Universal Epic Universe Trip Planning
with
Mom Approved Travel
Looking for a Universal Travel Agent for Universal Epic Universe in Orlando? You found the experts!
Mom Approved Travel is a U-Preferred Universal Travel Agency who specializes in Universal family vacations. Experience Epic Universe with the experts!
Mom Approved Travel takes away the overwhelm of planning a Universal Epic Universe trip by helping you with everything from the best time to travel, where to stay, how long to stay, what to do, dining reservations, assistance with transportation, giving you tips and tricks along the way to make the most of your precious vacation time and dollars in a way that fits YOUR family.
With convenient themed hotels like Universal Helios Grand Hotel, epic attractions, delicious dining options, immersion in the the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, a wide variety of fun for all ages and thrill levels, a Universal Orlando Resort vacation including Universal Epic Universe has everything you need for an absolutely epic vacation experience for the whole family!
At Mom Approved Travel, one of our core beliefs is Moms should get to have fun on her Universal vacation too. What that means is, Mom should actually enjoy going on vacation – she should not be stressing or spending her precious time worrying about which attractions are kid-friendly, how to handle early entry, where to find Butterbeer, how best to navigate Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, spending hours researching all the packing things, or making sure she doesn’t miss an important payment, activity, or deadline. Mom can spend her time and energy elsewhere (like finding the right Hogwarts house shirts for everyone) when she partners with Mom Approved Travel!
To get started on your Universal Epic Universe vacation, start a conversation with us here.
What is there to do at Epic Universe?
Epic Universe has 5 worlds of incredible family fun for all ages!
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort‘s fourth theme park and is comprised of five individual worlds, and accessed through Chronos “portals” located in the central hub of Celestial Park.
Universal Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025, and we were so excited for this incredibly immersive and innovative new park to open and dually thankful to be invited to be onsite and part of the Grand Opening Celebration in recognition of our partnership with Universal Orlando as a U-Preferred Travel Agency.
Learn why you should book your Epic Universe trip with a U-Preferred Travel Agency .
Celestial Park
Your Epic Universe experience starts here. Adam Rivest, executive producer for Celestial Park explains a bit of the storyline: “Chronos is this giant machine used to harness the energy of the Universe that powers all of Celestial Park, allowing us to open the portals to other worlds.”
From Celestial Park, you have access to four portals, which transport you to the new, immersive worlds full of fun and offer a little something for all ages!
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
While inside Celestial Park, you can experience:
- Constellation Carousel – this untraditional carousel experience may not be what you are used to! Your carousel creature will not only go round and round, but will also be rotating 360 degrees under a beautiful star-filled canopy to invoke a feeling of riding through the Milky Way.
- Starfall Racers – A smooth, dual launch coaster with 1.8 mile track reaching speeds of 62 mph and a maximum height of 133 feet. This attraction will take on a completely different feel at night as well!
- Astronomica – a compass rose styled wet-play attraction that will come alive at night with light, color and music.
If you would like to grab a bite to eat in Celestial Park, you will have great options:
- Atlantic – traditional and surprising Surf and turf options dining in an illusion of an “out of this world aquarium” with floor to ceiling Victorian glass walls
- The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – features a beautiful indoor courtyard with lanterns hanging overhead, with guests feasting on flavors from China, Southeast Asia and Japan. Electric neon dragons will be seen around the interior of the dining room.
What about Shopping? Don’t worry, Epic Universe has options for all the souvenirs and keepsakes including a Nintendo Super Star Store!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™— Ministry of Magic
In almost every discovery call we do, fans of the Wizarding World and Muggles alike are most excited to experience the international wizarding communities from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry, and the magic that connects them!
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – This attraction retraces Harry’s footsteps in one of the iconic locations from the Wizarding World, the Ministry of Magic. The queue is an attraction unto itself! On this attraction, you find yourself right in the middle of the trial of Delores Umbridge, see her attempt to escape with the assistance of Death Eaters and accompany Harry, Ron, Hermione and Higgledy as they chase her through the Ministry. This ride has a 40″ tall height requirement.
- Le Circque Arcanus – a first of its kind live show featuring many of the creatures you were introduced to in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, including a Demiguise, Zouwu, Kelpie, Mooncalves, and you might even notice Newt Scamander make an appearance!
- Interactions like never before – plenty of interactive wand experiences await in new ways as you explore the streets of wizarding Paris.
- The Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques offers not only the wands you are used to seeing in the British Wizarding World, but has a selection of exclusively and distinctively French selection of wands!
If you would like to grab a bite to eat in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, you have fun and dellicious French options:
- Café L’air De La Sirène™ – French inspired cuisine serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a indoor or Parisian outdoor cafe experience
- Bièraubuerre – of course there will be Butterbeer, but it will have a fancy, French name!
- Le Goblet Noir – a harder to find dining option with delicious and hardy options with mobile order options through the Universal Orlando App and plenty of air conditioning!
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
At SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ you can look forward to being completely immersed into the world of Super Mario™ and making your childhood dreams come as you venture through Donkey Kong Country™, using Power-Up bands to collect coins and interact with the land!
