One day in a new theme park will have you confused about what to hit first, but I have the lowdown on the most important hidden gems you won’t want to miss at Universal’s Epic Universe

It’s the newest offering from Universal Orlando Resort and it’s quite simply breathtaking. Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida is the newest addition to the Universal theme park brand, opening officially to the public on May 22 but I was lucky enough to visit the park for a special sneak peek ahead of the gates opening to explore the best bits.

And there’s plenty of them. With five new worlds, including the heart of the park – Celestial Park – there’s something here for everyone of all ages.

Fans can explore the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic world where you’ll visit the magical streets of Paris – heavily leaning on the Fantastic Beasts franchise, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, which was hugely popular, Dark Universe based on the classic Universal Monsters including Dracula, Frankenstein and The Wolf Man to name a few, and Super Nintendo World which boasts Super Mario and friends in the Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong’s Country.

It’s inevitable that on a day visit here you’ll miss incredible things. There is so much to see, do, eat and drink that one day simply insisted enough but for now, you can only buy a one-day ticket ahead of opening. So it’s vital you know your stuff and prioritise ahead of entering, and I have just the advice you need.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic

Prioritise the show. Tent of le Cirque Arcanus is a live show here and centres around the circus that features in the second Fantastic Beats film. In a nutshell, Ringmaster Skender has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – which as fans know is jam-packed with magical creatures – to exploit them and bring them back to his show.

There are only two shows in the entire theme park, and I highly recommend that you prioritise them. The level of acting and attention to detail on sets is just incredible. The other show is The Untrainable Dragon, across from the Isle of Berk.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

With three rides in this world and the show, it’s the biggest of all five lands. The meet and greets are incredibly realistic and the show had me in tears, it’s so moving. The merch shops are also immersive and there’s colour and detail galore, but it’s exactly this that you don’t want to miss.

Watch out for the gorgeous wooden handcrafted benches dotted around the world. They’re beautifully painted and real works of art. Take a moment to soak in the art around you by grabbing a drink and perching on one of these benches.

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Dark Universe

It’s creepy, spooky, and perfect for horror fans, which is why you can’t miss a visit to The Burning Blade Tavern. Located near the back of the world after passing The Curse of the Werewolf rollercoaster, you’ll come across the bar. You can’t miss it, really.

Standing tall with a spinning windmill feature that slowly and creepily turns in the breeze, this bar has a great backstory. It’s the place monster hunters – the Hounds – come to unwind after hunting all manner of creatures, and it features fabulous nods to ‘caught’ monsters hanging on the wall behind the bar.

There are also live actors in here for you to have fun interacting with while you enjoy a monstrous cocktail.

The one thing not to miss in here though is the The Hunter’s Garlic Stake – a garlic pretzel with a garlic butter dipping sauce – it’s divine, warm, chewy and one of the best snacks to grab on the go. Plus, you’re guaranteed to keep those vampires away, too. Bonus!

Super Nintendo World

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Donkey Kong’s Minecart Madness are the main rides here but don’t skip on a quieter, slower pace over at Yoshi’s Adventure. This ride, for the younger ones, is a sweet journey to find missing Yoshi eggs and if you remember to wear your Power Up band you’ll also collect the golden egg badge on your app.

But it’s so much more for adults on this ride. You can see the best views of the park from this high ride, and thanks to the slow speed you can capture some of your best snaps, too.

Celestial Park

Grab a cocktail from Bar Astro – the Natural Satellite is a win-win under the Florida sun with notes of gin and fresh cucumber and sit amongst the overflowing floral arrangements. The colours and scents are stunning, and as you sit back and put your feet up for a moment, you’ll hear the trickling waters from nearby water features.

There are interactive water play areas called Astronomica, which has a rose-shaped wet-play area with dancing fountains to cool the little ones and various fountain shows on the seven acres of water, including a synchronized one to music that reaches dizzying heights of 135 feet!

I stayed at Universal’s Terra Luna Resort/ British Airways Holidays offers seven nights room-only here from £799pp, travelling on select dates in January, 2026 and including return flights from Gatwick with one 23kg bag per person.

British Airways Holidays also offers seven nights, at the 5-star Universal Helios Grand Hotel, from £1399pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 January – 31 January 2026 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and one checked bag at 23kg per person.

Universal Orlando Resort All Parks Tickets are available from £439pp.

Book by April 22 at britishairways.com/universal or call 0344 493 0787.