Epic Universe is one of my favorite theme parks I have ever been to. Since it opened in May 2025, I have been fortunate enough to visit a number of times, and every time I go I find something new to look at, eat, or experience.
So, if I only had one day to spend at Epic Universe, how would I do it?
Well, this is it.
Jump to:
- 9:00 AM | Arrive at the Park
- 9:00-10:00 AM | Security & Ticketing
- 10:00-10:30 AM | Head towards SUPER NINTENDO WORLD + Mine- Cart Madness
- 10:30-11:30 AM | Mario Kart + Explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- 11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Lunch at Pizza Moon
- 12:30-1:00 PM | Explore Dark Universe
- 1:00-1:30 PM | Monsters Unchained
- 1:30-2:00 PM | Snack & Adult Beverage in Dark Universe
- Optional: Curse of the Werewolf
- 2:00-3:00 PM | Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- What About Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry?
- 3:00-3:30 PM | A Cocktail at Bar Moonshine
- 3:30-4:30 PM | Le Cirque Arcanus
- 4:30-5:00 PM | Head to the Isle of Berk
- 5:00-6:00 PM | Hiccup's Wing Gliders
- 6:00-6:30 PM | Mac & Cheese Cone and Mead
- 6:30-7:30 PM | The Untrainable Dragon
- 7:30-8:30 PM | Stardust Racers
- 8:30-9:00 PM | Head Out
- My Epic Universe Budget:
- What About Express Pass?
- Things I Would Skip or Postpone If You're Short on Time:
- My Tips for Spending One Day at Epic Universe:
- Final Thoughts
- Reviews
This is not necessarily the itinerary that will work for every person, and I am definitely not suggesting that you need to follow it minute by minute. Theme parks are unpredictable, wait times change, rides break down, and sometimes you just need to stop and stare at something because it is cool.
Instead, think of this as my ideal one-day game plan for seeing as much of Epic Universe as possible without spending the entire day stressed out and standing in lines.
The goal is to hit the major attractions, experience all five worlds, eat some really good food, see a couple of shows, have a few drinks, and still have time to actually enjoy the park.
And yes, there are a few things I am deliberately skipping.
So let's get into it.
9:00 AM | Arrive at the Park
For this itinerary, I am assuming the park opens at 10 AM and that I am staying until close. Epic Universe's hours vary depending on the date, so check the Universal Orlando app before your trip.
I recommend arriving 30 to 60 minutes before opening if you are driving. General parking is currently $35, and parking is not included with your park ticket. Premium parking is also available for an additional charge and gets you closer to the entrance.
I have paid for premium parking before, and honestly, I don't usually think it is worth it if I arrive early. I'd rather save that money and spend it on food.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are no parking lot trams, so if you arrive later and end up farther away, you are going to be walking.
9:00-10:00 AM | Security & Ticketing
This hour is mostly going to be getting through security, finding your entrance, and waiting for the park to open.
One little tip I learned the hard way: when you walk through the metal detectors, hold things like umbrellas, phones, or metal water bottles out in front of you. Otherwise, you may end up being sent through extra security or an additional bag check line.
10:00-10:30 AM | Head towards SUPER NINTENDO WORLD + Mine- Cart Madness
When the park opens, I am not heading straight for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
I know. I know.
Most people are going to sprint toward Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry because it is one of the biggest attractions in the park. And yes, it is a very cool ride.
But the line can get absolutely ridiculous.
Instead, I would head straight through the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD portal and toward Mine-Cart Madness.
Mine-Cart Madness is Donkey Kong's family coaster, and during the day the wait can climb dramatically. Personally, I don't think it is worth standing in a two-hour line for. It is cute and fun, but if I only have one day, I would much rather spend that time experiencing the rest of the park.
The same goes for Yoshi's Adventure.
If both rides are relatively short when you arrive, absolutely hop on. If the wait is already getting long, skip them and keep moving.
This is going to be a recurring theme throughout this itinerary:
Do not let one ride ruin your entire day.
Universal currently lists Mine-Cart Madness, Yoshi's Adventure, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, and the character experiences throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
10:30-11:30 AM | Mario Kart + Explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Once you are finished with Mine-Cart Madness and Yoshi's Adventure, head over to Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.
The wait for this one can also get long, generally around an hour or more during busy periods, which is why I like doing it early.
I have heard very mixed reviews from other people about Mario Kart, but personally, I really enjoy it.
It is less of a traditional ride and more of a game. If you have ever played Toy Story Mania or Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Disney, you will have a pretty good idea of what you are getting into.
