Epic Universe + Gay Days Orlando: How I Did It, What I Loved, And How I’d Plan 2026
I hit Epic Universe on June 8, 2025, just a couple weeks after opening, and it felt like stepping into a movie you don’t want to end. I stayed at Sheraton Vistana Villages, rolled into the park around 10 a.m., and tapped out at 5 p.m. Seven hours doesn’t sound like much, but with the sun beating down on you and a couple of good rides to hit is was enough for me; especially since the park doesn’t have a nighttime show staying to the end of day wasn’t a factor for me.
First Look: Celestial Park Sets the Tone
You’ll start in Celestial Park, all water, gardens, and those clean sight lines that help your brain chill before the queues begin. I used it as a reset between lands and as my photo lap. It’s also where I hopped on Constellation Carousel for a slow spin on those glowing creature figures. It’s gentle, but it’s not a throwaway ride. You’ll get great shots and a mental break before the next big hit. Overall though I thought Celestial Park was much to large, especially in comparison to the lands. I do wish they had increased the size of the lands added an extra ride here or there and made Celestial Park smaller so that you wouldn’t feel that it was as far to get from one land to the other.
What I Rode (And Why It Worked)
I opened with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders in Isle of Berk, then rounded to Dragon Racer’s Rally a little later so I could spread the thrills. Wing Gliders is a smooth, high-energy coaster that wakes you up fast, and the rally ride is just chaotic enough to make you laugh. If you’re pacing your day, start in Berk while you’re fresh, then circle back for photos when the sun swings behind the cliffs.
I hit Stardust Racers twice because it’s that good. Dual launch, fast and floaty, and the views over Celestial Park make it feel like you’re surfing the sky. The trick for me was catching it when posted times dipped, then jumping back in as soon as I got off. The ride moves, so you can sometimes sneak a second lap before lunch. Universal Orlando Resort
In Dark Universe, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment stole the show. The tech, the sets, the way the story yanks you forward, all of it hits. My favorite weird moment of the day happened right outside when I ended up explaining social media to the Bride of Frankenstein. She stayed in character, I tried to sell the idea of a YouTube Channel to her, maybe makeup tutorials and we both committed. You can’t plan for that kind of silly, but the land makes it easy.
I also saved time for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and the Magic of the Ministry stage moments. The queue detail is dense, so I slowed down and actually looked. If you’re a Potter person, set aside 20 extra minutes to wander the shops and frames. If you can that is and listen to this tip: Skip Single Rider; keep in mind for many they think this is a good way to shorten wait time; for me I started off sailing past everyone but when I got to a point we stopped and stayed that way for quite some time. It took me almost 2 hours to get my ride; but it’s worth it.
What I Ate (And What I’d Repeat)
This was a snack-heavy day by design. I wanted the rides more than a sit-down meal.
Mac and Cheese Cone in Berk: I tried the classic. It was fine, warm and filling, but not life-changing. If I do it again, I’ll try one of the spicier or BBQ versions to get more punch. You’ll find the cones at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel, and lines move faster than you’d think.
Pizza Moon in Celestial Park: solid, quick, and easy to eat on the move. If you’re starving and want something familiar, this is the stop. Plus the atmosphere, and by this I mean the Air Conditioning was amazing; ok the the Pizza Face in the moon was adorable too.
I drank more water than usual and kept a tiny battery in my pocket. That combo kept me human in the afternoon.
Crowd Level and GayDays Vibe
I was there during GayDays, and honestly, it didn’t change the feel inside the park. Capacity is still somewhat limited in these early weeks, so the flow stayed manageable. You’ll see pops of color and group photos, but crowds never tipped into “wall of people” chaos while I was there. If you’re going during a pride weekend, plan a late morning like I did and you’ll be fine.
Pacing That Actually Works
Since I arrived at 10 and left at 5, I treated the day like a set of loops with Celestial Park as the breathing space.
Late morning: Berk for Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, then a pass through shops and set pieces.
Midday: Monsters Unchained and a Potter block for story-heavy lines that felt fun even when they inched.
Afternoon: second lap on Stardust Racers, carousel reset, then one more land based on posted times. No Express for me, just patience and timing.
If I’d stayed after sunset, I would have aimed Dark Universe for later because the lighting kicks that land into a different gear. But if you leave by 5 like I did, use mid-afternoon for the moody stuff so you still feel the atmosphere.
Theming That Blew Me Away
I’ve been to a lot of parks, and this might be the best overall theming I’ve seen. It’s not just pretty walls. It’s the way sounds fade as you pass a portal, the trail materials change under your feet, and the sight lines pull your eyes where the story wants them to go. Celestial Park ties it all together so you’re never lost, even when you decide to improvise your route. If you care more about vibe than credits, you’ll still leave happy.
Universal’s New Hotels And Where I’d Crash Next Time
If you want to be close, Universal added new hotels tied to Epic Universe:
Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort sit near the new park and run shuttles. Stella Nova opened in January 2025; Terra Luna opened in March 2025. Both lean bright, spacey, and budget-friendly by Universal standards. Loews Hotels & Co+2Loews Hotels & Co+2
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is the luxe pick built right into Celestial Park with a dedicated Epic Universe entrance and a rooftop lounge. If you want to rope drop with zero stress or pop back for a quick break, this is the splurge. Loews Hotels & Co+1
I liked Sheraton Vistana Villages for this quick trip, but if I’m doing an open-to-close day later in the year, I’ll try one of the new Universal hotels to shrink the commute.
Other Food Spots I Marked For Next Time
A few places jumped onto my list for a future run:
Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel in Berk for the spicier Mac & Cheese Cones or the PB&J pork version if I want a bigger bite. Orlando Informer
Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World for the Mario burger and truffle fries when I’m ready to sit. People.com
Atlantic in Celestial Park for a proper meal and that glittery “Northern Lights” cocktail if I’m not rushing back to rides. People.com
The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe for fun mocktails and moody photos between laps on Monsters Unchained. People.com
If lines look wild, remember the Celestial Park carts and quick-service windows. Grab something fast, take five by the water, and you’ll feel brand new.
Quick Tips You Can Steal
- Arrive with one must-do land in mind and head there first.
- Watch the app and jump on posted dips. Then stop checking for a bit and just enjoy where you are.
- Two rides on Stardust Racers is worth it if you see the window. Universal Orlando Resort
- If you skip Express, trade a long queue for a snack and a different attraction instead of forcing it.
- Talk to characters. Even a silly chat with the Bride of Frankenstein can become the memory you keep. Universal Orlando Resort
Final Word
Seven hours was enough to get a real feel for Epic Universe without burning out. I rode what I cared about, snacked when my energy dipped, and used Celestial Park as the calm middle of the storm. If you go soon, build your day around one land you love, keep a flexible loop in the middle, and leave space for those little moments that just happen. You’ll walk out smiling, and you’ll already be planning the next run.
