Everything You Need to Know About Universal’s Epic Universe (Before You Go!)

Universal Orlando Resort is leveling up—big time. Opening officially on May 22, the brand-new Epic Universe theme park is already being called a game-changer in the world of immersive theme park experiences. I’ve been collecting feedback from fellow travel advisors who’ve previewed the park, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop: what to expect, what to plan for, and what might surprise you.

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

🌌 First Impressions: EPIC in Every Way

From everything I’ve seen and heard, one thing is clear: Epic Universe is absolutely beautiful. Every land is incredibly detailed, visually rich, and immersive. This isn’t just about new rides—it’s about transporting you to entirely new worlds. It’s bold, imaginative, and unlike anything else Universal has done before.

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

🌞 What’s Inside: The Five Lands of Epic Universe

Here’s a quick tour of the five main lands you’ll find inside Epic Universe:

1. Super Nintendo World

Race through the Mushroom Kingdom with Mario and friends in this interactive land full of kinetic energy. Guests love the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge attraction, which blends real and virtual worlds. With a Power-Up Band, you can collect virtual coins and participate in challenges around the land. I love all the colors and crazy visuals in Super Nintendo World. It really does look like you’ve stepped into a video game world! Mario is a great choice here, as so many generations have played some version of Mario Brothers. This land has a very wide appeal and I think fans of all ages will find something here to enjoy.

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

2. How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

This land is perfect for families. Fly with dragons, explore Viking-style villages, and enjoy kid-friendly rides and interactive experiences. It’s bright, cheerful, and full of motion. I’m most excited about this one! And with the live-action version of “How to Train Your Dragon” opening in a few weeks, the timing couldn’t be better. I think there is a whole lot of new fans of this franchise about to emerge! Visitors have been particularly excited about the character interactions in Isle of Berk. They love meeting the dragons (and their riders!!)

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

3. Celestial Park

This dreamy central hub features stunning fountains, glowing gardens, and celestial architecture. It’s home to some of the park’s dining, shopping, and relaxation areas—and it’s designed to be a space where all the lands converge.

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

This new chapter in the Wizarding World brings you into 1920s Paris, inspired by the Fantastic Beasts films. This area looks very different from the other two Wizarding World lands at Universal and Islands of Adventures, but like those two other Wizarding Worlds, the attention to detail is very strong. Visually, this area looks AMAZING and immersive. I’ve heard really good things about both the attraction and the entertainment here. However, the attraction has had some technical issues and we’ve seen incredibly long lines.

Photo: Destinations to Explore

Universal briefly offered a virtual queue, to MUCH controversy. I personally really like virtual queues as I would prefer NOT standing in line–but people were unhappy that they weren’t able to secure a spot in the virtual queue. After years of managing virtual queues at Disney, I understand the frustration, but I also understand that there are only so many riders that will be able to ride the attraction in a given day–if the queue fills up, it means that all those slots have been filled. Disappointing, but I’m happy not to stand in line for hours. Universal received LOTS of complaints, so they eliminated the virtual queue. The following days saw people standing in line for up to FIVE hours. I just don’t have that in me, I’m sorry. I don’t care how great an attraction is–I’m not going to be standing in ANY line ANY WHERE for five hours. But that’s just me. Your mileage may vary.

5. Dark Universe

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

Universal Monsters fans, this one’s for you. Think Dracula, Frankenstein, and eerie, Gothic thrills. It’s moody, mysterious, and designed for those who love darker storytelling. I’ve also heard really terrific things about the character interactions in Dark Universe. You have the chance to “see” the Invisible Man, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein…lots of fun characters here! Guests have been raving about the rides, here, too. I really love that Universal went this direction here…lots of classic “scary”. There’s so much rich story in these properties–and way less gory and violent than more current horror movies. I know the Halloween Horror Nights audience loves all the modern horror movies, but I believe the classic film characters and stories featured in Dark Universe will have wide appeal and potentially draw new fans to these old classics.

Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

⚡ Real Talk: Things to Know Before You Go

🔥 It’s HOT

There’s not much shade. While trees and greenery have been planted throughout the park, they haven’t filled in yet—so it can get very hot, especially in the middle of the day. Bring an umbrella, a cooling towel, a handheld fan, and lots of water. If you’re heat-sensitive, plan your visit accordingly.

⬆️ There Are Stairs in Ride Queues

Several ride queues feature stairs or elevation changes. This is something to note if you or someone in your party has mobility concerns. Be prepared for some up-and-down walking throughout your day.

❌ Not Plus-Size Friendly

Unfortunately, Universal still has work to do in terms of body inclusivity. Many of the new attractions at EPIC Universe are not significantly more accommodating than existing Universal rides. If you’re concerned about ride access, I recommend reaching out ahead of time so we can strategize the best attractions for your group.

⏳ Pack Your Patience

With the park just opening, crowds will be large and lines will be long—especially this summer. Booking early entry options, staying at a Universal hotel, or visiting during slower travel periods can help you make the most of your time.


Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

🎡 Who Will Love Epic Universe?

  • Gamers and Nintendo fans (Super Nintendo World is truly next-level)
  • Families with kids (Isle of Berk is a must-see!)
  • Harry Potter fans craving something new
  • Theme park junkies who love cutting-edge attractions
  • Anyone looking for a brand-new experience in Orlando
Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

It’s a great addition to a Universal Orlando vacation—and pairs beautifully with a few nights at a Disney resort if you want the best of both worlds.


Epic Universe
Photo: Destinations to Explore

✉️ Let’s Start Planning Your EPIC Adventure

If you’re thinking about visiting Universal Orlando in 2025 or 2026, now’s the time to start planning. Epic Universe will be very popular for the foreseeable future, and the best resort and ticket packages are going fast.

As a certified Universal Travel Advisor, I can help you:

  • Choose the best travel dates based on crowds and weather
  • Find the right Universal resort (with perks like early entry)
  • Build a custom itinerary that fits your pace and budget

Click here to request a quote or send me a message—I’d love to help you plan an epic escape!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom!

Great news! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom!

It’s been 18 months since long beloved Splash Mountain closed for reimagining. Fan reception was mixed when Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be replaced with an attraction based on The Princess and the Frog. Some fans were thrilled that Princess Tiana was getting her own attraction. Others were very upset that Splash Mountain was going to be changed at all, let alone completely reimagined with a new theme. Still others were happy that the “basic” ride itself wasn’t going to change–Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is still a log ride. It’s still a water ride with a 60′ drop. You will likely still get wet on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Disney World
Take a look at that drop!                                                                                       Photo: Destinations to Explore

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been in testing and previews for a few weeks now. Reviews from those that have ridden so far have been mixed: I’ve read reviews from people that absolutely loved the new attraction, and I’ve seen other reviews that have been lukewarm or even negative.

Some of the more negative reviews seem to be that the attraction wasn’t changed enough from Splash Mountain while others seem unhappy that it wasn’t still Splash Mountain.  A third subset seem to be disappointed that there wasn’t more done with Audio-Animatronics. Disney has been telling us for months that these are the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronic characters they’ve ever created, and the early video they released of one of the Tiana Audio-Animatronics sure was impressive. See our earlier post here to check out that video. I’ve really been looking forward to seeing these new Audio-Animatronics live and in person, so I can certainly understand if some were disappointed if the new Audio-Animatronics don’t live up to the hype.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Disney World!
Jazz Loving Louis Audio-Animatronic                                                             Photo: Destinations to Explore

Based on the pictures and videos I’ve seen so far, I’m pretty excited about this reimagining. I loved Splash Mountain, but I wasn’t among those that were upset that it was getting an update. I loved The Princess and the Frog, and I think Princess Tiana was a terrific addition to the Disney Princess roster.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Disney World
Still image from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: What’s the Queue Like?