After the ride, spend some time actually exploring SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Trust me when I tell you, you are going to walk through these portals and say "Wow."
Universal really went all out with the theming in each world. There are so many little details, shops, characters, interactive elements, decorations, and things happening around you that I don't recommend treating the lands as nothing more than pathways between rides.
There are also interactive games throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD that require a Power-Up Band. These are an optional purchase (starting at $45), and if you are really into Nintendo, they can add another layer to the experience.
I personally would not consider one essential for a one-day visit, especially if you are trying to keep your budget under control.
11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Lunch at Pizza Moon
After Nintendo, head back toward Celestial Park for lunch at one of my favorite quick-service restaurants in the park, Pizza Moon.
Pizza Moon is a Victorian theater transformed into a whimsical pizzeria.
I make this stop on almost every trip.
My favorite order is The Giant Mushroom on gluten-free crust, which was $18.99 when I last visited, paired with a glass of Chardonnay for $14.
Obviously, prices can change, but this gives you an idea of what I usually spend.
Universal has a ton of interesting dining throughout Epic Universe, but I love that Pizza Moon is casual enough for a one-day itinerary while still being heavily themed.
You can find my full Pizza Moon review here.
And the full & current Pizza Moon menu here.
12:30-1:00 PM | Explore Dark Universe
After lunch, head through the Dark Universe portal.
This is one of my favorite places in the entire park.
I cannot tell you how much I love this spooky little land.
Take some time to wander around before immediately jumping into the ride. Look at the buildings, the signs, the shops, and all the little details. You may also run into characters like Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Ygor, and the Invisible Man wandering around Darkmoor.
If you are a fan of the Universal Classic Monsters, give yourself some time here. Dark Universe is one of those places where simply walking around is part of the experience.
1:00-1:30 PM | Monsters Unchained
Now head toward Frankenstein Castle for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
This is one of the rides I would absolutely prioritize.
The wait is often much more manageable than some of the other major attractions, although, as always, check the actual wait time when you arrive.
And honestly? This is probably the best dark ride I have ever been on.
I don't want to spoil the story for you, but the theming and animatronics are impeccable.
Even after riding it several times, I still find new details, and I still find myself audibly saying, "Wow" while I'm riding.
Universal describes the attraction as Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's experiment going very, very wrong when Dracula leads a revolt of the monsters in the catacombs.
I am deliberately not telling you more than that.
Go experience it.
1:30-2:00 PM | Snack & Adult Beverage in Dark Universe
After Monsters Unchained, head toward The Burning Blade Tavern.
This is where you can take a little break, grab a drink, and decide what you are in the mood for.
If you want something sweet, stop at De Lacey's Cottage for the Warm-Hearted Cinnamon Bites. These are warm cinnamon-sugar donut bites topped with cream cheese icing and streusel.
If you want something savory, head into Burning Blade Tavern for the Burning Cheddar Bites, crispy fried jalapeño-pimento cheddar bites served with sriracha ranch.
And, obviously, grab an adult beverage while you're there.
I've tried several of the cocktails at Burning Blade, and I have enjoyed about half of them. Personally, I don't love super-sweet drinks, so I tend to stick with things like a Long Island Iced Tea.
And if you are lucky, you may actually get to see the Burning Blade burn.
Although, full disclosure, this effect seems to work less often than it doesn't.
Find my full review on The Burning Blade Tavern here.
And the full & current Burning Blade Tavern menu here.
Optional: Curse of the Werewolf
If Curse of the Werewolf has a wait of around 30 minutes or less, I'd consider jumping on it here.
I think it is a fun little ride.
The important word there is little.
It is very short, and I would not stand in a long line for it. If the wait is getting ridiculous, skip it.
You have other things to do.
2:00-3:00 PM | Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Now we are heading into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.
And this is where I would spend some serious time just exploring.
The 1920s wizarding Paris side of this land is packed with little details, and there is so much to look at that I think you could easily spend an hour here without riding anything. Universal specifically designed the land around exploring wizarding Paris before transitioning into the British Ministry of the 1990s.
Look in the windows.
Look up.
Look down.
Look for the little animatronic creatures, including nifflers and mooncalves.
If you are a fan of the Fantastic Beasts movies, this land is especially fun.
You can also purchase an interactive wand that lets you cast spells throughout the land and interact with different displays and creatures.
What About Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry?
If you absolutely have to ride this, I would consider getting Express Pass.
Otherwise, I would check the wait and make a decision based on the actual number.
If the line is several hours long, I would skip it.
Is it a fun ride?
Yes.
Is it cool?
Absolutely.
