Best Epic Universe Rides: Top Thrills Ranked

Find the best Epic Universe rides for your visit! Get tips, rankings, and highlights of Universal’s most exciting new theme park rides.

Universal Epic Universe theme park made it past its grand opening. It still shines as one of the most ambitious and immersive experiences ever built. This brand-new theme park offers groundbreaking attractions across multiple themed areas. With so many jaw-dropping rides, it begs the question: What are the best Epic Universe rides?

In this guide, the best Epic Universe rides will be ranked. Additionally, there will be information about what makes them special and how to choose the right ride for your adventure style.

What Is Epic Universe?

Universal Orlando declares Universal Epic Universe to be its fourth theme park. This counting method would include the wonderful Universal Volcano Bay water park. For those who do not enjoy water parks, Universal Epic Universe makes the third land-based theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening

On May 22, 2025, thousands of enthusiastic guests arrived at the theme park as early as 6:00 a.m., a testament to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the theme park’s grand opening. At approx. 8:00 a.m., Universal Epic Universe officially opened with a celebratory moment that featured special character appearances at each of the world’s portals, breathtaking fireworks, a mesmerizing fountain display, and more.

“This is an incredibly exciting day as we officially unveil Universal Epic Universe to the world,” says Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort. “Epic Universe is the culmination of what we’ve been working on for nearly a decade. Our teams have poured so much passion, vision and dedication into this new park and there is truly nothing like it in our universe.”

More than a decade in the making, Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created, presenting a level of theme park immersion and innovation unmatched in the industry. Through a set of majestic portals, guests are transported to five expansive worlds, featuring a combined total of more than 50 experiences. These range from jaw-dropping attractions and exhilarating entertainment to delectable dining and themed shopping, all of which come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic.

Universal Epic Universe Overview

Before we walk through the best Epic Universe rides, a basic overview of the new theme park looks to be in order.

Celestial Park

The heart of Epic Universe, Celestial Park, is the first world guests encounter at the new theme park. Celestial Park puts the “park” back in “theme park,” with discovery, thrills, and excitement at every turn. Here, guests can find dozens of dining and shopping venues and three exciting attractions:

• Stardust Racers – a dual-racing launch coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies at speeds up to 62 mph;
• Constellation Carousel – a first-of-its-kind carousel that glides forward, backward, and even makes 360-degree rotations – in a choreographed dance of music and starlight;
• Astronomica – an interactive wet play area that doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

The destination’s third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set in 1920s wizarding Paris, as featured in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts” films and the British Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” film series. Guests visiting this spectacular new world can:

• cast dazzling spells throughout the magical streets of wizarding Paris using interactive wands;
• encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus in the full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus;
• enjoy delectable cuisine, including the Butterbeer crepe at Café L’Air De La Sirène;
• embark on a thrilling adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic in Universal’s most technologically advanced attraction yet – Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.

Super Nintendo World

Guests can jump into the action of their favorite video game worlds in Super Nintendo World, featuring Super Mario Land and, for the first time in the United States of America, Donkey Kong Country. In this colorful and kinetic world, guests can:

• join Team Mario to battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge;
• travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs on Yoshi’s Adventure, which also makes its U.S. debut at Epic Universe;
• careen through the jungle aboard mine carts on a thrilling adventure inspired by the world of Donkey Kong Country video games in Mine-Cart Madness.
• enjoy culinary creations crafted by Chef Toad in Toadstool Cafe;
• meet and greet Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach in Super Mario Land, and Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Country.

Guests can also level up their fun and enhance their play in Super Nintendo World with a Power-Up Band, which allows them to collect digital coins by punching “?” Blocks and play interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

This larger-than-life world captures the heart, humor, and scale of the beloved How to Train Your Dragon films, and is an authentic re-creation of the rugged, rocky world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons coexist in hilarious harmony. Guests will see what it’s like to live amongst dragons as they enjoy Viking-sized adventures like:

• launching into the sky for a dragon’s eye view of Berk on the family-friendly thrill coaster, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders;
• practicing aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that reach heights up to 67 feet in the air on Dragon Racer’s Rally;
• embarking on an unforgettable journey with beloved characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid in the dragon-filled live show, The Untrainable Dragon.
• savoring the wildly popular Mac & Cheese cones at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel; and so much more.

Guests can also meet heroic Dragon Rider, Hiccup, and pose for a photo with his friendly Night Fury, Toothless; and encounter other familiar Vikings while exploring Berk.

