Sensory-Friendly Tips for Visiting Epic Universe – from a Neurodivergent Mom

Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe, is packed with thrilling rides, immersive lands, and incredible visuals. But for families with sensory-sensitive kids (or adults), visiting a park this stimulating can be a challenge without some thoughtful planning. While not everything at Epic Universe is designed with sensory needs in mind, there are still ways to make your visit manageable and enjoyable.

Here’s a helpful guide based on our own experiences, including what worked for our family and where to find a little breathing room during your park day.

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What to Expect with Sensory Sensitivities

Epic Universe is a full-on sensory experience. Music, lighting effects, sudden sound cues, and unpredictable noise levels are everywhere. Some areas are calmer than others, but if your child has sensitivities to sound, crowds, or overstimulation, you’ll want to be strategic about your route, timing, and packing list.

Bring Your Sensory Essentials

Come prepared with your go-to tools:

• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
• Sunglasses or a hat to block bright visuals
• Fidget toys or comfort items
• Snacks and water to stay regulated
• A sensory-friendly plan for the day

Don’t feel like you need to do everything at once. One land at a time, with plenty of breaks, can still be an incredible experience.

Besides your sensory items, review our list of what else to bring to Epic Universe.

Dark Universe: Proceed with Caution

Dark Universe is one of the most visually stunning areas of the park, but it’s also the most intense. Sound effects run constantly, including guest-provided ones as in screams from Curse of the Werewolf riders. The eerie music isn’t so bad, but the surges of electrical noise from Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments got to me and my son. About every 15 minutes, the entire land pulses with a loud electrical effect, which can be jarring.

We brought hearing protection for our son, and that helped a lot. Focusing his attention on the colorful lighting effects and eerie ambiance helped positively redirect his sensory focus.

Surprisingly, the Bride of Frankenstein meet-and-greet was one of the calmest moments we experienced. When Frankenstein’s Monster joins her, she gently interacts with him and explains human behavior in a soft, steady tone—something our son found grounding and even comforting.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Although we love Super Nintendo World, it is absolutely slammed and loud in the morning to early afternoon. We found it much more enjoyable after dinner time.

Quieter Spaces at Epic Universe

Not every part of Epic Universe is loud and chaotic. There are a few spots where your family can slow down and decompress without having to leave the park:

• Isle of Berk – This land, themed to How to Train Your Dragon, has wide walkways, playful but not overwhelming soundscapes, and several open areas to take a breather.
• Celestial Park – The central hub of Epic Universe offers peaceful landscaping, fountains, and restaurants that tend to be less crowded than those in Super Nintendo World or Berk.
• Family restrooms and ride swap rooms – These can be used for a quiet reset when needed.
• Family Care Center – While we haven’t seen it firsthand, it’s said to include a designated quiet space. This could be a great option for families needing a true sensory break.

During our first visit to Isle of Berk the awesome team members noticed my son wearing his hearing protection. They offered us a quiet dragon hatching ceremony when we bought my son a dragon egg with a small dragon stuffie inside.

Dining Tips

Where and when you eat can make a big difference. Restaurants in Celestial Park were noticeably calmer than those in the more crowded lands. Dining earlier or during off-peak hours can help avoid long waits and high noise levels.

We dined at Toadstool Cafe inside Super Nintendo World at my son’s insistence and it was super crowded and took a while to get our food, plus there is no restroom in the restaurant. It was across the other side of the land, not easy to get to and not easy to return from.

For other meals and on our second visit, we dined at Pizza Moon as well as Oak & Star Tavern, both in Celestial Park, and both were a much better dining experiences for our needs.

Pro-tip: You must use Mobile Ordering to dine at any Epic Universe quick service restaurant. Place your order first, then find a table and scan that table’s QR code for your order to be delivered to your table.

You can also find quick grab-and-go options throughout the park if a full sit-down meal feels too overwhelming.

Sensory Takeaways from Epic Universe

Epic Universe wasn’t specifically designed as a sensory-friendly theme park, but with the right prep and pacing, it can still be a fantastic experience for sensory-sensitive guests. Every family is different, and what feels manageable one day might not the next. Give yourself the flexibility to slow down, take breaks, and adjust your plans on the fly.

If your child is excited about visiting, don’t rule it out, just come prepared. With your sensory toolkit and a little strategy, Epic Universe can be an epic adventure for everyone.

Please refer to Universal Orlando’s Sensory Guide for official information.

Special thanks to contributing writer, Terri Peters, for tagging me in her Instagram post. A follower asked about sensory needs, and she tagged me, leading me to write up this quick guide.