Universal Epic Universe — photo 1 of 1

Universal Epic Universe

Rating

3.8(5,929)

Family of 4

$500-700+ total: 2 adult tickets (~$109-139 each) + 2 child tickets (~$104-134 each) + parking ($30) + food (~$80-100) + 1-2 souvenirs

Duration

Full day (8-10 hours)

Best Ages

Best for ages 7 and up

About

Universal Epic Universe opened in May 2025 as Universal's fourth Orlando theme park and by far its most ambitious. If your family has been to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, be prepared: Epic Universe operates at a completely different scale. The park is organized into five distinct themed worlds, each fully immersive with its own architecture, dining, entertainment, and rides.

There's no moment where you step out of the story — from the moment you enter each world, the theming is total.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe centers on the Ministry of Magic and 1920s Paris, giving Harry Potter fans something genuinely new rather than a re-tread of Hogsmeade. Kids who've outgrown the Hogwarts Express will find this world more sophisticated and rewarding. The Nintendo area brings Mario Kart and other beloved games to life with interactive wristband technology — tap points scattered through the world let kids earn coins and trigger hidden surprises, which can keep even non-ride-obsessed kids occupied for an hour.

For families with younger children (under 7), Epic Universe is a challenging day. Most of the signature rides have height requirements, and the scale of the park means a lot of walking. The park does excel in stroller accessibility and has dedicated nursing facilities.

Practical planning matters here: buy tickets online (cheaper than gate prices), arrive when the park opens, and identify your must-dos in advance using the Universal app. Midday from 12-3PM is peak crowd time — consider a sit-down lunch during that window to wait out the worst of the lines. Bring your own snacks, sunscreen, and ponchos.

Florida afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence in summer, and several attractions require you to get wet.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Indoor & Outdoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

First 2 hours after opening or the last hour before close — midday crowds peak around 1-3PM. Weekdays in January or September are the quietest.

Wait Times

30-60 min for popular rides at peak, under 15 min at opening

Nearby Food

The park has full-service restaurants and quick-service counters in each themed world. If you're leaving the park for food, International Drive has dozens of chain and family restaurants within 10 minutes.

Why Kids Love It

Epic Universe opened in 2025 and is Universal's most ambitious park yet, with five distinct worlds including a fully immersive Harry Potter Ministry of Magic land and a Nintendo-themed area where kids literally step into their favorite video games. The rides use cutting-edge technology — expect screen-based adventures, multi-sensory experiences, and details so specific that kids will want to stop and explore every corner. Unlike older parks, Epic Universe was designed with modern queuing and theming from the ground up, so the wait experience itself is part of the show.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Download the Universal app before you go and check live wait times — popular attractions can reach 90+ minutes by noon.
  • The park is divided into five distinct 'worlds' — plan your route in advance so you don't backtrack across the park.
  • Single Rider lines (where available) can cut wait times by 50-75% for older kids who don't mind riding without family.
  • Bring ponchos — several rides have significant splash elements and Florida afternoon thunderstorms happen almost daily in summer.
  • Early Park Admission is included with certain on-site hotel stays — worth it for families who want to hit the most popular rides first.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Rain ponchos
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Sunscreen
  • Small backpack
  • Snacks from outside
  • Phone fully charged with Universal app

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$500-700+ total: 2 adult tickets (~$109-139 each) + 2 child tickets (~$104-134 each) + parking ($30) + food (~$80-100) + 1-2 souvenirs

Tips to Save

  • Buy tickets online in advance for ~$10-20 off gate price.
  • Universal annual passes pay off if you visit twice.
  • Kids 2 and under are free.
  • Bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle — in-park food is expensive.
  • Check for AAA or military discounts.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
10AM-9PM
Monday
10AM-9PM
Sunday
10AM-9PM
Tuesday
10AM-9PM
Saturday
9AM-9PM
Thursday
10AM-9PM
Wednesday
10AM-9PM

Contact

1001 Epic Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Booking

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