Is it worth spending half of your one-day visit standing in line?
For me, no.
I have learned this lesson the hard way.
If you are primarily interested in seeing the inside of the Ministry building, you may be able to ask a Team Member whether there is an alternate way to see the main atrium without riding. However, access to additional areas can depend on current operations, so I would ask when you arrive rather than counting on this.
3:00-3:30 PM | A Cocktail at Bar Moonshine
Now it is time for one of my favorite drinks in the entire park.
Head to Bar Moonshine.
My favorite adult beverage at Epic Universe is the Lobe Blaster, made with moonshine, limoncello, absinthe, lemon juice, club soda, simple syrup, and an émulsion verte, garnished with rosemary.
It was $18.50 plus tax when I last visited.
I love this drink because it is not sweet.
It is herbal, potent, refreshing, and exactly the kind of cocktail I want after walking around a theme park all afternoon.
I get one every single trip.
Obviously, if you don't drink, skip this stop or grab a nonalcoholic drink instead. This is a vacation itinerary, not a drinking challenge.
Find my full Bar Moonshine review here.
And the full & current Bar Moonshine menu here.
3:30-4:30 PM | Le Cirque Arcanus
Now it is time for Le Cirque Arcanus.
I think this show is absolutely worth seeing, especially if you are a fan of magical creatures or the Fantastic Beasts side of the Wizarding World.
The show combines live performers, puppetry, special effects, and fantastic beasts, and it is a nice change of pace after several rides and attractions.
This is also a good example of why I don't think a one-day Epic Universe itinerary should be nothing but rides.
There is so much more to this park.
4:30-5:00 PM | Head to the Isle of Berk
After the show, head through the portal into How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk.
And once again, take a minute.
Just look around.
You will feel like you have walked straight into the movie, with colorful Viking buildings, dragons, shops, food stands, and all kinds of little details throughout the land. Universal designed Berk as a full Viking village rather than simply a collection of rides.
If you are lucky, you may also encounter Hiccup, Toothless, or other characters while exploring.
5:00-6:00 PM | Hiccup's Wing Gliders
Now it is time for Hiccup's Wing Gliders.
I adore this little coaster.
It has a similar general feeling to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in that you get a fun, fast ride without inversions, making it a great option for people who want some thrills without going full roller coaster.
Universal describes it as taking riders soaring around Berk on Hiccup's latest flying contraption.
If the wait is significantly longer than an hour, I'd consider coming back later. The actual wait can vary quite a bit.
6:00-6:30 PM | Mac & Cheese Cone and Mead
Now we're going to stop for a snack at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel.
And this is where I ask you to trust me.
Garlic bread filled with macaroni and cheese.
Yes.
Really.
And it is as good as it sounds.
The Mac & Cheese Cone was around $15 when I visited.
I also like grabbing a mead here. The mead I had was around $12 and had a sweet grape-like flavor that reminded me a little of Welch's grape juice, but with about 6% ABV.
Universal currently describes Hooligan's Grog & Gruel as a snack and beverage stop in Berk, while nearby Mead Hall offers a larger Viking-inspired menu with meats, fish, meads, ciders, and ales.
If you are hungry enough for an actual meal instead of a snack, this is a good place to swap the itinerary around and visit Mead Hall instead.
6:30-7:30 PM | The Untrainable Dragon
Now it is time for one of the big shows of the day, The Untrainable Dragon.
You will probably see a lot of people waiting to meet Toothless, and the Toothless meet and greet is absolutely adorable.
But the line can get long.
Personally, if I only have one day, I would rather see the show.
And this is not a little stage show you watch for ten minutes and leave.
It is a full live production with music, performers, giant dragons, and Toothless flying over the audience. Universal says Toothless has a wingspan of nearly 27 feet.
It is genuinely impressive.
7:30-8:30 PM | Stardust Racers
Finish the day with Stardust Racers.
And if you can, ride it after dark.
This is one of the reasons I specifically save it for the end of the day.
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster, and after dark the illuminated ride vehicles look like comets shooting across the night sky. Universal specifically highlights this nighttime effect.
As someone who has ridden a whole lot of roller coasters around Orlando, I am comfortable saying this one belongs in the conversation for best coaster in the area.
If you are a coaster person, don't leave without riding it.
And if the wait is too long earlier in the day, this is another reason I like saving it for later.
8:30-9:00 PM | Head Out
And that's it!
Time to make your way back through Celestial Park, do a little last-minute shopping if you have the energy, and head toward the exit.
