FREE Universal Epic Universe 1-Day Touring Plan

The purpose of this touring plan is to give families an opportunity to experience nearly everything at Universal Epic Universe in one day.

This plan is written for guests with and without Express Pass access. If you do have Express Passes, you will likely have more time to make your way from one attraction to the next, stop and get character photos, take in the details of the park, etc. You can learn more about Express in our complete guide.

We also want to mention that Universal features free resort-wide wifi and an updated mobile app that provides wait times for the rides and performance times for the shows. To download the app, follow these links: Android or iOS.

Tip: pair this plan with any of our other itineraries for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (all linked here) to craft the ultimate Universal Orlando Resort experience!

Universal Epic Universe 1-day touring plan

1. Entrance to Universal Epic Universe
We recommend that you get to the turnstiles at least 45 minutes before the park opens for the best chance to jump-start your touring day.

Early Park Admission

Depending on the time of year, Universal Orlando hotel guests and vacation-package guests may be able to enjoy Early Park Admission (EPA) at Universal Epic Universe. We recommend you check our crowd calendar or with your resort upon your arrival to see if early admission is at Epic Universe. To take the best advantage of this benefit, be certain to get to the turnstiles 30 to 45 minutes before EPA is scheduled to begin.

Once you’re admitted into Epic, simply follow the directions of the attending team members to get to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. 

(If EPA is at Epic Universe)

1A. Mine-Cart Madness – SR(single rider)
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has a single-rider line but does not offer Express Pass access. Summary: hop into a mine cart and team up with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a high-speed adventure to protect the golden banana. Expect track jumps, sharp turns, and wild maneuvers straight out of the classic video games.

1B. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – EP(Express Pass)/SR
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: race through iconic Mario Kart courses alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach in this interactive, game-inspired attraction. Collect digital coins, toss shells, and try to outscore Team Bowser in a battle for the finish line.

1C. Stardust Racers – EP/SR
Celestial Park

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers near the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: board a comet and race through the cosmos on this dual-launch coaster, soaring to heights of 133 feet and reaching speeds up to 62 mph along 5,000 feet of twisting interstellar track.

If you do not have Early Park Admission or if it’s not at Universal Epic Universe the day you are visiting, your first stop will be Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Here, we will experience one of the most popular rides while it’s still early in the morning, thus minimizing wait times.

Important Note: Universal Orlando Resort has been using a Virtual Queue system for this ride. If it’s in effect during your visit, try to grab a return time as soon as possible. If you’re lucky enough to snag one first thing—awesome! If not, keep checking throughout the day and be sure to return at your designated time, even if it means adjusting our touring plan a bit.

2. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – SR
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has a single-rider line but does not offer Express Pass access. Summary: witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge inside the British Ministry of Magic – until she escapes and chaos erupts. Join Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a spellbinding, high-stakes chase.

For guests who do not have Early Park Admission or if EPA was not at Epic Universe, head straight to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to ride Mine-Cart Madness and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. These are among the most popular attractions in the park, so it’s helpful to know that both offer single-rider lines should you be interested in saving some time here, which typically run at one-quarter to one-half the posted standby wait time.

For guests who do have Early Park Admission, you should have experienced these SUPER NINTENDO WORLD attractions as your first stop this morning, so you can skip it now and proceed with the rest of the plan.

3. Mine-Cart Madness – SR(single rider)
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has a single-rider line but does not offer Express Pass access. Summary: hop into a mine cart and team up with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a high-speed adventure to protect the golden banana. Expect track jumps, sharp turns, and wild maneuvers straight out of the classic video games.

4. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – EP(Express Pass)/SR
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: race through iconic Mario Kart courses alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach in this interactive, game-inspired attraction. Collect digital coins, toss shells, and try to outscore Team Bowser in a battle for the finish line.

Now, let’s venture into the shadowy depths of Dark Universe to experience…

5. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – EP/SR
Dark Universe

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers near the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: step inside the shadowy halls of the Frankenstein estate, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues her family’s infamous experiments. But when Dracula escapes containment, he unleashes chaos – and a legion of iconic monsters, including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more.

Next, we’re off to Celestial Park for another attraction and a bite to eat—but don’t worry, we’ll return to Dark Universe later in the day! 

For guests who do not have Early Park Admission or if EPA was not at Epic Universe, your next stop is the high-speed thrill ride, Stardust Racers, in Celestial Park. 

