Epic Universe Touring Plan

Introduction

Epic Universe is the newest and most talked about theme park in Orlando. If you only have one day to conquer it, then you’re going to need a good game plan that saves your sanity and your steps. We are going to give you a one day itinerary for someone who wants to do all eleven rides in the park and is less concerned about being able to do every single experience this park has to offer. We would recommend two days at Epic, if you can swing it because there really is so much to see and do outside of the rides.

Before You Get to the Gate

There are a few things to keep in mind before you arrive on your Epic Universe park day. First thing’s first, you want to make sure you purchase your ticket in advance. Epic Universe (especially the single day tickets) have been selling out depending on the time of the year. If you are coming over from the theme park down the road for the day (ahem, Disney World), then you may think you can just arrive and buy your tickets when you get there. Do not waste your precious park day standing in line when you can do it ahead of time.

Another thing to consider is if you can add on Express Pass. Express Pass for the other dry parks is included in some of the Signature Collection hotels, but NOT for Epic Universe. This will always be an additional cost, you will need both your park admission as well as the Express Pass if you choose to purchase it. Depending on the time of year, it can be as much or even more than the cost of your ticket, but it allows you to skip the line once per attraction at all participating locations. For Epic Universe, this even includes two of the shows and all of the rides except Dragon Racer’s Rally. It could definitely be worth it if you only have one day in the park.

One Day Epic Universe Touring Plan with Early Park Admission

This touring plan is for those staying on property at a participating Universal Hotel or for those who have purchased multi-day tickets through their Travel Agent and will receive Early Park Admission, but have opted not to purchase Express Pass.

Arrive to the park entrance 60 minutes prior to when Early Park Admission begins.

Super Nintendo World

Head straight to Super Nintendo World (you can get there quicker if you go below instead of riding in the pipe to the second level, but it is less cool).

Knock out the three rides in this portal. Even though wait times may drop throughout the park, criss crossing from portal to portal likely won’t save you much time in the long run. Start with Mine Cart Madness – due to it’s capacity and popularity, this ride gets high waits, fast.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Yoshi’s Adventure

Isle of Berk

Head to Isle of Berk – Berk doesn’t currently open with Early Park Admission, so everyone who didn’t get in early is likely heading to Harry Potter or Super Nintendo World.
Meet Toothless – this gets a very high wait time, skip if meeting characters is not your priority.
Hiccups Wing Gliders
Dragon Racer’s Rally
Fyre Drill – skip if you do not want to get wet. Early in the morning you can avoid some of the water because it’s less busy, but you’re not coming off dry either way.

EAT! Many restaurants open by 11 am. I suggest Pizza Moon in Celestial Park or snagging a Mac and Cheese cone before you leave Isle of Berk.

Ride the Constellation Carousel – let your food digest, no nausea please!

Darkmore

Head to Darkmore
Ride Monsters Unchained – this is one of those attractions that often has a high wait, you can use the single rider line if it’s open to save time, but you miss a lot of the queue.
Curse of the Werewolf

Don’t forget to grab dinner! We love snacks like the Burning Cheddar Bites and the Hunter’s Garlic Stake from the Burning Blade Tavern.

Head back to Celestial Park and ride Stardust Racers before the sun sets, unless you want to ride it at night. Just know that the wait times can go up in the evening because this is a fun ride when it’s lit up at night!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Finally, head to The Ministry of Magic and knock out your final ride of the day – Battle at the Ministry. This ride always has high wait times, so unless the wait time outweighs your desire to ride, hop in line and enjoy the most immersive queue in Orlando.

If You Don’t Have Early Park Admission

If you don’t have Early Park Admission our recommendation is to start in Isle of Berk. It opens later and most people will rush to the other portals. Fill in Super Nintendo World before the Ministry of Magic later in the day.

Additional Tips 

Dining. Eat at off peak times and utilize mobile ordering where you can. When you’re trying to pack in a full day of rides, you don’t have time for a sit down meal. The table service restaurants are delicious, but time consuming.

Utilize single rider lines. many of the attractions have the capability to offer a single rider line. This is exactly what it sounds like! For single riders to be filled in on the ride where there is an uneven number of riders already. Use these lines wisely. It isn’t always faster to ride them and you will most certainly be separated from your party.

Know your priorities ahead of time. Make a list of what you absolutely cannot miss and make sure you do them! Make a list of things you would skip and circle back to those if time is running low.

Conclusion

Epic Universe is beautiful and can be overwhelming. Take it on in bite size pieces, portal by portal, and come in with a plan of priorities. Want to take the stress of planning off of your plate? Reach out to your favorite Love of the Magic Travel Advisor today!