If you are lucky, you may also catch whatever nighttime entertainment is scheduled for that evening. Entertainment and operating hours can change, so check the Universal Orlando app during your visit.
And then go collapse in your hotel room.
You earned it.
My Epic Universe Budget:
Now let's talk money.
This is not the absolute cheapest way to visit Epic Universe.
This is my personal "I want to have a really fun day and not worry about every single dollar" budget.
Estimated Cost for One Adult
1-Day Park Ticket: Approximately $140-$210, depending on the date and ticket type. Universal currently lists Epic Universe one-day tickets starting at $139.99, with prices varying by date.
Parking: Approximately $35 for general parking.
Food & Drinks: Around $120
Merchandise: Around $160
Extra Experience: Around $60
Estimated Total: $515-$585
And yes, the merchandise budget is ridiculous.
But have you seen the merchandise at this park?
There is a LOT of cool stuff.
I like to budget about $40 per portal, which gives me roughly $160 to play with. You obviously don't need to spend this much, but I would rather budget for it than fall in love with something and realize I didn't leave myself any fun money.
Your total can also be dramatically lower if you skip merchandise, don't drink alcohol, bring snacks, or take advantage of a ticket deal.
What About Express Pass?
Express Pass is a separate purchase from your park ticket.
The price varies by date, and Universal currently lists Epic Universe attractions that participate in Express, including Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Mario Kart, Mine-Cart Madness, Monsters Unchained, Hiccup's Wing Gliders, Stardust Racers, and others.
I would personally consider Express if Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a must-do for you.
Otherwise, I would rather spend that money on food, drinks, merchandise, or another day at the parks.
And remember, Express does not guarantee that you will walk straight onto every attraction. It is there to reduce your wait, not eliminate it.
Things I Would Skip or Postpone If You're Short on Time:
If your day starts getting away from you, here is where I would start cutting things.
Mine-Cart Madness skip or postpone if the wait is getting long.
Yoshi's Adventure skip or postpone if the wait is long.
Curse of the Werewolf skip or postpone if it is over about 30 minutes.
The Toothless meet & greet skip or postpone if the line is huge.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry skip or postpone if you aren't willing to sacrifice several hours of your day.
This itinerary is deliberately designed around seeing a lot without spending your entire day in queues.
My Tips for Spending One Day at Epic Universe:
Buy Your Tickets Before You Arrive
I recommend buying your tickets online before your trip.
Prices vary by date, and Universal frequently offers promotions or bundled tickets that can make a multi-day trip a better value than purchasing individual one-day tickets. Universal's current offers include packages combining Epic Universe with visits to the other Universal Orlando parks.
If you know you want to visit more than one Universal park, definitely compare the bundled ticket options before buying.
Eat Breakfast Before You Arrive
Or at least bring a snack.
There are breakfast options in Epic Universe, but I would not want to start my day waiting in a food line when I could be experiencing attractions with shorter morning waits.
Eat before you arrive, grab something quick, and save your bigger meal for later.
Use Mobile Ordering
Mobile ordering is available at participating quick-service restaurants, and I highly recommend using it when available.
It can save you from standing in another unnecessary line during an already busy day.
Check the Universal App Constantly
This is probably the most important tip on this entire list.
Look at:
- Current wait times
- Showtimes
- Ride closures
- Restaurant hours
- Character appearances
- Entertainment
- Park hours
Your itinerary is a starting point.
The app tells you what is actually happening today.
Don't Forget to Look Around
This is probably the easiest thing to forget when you are trying to conquer a theme park.
Don't just walk through the portals.
Look at the buildings.
Look in the windows.
Read the signs.
Go into the shops.
Watch the characters.
Look up.
Epic Universe is one of those parks where the theming is so detailed that you can easily miss half of it while rushing from one attraction to another.
Final Thoughts
If I only had one day at Epic Universe, this is how I would spend it.
Would I change it depending on the day?
Absolutely.
If Mine-Cart Madness has a 20-minute wait, I'm getting on it. If Stardust Racers has a 15-minute wait at noon, I'm probably riding it instead of saving it for later. If a ride breaks down, I'm changing plans.
That's theme parks.
But if you want a general blueprint for getting a lot out of one day at Epic Universe without feeling like you have spent your entire vacation running from attraction to attraction, this is where I would start.
Epic Universe is one of those parks where I genuinely think it is worth slowing down enough to appreciate what Universal built.
Ride the big attractions.
Eat the fun food.
Have a drink.
See the shows.
Explore the portals.
And every once in a while, stop walking and just look around.
Because trust me, you are going to say "Wow" more than once.
More useful guides to plan your Epic Universe visit:
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