Dark Universe

Iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and more come to life alongside a new generation of monsters and characters in this ominous world. As guests venture through the ravaged village of Darkmoor, they’ll encounter monstrous adventures that include:

• journeying deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor while trying to evade the grasp of Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and others in Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
• racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves on the spinning family coaster, Curse of the Werewolf;
• becoming fashionably monstrous with elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos in Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience;
• enjoying a delicious meal while surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts in Das Stakehaus;
• meeting monsters like the Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Ygor, and even Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and so much more.

And at the edge of Epic Universe is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, a 500-room Mediterranean-inspired escape that features a variety of dining options, a resort-style pool with cabanas, a rooftop bar overlooking Epic Universe, and a dedicated entrance to the theme park from the lobby for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required).

Best Epic Universe Rides: Criteria for Ranking Rides

Each ride at Universal Epic Universe offers a unique experience, catering to a wide range of guests. Whether you’re seeking high-speed thrills or family-friendly adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Universal Epic Universe also offers two high-level shows, The Untrainable Dragon and Le Cirque Arcanus, that should not be missed. However, those are not rides, so they will not be included on our list of the best Epic Universe rides.

Universal Epic Universe offers 11 rides for guests to enjoy. To determine the best Epic Universe ride, we considered the following factors:

• Innovation: Use of cutting-edge technology
• Thrill Factor: Speed, intensity, and excitement
• Theming: Immersion and storytelling
• Replay Value: How fun it is on repeat visits.

We will rank these attractions from 11 to 1. Of course, something has to be at the bottom of this list.

Best Epic Universe Rides: Dragon Racer’s Rally

We chose Dragon Racer’s Rally in the world of How to Train Your Deragon – Isle of Berk as the ride that takes the spot at the bottom of the list. A spinning ride offering aerial views of Berk. While visually appealing, some guests find it less thrilling compared to other attractions.

Additionally, this ride loads very slowly, which reduces guest satisfaction. It also has a learning curve in terms of making the creative design function properly, which makes it less appealing to many guests. Universal Orlando Resort describes the ride this way: “At Dragon Racer’s Rally, Berk’s new Vikings can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on a Viking-made dragonriding trainer. You’ll need these high-flying, gravity-defying, swooping and soaring skills if you hope to become a champion dragon racer.”

Fyre Drill (Isle of Berk)

Perhaps the best world at Universal Epic Universe is How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. However, we have to place Fyre Drill in this spot in the rankings. We enjoy water rides and the idea of shooting targets, but this ride offers very inconsistent performance. Florida theme park fans know a similar ride exists at Legoland Florida, Battle of Bricksburg. While Fyre Drill does some things better than the Legoland version, it fails to be consistent and distinct enough to rank higher on this list.

The idea of training Vikings to put out fires in a village with dragons living there is very creative. It fails to be worth the long waits. Fyre Drill is a longer ride, approximately four minutes in length, which is a plus. The ride offers many cute elements that intergenerational groups will all enjoy. Of course, some will not enjoy the water elements as much as others. Still, even though this is low on our list, it makes a fun time in the Isle of Berk.

Best Epic Universe Rides: Yoshi’s Adventure (Super Nintendo World)

Yoshi’s Adventure was never intended to be a top-tier attraction. This is an omnimover ride suitable for all ages, featuring a gentle journey with Yoshi through various scenes.

Yoshi’s Adventure is a charming, family-friendly dark ride located in Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe. Guests board ride vehicles shaped like Yoshi and travel through vibrant scenes featuring familiar characters, such as Baby Mario, Poochy, and various Yoshis. Along the way, riders press buttons to interact with the environment and spot hidden eggs, making the attraction feel more engaging than a traditional dark ride. While the ride isn’t fast or thrilling, its immersive design and playful theming make it a positive experience for fans of the Super Mario franchise.

Yoshi’s Adventure is particularly appealing to younger guests and those seeking a relaxing break from more intense attractions. The ride also offers some of the best views of Super Nintendo World, including an elevated section that overlooks the land. Though it’s not a headliner thrill ride, Yoshi’s Adventure is a delightful addition to the park that emphasizes Nintendo’s whimsical storytelling and attention to detail. It’s an essential stop for any Nintendo fan.

On the negative side, it lacks a genuine re-rideability factor. Still, for what it intends to be, it makes a nice piece for Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe. Guests should be aware that this is a very slow-moving ride.

Curse of the Werewolf (Dark Universe)

Another amazing world at Universal Epic Universe is the Dark Universe. This area allows Universal Creative to utilize decades of classic monster lore. This world offers two rides. Our eighth-place ride on this list is Curse of the Werewolf.

Curse of the Werewolf at Universal Epic Universe is a family coaster located in the Dark Universe section of Universal’s new theme park. Inspired by the classic Universal Monsters lore, this attraction immerses guests in the eerie world of lycanthropy. The queue sets the stage inside a mysterious Eastern European village where locals whisper about ancient legends and dark transformations.

Backstory

The ride begins in the Vasilieva family’s encampment, tying into the backstory of Darkmoor and the Wolfman. Guests are warned they may be cursed themselves if they continue — but of course, they do. The coaster launches riders on a twisted journey through the forest as they attempt to escape the werewolf curse. This coaster has ride vehicles that spin as you travel the roller coaster track.

Curse of the Werewolf is designed to be the more accessible ride in the Dark Universe. However, the ride is very short. Thus, the potential longer wait time does not always pay off. Additionally, guests report inconsistent experiences with it. Still, it does provide a less intimidating attraction compared to others at Universal Epic Universe. Anyone who dislikes spinny theme park attractions should think twice before riding this.

Best Epic Universe Rides: Constellation Carousel (Celestial Park)

Constellation Carousel functions as a reimagined carousel with celestial creatures and dynamic movements, offering a whimsical experience for all ages. Yes, we know what you are thinking. How can a carousel be better than a spinning roller coaster? Well, this is not your typical carousel.

The Constellation Carousel at Epic Universe’s Celestial Park is a breathtaking reimagination of the classic merry‑go‑round, blending celestial themes with gentle thrills. This attraction invites guests of all ages to “ride the constellations” atop intricately crafted celestial creatures like lions, dragons, peacocks, bears, and swans.

Each vehicle isn’t just stationary. It rotates a full 360° and ascends nearly six feet in sync with the ride’s slow‑paced motion. Located under a dazzling dome embellished with a “Star Tracker” showing rotating star patterns and a central “Mesmerizer” ribbon of lights, it’s both enchanting and relaxing. With seven different musical themes, each ride feels fresh as the lights, sounds, and choreography shift to match the melody.

Despite being whimsical and calm, there’s no shortage of sophistication—the ride is entirely wheelchair accessible (with transfer required), includes Universal Express Pass access, and even offers child‑swap. Riders under 48″ must be accompanied, and handheld infants aren’t allowed.

Celestial Park

Located at the heart of Celestial Park, steps from the portals to the themed lands and adjacent to Super Nintendo World, this carousel also features bench-style seating for those who prefer a more stationary experience.

It’s a perfect interlude between thrills, offering a serene yet visually stunning break—a gentle spin beneath the stars in the bustling hub of the park. For anyone visiting Epic Universe, the Constellation Carousel is a must‑do: a family‑friendly, visually rich pause that immerses you in cosmic wonder. Additionally, guests should give it a try at night when the light packages look even more impressive.

Best Epic Universe Rides: The Top Six

At this point in ranking the Universal Epic Universe rides, it becomes a challenge. We have roller coasters and dark rides left as options. Some guests prefer one style of ride over the other. Our ranking takes that into account, trying to rank them based on a group that has people who like both.

If your group does not enjoy roller coasters, then you will need to adjust the ranking accordingly. Additionally, guests who are passionate about a specific intellectual property, such as the Super Nintendo or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will have those rides take priority for your group. Despite that, we attempted to prioritize the Universal Epic Universe rides fairly.

Mine-Cart Madness (Super Nintendo World)

Mine-Cart Madness, along with other Super Nintendo World rides, draws divisive views from Universal Epic Universe visitors. It is a roller coaster based on Donkey Kong, featuring a unique ride system that creates the illusion of jumping over gaps in the track.

Mine Cart Madness is a standout family coaster in Universal Epic Universe’s Donkey Kong Country section, blending immersive theming with new ride technology. The ride uses a unique “boom coaster” system that creates the illusion of leaping over gaps in the track, delivering an experience unlike anything else in Universal Orlando.

