From Monsters to Dragons: An Epic Preview

Early Start at Terra Nova Resort 🏨

Our preview day at Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, started with a 6:30 a.m. wake-up at the new Terra Nova Resort on Universal property! We were able to take advantage of the early entry to Epic Universe.

Arrival at Epic Universe 🚌

We boarded the bus to the park around 7:15 a.m. It took about five minutes to get to the bus drop-off area. We were greeted here with a fully wrapped-around line waiting to get into the park. This was all one line,both hotel guests and those who parked their cars. The gates opened shortly before 8:00, and we were able to get into the security line at that time.

Monsters Unchained: The First Ride 🧟‍♂️

The only two portals open were Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe. Since our original plan was to go straight for Stardust Racers, we went to plan B and headed over to Frankenstein Manor! Monsters Unchained didn’t open until 9:00 a.m. just like the park. We thought this was the best move since the wait was all indoors. Incredible pre-show just gives you a glimpse of what is to come on that ride. You are provided lockers before boarding, these lockers are “Tron style” for the Disney folks. For everyone else, it’s a two-way locker! One side you load, and you pick up before exiting down the stairs into the gift shop.

Spoiler-free review:

This ride is smooooooooth. You are moving in nearly every direction, but not once did I feel disoriented. I was in marvel with the animatronics; the real-like movements and truly unreal proportions are worth every second of your wait. Fear not—you’re in good hands with Igor and Dr. Victoria!

Celestiki: Fueling Up for Wizarding World 🍹

After this ride, we checked out the spooky potty (bathroom closest to Monsters Unchained) and spotted the Invisible Man on our way out towards Wizarding World Paris! On the way there, we passed Celestiki, which we heard great reviews for! We got there a bit earlier than they opened, but they were still able to serve us what they had available—frozen beverages! I ordered the piña colada swirled with strawberry (Closest to Miami Vice). It was very strong but still delicious. I can honestly say I wouldn’t have survived the wait for the Ministry of Magic without it!

The Ministry of Magic Standby Saga 🪄

Entering the Wizarding World throws you off the streets of Paris and off the Metro. Walking through the massive arch really sets the theme to this area: over-the-top! We walked straight to the Battle at the Ministry ride and found out they were opening a standby-only queue that day! We decided to stick around and check out a gift shop, and literally five minutes later, the queue was open! Back to the Metro we went, and the longest wait of the day started. Three hours in total. We walked into the standby queue around 9:50 a.m. and entered the pre-show at 12:50. By this time, the standby queue started outside the portal. Good luck to all the folks heading there this summer!

Spoiler-free review:

OVER THE TOP! This ride was nuts after the frozen piña and an empty tummy, so I did feel a bit disoriented at one point, but nothing compared to the castle ride at Islands.

Dining in Wizarding World Paris 🍽️

Speaking of food, we ate at Cafe L’Air de la Sirène, and everything was so quick and fresh. I love a quick service restaurant with dedicated seating. I was honestly a bit queasy so i stuck to to the theme park kids meal, chicken tendies and fries. My mom ordered the soup and salad (french onion of course!)  You go into the restaurant and order directly from the table. This place felt straight out of Paris with so many magical touches. The other restaurant in the area is Le Gobelét Noir—this one is a super intimate and more gothic location.

Cosmic Dreams: Constellation Carousel 🎠

After wrapping up in Paris, we scoped out Stardust Racers: 45-minute wait. At this point of the day, we were over waiting in line and ready to get out of the heat. We noticed a gorgeous pool right across from the rollercoaster and started craving a poolside margarita at this time. Thankfully, this gorgeous pool is right next to the only ride with a five-minute wait: Constellation Carousel! This carousel was honestly amazing. It’s not a traditional carousel as it goes in multiple directions, and the original soundtrack is still playing in my head! This one is my most anticipated ride to go back to at night and enjoy every aspect that glows!

Following the Constellation high and the convenient location, we went to Super Nintendo Land next. I won’t lie, it was the middle of the day. As soon as we popped out of the portal, we were blasted with the Florida heat along with a cacophony of songs and signature sounds that didn’t mix well. We were overstimulated a bit and over the heat at this point, so we did the only logical thing: head to Fyre Drill to cool off!

Final Stop: Isle of Berk & Fyre Drill 🐉

The Isle of Berk is the final land we explored. Our original intention was to watch the Untrainable Dragon Show, but we were a good hour away from the next showing and still thinking about that pool next to Constellation Carousel. We only waited about 20 minutes for the only water ride in the park, Fyre Drill! This ride was definitely fun! Try and aim for the spinning targets—those should trigger more water features! Our team was not very good, so thankfully the explosions helped! Don’t worry about your electronics getting wet; there is a waterproof box big enough for your whole team’s gear.

Surprise Nighttime Spectacle 🎆

Following this ride, we were physically fried and ready for the pool! We took our time on the way out of the park and hit up both gift shops near the main entrance. We spent about 30 minutes or so browsing before we walked back to our bus stop to Terra Nova. Grabbed a poolside cocktail, chicken wings, and pretended we were on the Constellation Carousel!

Overall review: There is so much to do in that park, and you know there are many more surprises coming along. To mention one, we were woken up in the middle of the night to what I thought was construction but happened to be a practice firework AND drone show. I jolted out of bed as soon as I heard and was able to record the last moments of the grand finale! I cannot wait to go back and see everything else that we missed!