The smell of cotton candy fills the air as little children squeal in excitement for a taste of adventure and wonder. This is Epic Universe, a theme-park made to simulate movies, themes, and games through different endeavors. This is the perfect place for someone looking for a great fun trip for summer break or perhaps a family get-together.

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History

Over 34 years ago, Universal was founded by Carl Laemmle, who produced over 400 films. He saw a vision of a place where people from all across the world would go with their families that would last for generations. However, originally he thought of it as a way to showcase his motion pictures, but later on it grew on him. Evolving from one park to the next, Universal Studios Florida, then Islands of Adventures, Volcano Bay, and lastly Epic Universe.

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Details

Designed to transport visitors to other worlds using a portal looking gateway, epic has really nailed it. Especially when first entering the park’s soaring skyscraper towering over the park with a clock tower looking appearance that may remind you of the Wicked’s clock tower set. Additionally, the same colors used in the epic gateway are also the inspired colors used in the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.

However, when stepping foot inside, there are five parks. Some of these themed worlds include Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. Starting off with Celestial Park, visitors may find it as a more galaxy inspired park, filled with constellations, the heavens, and stars. Walking over to the next park called the Dark Universe, it is designed as the spooky section of Epic Universe which is inspired by the classic story Frankenstein and the Curse of the Werewolf. Next, we have the Super Nintendo World, a place that almost makes you feel like you are in a video game. Dedicated to Nintendo and all its characters and games like Donkey Kong and Pikmins, it's a really immersive experience as soon as you take the first step inside. Also, there is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is completely based on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. Last but not least, the final park is called How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk dedicating every detail from rides to the food on the How to Train Your Dragon’s movies and series.

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Attractions

In my opinion one of the best things with Universal Parks has to be the rides or should I say the Roller coasters. So far Epic Universe contains 14 attractions.

Super Nintendo World:

• Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
• Yoshi's Adventure
• Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness
• Bowser Jr. Challenge.

Dark Universe:

• Curse of the Werewolf
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic:

• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
• Le Cirque Arcanus

How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk:

• Dragon Racer’s Rally
• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
• The Untrainable Dragon
• Viking Training Camp

Celestial Park:

• Stardust Racers (personal favorite)
• Constellation Carousel

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Foods

Most of Universal food isn’t always the best, but in Epic they really have stepped it up. From the terrible burgers in the Captain American Dinner to delicious Pizza. When first visiting the park for only a day or two there isn’t enough time to try everything, but some things do rise higher than others.

Starting in Dark universe with their Burning Blade Burger at Burning Blade Tavern, it has jalapeño bacon but surprisingly pretty sweet when you take a bit of those caramelized onions, with its black fluffy brochure bread. Then we have the greasy PB&J Cone from Hooligans Grog & Gruel in Isle of Brek, where you can split it in two or keep it all for yourself.

Next, we have the famous Pizza Moon, and their fluffy delicious Nanarossa pizza in Celestial park. In the end, the spectacular lights may not be the only magical thing, like the moonshine bar non alcoholic drink that transforms from blue to purple in the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.

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My Top Tips

Tips are really personal depending on your schedule, however some things to consider have to be the long frustrating lines that are sweaty and hot with no end in sight. Which is why you should download the universal app to put reminders when lines are short, and as your map to all attractions and tasty meals. However, if you have early access then you might want to bring a fan, because they will let you in through security and into the park doors but not in the other lands until 9:00.

Once they let in you can bring bigger bags to the park, since the lockers are now as big as the paid lockers in Islands of Adventures and Universal Studios. There are also Super Nintendo bands that are customizable when you buy it and you get a free map of Nintendo land of all the points you can use it for. This allows you to experience power ups, connected with rides around Super Nintendo World. Last but not least you can travel from pairs to the Ministry of Magic through the Floo powder system.

To Conclude

Epic Universe is the best place to go to whenever you are around the Florida area. Whether you are going to eat at Pizza Moon or wanting to ride the rollercoasters at Super Nintendo World, there is always something for everyone. Remember these top tips for when you go next, and it’s guaranteed you’ll have the best time. And without further ado: Let the games begin!