atrium of the British Ministry of Magic. No stone has been left unturned in creating this extraordinary ride, with even the queue areas filled with wizarding elements that will distract from your weary legs.

When you finally reach the front, board a magical lift and fly, drop and spin through the ministry as you follow a passive-aggressive Umbridge trying to evade capture with a stolen Time-Turner.

You're drafted into assisting the gang stop her while being flung through a bureaucratic fever dream of eye-popping digital magic, smoke, animatronic wand-waving and sinister death eaters.

This ride completely exceeded my expectations and was worth the hype. If you only have time for one thing in Epic Universe, make sure it's this ride.

I'm now spending every spare moment figuring out how to get back on it. It might require a second mortgage; Orlando isn't exactly budget-friendly!

If you have some extra time, experience fantastic beasts at a travelling circus in the full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus. It's a family-friendly show that will captivate both children and Potterheads.

Top Tip: Die-hard fans should consider buying a Second Generation Interactive Wand for an enhanced spell-casting experience around the land.

The final verdict

Epic isn't just Universal's biggest park yet; it's their boldest, most imaginative, and most high-tech experience yet. With its immersive lands, beloved characters, and no-expense-spared rides, it's ushering in a new era of theme parks in Orlando, and we're here for it. Verdict? It's a flawless 5/5 park.

Top tips for Epic Universe

First things first - you need a ticket to get into Universal Epic Universe; this is not a 'show up on the day' theme park.

There are numerous options, ranging from single-day tickets to bundles that include Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.

Passholder? You get special pricing on 1-Day Epic Universe tickets. There are also vacation packages (hello, Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans!) to help you save.

Heads-up: whatever ticket you choose, you'll need to lock in your visit date. .

Stay at the opulent Universal Helios Grand Hotel to enjoy a dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe and enter the park up to an hour before the general public.

Want a more budget-friendly hotel? Book a stay at Stella Nova or Terra Luna, and Epic Universe is just across the street.

Download the Universal Orlando Resort app to plan your day at the park. This free app makes it easy to access your Universal Account Wallet, shop with Universal Pay, order food and drinks on the go, explore attractions with interactive maps, and view showtimes.

Bring a water bottle with you and save money on drinks. There are refill stations across the park, so you don't have to spend your hard-earned dollars on bottled water.

How to Book

British Airways Holidays offers Universal Resort holidays that include Epic Universe. Save up to 30% on your Universal Orlando Resort hotel stay when staying 7 nights or more.

Choose from 10 Universal Orlando hotels, including the brand-new and , both perfect bases for visiting the new Universal Epic Universe. Valid for selected 2025 and 2026 travel. .

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