Argomenti trattati
Waking up at 3 a.m. to attend the grand opening of Epic Universe might sound like a daunting task. Yet, what if I told you it turned out to be one of the best park days I’ve ever had? Such was my experience as I prepared for this monumental occasion at Universal Orlando’s latest theme park.
Expectations versus reality
As the day approached, the anticipation grew. Friends and family called me crazy for wanting to brave the opening day crowds, warning me of long lines and overwhelming wait times. My previous experiences at theme park openings had me believing that May 22, 2025, would bring a mix of excitement and chaos. I envisioned a day filled with insufferable crowds and rides that would break down. However, the reality proved to be quite different. The day unfolded in a surprisingly smooth and relaxed manner, leading to an unforgettable adventure.
The journey begins
After rising early, I made my way to the nearby Universal Stella Nova Resort. The hotel provided direct access to Epic Universe via a convenient walkway. Arriving at the park gates, I was greeted by a larger crowd than I had anticipated. But after a brief wait, we were ushered through security and eagerly entered the park around 6:20 a.m. My friends and I split up to catch the opening ceremonies happening at various portals throughout the park, with my heart set on Super Nintendo World.
Grand opening ceremonies and early adventures
The grand opening festivities kicked off at 8 a.m. I was thrilled to witness the celebration of Super Nintendo World before racing over to meet my friend at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. We were eager to experience Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Unfortunately, this ride faced delays, which was the only hiccup in an otherwise stellar day. Thankfully, by the end of the day, we managed to ride it three times, feeling a sense of relief as the ride finally opened.
Exploring the park
With the Battle at the Ministry queue proving less fruitful, we decided to explore other attractions, noticing that wait times remained surprisingly low. We headed towards Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. To our delight, wait times were consistently under 25 minutes throughout the day, allowing us to maximize our enjoyment in the park. This rare occurrence of a brand-new theme park operating smoothly on its opening day was a treasure to behold.
The thrill of new experiences
With the freedom to roam and enjoy rides without the usual constraints of long lines, we discovered more than just attractions. One of our most delightful surprises was Dragon Racer’s Rally, which quickly became our favorite ride. Why? Well, I finally mastered doing a flip on it! The contagious laughter shared during this experience had us returning for five exhilarating rides. Additionally, I relished the opportunity to engage with the games scattered throughout Super Nintendo World, embracing the nostalgia that this vibrant land evoked.
A day to remember
Epic Universe exceeded all my expectations. Attending the opening day was a risk, but it paid off beautifully. Unlike typical park days filled with rush and chaos, this experience allowed us to savor every moment. I leisurely strolled between attractions, enjoyed delicious food and drinks, and created lasting memories with friends. By the end of the day, I had enjoyed 25 attractions, including multiple rides on Monsters Unchained and Mine-Cart Madness. Though such a perfect day may not come again, it feels like merely the beginning of countless adventures at Epic Universe, as if the Chronos himself had predicted this magical journey.