Planning a theme park vacation with little ones can be both exciting and overwhelming. Universal Orlando’s brand-new park, Epic Universe — opened May 22, 2025 — is a dream destination for families, offering an amazing blend of epic adventures and age-appropriate fun. As a mom traveling with a four- and two-year-old, one of my biggest concerns is always: Will there be enough for both of them to enjoy? At Epic Universe, the answer is a resounding yes.
The Magic Begins Before You Even Enter
Right from the start, Epic Universe sets the tone for a family-friendly experience. We arrived early to take advantage of early park admission, and the security line was already buzzing with laughter. The guards were cracking jokes, playing with kids, and just being silly in the best possible way — it immediately made me feel at ease about bringing two little ones to this new park.
Once we entered through the Chronos Portal into Celestial Park, we were all in awe. It’s absolutely beautiful, and the excitement on my girls’ faces when they asked, “Where can we go first?!” was priceless.
Family-Friendly Worlds: Isle of Berk and Super Nintendo World
While all the lands have interactive fun for the whole family, two worlds stood out the most with my little ones:
Isle of Berk: A Dragon’s Playground
Inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, the Isle of Berk is a haven for young adventurers. This land immerses families in a Viking village where dragons soar and fun awaits around every corner.
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A perfect “first coaster” for little thrill-seekers 40″ and up. The ride simulates flying on the back of a dragon — and the queue is filled with Viking and dragon lore that kept my girls entertained while waiting.
- Dragon Racer’s Rally: Kids can spin and swoop in dragon-racing vehicles. I had so much fun trying to figure out how to barrel roll (spoiler: I never pulled it off — let me know if you do!). This is for those with taller kiddos, 48 inches and taller. While my littles could not ride, they were able to hang out right outside the ride entrance and play with some of the interactive fun this world has to offer.
- Fyre Drill: think water ride meets splash battle. The kids loved every second and left completely drenched — so pack a change of clothes or a swimsuit! Note: Littles must be able to sit independently (no lap sitting allowed here).
- Viking Training Camp: This play area is a MUST. Slides of all sizes, soft areas to climb, and just enough shade for parents to chill while the kids burn off energy. Plus, this is where you will find some of the best views of the Isle of Berk.
- Character Meet and Greets: Probably the best in the park! Ruffnut and Tuffnut were a hilarious duo roaming the land, and meeting Hiccup and Toothless was pure magic. My girls were in awe. There are also other characters you can find roaming around, but unfortunately, this time we didn’t get the chance to meet them.
Super Nintendo World: Enter the Mushroom Kingdom
My girls lit up the second we stepped into the Mushroom Kingdom. This land is bursting with color, sound, and interactive magic.
- Mario Kart-Bowser’s Challenge: A must-do if your little one is 40” or taller. My oldest and I were fully immersed, thanks to the VR headgear and ride effects — it felt like being in the game.
- Yoshi’s Adventure: This gentle ride is ideal for toddlers (34” and up) and offers great views of the entire land. We had fun spotting eggs and waving to other guests below. You will see so many amazing views from this ride of the kingdom below.
- Interactive Play Areas: You can engage in games and challenges using Power-Up Bands, enhancing the immersive experience for young gamers. As the kids wore the bands, they were able to then play in different parts of the world in hopes of collecting keys and coins.
Other Experiences Designed for Young Kids
Epic Universe offers a variety of attractions tailored to younger guests:
- Constellation Carousel: Located in Celestial Park, this beautifully designed carousel features celestial-themed creatures, providing a magical ride experience. My girls had us ride multiple times. It’s also super accommodating — some creatures fit up to three people! I highly suggest riding at dusk or after dark as the experience is truly magical.
- Astronomica: A total lifesaver on hot days. The kids ran, splashed, and played to their heart’s content. I always bring bathing suits for this exact reason — and I’m so glad I did!.
- Interactive Wand Experiences: The Ministry of Magic is a new addition with plenty of interactive spell spots. My oldest got her first wand here, and both girls loved casting spells together.
Stroller-Friendly Park and Child Swap Perks
If you’re on the fence about bringing a stroller — don’t be. Epic Universe is a big park, and having a stroller was essential. The wide walkways, designated stroller parking (often near restaurants and rides), and smooth paths made it easy to navigate the entire day.
And for attractions with height requirements, the Child Swap program was a total win. One adult rides while the other waits with the child, and then you switch without having to wait again. It’s seamless and ideal for families like ours.
Family Amenities That Matter
- Family Restrooms: Spacious, clean, and found throughout the park. And trust me, when potty training, that accessibility is priceless. We enjoyed getting to know every restroom in the park, insert eyeroll here!
- Baby Care Centers: Quiet, clean, and perfect for feeding, changing, or just cooling down. Also, a helpful stop if your toddler needs a break from stimulation.
- Dining Options: Even upscale spots like Atlantic made space for our girls to enjoy themselves. The kids’ menus are widespread, and the staff were super welcoming. You can find kid-friendly food for even the pickiest of eaters throughout the park, which is a lifesaver for the hangry little ones.
Final Thoughts
Epic Universe truly goes above and beyond for families with young children. From thoughtfully themed worlds and gentle rides to water play zones and stroller-friendly spaces, it’s a theme park that balances excitement and accessibility.
If you’re looking to create unforgettable memories with your little ones — where they can play, explore, laugh, and feel like the stars of the adventure — Epic Universe is the place to be.
If you have been working with your Smart Moms Travel Agent, they can help you plan your family’s next epic adventure. If you have not booked your Epic Universe vacation yet, I can help! You can start planning with me for free here.
