How to Do Epic Universe in One Day
Hello there! I'm Victoria! I just visited Epic Universe, and let me tell you, it lives up to the name. Between Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World expansion, How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk, and the jaw dropping new Dark Universe, there’s so much to see that one day can feel impossible… unless you go in with a plan. Luckily, I tested it out and found the perfect strategy to experience everything Epic Universe has to offer in just one day.
Starting Strong with Early Park Admission
The key to conquering Epic Universe is Early Park Admission. Trust me, that extra hour makes all the difference. We got to our resort bus stop at 7:30 AM, caught an early shuttle, and were at the Epic Universe entrance by 8:00 AM. Security usually opens around 8:30 to 8:45, and you’ll want to line up on the left side of the entrance near the portal to Super Nintendo World.
At 9:00 AM, Early Park Admission begins, and this is where the magic and strategy really kick in. Head straight through the Super Nintendo World portal, ride the escalator up, then go down the stone stairs into the heart of the land.
Here’s how to make the most of those first 60 minutes: start with Donkey Kong Mine Kart Madness, then head straight to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. The Single Rider line can save you serious time if you don’t mind splitting up. If you’re traveling with little ones, finish with Yoshi’s Adventure, but if not, you can skip it.
By following this route, we had everything in Super Nintendo World done by 10 AM, just as the rest of the park was opening.
Next Stop: The Isle of Berk
After finishing up in Super Nintendo World, we made our way over to the Isle of Berk, home to How to Train Your Dragon. This land feels like stepping straight into the movies — dragons soaring overhead, Viking music swelling, and so many fun details everywhere you look.
We started with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, which quickly became one of our favorite rides of the day. Then you can meet Hiccup and Toothless, ride Dragon Racer’s Rally (or save it for the evening), and cool off on Fyre Drill. Just be warned — you will get soaked!
Making the Rain Work for You
Because this is Florida, afternoon rain is practically guaranteed, so plan for it! When the sky starts to darken, it’s the perfect time to focus on indoor attractions or shows. We used that time to see The Untrainable Dragon Show again and explore the Wizarding World.
Rainy moments are also great for getting in line for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, since outdoor rides temporarily close and lines for this indoor attraction tend to level out.
The Wizarding World: The Battle at the Ministry
This new ride is every Harry Potter fan’s dream, but the wait can be long. During our visit, it was above 180 minutes for most of the day but dropped below 90 minutes after 8 PM. If you can, save it for later in the evening.
If you spot a wait time under 120 minutes, you can actually ask to walk through part of the queue to experience traveling by Floo powder and seeing the Ministry of Magic even if you don’t ride. It’s an incredible detail that makes waiting totally worth it.
Exploring the Dark Universe
After Berk, we headed to Dark Universe, and wow. This area is creepy, atmospheric, and full of surprises. We recommend visiting during the day for shorter waits, but make sure to come back at night. The lighting, sound, and overall vibe completely transform the experience. It’s the perfect blend of eerie and cinematic.
Midday and Afternoon Tips
When that mid-afternoon rain shower hits, the Constellation Carousel is a great covered ride to enjoy without losing time. As the skies clear, head to Stardust Racers. It’s stunning at sunset, and wait times usually drop a bit before dinner. Nighttime is the best time to ride for the ambience, but expect a longer wait.
By late afternoon, we noticed the park’s energy shift — more people were slowing down, which meant shorter waits for many attractions. That’s a great time to revisit your favorites before the nighttime rush.
Nighttime at Epic Universe
Once the sun goes down, Epic Universe becomes even more magical. The glowing lights of Super Nintendo World, the eerie atmosphere of Dark Universe, and the soft music drifting through the Isle of Berk all blend into an unforgettable evening.
If you have time for one last ride, go back to Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. It’s an absolute joy to soar over Berk with the nighttime lights below.
Movies to Watch Before You Go
If you want to build excitement for your visit, or help your kids understand the stories behind each land, here are a few movies to watch before your trip:
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie
- How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Series
Quick Guide: Best Times to Ride
That's a Wrap!
Doing Epic Universe in one day is completely possible — and honestly, so much fun — when you go in with a plan. Start early, use that Early Park Admission wisely, plan around the rain, and save the most popular attractions for later in the evening.
Epic Universe is unlike anything Universal has ever built before. It’s immersive, thrilling, and full of magic from the moment you walk in.
If you’re dreaming about your own trip to Universal Orlando, or want help timing your visit once Epic Universe officially opens, I’d love to help you plan it. From tickets and resorts to strategy and dining, I make sure every detail is stress free so all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
