I just got back from my first visit to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando, and let me tell you — “epic” isn’t just a clever name. This park is jaw-dropping in the best possible way. But before we talk about the park itself, I’ve got to start with where I stayed…
Staying at Stella Nova Resort
For this trip, I booked Stella Nova Resort, one of Universal’s newest prime value hotels, and I was seriously impressed.
Here’s the thing: yes, it’s “value” pricing, but it doesn’t feel like a budget stay. The design is sleek and modern, the pool area is gorgeous, and the whole vibe is a little more elevated than other value resorts I’ve stayed at.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously convenient to Epic Universe.
The complimentary shuttle dropped me right at the entrance in under 10 minutes (there’s also a dedicated walking path that’ll get you there in 9-12 minutes depending on how fast you walk). I loved knowing I could pop back for a break if I wanted without feeling like I was wasting half the day in transit.
My Secret Pro Hack: Epic Fountain Show from Bar Helios
One of the absolute highlights of my trip was watching the Epic Universe fountain show from Bar Helios at the neighboring Helios Grand Hotel. It’s the perfect mix of chill atmosphere, great drinks, and a front-row view of the nighttime magic (all without a park ticket!). The Fountain show happens every night at park close so you’ll want to reserve a table at least 30 minutes before the show to get settled. While you’re there, spend some time exploring the Helios Grand Hotel. This resort is GORGEOUS and worth checking out…it’s the first resort INSIDE a theme park on the East Coast.
Pro tip: Reservations are strongly recommended (book through Resy.com) — this is not a “walk up and see what happens” kind of spot.
One thing to know: there’s no direct shuttle from Stella Nova to the Helios Grand (learned this the hard way, whomp-whomp). And the walk? Long. Like, “regret your shoe choice” long — especially if you don’t have a park ticket to cut through Epic. If you want to get there, you’ll either:
• Take an Uber
• Or hop on the Stella Nova bus to Epic Universe (or walk), then take a bus from there to CityWalk, and then hop on another bus to Helios.
Budget at least 40 minutes for this route so you’re not rushing.
First Impressions of Epic Universe
This isn’t just another theme park — it’s like stepping into five completely different worlds, each with its own “portal” entry:
• Celestial Park – The central hub and home to the Epic fountain show.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – Parisian streets + 1920s wizarding vibes straight out of Fantastic Beasts.
• Super Nintendo World – Every 90’s kid’s dream with interactive Power-Up Band games and incredible Mario Kart and Donkey Kong rides.
• Isle of Berk – For How to Train Your Dragon fans, with jaw-dropping rides, shows, and themed dining like Spit Fyre Grill.
• Dark Universe – A spooky, gothic wonderland perfect for fans of Universal’s classic monsters.
The tech here is next-level. Facial recognition is used for tickets and lockers and it works really well, cutting down on time at entry and exiting rides. The Harry Potter ride in the Ministry of Magic blew me away — both for its storytelling and its seamless use of technology.
The Food
Theme park food has a bad reputation, but Epic Universe is rewriting the rules. My favorite meal was at Spit Fyre Grill in Isle of Berk (I had the Salmon bowl with rice instead of grains and vegan feta) — so good I considered going back the next day. And of course vegan Butterbeer from Cafe L’air de la Sirene in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter portal.
That said, as someone who eats gluten- and dairy-free, I do wish they’d expand allergy-friendly options. There are some, but I’d love to see the same level of creativity applied to those menus in the future.
Like I shared in my recent Epic Universe post on Instagram (follow me @DoleWhipAndRoadTrips) there are a few areas that could be improved:
• Some attractions still have kinks to work out with loading times and long delays. Expected with a new park, but still frustrating.
• Certain areas get very crowded during peak hours, making it hard to enjoy the details (I’m looking at you Super Nintendo World)
• Team members were friendly, but not always well-informed which lead to some serious time wasted for me…that’s a big deal when you’re trying to maximize a park day. I hope Universal doubles down on training going forward.
Final Thoughts
Even with those minor downsides, I absolutely loved Epic Universe. It’s immersive, it’s innovative, and it’s a park that makes you want to slow down and explore. I’m already planning my next trip — this time with my family in tow.
Want to Experience Epic Universe Like a Pro?
That’s where I come in. I help families plan unforgettable Universal vacations — from choosing the right resort to timing your park days for the lowest waits. I’ll even share insider tips like the Bar Helios fountain show trick so you can wow your crew.
When you book through me, you get my planning services for free — including price monitoring, payment plans, and my personal guides for every park.
Click HERE to start planning your trip to Epic Universe.