This innovation makes the attraction both thrilling and memorable, especially for fans of the Donkey Kong video game franchise. The ride’s design remains faithful to the classic game’s aesthetics, featuring vibrant jungle settings, mine carts, banana crates, and familiar characters. It’s an excellent option for guests who want thrills but may not be ready for more intense coasters. The family-friendly height requirement also means more guests can enjoy it together, making it a popular choice for multi-generational groups.

Jump Track Illusion

However, the illusion of jumping track sections is nice, but it is ruined once riders enter the vehicle. Additionally, the actual coaster speed and intensity may fall short of thrill-seekers’ expectations for a high-adrenaline ride. Guests seeking significant drops or high-speed launches may find Mine Cart Madness relatively tame.

Additionally, due to its novelty, unreliability, and popularity, the attraction may have long wait times, particularly during peak periods. The queue and pre-show elements, although detailed, may not be enough to offset extended wait times. Technical issues with the new ride system may also occasionally cause downtime, a common occurrence with first-of-its-kind attractions. Finally, the ride’s strong theming and references may be lost on guests unfamiliar with the Donkey Kong games, slightly diminishing the overall impact for non-gamers.

Mine Cart Madness delivers a creative and visually captivating coaster experience perfect for families and Nintendo fans, though thrill enthusiasts may find it lacking in intensity. Expect long lines, but a memorable ride unlike anything else in the park.

Best Epic Universe Rides: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World)

Guests entering the portal to Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe will have a strong reaction. Video game fans will feel like they have entered the actual Nintendo world. Still, those who are not familiar with or not fans of the franchise will be overstimulated by Super Nintendo World.

The level of stimulation intensifies when guests enter Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. This attraction utilizes unique augmented reality technology. This interactive dark ride combines augmented reality (AR) and physical sets, allowing guests to race and collect coins in the Mario Kart universe.

Guests enter Bowser’s Castle, don immersive AR goggles, and speed through varied courses inspired by Mario Kart 8. They collect coins, launch shells, and evade obstacles as they race to win the Golden Cup.

The Ride

The ride caters to families and gamers alike, with a minimum height of 40″ (with a supervising companion under 48″), and supports Universal Express and single-rider options. However, since it is two people to a row, the single-rider queue does not work very well for guests.

This attraction qualifies as a visually immersive adventure with real-time competition. Each kart houses up to four riders, in two different rows, who can influence their game by targeting rivals and collecting digital rewards.

However, despite its cutting-edge AR and theme fidelity, the ride is slower-paced than thrill-seekers might anticipate. Additionally, those unfamiliar with the video game may find themselves confused about what to do during the ride. Still, the technology makes Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge worth the experience, and this spot on our list of the best Epic Universe rides.

Best Epic Universe Rides: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (Isle of Berk)

For some guests, this could be their favorite ride at Universal Epic Universe. This family-friendly coaster simulates dragon flight, with speeds up to 45 mph and close encounters with animatronic characters.

Inspired by DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon,” this family-friendly ride invites guests to experience the thrill of dragon flight in a fun and interactive way. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders strikes a balance between excitement and accessibility, offering thrills suitable for kids, teens, and adults alike. As guests soar through the skies above Berk, they are treated to sweeping views of the themed land, which is filled with Viking buildings, lush rockwork, and vibrant dragon details. The queue features engaging storytelling elements, showcasing Hiccup’s sketches and flight notes as if pulled straight from his journal.

For fans of the films or those new to the world of dragons, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a whimsical, uplifting experience that captures the spirit of adventure that defines Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is exactly what a family-style roller coaster should be.

Best Epic Universe Rides: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic)

This experience takes guests through the Ministry of Magic, combining detailed sets and emotional storytelling. The entire queue experience alone earns this attraction a top spot in any list of best Epic Universe rides.

Before discussing the attraction in more detail, we should mention that we selected a roller coaster with far less theming ahead of this incredible attraction. Our reasoning for that is three-fold:

1. Wait time can be excessive for this attraction
2. Lack of reliability of the attraction
3. For very understandable reasons, Battle at the Ministry counts as a screen-based attraction, leaving some guests a bit nauseous.

Despite that, Battle at the Ministry qualifies as a not-to-be-missed attraction at Universal Epic Universe. Wizarding World of Harry Potter will fall in love with the detail of the queue. This ride offers plenty of fan service to Harry Potter fans.

Battle at the Ministry is Highly Immersive

This immersive ride transports guests deep into the heart of magical London, offering a unique experience that expands upon the stories told in the “Harry Potter” films. Set inside a detailed recreation of the British Ministry of Magic, the attraction utilizes next-generation dark ride technology that blends practical sets, state-of-the-art ride systems, and cutting-edge screen technology.

