What Epic Universe Gets Right (and What It Still Needs Work On)
Because even the most magical new theme park isn’t immune to growing pains.
Epic Universe has been open for months now, which in my opinion is long enough that many early hiccups should be ironed out. And to Universal’s credit, the park shows the enormous amount of heart, tech, and detail poured into every inch of it. The ambition is undeniable, but look a little closer, and you’ll still spot room to grow.
Here’s a balanced look at what Epic Universe absolutely nails… and what, months after opening, still needs some tuning.
What They Get Right: Team Members Are Genuinely Excited
Epic Universe team members bring some of the brightest energy you’ll find in any theme park. Whether you’re asking for directions, getting loaded onto a ride, or simply chatting with someone in the queue, the enthusiasm is palpable. You can tell they’re proud to be part of something new (and that feeling is contagious).
That excitement sometimes comes with a dose of mixed messaging. A prime example: many team members still seem unsure how to answer questions about the Power-Up Bands. For the price you pay and the limited time you have to use them, you’d hope for clearer guidance. Additionally, I was given incorrect timing on when attractions would close for the night. These hiccups will almost certainly even out as the park settles into its long-term groove, but for now, expect a bit of confusion when you’re trying to get quick, accurate answers.
The Rides: Stunning, Ambitious, and Flat-Out Fun
Whether you’re soaring over the Isle of Berk, diving into the Dark Universe, or racing through Bowser’s Castle, the rides feel fresh, showing off Universal’s latest tech.
They’re incredible but shorter than you expect, especially after those long queues. And because the park is new (with lots of cutting-edge systems), the rides are going down more often than ideal. If you visit on a busy day, be prepared for multiple temporary closures sprinkled throughout the park.
The Lands: Immersive, Beautiful, and Packed With Detail
Every portal makes its land feel self-contained and transportive. The environmental storytelling are arguably some of the best Universal has ever done. The beauty comes with a cost: stairs. So many stairs.
The multi-level layouts are stunning to look at and tiring to traverse. While the park is technically accessible thanks to elevators, those elevators can become bottlenecks, leaving guests waiting for transit instead of exploring. If you're not using an elevator, prepare to rack up a step count that would impress even your fitness app.
The Food: Fun, On-Theme, and Instagram-Worthy
One thing Universal consistently nails is tying food into the worlds it creates. Epic Universe continues that tradition with dishes that look the part, colorful, creative, and perfectly themed to each land. Whether it’s a Donkey Kong-inspired beverage or a butterbeer crepe, the options feel fresh and unique.
Flavor-wise, it’s a bit of a hit or miss situation. Some dishes absolutely deliver like the Mac and Cheese Cone and DK Crush Float. Others look incredible but fall flat once you take a bite. Over time, expect menus to evolve and for the hit rate to improve as the culinary teams gather real guest feedback.