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- I’m a theme-park journalist who’s been an annual passholder at Universal Orlando for over 30 years.
- The resort is preparing to open a brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, in May.
- I was invited to a behind-the-scenes preview of the new park, and I already can’t wait to return.
Universal Orlando is in the middle of a multibillion-dollar expansion that includes three new hotels and a massive new theme park: Epic Universe.
Although Universal and Disney have both added fantastical lands to or revamped existing parks over the last few decades, Epic Universe will be the first full new theme park in Orlando in over 10 years.It’s set to officially open to the public in May.
As a member of the media, I was invited by Universal to an early preview of some of Epic Universe’s food offerings, which also gave me a sneak peek into the park.
Here’s what I thought.
Epic Universe will bring fans from different cinematic universes and franchises together
Universal already has Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park in Orlando, and Epic Universe is set to add dozens of new attractions and over 100 menu items to the resort’s arsenal.
The new park is going to be comprised of five highly themed interconnected areas: Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, Celestial Park, How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.
I got a sneak peek into the new immersive park
I had the opportunity to be one of the first journalists to visit the new Epic Universe campus and its state-of-the-art production test kitchen.
I’m a theme-park foodie, so it was incredible to get this behind-the-scenes look.
The massive building was completed about a year ago and will be where the park’s food — from breads and buns to sauces and smoked meats — is made from scratch
The highlight of the visit was learning about some of Epic Universe’s eateries and sampling almost 20 items that are set to be served in them.
I’m a big fan of Super Nintendo World in Hollywood, so I’m excited to get one in Orlando
Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021 and at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, so it’s about time the Mario characters came to Florida.
So far, its food items look pretty similar to the other parks.
During the tour, I tried the Mario Burger (bacon, mushroom, and cheese), which will be available at Toadstool Café just like it is in Hollywood.
I thought it was much more elevated than a typical theme-park burger — the patty tasted fresh and was cooked perfectly.
I also tried Yoshi’s Smoothie during the tour, which was a refreshing apple and honeydew frozen drink.
The Japan park serves tasty-looking Yoshi Lassi drinks that come in strawberry, mango, and melon flavors, so I’m glad we’re getting something similar at Epic Universe.
The popular Bowser’s Fireball Challenge dish from Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan will also be available at the restaurant. It features a massive 1-pound meatball covered in cheese and a side of hot sauce to heighten the heat.
The dishes from Dark Universe were delightfully spooky
Of all the lands, I’m most excited for Dark Universe, which is dedicated to classic Universal monsters.
I can’t wait to come back and dine at its Das Stakehaus, a restaurant run by “vampires.”
The details in the dishes I was able to taste from it were incredible. The menu doesn’t use much garlic (a nod to the superstition that it repels vampires). Plus, the “blood” orange-chicken sandwich even comes with a tiny wooden stake that says “upon our will” in Latin.
The land is also set to sell cinnamon-bread doughnut holes. Cinnamon bread is such a classic theme-park treat, and I’m personally ecstatic that Orlando will have its own take on it.
I’m excited for the Parisian-inspired offerings in the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter area
The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic land will feature two major sections: 1920s Paris à la the “Fantastic Beasts” movies and the British Ministry of Magic.
Universal Orlando already has Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley sections of the Wizarding World in its existing theme parks, and I can’t wait to see what this new one brings.
Given part of this land is set in Paris, I’m particularly excited about the French-inspired cuisine that’s set to be served here, including jambon beurre and beef bourguignon.
I predict the most popular new item is going to be the Butterbeer crepe.
I’ve tried pretty much every form of Butterbeer, from ice cream to the famous drink, and the pancake-like dish is my favorite version of the treat so far.
I also loved the food options in the Isle of Berk.
I’m a big fan of the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies — which follow a community of Vikings who befriend local dragons — so I can’t wait for the Isle of Berk to officially open.
The Epic Universe team shared that the land’s foods are meant to represent the traditional diet of the Vikings, including smoked meats. We got to try the Thawfest Platter, which featured incredibly tender and delicious chicken drumsticks.
Universal also teamed up with a local Florida meadery to create a custom drink for the park’s Mead Hall. It has flavors of boysenberry and blackcurrant.
Again, I appreciated the culinary commitment to the theme.
I was most pleasantly surprised by the food at Celestial Park
Although everything was amazing, my favorite dining options of the day were in Celestial Park, the cosmic-themed land at the park’s entrance.
Everything I ate was delicious, from sea bass in lemongrass broth with authentic Szechuan flavors to the Brownie Eclipse with Nutella, crushed Oreos, and toasted marshmallows.
I also enjoyed Celestial Park’s passion-fruit “caviar.”
The creative dessert is served in a custom fish tin, and the mousse base pairs well with the passion-fruit boba, which playfully imitates caviar.
The level of detailing here was particularly impressive — my chocolate dessert came in its own custom pizza box.
I think Epic Universe is going to be the theme park for foodies
As someone who’s been visiting Universal as an annual passholder for over 30 years, I can’t wait for Epic Universe to open in May.
I’ve dined in theme parks around the world, and I think it’s going to be a particularly amazing spot for foodies. It’s setting a whole new standard for theme-park food.
The attention to detail was impressive, from visually stunning presentations to partnerships with local businesses. Every food item I tried also felt highly themed and visually stunning, further adding to the immersion and storytelling of the lands.
Although I’m certainly excited to ride the park’s pioneering attractions and coasters, the food alone is enough of a reason for me to come back this spring.
