After a yearlong COVID-imposed delay and a month or so of previews, Common Orlando lastly opens the doorways on its Epic Universe Thursday.
The brand new theme park, which reportedly price between $6 and $7 billion to construct, is an escalation of the corporate’s WWE-like battle with Disney to draw theme park guests in central Florida—and it’s more likely to have an effect. (In fact, each corporations are more likely to profit from the opening, as many households making the journey to Orlando will possible go to each parks.)
That is the fourth of Common’s theme parks in Orlando and it’s actually the biggest by scale. Spanning 110 acres (with tons of extra accessible for future expansions), it embraces 4 key IPs, however every of the worlds is so wealthy, you’ll possible want at the very least two days to take them in.
Introduced in 2019, Epic Universe has develop into a large enough menace that Disney has introduced a serious improve to its Orlando parks, a part of a 10-year, $60 billion funding in parks and experiences.
With one thing so new, there are sure to be a lot of questions. Fortune received a sneak peak on the park earlier than its opening. If you happen to’re interested by a visit, right here’s all you could know (in addition to options on what it’s best to trip).
The place is Epic Universe positioned?
Epic Universe is about 2.5 miles to the southeast of Common Studios and Islands of Journey, in addition to Volcano Bay water park and Common CityWalk (all of that are in Orlando).
To move guests forwards and backwards, Common is operating buses between the parks. Epic Universe additionally has its personal separate parking space.
How a lot do Epic Universe tickets price?
A one-day grownup ticket will run you $139, whereas youngsters pays $135 for a single-day move. (Florida residents don’t presently get a reduction.) A two-day ticket can be accessible for $116.50 for adults, or $112 for teenagers, however one of many two days have to be spent in a park apart from Epic Universe.
If you happen to’re hoping to go to the park in its earliest days, although, you’ll have to get a multi-day move (with solely a type of days being spent at Epic Universe). Particular person tickets received’t be legitimate to be used till June 1.
What are the lands of Epic Universe?
The park’s structure is designed to let guests enter a “portal,” which takes them to 4 totally different lands—with the hub, Celestial Park, performing as a fifth land. Notice, nonetheless, that if you wish to transfer from one land to a different, you’ll need to “exit” the portal after which enter a brand new one. The lands usually are not linked to one another and there’s no approach to stroll from one to the opposite with out going by means of Celestial Park.
Celestial Park
This central focus options eating, procuring, and three sights, a carousel, a dual-launch coaster and interactive dancing fountains. The Helios Grand Lodge is positioned on this space.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic
Providing components from each the Harry Potter and Improbable Beasts franchises, this space will let followers discover the wizarding world in a Parisian setting.
Tremendous Nintendo World
This interactive Nintendo-themed world is loaded with acquainted characters from Mario to Bowser and a number of other rides, which vary from household pleasant to intense.
Learn how to Practice Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk
Discover the Viking village on the coronary heart of the franchise (which has a live-action movie popping out June 13). You’ll additionally have the ability to trip a dragon.
Darkish Universe
Common brings old-school creatures—together with Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and Dracula—into the fashionable period.
What are the perfect rides at Epic Univese for thrill-seekers?
Epic Universe is all about massive experiences. And never solely do its coasters provide you with an adrenaline rush, a few of its darkish rides (sights the place riders sit in guided autos) do as properly. Not all rides are created equal, although. If you happen to’re searching for a thrill, right here’s what you’ll need to strive.
Stardust Racers
This dual-launching high-speed coaster is not for the feint of coronary heart. The 2 coasters shoot off on the identical time, zipping previous one another and sometimes over or underneath one another. It doesn’t look as intense as it’s from the bottom, however the 62 mph trip is not any joke. If you happen to’re accustomed to the VelociCoaster at Islands of Journey, you’ve got an thought of what to anticipate intensity-wise.
Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry
You wouldn’t count on a movement simulator to rank this excessive on a thrill-seeking checklist, however Battle on the Ministry will rock you round a good bit in each course. You received’t have the ability to predict what’s subsequent, which provides to the depth.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
If the addition of a movement simulator is shocking, then seeing a darkish trip on this checklist would possibly depend as surprising. Common calls this “the most chilling ride ever” and the advertising and marketing hyperbole is fairly near the reality. Providing particulars would spoil the surprises, however this isn’t practically as sedate an attraction as you would possibly count on, given it’s constructed on creatures which can be practically 100 years previous.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
This outside rollercoaster presents some strong thrills, on par with Disney’s Huge Thunder Mountain. Like Stardust Racers, it’s a coaster that appears much more sedate from the bottom, however doesn’t skimp on the thrills. It’s the right coaster for those who aren’t up for the ludicrous speeds and turns of Stardust Racers, however nonetheless like some depth of their rides.
What are the perfect rides of Epic Universe for households?
Whereas lots of Epic Universe’s sights is likely to be a bit a lot for kids or individuals who don’t get pleasure from thrill rides, there are nonetheless a number of choices for a milder day on the park. If you happen to or your celebration shouldn’t be trying to get your coronary heart pumping, these are the rides for you.
Yoshi’s Journey
The calmest trip at Epic, this one is made for teenagers. Slowly move scenes from the Mushroom Kingdom in Tremendous Nintendo World and participate in a scavenger hunt. See an egg? Press a button.
Constellation Carousel
A carousel, positioned in Celestial Park, appears to be a staple at each theme park, however Epic Universe does issues a giant in a different way. The animals are spaced out a bit extra, so it’s not as claustrophic as some merry-go-rounds. This trip additionally reverses course and goes backwards. It’s all executed at a leisurely tempo, although, making it fantastic for all riders.
Fyre Drill
Arguably the calmest trip on Learn how to Practice Your Dragon—Isle of Berk, you’ll board a Viking ship and shoot water cannons at targets. (You’ll additionally possible shoot at different boats—and be the goal of different visitors as properly, so count on to get soaked.)
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem
This Mario Kart-inspired trip has its share of twists and turns, however children are nonetheless more likely to get pleasure from it with out getting too scared. The silliness of throwing digital banana peels and shells at opponents is the primary takeaway. Notice that riders do put on headgear with particular goggles, so in case your children can’t deal with that, this may not be the trip for them.
What are the perfect motels to remain at if I’m going to Epic Universe?
Three new motels have been opened close to the park so in case your focus is solely on Epic Universe, you’ll need to keep in considered one of them. The crown jewel is the Helios Grand Lodge, which has a devoted entrance to the park, together with a rooftop bar that overlooks the park. It’s ritzy and glamourous.
Stella Nova and Terra Luna are a bit additional away, however solely a five-minute or so bus trip. Each are clear and cozy (and extra inexpensive), however do lack the pizazz of Helios. If you happen to select to remain close to the unique parks, you’ll be going through at the very least a 15-minute bus trip by means of heavy visitors each methods.
This story was initially featured on Fortune.com