- Mine-Cart Madness™ – you will experience a new family coaster that has you riding in a mine cart through the Majestic Golden Temple, and no screens! This ride has a 36″ tall height requirement.
- Yoshi’s Adventure – is a SUPER cute (and slow) family friendly ride for guests over 36″ tall through Mushroom Kingdom offering incredible views of the new land
- Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge – an augmented reality attraction where you battle Team Bowser to win the Golden Cup! This ride has 40″ height requirement.
- Character meet and greet opportunities – say hi to Luigi, Mario, Princess Peach and Toad up close!
- The 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors retail shops will have options for all the souvenirs and keepsakes!
If you would like to grab a bite to eat in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, you will have fun options:
- Toadstool Cafe™ – fun, immersive counter service with themed bites including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers
- Yoshi’s Snack Island – more info coming soon
- Turbo Book Treats – more info coming soon
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
For the fans of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, this is an exciting world where your dragon riders can be transported into a Viking village in the heart of the Island of Berk, the iconic location featured in their favorite story. Here your aspiring Vikings are able to take to the skies and soar with dragons in an immersive world filled with the colors of the dragons they know and love!
While inside How to Train your Dragon – Isle of Berk, you can experience:
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – a rail coaster will launch aspiring Dragon Riders into the air, swooping and soaring and encountering Hiccup and Toothless along the way. This ride has a 40″ height requirement, and children under 48″ will not be able to ride alone.
- The Untrainable Dragon – experience a breathtaking and broadway quality live stage show with big, beautiful dragons and some of your favorite characters including Toothless, Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid as they encounter a new dragon on the Isle of Berk. Toothless will soar above the crowds with a 27 foot wingspan!
- Dragon Racer’s Alley – you will need to bring your high-flying, gravity-defying, swooping and soaring skills as you practice aerobatic maneuvers and as many barrel rolls as you wish as you train to be a championship dragon racer! Dragon Racer’s Alley will have a 48″ height requirement.
- Fyre Drill – Enjoy an interactive boat ride for all ages, as Fyre Drill will not have a height requirement! You board a Viking ship and blast your water cannons at flame like targets – and the occupants of every other boat – to out-soak other Vikings!
- Viking Training Camp – a colorful, fun interactive and accessible play area with towers to climb, slides, an agility course, an interactive sheep launcher game, drums and more. The perfect shady spot for the youngest Vikings!
- Haddock Paddock – make your own special connection as you meet Toothless, Hiccup and other Viking friends up close.
If you would like to grab a bite to eat in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, you have a convenient dining option:
- Mead Hall – Where all Vikings can enjoy a quick service meal in the Grand Hall, where incredible decor fills the walls up to it’s 16′ ceilings and features a hearty menu including meat, fish, sandwiches and dessert options. A fun selection of meads, ciders and ales will be available for Vikings 21 and over!
Dark Universe
This land is dark, family friendly and filled with the myth and mystery of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments and a twist on the classic monster vibe!
While in Dark Universe, you will experience:
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – this attraction has you racing through the darkness as you encounter all of Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments. This attraction has a 48″ height requirement.
- Curse of the Werewolf – a family spinning coaster with a 40″ height requirement.
- The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience – where artists will transform you with makeup and special effect skills to become a monster, werewolf, mummy or more! This “makeover” experience does have an additional cost.
- Character experiences – Meet Frankenstein and his Bride, Ygor, The Invisible Man and more.
If you would like to sink your teeth into tasty eats inside Dark Universe, you have monstrously delicious dining options:
- Das Steakhouse – a quick service option run by vampires with tasty options like “Bird on a Stake” to feed your little monsters!
- The Burning Blade Tavern – where flames erupt and you can grab burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and tasty beverages.
Are you excited as we are about about this absolutely incredibly EPIC theme park at Universal Orlando Resort?
What about staying at a hotel near Universal Epic Universe?
With all of the onsite Universal hotel options available, there is a resort for everyone!
Mom Approved Universal Epic Universe Hotels
One of the first decisions Mom Approved Travel will help you make when planning a Universal Epic Universe vacation, is where to stay. We know the importance of staying on property at the Universal Orlando Resort, as the onsite benefits truly deliver a great return on your vacation investment!
Staying onsite at Universal Orlando Resort will make an even bigger difference in your Universal trip if you are including Universal Epic Universe in your plans! The new theme park is located about 12 minutes South from the main Universal Orlando Resort, having on-property resort benefits, transportation preferences and where you stay will matter!
Thankfully, three new incredible Universal hotels are opening with the new theme park.
Learn More: Dive deeper into Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Helios Grand Hotel
- Opened in April 2025
- The most convenient option to Epic Universe with a short walk
- Dedicated, exclusive entrance to Universal Epic Universe
- Elegant Mediterranean-inspired design
Universal Stella Nova Resort
- Opened in January 2025 before the opening of Epic Universe
- 750 guest rooms, dining option, resort-style amenities and an incredible dichroic panel exterior, and highlights of teal and purple.
