Our Epic Universe & Islands of Adventure Trip

We spent a weekend in Orlando exploring two of Universal’s biggest parks: Islands of Adventure and the new Epic Universe. It was fast-paced, a little tiring, but honestly one of the most fun trips we’ve had together.

If you’re planning a couples trip to Universal, this is exactly how our days went—what we did, what stood out, and what’s actually worth your time.

We started our trip at Islands of Adventure. Even with Epic Universe being the main highlight, this park still feels like a must-visit. Our first stop was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Hogsmeade.

Walking in, it’s immediately immersive. The snow-covered rooftops, narrow walkways, and small shop details make it feel like you’re inside the movie. It was already crowded early in the morning, but the energy made it exciting rather than overwhelming.

We grabbed a cold drink near Honeydukes and paused for a quick photo in the middle of the village. It’s one of those simple moments, but the background makes it feel like more.

After Islands of Adventure, we made our way to Epic Universe. This is where things start to feel completely different.

The entrance area, called Celestial Park, is open and spacious. It doesn’t feel crowded or overwhelming. The design is clean, with a mix of greenery and futuristic details. The most noticeable feature is the set of large portal gates leading into different themed worlds. Each one feels like its own entrance to a separate park.

It sets the tone right away—you’re not just walking into rides, you’re stepping into different environments.

Our first stop inside Epic Universe was Super Nintendo World. Walking through the green pipe entrance is easily one of the best moments of the day. Everything changes instantly—the colors, sounds, and energy. It’s bright, animated, and full of movement. Coins spin above you, characters appear in the background, and familiar music plays throughout the area.

Exploring the Area

We started near Princess Peach’s Castle, which is one of the best photo spots. The design is clean and colorful, and it stands out right away. As you move further in, the space opens up into multiple levels. You’ll see:

• Moving platforms
• Question mark blocks
• Piranha plants
• Different themed sections

If you have a Power-Up Band, you can interact with parts of the park and collect coins. Even without it, the interactive elements still make the experience fun to walk through. From the upper levels, you get a better view of everything. You can clearly see:

• Toadstool Cafe
• Bowser’s Castle
• Pathways filled with guests exploring

It’s bigger and more detailed than it looks online.

Mario Kart Ride Experience

We later met up with friends and lined up for the Mario Kart ride. The queue itself is part of the experience. You walk through Bowser’s Castle, which is filled with statues, lighting effects, and themed rooms.

Before boarding, you’re given a visor that connects to the ride system. The ride uses augmented reality, so while you’re moving, you see characters, obstacles, and items layered into your view. You steer and aim as you go. It’s fast, slightly chaotic, and more fun when you’re with a group.

After the bright and playful feel of Super Nintendo World, we moved to Dark Universe. The transition is immediate. The lighting becomes darker, the music changes, and the environment feels quieter but more intense. There’s fog in the air, and the buildings look aged and worn. It’s themed around classic monsters, and the design leans heavily into that gothic style.

Exploring the Area

We spent most of our time walking through rather than rushing into rides. The main structure here is Frankenstein’s Manor. It’s large, detailed, and designed to look old and slightly damaged. It stands out from almost anywhere in the area.

We stopped on a bridge leading toward the manor to take photos. The background alone makes it worth it. What makes this area different is the pacing. It’s not as loud or busy, which makes it easier to take your time and notice details. Small things like sound effects, lighting, and textures all add to the experience.

After trying different attractions across both parks, a few clearly stood out—for better and worse.

Best Ride: Stardust Racer

Our favorite ride of the entire trip was Stardust Racer. It’s fast, smooth, and visually impressive. The dual-track racing setup makes it more exciting, especially when both sides launch at the same time. The pacing is consistent, and there are no dull moments. From start to finish, it felt like a complete experience—not just a short thrill. If you only have time for one major ride in Epic Universe, this should be it.

Least Favorite: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

On the other hand, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry didn’t quite meet expectations. The queue and design are impressive, but the overall ride experience felt slower and less engaging compared to others. It’s not bad—but when you compare it to stronger rides like Hagrid’s or Stardust Racer, it just doesn’t stand out as much.

If you’re planning a similar trip, here are a few things that helped us:

1. Start Early

Arrive as early as possible, especially for popular rides like Hagrid’s.

2. Prioritize Key Attractions

Pick 1–2 main rides per park so you don’t feel rushed.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes

You’ll be walking most of the day, so comfort matters more than style.

4. Visit Nintendo World Strategically

Go early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.

5. Take Breaks

Not everything has to be rushed. Some of the best parts were just walking around.

6. Stay Until Night

The parks look completely different after dark, especially Epic Universe.

This trip worked well because it had variety. We went from fast rides to interactive worlds to slower, more detailed environments. It didn’t feel repetitive, and each park added something different to the experience. If you’re thinking about visiting Universal, adding Epic Universe to your plan is worth it. It feels like a step forward compared to the older parks. For couples, it’s a good mix of fun, exploration, and shared experiences without needing a long itinerary.

If you’re planning a bigger trip beyond Orlando, we’ve shared more of our travel experiences and guides that can help you plan better. From itineraries to honest reviews, you can explore more of our blogs for ideas before your next trip.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo