3 Universal Epic Universe Lands that Families and Kids will LOVE
The greatest theme park ever built in Orlando is on the horizon. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe will be the most immersive theme park in recent memory. While this incredible theme park – paired with a hotel and more – is already impressive, what can kids expect? We’re sharing the three Universal Epic Universe lands that kids will love.
Explore this Orlando theme park now open, from a parent’s point of view. Epic Unvierse is now open for limited annual passholder previews. So while you wait, you can enjoy Universal CityWalk with kids or check out Minion Land, plus DreamWorks Land is the newest place for kids at Universal Studios Florida!
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Universal Epic Universe Lands for Kids
Any theme park in Orlando is going to appeal to adults and children. Universal Epic Universe does have a decidedly mature, upscale feel, but younger kids and families are still in for a treat.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
Let’s take a quick look at the top 3 Universal Epic Universe lands for kids.
By the way, if anyone in your family has sensory needs, we put together a sensory-friendly guide to Epic Universe.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Parents just may enjoy this land most of all because their kids will get to experience something many of us older parents absolutely loved when we were kids: Nintendo! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe will surely be a hit with families.
You can expect three great rides , two of which have already been proven at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. And naturally, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD originally debuted in Japan.
Super Mario Land
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Orlando will surely impress everyone. With two distinct sections, you’ll first step into Super Mario Land through the iconic green pipe, surrounded by the familiar pipe sound effect.
Then, you’ll walk through Peach’s Castle, stepping out into the colorful, musical world of the Mushroom Kingdom. A Mario Kart-themed ride and a slow-moving ride with Yoshi are here, just like the previous versions of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Plus you can meet some great characters here and around Epic Universe.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
With Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you’ll step right inside Bowser’s Castle as you prep to race against Team Bowser. This larger-than-life castle shows off the home of Mario’s famous arch-nemesis, including hundreds of books with callbacks to the video games, such as Drift Early, Drift Often, and Bowser on Bowser: An Autobiography.
Bring your competitive spirit! You’ll be throwing shells, collecting digital coins, and whirling through nostalgic Mario Kart courses. This ride combines live animatronics with augmented reality with a Mario Kart visor and goggles as you battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup.
Yoshi’s Adventure
Yoshi’s Adventure slowly moves you and the little ones through the Mushroom Kingdom. You can play along, pressing buttons in the ride vehicle as you look for hidden eggs, or sit back and enjoy the views from this relaxing ride.
Look through the trees, and you might just see Donkey Kong Country with the Golden Temple peeking through!
Donkey Kong Country
Right at the edge of Super Mario Land, you’ll discover an entrance that will lead you to Donkey Kong Country. Explore the lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, from its tall trees and waterfalls to iconic landmarks like The Golden Temple.
An early hit of Donkey Kong Country, for your tastebuds anyway, is the DK Crush Float with banana and pineapple-flavored ice cream. Served with a souvenir DK Barrel mug, this treat is pricey at $18. But it is sharable, tasty, and the mug makes for a special souvenir.
Mine-Cart Madness
Hang onto your banana peels because the Donkey Kong-themed ride Mine-Cart Madness is a GREAT coaster for the whole family. Once you’re in your ride vehicle, you’re onto your first adventure: shooting out of a Donkey Kong barrel! You’ll catch glimpses of Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and other members of the Kong family.
Watch out for the “broken” tracks! There are some great tricks and turns in this family coaster.
Enjoy Interactive Play with Power-Up Bands
Level up your fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with Power-Up Bands. These wearable bands allow you to enhance your play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
Collect digital coins by punching Blocks, including POW, Yoshi Egg, and “?” Blocks. You can also sync your band in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge by tapping your band on the steering wheel.
Throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, play interactive activities, collect digital stamps on attractions, earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr., and discover other amazing hidden surprises.
You’ll also be able to access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where you rank amongst fellow guests.
Scan the QR code on the back of your band to sync it in the Universal FL app and track your character’s progress and digital coins. Outside of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, you can also use the band as an amiibo with Nintendo Switch systems.
Power-Up Bands are sold separately and are not included with admission.
