Heads-up for your dates
- Early Park Admission at Epic Universe is for Universal hotel guests only.
Our take
Epic Universe is the best-looking park in Orlando and the one with the longest lines. Most rides sit at 40 inches, which makes it a strong pick for kids 6 to 12, and the Isle of Berk has the best play area of any park. Only Universal hotel guests get early entry, so for an off-site family the first 30 minutes after opening decide the whole day.
Who it works for
Little ones
- Yoshi's Adventure (34 in)
- Constellation Carousel and the Fyre Drill water play: no height limit
- Viking Training Camp on the Isle of Berk, a big play area for all ages
Big kids
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Mine-Cart Madness (40 in)
- Hiccup's Wing Gliders, a good first real coaster (40 in)
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (40 in)
Teens
- Stardust Racers, the dueling coaster (48 in)
- Monsters Unchained (48 in) and Curse of the Werewolf (40 in)
Grandparents and a slower pace
- Celestial Park is open, green and full of seating
- Astronomica, the water play area, gives kids a break while adults sit
Height check
My shortest rider is
| Ride | Minimum | Can ride |
|---|---|---|
| Yoshi's Adventure | 34 in | |
| Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge | 40 in | |
| Mine-Cart Madness | 40 in | |
| Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry | 40 in | |
| Hiccup's Wing Gliders | 40 in | |
| Curse of the Werewolf | 40 in | |
| Stardust Racers | 48 in | |
| Dragon Racer's Rally | 48 in | |
| Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment | 48 in |
Heights are checked with shoes on. Every ride not listed has no minimum height. Riders under 48 in at Universal need a companion 14 or older.
Game plan from ChampionsGate
- Be at the gate 30 minutes before opening and head straight for Mine-Cart Madness or the Ministry.
- The Power-Up Band is optional but turns Super Nintendo World into a game, which helps with long lines.
- Child swap rooms are inside the indoor queues, with air conditioning and family restrooms.
