If you’re planning a Universal Orlando vacation for 2027, there is one park you won’t want to leave off your itinerary: Universal’s Epic Universe.

Opened in 2025, Epic Universe transformed Universal Orlando into a four-theme-park destination. The park is unlike anything Universal has offered before, with five immersive worlds, each transporting guests into a completely different story and experience.

If you’re planning your 2027 vacation now, here’s what I’d recommend putting on your must-do list!

Stay On Site for Early Entry

Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel can make a huge difference when visiting Epic Universe, especially because of Early Park Admission. 

Getting into the park before regular opening gives you a valuable head start on some of the most popular attractions, before wait times build and the park gets busier. For Epic Universe, that head start is absolutely worth it.

That extra time can mean knocking out a major ride or two early, leaving more of your day to slow down, explore the lands, enjoy the food, and actually take in all those incredible details instead of spending your morning standing in line. 

 

Ready for some portal highlights?

Celestial Park – The heart of Epic Universe, connecting all four immersive worlds with beautiful gardens, fountains, dining, shopping, and attractions of its own. It’s more than just a pathway between lands as it includes the Stardust Racers roller coaster, Constellation Carousel, and the nighttime fountain show.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – For the Harry Potter fans, the Ministry of Magic combines two different eras of the wizarding world. You’ll explore a magical version of 1920s Paris before making your way into the Ministry of Magic. 

TIP: You can use the “flue system” to see inside without having to wait in line for the attraction.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – If you have a Nintendo fan in your family, Super Nintendo World is likely to be one of the biggest highlights of your trip. You’ll enter through the iconic green pipe and suddenly find yourself inside the colorful world of Mario and friends … Seriously, how FUN is that?!  And if you can believe it … it only gets better from there!

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk brings the Viking village to life with colorful scenery, dragons, attractions, entertainment, dining, and interactive experiences.  And, of course, you’ll want to keep your eyes open for opportunities to encounter some familiar dragon friends.  This is fun for ALL ages!

Explore the Dark Universe – This is the part of Epic Universe is where Universal Monsters take center stage. Trust us, it’s spooky vibes but totally kid friendly. This world takes guests into the mysterious village of Darkmoor, where the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and other legendary monsters come to life.

 

Don’t Just Ride—Eat!

Come hungry because Epic Universe has some seriously fun food! 

A few must-tries include the iconic Toadstool Cafe dishes in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, the colorful Mac & Cheese Cones at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel, and the Viking-inspired options at Mead Hall in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. 

You’ll also want to check out Pizza Moon for pizza, The Oak & Star Tavern for barbecue, and Meteor Astropub for burgers and other elevated theme park favorites. 

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, you’ll find French-inspired dishes along with Butterbeer, which is practically required. 

And definitely save room for dessert! Between Butterbeer treats, Nintendo-themed sweets, and creative snacks throughout the park, Epic Universe is absolutely a place where you should plan your food stops right alongside your rides!

Our personal favorite pop in for a drink is in Dark Universe at Burning Blade Tavern, where the giant windmill outside actually bursts into flames throughout the day and the menu features hearty, monster-inspired bites.

 

The ‘Epic’ question: How Much Time Should I Spend at Epic Universe?

This is one of the biggest questions we get when helping clients plan a Universal vacation.

Our advice? Don’t try to rush through Epic Universe.

With five immersive worlds, 11 attractions, 2 shows, roaming entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences across the park, there is a lot to experience. 

If Epic Universe is a major priority for your family, we recommend giving yourself a full day to explore it.

And if you’re a first-time Universal visitor, we strongly consider a multi-day Universal vacation rather than trying to squeeze everything into one or two days.

Universal now has three theme parks and Volcano Bay water park, so giving yourself enough time to enjoy the destination without constantly watching the clock can make a huge difference.

 

Ready to plan a 2027 Universal Vacation?

The best Universal vacation isn’t necessarily the one with the most rides checked off your list. It’s the one that’s planned around YOUR family.

Are you traveling with little ones? Harry Potter fans? Nintendo lovers? Thrill seekers? Foodies? A little bit of everything?

Your itinerary should reflect that.

As travel advisors, we can help you look at the parks, hotels, tickets, dining, and experiences and create a vacation that makes sense for your travel style and priorities.

Click here for a personalized vacation quote. Let’s start planning your Epic adventure!