Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Epic Universe Must-Do Rides & Attractions: A Local's Guide to Universal's Newest Orlando Park
15
items Universal's Epic Universe finally opened and yes, it lives up to the hype. From Stardust Racers to the Wizarding World's Ministry of Magic, here's what this Central Florida local thinks you actually need to prioritize at Orlando's newest theme park -...
Start here: buy park tickets in advance (they sell out), arrive 45 minutes before open, and head straight to your must-do land. Celestial Park's fountains and greenery make it the prettiest ‘hub’ Orlando has ever built.
Universal Epic Universe
Dueling launch coasters that ‘race’ each other with a celestial crossover moment - the best new coaster in Orlando since VelociCoaster. Ride both sides; each layout feels totally different. Rope-drop or brace for serious waits.
Stardust Racers | Universal Epic Universe
The new gold standard for dark rides - you floo-network into the Ministry and the elevator ride tech is genuinely next-level. The 1920s Wizarding Paris land around it deserves an hour of wandering on its own.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™
AR goggles clip onto your visor and you're throwing shells at Koopas while your kart ‘races’ the course - kids lose their minds. Grab a return time for Super Nintendo World in the app the second you enter the park.
Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge | Universal Orlando Resort
The Donkey Kong coaster that ‘jumps’ broken track sections - the blast-off effect genuinely fooled me the first time. It's family-friendly but way more fun than it looks from the ground.
Mine-Cart Madness™ | Donkey Kong Ride | Universal Epic Universe
A slow, adorable Yoshi ride with the best elevated views of Super Nintendo World - perfect for toddlers and for adults who want to soak in the details. Do it while waiting on your Mario Kart return time.
Yoshi's Adventure™ - SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
A launched family coaster that swoops over the Isle of Berk with dragons everywhere - the whole How to Train Your Dragon land is the most transportive spot in the park. Great starter thrill for kids around 40 inches.
Hiccup's Wing Gliders | Epic Universe | Universal Orlando Resort
You control your own barrel rolls on this one - crank the wings for a full aerobatic workout or keep it mild. My arms were sore the next day and it was worth it. Rarely the longest line in Berk.
Dragon Racer's Rally | HTTYD Ride | Universal Orlando Resort
The KUKA-arm ride in Dark Universe where Frankenstein's monsters break loose - intense, atmospheric, and the catacombs queue is deliciously creepy. Probably too much for under-10s; teens will call it the best thing in the park.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment | Epic Universe ...
A spinning family coaster through a werewolf-cursed village - it packs real personality into a short ride and the launch surprises everyone. Good bridge between kiddie coasters and the big stuff.
Curse of the Werewolf | Dark Universe Attraction
Not your average carousel - the zodiac creatures glide and rotate as the whole platform moves, and at night with Celestial Park lit up it's flat-out gorgeous. A perfect golden-hour break between coasters.
Constellation Carousel
Eating inside a giant mushroom while Toad chefs ‘cook’ in animated windows - the themed food actually delivers too (get the Fire Flower spaghetti). Mobile-order or hit it at off-hours; it packs out fast.
Toadstool Cafe
A Viking tavern in Berk where the roof periodically ‘catches fire’ while you sip mead and eat surprisingly good wings. The most atmospheric drink stop in the park - grab a seat by the windows.
Burning Blade Tavern
Epic Universe has less shade than the older parks and the Florida sun does not play fair. A squeeze-trigger misting fan keeps the kids (and you) from melting in the land-to-land treks.
Spray Fan Water Bottle
Free cup of ice water from any quick service + one of these packets = staying ahead of the heat without $15 lemonades. I toss a few in the park bag every single summer visit.
Liquid I.V. Electrolytes Lemon Lime 16ct