Guests will join a thrilling, magical conflict. Additionally, they will queue through the towering atrium of the Ministry, complete with enchanted fireplaces and ornate wizarding decor, before boarding their ride vehicle for an action-packed journey. Any Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans who grew to dislike Dolores Umbridge do not want to miss her trial. Whether you’re a longtime fan of J.K. Rowling’s universe or simply love immersive thrill rides, Battle at the Ministry should not be missed since this attraction anchors one of Epic Universe’s most ambitious themed lands

Stardust Racers (Celestial Park)

The decision to place a lightly themed roller coaster ahead of a Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction was not done casually. We checked with over a dozen of our theme park media colleagues for their opinion. The group was divided.  This showed us that the hype for Battle at the Ministry was not so intense that people negated Stardust Racers.

Stardust Racers operates as a dual-launch racing coaster, reaching speeds of up to 62 mph and heights of 133 feet. The loading speed for this attraction makes it more appealing, as the queue can get long, but not as long as for Mine-Cart Madness or Battle at the Ministry. The “Celestial Spin” inversion and nighttime lighting effects make it a standout thrill ride. Additionally, this roller coaster has two trains on different tracks, so you might consider the “yellow” and “green” sides to be different attractions.

Launch System

This striking dual-launch, dueling coaster, built by Mack Rides and designed by Universal Creative, is one of the longest and most thrilling rides in the United States of America. It boasts two very similar 5,000-ft steel tracks with a heart-pounding inversion known as the “Celestial Spin.”  Launches are executed via linear motor (LSM) propulsion, with two bursts on each side that surprise riders by catapulting them into high-speed ascents.

One of the coolest touches is the onboard audio and lighting systems inside the train, complemented by the absence of track lighting at night. This design allows trains to blaze around Celestial Park like glowing comets streaking through the sky.  Fans love the immersive theming, complete with a “Flux Capacitor” Easter egg nodding to Back to the Future, adding playful depth to the ride.

Critics are saying: “best roller coaster in Orlando,” “textbook definition of breathtaking,” with many saying it’s in direct competition with the famed VelociCoaster. Whether you’re chasing the racing aspect, night‑time visuals, or just a top‑tier thrill ride, Stardust Racers cements itself as a must‑ride highlight of Epic Universe.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Dark Universe)

The most impressive and technologically advanced ride at Universal Epic Universe resides in the world of Dark Universe. Monster Unchained takes guests on a dark ride utilizing KUKA-arm technology, featuring 14 animatronic figures from Universal’s Classic Monsters franchise.

Universal Epic Universe promised to redefine theme park thrills, and Monster Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment stands as the crown jewel. Here’s why this high-octane dark ride coaster hybrid is being hailed as the best ride in the park:

Monster Unchained doesn’t just borrow from Universal’s classic monsters — it elevates them. The ride plunges you into a chaotic experiment gone wrong inside Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s laboratory, where you’re caught between battling monsters, including Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride, the Wolf Man, Dracula, and more. It’s a cinematic experience that pays homage to horror legends while feeling thrillingly fresh and immersive.

A Cutting-Edge Ride System

The KUKU-arm technology, which most Universal Orlando Resort guests are familiar with from the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, impresses guests. The KUKA-arm technology has undergone significant updates from its original version.  This makes the ride system work so well.

Set in the world of Dark Universe, the ride’s gothic exterior, eerie queue, and haunted laboratory interior are dripping in atmospheric storytelling. You’re not just riding a coaster. Guests are stepping into a world. The tension builds long before you enter the ride vehicle, with lightning strikes, Tesla coils, and sound design that makes the whole land feel alive (or undead).

Unlike some attractions that rely on a single gimmick, Monster Unchained delivers a layered experience. From a slow-burn, creepy buildup to a heart-pounding storyline, every section is paced to keep guests on edge. Each ride-through allows guests to spot things they missed before.

With its combination of iconic characters, thrills, and jaw-dropping theming, Monster Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment may not just be the best ride in Epic Universe. It could set a new standard for what theme park attractions can be.

Ready to Enjoy the Best Epic Universe Rides?

The talented staff at Universal Family Vacations can help you plan your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation. The best part is that their services are free to you when you book through them. Guests can get a free, no-obligation quote today. Happy vacation planning!