The landscaping, pathways and the building exteriors have all been refreshed and revitalized. The main building is now a bright cheery yellow and has a terrific mural on one side.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open summer 2024 construction 2024
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction                                                            Photo: Destinations to Explore

There’s now great signage for the new attraction, both outside the queue and within.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens June 28!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Signage                                                                     Photo: Destinations to Explore

Spoilers Ahead: Queue Photos for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

If you don’t want more details about what the queue will include, click away now. If you’d to see the queue theming, check out the gallery below.

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The queue helps to tell the story of what inspires Tiana to go into the Bayou. This attraction picks up a while after the end of the movie, “The Princess and the Frog”. We learn that after the success of Tiana’s restaurant, Tiana’s Palace, Tiana went on to expand her business.  Working with the community, Tiana took over an aging salt mine and created Tiana’s Foods.  Tiana’s Foods produces seasonings, hot sauces and other foods.

We soon learn that Tiana is hosting a celebration tonight, and everyone is invited! But before the celebration can begin, Tiana needs our help! Somehow, in all the craziness of planning the party, both Tiana and Prince Naveen forgot to book a band! It’s Mardi Gras time, and there are no available musicians! Tiana thinks of her jazz loving alligator friend, Louis. All of us are going to journey into the Bayou to find Louis and see if he can help us find musicians for the party.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: What will we see on the ride? SPOILERS AHEAD

As Tiana leads us into the Bayou, we are again entering spoiler territory. If you want to be surprised by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, click away now. But if you’d like to see some images from the ride itself, please check out the gallery below.

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In a ride experience full of music, we also get to experience some Disney magic as well.  The wonderful music we’ll hear throughout the attraction will include a new song, “Special Spice” with vocals from Anika Noni Rose, who was the original voice of Princess Tiana.  Mama Odie will shrink us down to an itty bitty size to help us find great Bayou musicians.  She’ll also help us get back to normal size so we can experience the joyful Mardi Gras celebration of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen’s celebration.

Audio-Animatronic Characters

As I mentioned above, Disney has been telling us that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will include some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronic figures Imagineers have ever created. Disney also tells us that this new attraction includes “dozens” of Audio-Animatronic figures.  Tiana’s Bayou Adventure includes Audio-Animatronic figures of Tiana, Mama Odie and Louis. Disney tells us that Louis is one of the largest and most dynamic Audio-Animatronic figures Disney has ever built!

In addition to these three very familiar characters for fans of The Princess and the Frog, Disney has also created lots of NEW characters, just for this attraction. There are 19 new critters we’ll meet on our Bayou Adventure, each with their own distinctive features and personalities.

 

I don’t include any video ride-throughs on my page because I like to be at least a little bit surprised, and I’d  like to preserve that opportunity for my visitors as well.  Nevertheless, if you are interested in a video ride-through, you can find them on both youtube and tiktok.

I think the ride looks like a lot of fun from the pictures, and I’m really looking forward to riding it on our family trip in October.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Will Open With  Virtual Queue

Disney has told us that when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure initially opens, it will use a virtual queue, just like TRON, Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. However, my impression from the information Disney has released so far is that the virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will most likely not last very long. I think once everything is going smoothly, Disney will drop the virtual queue and revert to a standby queue. I’m hopeful that the virtual queue will be a distant memory by summer’s end.

What about Lightning Lane?

Disney has told us that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will not be an attraction available for separate purchase as a lightning lane attraction. However, it will be part of Genie+, and guests will be able to reserve lightning lane access via Genie+ if they choose to purchase Genie+ for the day.  As with any Genie+ attraction, lightning lane access will depend on availability.

Bottom Line: Are You Excited to Ride?

It’s been a year and a half since Splash Mountain closed.  Now that we know Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens June 28 at Disney World, are you excited to ride it? Please let us know below!

 

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com