Epic Universe is finally here, and it’s packed with world-class attractions. Universal Orlando’s newest theme park opened May 22, 2025, and after months of riding everything multiple times, we’re ranking every attraction from worst to best.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking to optimize your touring strategy, this guide will help you make the most of your day at Universal’s most ambitious park yet.
How We Ranked These Attractions
Our rankings are based on extensive research and firsthand experience. We considered:
- Ride experience – How thrilling, immersive, and memorable is it?
- Technology – Does it push boundaries or feel dated?
- Theming – How well does it transport you to another world?
- Re-rideability – Would you wait in line again?
- Community consensus – What are other theme park fans saying?
Let’s dive in, starting from the bottom and working our way to the best.
11. Dragon Racer’s Rally (Isle of Berk)
Type: Sky-Fly Ride | Thrill Level: Mild-Moderate | Height: 42″
This Viking-themed sky-fly attraction lets guests control how “wild” or “mild” their experience will be, with vehicles that can supposedly go upside down. The problem? Most guests struggle to figure out how to make that happen. Even when it works, the ride cycle feels too short.
The good news: the views of Isle of Berk from 67 feet up are nice. The bad news: you can get similar views from Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, which is a significantly better experience.
Our Take: Skip it unless you have kids who love the “control your own ride” concept. The line is rarely long, so it’s easy to try if you’re curious.
10. Yoshi’s Adventure (Super Nintendo World)
Type: Omnimover Dark Ride | Thrill Level: None | Height: Any (48″ to ride alone, 36″ with adult)
This gentle ride puts you on the back of Yoshi for a treasure hunt through the Mushroom Kingdom. Captain Toad has lost his treasure map, and you’re searching for three colored eggs that lead to the Golden Egg.
The outdoor section offers charming views of Super Nintendo World from Mount Beanpole. However, the indoor dark ride portion feels a bit underwhelming, and the whole experience is over before you know it.
Our Take: Perfect for families with young children. The cuteness factor is off the charts, but adults might find it too brief.
9. Fyre Drill (Isle of Berk)
Type: Interactive Water Battle Ride | Thrill Level: Mild | Height: Any
Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut have reimagined Berk’s fire school as a splash battle where you blast water cannons at targets – and other boats. Half the fun is soaking fellow guests (and getting soaked yourself).
It’s silly, family-friendly fun that fits the irreverent How to Train Your Dragon tone perfectly. Just know that you will get wet.
Our Take: Great for hot days and families who don’t mind getting soaked.
8. Constellation Carousel (Celestial Park)
Type: Carousel | Thrill Level: None | Height: Any
This isn’t your typical merry-go-round. Constellation Carousel features celestial creatures – lions, dragons, peacocks, and more – that rotate 360 degrees while gently lifting riders up to 6 feet in the air.
At night, this becomes one of the most beautiful flat rides at any theme park. The lighting transforms it into something truly special.
Our Take: A must-ride at night. It’s a visual masterpiece even if you just watch.
7. Curse of the Werewolf (Dark Universe)
Type: Spinning Coaster | Thrill Level: Moderate | Height: 42″
Deep in the woods outside Darkmoor, you’ll find this spinning family coaster themed to The Wolf Man. The queue sets an eerie tone as Maleva warns you that you bear the mark of the werewolf. Then you board a wagon and race through the forest as werewolves chase you down.
Expectations were low, but this coaster is a pleasant surprise. The spinning element adds unpredictability, and the ride is more satisfying than it has any right to be.
Our Take: A solid mid-tier coaster. Worth doing at least once.
6. Mine-Cart Madness (Super Nintendo World)
Type: Family Coaster/Dark Ride Hybrid | Thrill Level: Moderate | Height: 40″
Join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a high-speed mission to protect the golden banana. This first-of-its-kind attraction uses a unique “hidden track” system that makes your mine-cart appear to jump gaps and get blasted out of barrels.
The technology is genuinely impressive. The ride tries to blend coaster thrills with dark ride storytelling – and while it doesn’t perfect either, it’s still a must-do for Nintendo fans.
Pro tip: This is one of the most popular attractions in the park, so we recommend using Early Park Admission or the single rider line to maximize your time.
Our Take: A must-do for Donkey Kong fans. Try for Early Park Admission or single rider.
5. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World)
Type: AR Dark Ride | Thrill Level: Moderate | Height: 42″ (40″ with adult)
The Epic Universe version of Mario Kart is the definitive experience – larger scale, better effects, and a more refined AR system than the versions in Japan or Hollywood.
You’ll wind through Bowser’s Castle, don AR headsets, and race through courses collecting coins and throwing shells at enemies. The competitive element makes it incredibly addictive.
Our Take: A can’t-miss attraction that gets better with repeat rides.
4. The Untrainable Dragon (Isle of Berk)
Type: Live Stage Show | Duration: ~20 minutes
This dragon-filled live spectacular follows Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid as they work together to solve the mystery of an untrainable dragon. It features musical numbers, large-scale sets, and show-stopping dragon puppetry.
The dragons are the stars here, and they’re absolutely stunning. The way performers bring them to life is genuinely magical.
Our Take: A must-see, especially for families. Check the schedule early.
3. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (Isle of Berk)
Type: Suspended Family Coaster | Thrill Level: Moderate-High | Height: 42″
Hiccup’s latest invention launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the sky for a dragon’s-eye view of Berk. You’ll soar around the perimeter at up to 45 mph, even skimming through the lagoon.
This coaster truly captures the feeling of flying with Toothless. The John Powell score swells at all the right moments, and the sweeping views are breathtaking.
Our Take: One of the best family coasters in Florida. A must-do, multiple times if possible.
2. Stardust Racers (Celestial Park)
Type: Dual-Launch Dueling Coaster | Thrill Level: High | Height: 51″
The icon of Epic Universe, this massive dueling coaster sends guests rocketing through the sky at speeds up to 62 mph. The 5,000-foot track reaches 133 feet, and the signature “Celestial Spin” delivers an otherworldly adrenaline rush.
From the fake-out launch to the ridiculous airtime, this coaster absolutely delivers. The racing element is pure magic, especially with friends.
Our Take: Elite-tier coaster. Try both tracks. Front row with friends is the ultimate experience.
1. Tied: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry / Monsters Unchained
We couldn’t pick just one for the top spot. These two attractions represent the absolute best of what Universal Creative can accomplish.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (Ministry of Magic)
Type: Omnidirectional Dark Ride | Thrill Level: Moderate-High | Height: 40″
Travel via Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the trial of Dolores Umbridge. When things go wrong, you’ll join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a house-elf named Higgledy in a high-stakes chase.
The jaw-dropping grand atrium alone is worth the wait. The ride hits you with one “how did they do that?!” effect after another.
Our Take: The new high-water mark for dark rides. A must-do for everyone.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Dark Universe)
Type: Dark Ride | Thrill Level: Moderate-High | Height: 48″
Deep in Frankenstein Manor, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein demonstrates her ability to control legendary monsters. When Dracula breaks free, you’re thrust into a terrifying chase past The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more.
This attraction features 14 massive animatronics that get uncomfortably close. Universal’s most terrifying permanent attraction.
Our Take: An instant classic. The queue and pre-shows are essential.
BONUS: Le Cirque Arcanus (Ministry of Magic)
Type: Live Stage Show | Duration: ~20 minutes
This Fantastic Beasts-inspired circus show features live performers, aerialists, and stunning puppetry as you help rescue magical creatures. The puppets steal the show.
Our Take: A can’t-miss stage show. Prioritize this.
Quick Reference: What to Rope Drop
- Mine-Cart Madness – Longest waits (often 2-3+ hours)
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – High demand
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – Always popular
- Stardust Racers – High capacity, but popular
Save for later: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Monsters Unchained are stunning at night.
Final Thoughts
Epic Universe delivers on the hype. The park features an unprecedented collection of top-tier attractions with a stronger opening roster than most parks achieve after decades.
The standout lands are Super Nintendo World (pure joy) and Isle of Berk (the most complete portal). Dark Universe has the single best ride. Ministry of Magic delivers the Wizarding World’s best attraction yet.
Epic Universe is an incredible addition to Universal Orlando, and we can’t wait to see how the park continues to evolve. If you’re planning a visit, staying on-site at one of Universal’s hotels for Early Park Admission makes a huge difference.
Have you been to Epic Universe? Do you agree with our rankings? Let us know in the comments!
Last updated January 2026.
