This Is the Best Epic Universe News We've Seen All Month

Well, it finally happened. We got to go INSIDE Epic Universe and share that experience with you. Yes, our jaws have been dropping non-stop all weekend (and yes, there were some tears of joy, too), and we’re not done yet telling you all about it.

Toothless and Hiccup!

Now that we’ve visited all five lands in Epic Universe, we’re coming in with our takes, and we’ll admit that a lot of things surprised us (those big lockers at Monsters Unchained, for example). But the best news that came out of our visit might surprise you, so let’s get into it.

So what surprised us the most about our visit to Epic Universe? Well, although Universal is generally known for thrill rides that appeal to teens and adults, Epic Universe is actually more family-friendly than we expected. This is a place that kids will get to enjoy as much as teens and adults, especially Super Nintendo World and How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk.

1Up Factory in Super Nintendo World

As far as rides go, kids have plenty to get excited about. Some rides have NO height requirements, including the Constellation Carousel (note that kids under 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult), Astronomica, and Fyre Drill. There are also a lot of rides with a height requirement of just 40 inches, meaning that kids around ages 6 and up may be able to ride.

Fyre Drill

Yoshi’s Adventure is specifically designed for little ones, with a height requirement of just 34 inches (under 48 inches requires an adult companion, though). Many other rides only have height requirements of 40 inches, meaning kids 6 and up may be able to ride. This includes Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Mine-Cart Madness, Curse of the Werewolf, and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.

Curse of the Werewolf

Also, kids are going to LOVE being transformed into monsters at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, especially because they get to roam around Dark Universe for the rest of the day as one of the universe’s regulars. Oh, who are we kidding — the whole family should get a monster makeover!

There are also a ton of character interactions for adults AND kids to enjoy. Honestly, we were surprised at just how well the characters in Epic Universe acted. You do get to talk to the characters, and they are SO good at knowing how to interact with everyone, regardless of age. It’s almost like you’re just hanging out with them.

Okay OKAY — best. moment. EVER. ? We got to meet Hiccup and TOOTHLESS and honestly?? We'll never be over it. Total dream come true. ?@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/qB2OZXhhqQ

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

There are also a ton of roaming characters through all of the lands, except for Super Nintendo World. In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, there was a band plus a couple of Hogwarts student tourists following around a Beauxbatons student asking her questions. That is IMMERSION, y’all. The parks just felt so ALIVE with these characters and both kids and adults are going to love that.

Live Musicians in the Ministry of Magic

In Dark Universe, the Bride may also roam the area, although you can also meet her and Frankenstein in their dedicated meet-and-greet spot. Other roaming characters include Ygor, The Invisible Man, a Storyteller(who is also a violinist !!!), and The Hounds (Monster Hunters) inside the Burning Blade Tavern.

You never know who you’ll see… or NOT see… in Dark Universe ? @UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/bQCylVWyRT

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, you’ll see those students, the band, and a friend of Albus Dumbledore who is gathering intel. In How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, we saw Astrid and Stormfly roaming, as well as Dart and Gobber the Belch. You might also see siblings Ruffnut and Tuffnut!

Be on the lookout for roaming characters

This park is more than just thrill rides — there’s a whole UNIVERSE of characters and family-friendly things to see and do. We can’t wait to go BACK to Epic Universe when it officially opens on May 22nd. Stay tuned to DFB for more.

We’re Spilling the Tea About the Hidden Details You Can See INSIDE Isle of Berk at Epic Universe

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