The Ultimate 2-Day Epic Universe Itinerary (2025 Guide)
Start your Epic adventure right at the entrance—this is the gateway to every portal.
Explore Every Portal Like a Pro — With Less Stress
Universal’s Epic Universe just opened—and it’s huge! If you’re only visiting for two days, don’t stress. Based on our personal experience at the preview, we’ve built a smart, time-saving itinerary to help you explore every land, skip the most common time-wasters, and enjoy your favorite rides without the chaos.
🎥 Prefer to Watch?
Catch the full video version of this 2-day walkthrough here:
📺 Youtube Video!!
🧭 Important Info Before You Go
❌ No More Virtual Queues: As of May 2025, Ministry of Magic and all other attractions use standard standby lines.
🕗 Early Park Admission: Available for Universal hotel guests. Use this to get into select areas early, including Super Nintendo World and Stardust Racers.
⚡ Express Pass: Available for many major rides and highly recommended during peak travel times.
📱 Download the Universal App: For mobile ordering, real-time wait times, and maps.
🔋 Bring a portable charger—you’ll use your phone constantly for photos, app tools, and interactive features.
🗓️ Day 1: Super Nintendo World → Dark Universe
🎮 Morning – Super Nintendo World (Early Entry)
Enter Super Nintendo World through this vibrant portal—where the adventure begins!
If you’re staying on-site, start your day here. Most guests rush to Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness, but remember: don’t run in the parks!
✅ Ride Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness
✅ Then head to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
✅ Save Yoshi’s Adventure for later if the line is long
🎮 Power-Up Band Tip:
You can buy one at the front of the park or inside Super Nintendo World. These are $45 each and unlock interactive games throughout the land. We shared one as a couple and plan to buy a second for our daughter in September. Sharing works great if you're not traveling with multiple kids.
🍕 Food Tip:
Instead of Toadstool Café, we grabbed pizza at Pizza Moon just outside the land—it was delicious and quick!
🧛 Afternoon – Dark Universe
It’s alive! Enter Dark Universe, home to monsters, eerie attractions, and must-see theming.
This area is especially spooky and immersive at night, but great to explore in the afternoon too.
🎢 Ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – it’s like Forbidden Journey but smoother and less intense
🎢 Curse of the Werewolf is a fun family coaster, but you can skip it if lines are long
🍽️ Food Options:
Burning Blade Tavern for quick snacks and drinks (mobile order available)
Das Stakehaus for sit-down, air-conditioned meals
🗓️ Day 2: Isle of Berk → Ministry of Magic → Celestial Park
🐉 Morning – How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
If you have little ones or love the franchise like we do, rope drop this portal.
🕗 Note: It does not open during Early Park Admission—you’ll need to wait at the portal entrance until official park open.
🤝 Start with Hiccup & Toothless meet-and-greet (no Express Pass and lines grow fast)
🎭 Catch The Untrainable Dragon show – bring tissues!
🎢 Rides to try:
Fyre Drill – water ride
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – great family coaster (mini-Hagrid vibes!)
Dragon Racer’s Rally – spinning ride
🍽️ Lunch Options:
Spitting Dragon’s Mac & Cheese Cones – our personal favorite (you might get cheese in your beard too 😉)
Mead Hall – cool and comfortable indoor dining
🧙♂️ Afternoon – Ministry of Magic (Wizarding World)
Step through the Ministry of Magic’s portal into the wizarding world of 1920s Paris.
This is one of the most immersive lands Universal has ever built. Even if you've done Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, this one feels entirely new.
🧪 Ride: Battle of the Ministry of Magic is now standby only (no virtual queue), and wait times vary dramatically. Sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes 4+ hours. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this may be worth rope-dropping instead of Berk.
🪄 Interactive Wand Experiences:
Bring a wand from home or buy one on-site to cast spells throughout the land. Great for kids and fans!
🎭 Don’t Miss:
Street show in the Fantastic Beasts Paris area
Interactions with wizarding students and magical creatures
🍽️ Food Options:
Bar Moonshine for drinks
Try the Butterbeer Crêpe (yes, really!) and other French-inspired Wizarding snacks
🌌 Evening – Celestial Park + Re-Rides
Celestial Park is the hub of Epic Universe—and absolutely stunning at night.
If you finish early, now’s the time to revisit favorites or explore the heart of the park.
🌟 What to See:
Constellation Carousel
Astronomica splash zone
Street performers & live music
Nighttime fountain show (a must!)
Grab final souvenirs at the main shop or the charming Christmas store near the entrance
⏱️ Top 3 Time-Wasters to Avoid
Waiting in line for rides you don’t care about – Focus on your personal must-dos first!
Wasting time at meal rushes – Use mobile ordering when possible.
Trying to do it all – You probably won’t! Prioritize what matters most to you and leave room for surprises.
✨ Final Thoughts
Epic Universe is massive, immersive, and unforgettable. With this itinerary, you’ll see all five portals, skip the stress, and walk away with real memories—not just sore feet.
🎬 Don’t forget to watch the full 2-day vlog for more tips:
📺 Video Here!
🧳 Need Help Booking Your Trip?
We specialize in stress-free family vacations to Universal, Disney, and beyond. Let us help you plan hotels, tickets, itineraries, and more—so you can focus on the fun.
📧 Email us: Christina@letsmakememoriestravel.com
🌐 Visit us: www.letsmakememoriestravel.com