For guests who do have Early Park Admission, chances are you’ve already checked this one off your list. In that case, go ahead and skip Stardust Racers for now and treat yourself to some lunch—you’ve earned it, and you’re probably getting hungry by this point!

6. Stardust Racers – EP/SR
Celestial Park

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers near the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: board a comet and race through the cosmos on this dual-launch coaster, soaring to heights of 133 feet and reaching speeds up to 62 mph along 5,000 feet of twisting interstellar track.

7. Lunch – Spit Fyre Grill or Mead Hall
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Spit Fyre Grill dishes out delicious bowls featuring a variety of protein options. After grabbing your meal, head across the way to the shaded, covered seating area—perfect for relaxing while catching the action over at Fyre Drill.

Prefer a feast worthy of a Viking? Mead Hall serves up hearty fare like turkey wings, sausage links, and chicken drumsticks. One of the biggest perks? Indoor seating that offers a cool, comfortable break from the sun.

8. Le Cirque Arcanus – EP
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Restrictions and access: none; has Express Pass access. Summary: a spellbinding circus performance with aerialists, magical creatures, breathtaking puppetry, and dazzling special effects.

*This is a live stage show, and showtimes will vary.

9. The Untrainable Dragon – EP
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Restrictions and access: none; has Express Pass access. Summary: a spellbinding circus performance with aerialists, magical creatures, breathtaking puppetry, and dazzling special effects. 

While we just as wholeheartedly recommend Le Cirque Arcanus as we do The Untrainable Dragon, we understand that doing two shows back-to-back may not work out for your traveling party’s schedule (or interests). In this case, we suggest you pick one to tackle after lunch and save the other for later on in your vacation when some extra time may pop up. (But trust us – both productions are must-dos.)

10. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – EP/SR
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: soar above Berk on this dragon-riding adventure, brought to life by Hiccup’s inventive spirit. Glide and swoop through the skies at speeds up to 45 mph, delivering the exhilaration of dragon flight.

Depending on your family’s interests, we’ve got a great alternative for groups with younger guests—or if your party needs to split up so the big kids can ride Hiccup’s Wing Gliders while the little ones burn off some energy:

10A. Viking Training Camp
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Restrictions and access: none. Summary: explore climbable towers, an agility course, musical Viking drums and chimes, interactive games, and more in this play area. 

We’re stepping out of the land of dragons and Vikings for one final big thrill—this time, into a realm crawling with things that go bump in the night.

11. Curse of the Werewolf – EP/SR
Dark Universe

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers near the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: plunge into the chilling origin story of one of horror’s most iconic legends. Hold on tight as you twist and turn through the forest in a frantic race to escape the pursuing werewolves.

12. Fyre Drill – EP
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Restrictions and access: Guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has Express Pass access. Summary: join in on a splash-filled competition, aiming at flame-shaped targets—and even rival boats—in this interactive, family-friendly attraction.

13. Dragon Racer’s Rally 
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; does not offer Express Pass access. Summary: climb aboard a Viking-crafted dragon-riding trainer and take flight with high-speed spins, dives, and barrel rolls—soaring up to 67 feet in the air. Guests can customize their experience, choosing between a milder glide or a wild aerial thrill.

14. Dinner

We are still tasting our way through Epic Universe, but we can still help you choose a convenient dinner spot based on where you’ll be in the park.

Toadstool Cafe is a whimsical, themed dining experience perfect for the gamers in your group—or really, anyone who loves immersive dining. The menu cleverly incorporates elements from the world of Mario and his friends, all while serving up dishes that are both tasty and satisfying. Prefer to sit down and unwind for a bit? Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant are the park’s full-service dining options.

15. Yoshi’s Adventure – EP
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Restrictions and access: 34 inches; guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has Express Pass access. Summary: climb aboard your own Yoshi and set off on a whimsical journey through the Mushroom Kingdom in search of glowing eggs.

16. Constellation Carousel – EP
Celestial Park

Restrictions and access: Guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion; has Express Pass access. Summary: take a spin through the stars on this cosmic take on the classic carousel. Ride celestial creatures like lions, dragons, and peacocks—each able to rotate 360 degrees and rise up to 6 feet in the air.

We hope you had an awesome day at Universal Epic Universe!

Reminder: combine this plan with any of our other itineraries for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure to craft the ultimate Universal Orlando Resort experience!