Universal Terra Luna Resort
- Opened in March 2025 before the opening of Epic Universe
- 750 guest rooms, dining option, resort-style amenities and an incredible dichroic panel exterior, and highlights of gold and green.
Let your favorite Mom Approved Travel Advisor help you find the perfect resort for your people so you can start making memories in 2025 or 2026 by clicking here to get started on your Universal Orlando Epic Universe Vacation!
How to work with a Mom Approved
Universal Orlando Travel Agent
You have decided you want to want to experience an Epic Universal Orlando vacation as either a standalone trip or as an addition to an Orlando vacation.
You have decided you want to use an experienced, trusted family Universal Trip Planner at Mom Approved Travel.
Now what?
Working with a Mom Approved Travel Advisor to plan your Universal Vacation is easy, promise! You can now rest easy knowing our team is made up of avid Universal experts who maintain the highest levels of training for Universal Orlando and Universal Parks and Experiences. We work directly with Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations to utilize their Best Price Guarantee as we have firsthand access to currently available packages, pricing, and promotions. Click here to get started on your Universal Orlando Vacation with a Mom Approved Travel Universal Specialist!
If you already have a MAT Travel Advisor, or you know who you would like to use, fill out our quote request and choose their name from the dropdown menu.
If you are not sure which MAT Travel Advisor you would like to work with, or if you are looking for a Universal Orlando Travel agent near you:
Visit our MAT Team page to meet our Travel Advisors
or
Fill out our quote request and choose “surprise me” from the dropdown menu and we will match you with a MAT Advisor and Universal Orlando Planning Specialist to fit your family best based on your responses.
Epic Universe FAQ – Universal Orlando’s Newest Theme Park
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, which opened in May of 2025. It features four immersive lands—Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic—plus a central Celestial Park hub with rides, restaurants, and shows.
Yes. Epic Universe is a fourth theme park at Universal Orlando and has specific admission requirements. In 2025, Guests must purchase a 1-Park ticket specifically for Epic Universe or choose a 2-Park or 3-Park ticket that includes a 1 day at Epic. 2026 Universal Orlando vacations will be a little different and will be based on the number of parks with a length of day ticket.
Our expert advisors help families build an Epic Universe plan around your kids’ heights, fandoms, ride comfort zones, and travel dates. We simplify everything—from hotels to ticket types—and there’s no extra cost to book with us for vacation packages.
We recommend starting early, using child swap, and planning your day around your family’s BIG thing. Don’t miss Hiccup’s Wing Gliders or Fyre Drill in How to Train Your Dragon land, and watch for interactive elements in Super Nintendo World and Ministry of Magic.
There’s literally something for everyone!
Young kids will enjoy the How to Train Your Dragon and Super Mario World
Teens and thrill-seekers will love Starfall Racers and Dark Universe
Adult fans will appreciate Ministry of Magic, immersive dining, and storytelling
Our advisors help match your family’s ages and interests to the best experiences.
Most families will want one full day, but two days is really recommended especially during peak seasons or for deep fandoms. There’s a lot to explore in each immersive land, plus live shows and nighttime fun!
Epic is usually part of a longer Universal Orlando Resort Vacation, which you can learn more about in our Universal Orlando Overview, or you can reach out to a MAT Advisor.
Epic does not have Park to Park access for 2025, but will in 2026 with a 3-Park ticket that includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe.
Yes, and your MAT Advisor can talk about pros and cons or doing a split stay with you.
The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel is located inside Epic Universe (hotel guests have special access). Nearby Universal hotels, like Stella Nova and Terra Luna, offer shuttle service, (longer) walk and early entry.
No. Unlike some of the other Universal parks, Epic Universe Express Pass must be purchased separately. Even if you stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific (which include Express for the original two parks), Epic Express is not included.
Absolutely. We’ll break down ride priorities, expected crowds during your dates, and how your family travels (e.g., early mornings vs. midday breaks). We’ll also help you compare the cost of Express vs. Early Entry vs. a second day at the park.
Yes! Sometimes we can transfer a booking, or if transfers are not available, we can provide assistance for a reasonable planning fee.
Even if you’ve booked park tickets directly, a Mom Approved Travel advisor can help you plan the rest—hotels, Express Pass strategy, dining suggestions, ride prep, and day-by-day planning. Reach out for information on transfers and planning consult fees.
Celestial Park is the entry and hub area of Epic Universe. It includes family-friendly rides, a dual-launch coaster, gardens, restaurants, water features, and nighttime entertainment. It’s where all four themed lands branch from.
Virtual Queues come and go, but your MAT Advisor will ensure you have the most up to date information possible when you travel.
The Universal Orlando app will help you join queues (if any), view wait times, find maps, order food and locate restrooms.
We’re not “normal” Travel Agents—we are U-Preferred Universal family travel specialists. We factor in your kids’ ages, crowd comfort levels, nap schedules, thrill tolerances, and fandom favorites. We’ve walked these parks extensively ourselves and know what matters most when traveling with kids.