Dining and Shopping at Super Mario World
Guests can power up for their next adventure in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with tasty cuisine inspired by the story and experiences within the world at four dining locations like Toadstool Cafe, Yoshi’s Snack Island and more with items such as:
- Mario Burger (Bacon, Mushroom & Cheese) (Toadstool Cafe) – power up with this all-beef patty, topped with savory mushrooms, fresh lettuce, tomato and melted American cheese, served on a brioche bun with a side of truffle French fries
- Luigi Burger (Pesto Grilled Chicken) (Toadstool Cafe) – this flavorful dish features grilled chicken topped with basil pesto, melted Swiss cheese, green peppers, and fresh spinach, all served on a soft brioche bun with a side of Truffle French fries
- Bowser’s Fireball Challenge (Toadstool Cafe) – step up to this challenge featuring a towering one-pound meatball topped with gooey mozzarella cheese in rich mushroom marinara sauce and fresh parsley served with a Bowser-inspired puff pastry and a side of hot sauce
- Yoshi’s Smoothie (Apple Melon) (Yoshi’s Snack Island) – cool off with a refreshing blend of tart Granny Smith apple and sweet honeydew syrup, frozen to creamy perfection with milk and topped with whipped cream and green apple bursting boba
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
Many fans who have been watching the construction of Epic Universe have said they feel the How to Train Your Dragon land might just be the breakaway hit of the park.
When your kids enter this land, themed after the Isle of Berk, they will feel the call to adventure. Three rides await within Isle of Berk: a family coaster set to the music of How to Train Your Dragon, a boat ride that reminds us of a favorite at LEGOLAND, and a flying-arm ride to train you to be a dragon rider.
Plus, there is a rider training camp play area for the littlest Vikings. The play area is on the left side when you walk through the Isle of Berk portal. There is only one entrance/exit but it is multiple stories with lots of climbing.
But the greatest attraction of this How to Train Your Dragon land will be the winding roller coaster that soars through half of the land. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders has a height requirement of 40 inches (102 cm) to ride. Riders between 40 and 48 inches tall (102 cm – 122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
With the 40 inch height requirement, this family coaster is geared towards elementary age and older. And for the littlest Vikings who aren’t ready to soar with a dragon just yet there will be a play area near the coaster!
Feast like Vikings within dining locations like Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel, where they’ll find:
- Yaknog (Mead Hall) – a fun rich and creamy concoction of malted chocolate, cinnamon and a generous swirl of whipped cream
- Thawfest Platter (Mead Hall) – grand spread of tender chicken drumsticks glazed in a wild berry BBQ glaze, grilled salmon, and succulent sausage served with a medley of roasted carrots, cipollini onions, Nordic fries, and side sauces
- Stormfly’s Catch of the Day (Mead Hall) – a chocolate mousse fish nestled atop a bed of colorful crispy rice cereal for a delightful combination of creamy and crunchy sweetness
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
The boy who lived breathed new life into Universal Orlando when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter debuted so many years ago. And while we love visiting Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, soon it will be time to visit the Ministry of Magic.
This new Harry Potter land at Epic Universe has one of the most incredible rides in theme park history! It may be too intense for younger kids, but there is a 40 inch height requirement, pretty average for most kids age 6-7. The Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ ride has previewed to amazing reviews. Practically everyone who has experienced it has said it is truly spectacular.
This ride is a technical wonder — the effects, the scenery, the movement — it’s all next level. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the wizarding world, traveling from Paris straight into the depths of the British Ministry of Magic™.
The storyline follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they race to stop a dangerous trial led by none other than Dolores Umbridge™. You’ll board a Ministry lift and zoom through different departments, encountering magical creatures and some seriously intense moments along the way.
For something dazzling, without the thrills, experience a live show based on the Fantastic Beasts movies. You can expect many British and French influences in this land including a cafe and bakery.
Related post: NEW Interactive Wands for Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will include a variety of enchanting dining locations – Café L’air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir and more – filled with French-inspired cuisine and new iterations of familiar favorites, including:
- Butterbeer Crêpe (Café L’air De La Sirène) – for the first time ever, guests can enjoy the flavors of Butterbeer in a crepe that includes shortbread cookie butter, Bavarian cream, Butterbeer cream, strawberries, Butterbeer drizzle and a Butterbeer shortbread cookie
- Baguette de Dinde (Café L’air De La Sirène) – a charmingly scrumptious dish featuring sliced cracked black pepper turkey piled high with arugula, crisp apples and creamy Brie served with a warm crusty baguette with zesty mustard butter and apple butter
- Alchemist’s Platter (Le Gobelet Noir) – an exquisite spread featuring smoked sausage, potato and cheese pierogies, tangy pickled eggs, vibrant marinated beets, savory caramelized onions, and a warm pretzel served with zesty German mustard and cheese fondue
We’ll be back with a closer look at Universal Epic Universe, especially for parents, kids, and families. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for weekly things to do with kids in Orlando.
By the way, we’re big fans of Orlando ParkStop and their incredible coverage of Epic Universe, so be sure to check them out too!
