Credit: UniversalUniversal’s newest park, Epic Universe, stormed onto the Orlando scene with sky-high expectations. Fans buzzed before the gates opened, debating whether Universal could finally challenge Disney for the crown. But the hype came with controversy, too. Some attractions blew guests away, while others wondered why they wasted two hours in line for such a little payoff.
That’s the reality of Epic Universe’s debut year: a mix of must-rides, fun diversions, and a few letdowns you’d probably rather skip. So, here’s the breakdown—complete with which rides count as winners and which slid into the loser column.
Epic Universe at a Glance
Epic Universe is built around a central hub called Celestial Park, with themed “worlds” branching out in every direction. You can wander from the wizarding streets of the Ministry of Magic to the monster-filled town of Darkmoor, hop on a dragon’s back in the Isle of Berk, or dive into the chaos of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. It’s big, bold, and promises variety for every type of theme park fan.
But promise doesn’t always equal perfection. Let’s break down how the rides stacked up in their first year.
Constellation Carousel — Loser
On paper, the Constellation Carousel sounded like a whimsical centerpiece for Celestial Park. Guests ride “cosmic-themed” animals that spin along a figure-eight track under glowing lights. Unfortunately, it ended up being more of a pretty photo op than an actual fun ride. The animals are just average animals painted bright colors, and nothing special or “galaxy-like” about them.
Families with young kids may enjoy it once, but the novelty fades fast. Long waits made guests regret burning valuable park time on a glorified carousel. This one landed squarely in the loser column in a park full of high-tech thrills.
Stardust Racers — Winner
Now this is the kind of ride that shows Universal means business. Stardust Racers is a dueling launch coaster that has quickly become the star of Celestial Park. Two trains race side-by-side, flipping and weaving through the sky with speeds topping 60 mph.
The thrill level is off the charts, and the competitive racing angle keeps riders returning. Guests came off this ride grinning ear to ear, and it’s already drawing comparisons to Universal’s greatest coasters. Clear winner.
Curse of the Werewolf — Loser
Themed to The Wolf Man, Curse of the Werewolf promised a family coaster with bite. Instead, most found it tamer than expected and too short for the wait. The spinning element provided a neat twist but wasn’t enough to elevate the experience. The ride is extremely short. The werewolf doesn’t even really appear during the attraction.
And if you’re an adult trying to ride with your kid, good luck trying to fit into it comfortably. You’ll walk away with bruises and remain cramped with no leg room. Don’t worry, though, at least the ride doesn’t last long.
This ride felt more like filler in a park where nearly everything feels next-level. With better options nearby, guests quickly labeled it a skip.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment — Winner
If one ride proved Universal can still deliver jaw-dropping dark ride experiences, it’s Monsters Unchained. Guests board robotic arms that twist and swoop through elaborate sets as Frankenstein’s experiment spirals out of control.
It’s immersive and thrilling and pays homage to Universal’s horror legacy in the best way possible. From practical effects to storytelling, this ride put Dark Universe on the map. There’s no question—this one’s a winner.
Dragon Racer’s Rally — Loser
The Isle of Berk looks fantastic, but Dragon Racer’s Rally didn’t quite live up to its theming. The ride is basically a spinning flat ride with guests controlling flips, but many walked away saying it felt like something you could find at a local fair. While it is a fun attraction, it doesn’t really match the How to Train Your Dragon theme.
With so many blockbuster attractions surrounding it, this ride felt out of place in a brand-new park. Guests expecting a big dragon-flying thrill were left disappointed.
Fyre Drill — Loser
Interactive splash battles can be fun, but Fyre Drill didn’t become the hit Universal hoped for. Guests sit in boats spraying water at targets and each other, which sounds like a blast on a hot Florida day—until you realize you’ve waited an hour to get soaked.
The boat ride is a cool idea, but it’s nothing we expected from an “epic” theme park. The only real upside of this ride is if you’re absolutely desperate to cool off, and it’s one of the only few rides you can take smaller kids on.
The novelty wears off quickly, and the downtime for loading means lines crawl. Many labeled this ride a waste of precious park time, landing it firmly in the loser category.
Mine-Cart Madness — Winner
This Donkey Kong-themed coaster was one of Epic Universe’s most anticipated attractions and lived up to the hype. Mine-Cart Madness uses a “fake track” trick to make it feel like your cart jumps gaps, creating heart-pounding moments you won’t find anywhere else.
The theming is spot-on, the thrills are fresh, and fans left raving. It’s a clear winner and arguably one of the park’s best.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry — Loser
Without Harry Potter, no Universal park would be complete, and Epic Universe delivered with Battle at the Ministry. Using trackless ride technology, guests are thrown into a magical chase with Death Eaters and Dolores Umbridge.
Here’s the catch—it’s really good, but it doesn’t feel groundbreaking compared to Escape from Gringotts or Forbidden Journey. That said, Potter fans aren’t skipping it, and it’s still one of the strongest rides in the park.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders — Loser
Fans expected Hiccup’s Wing Gliders to be the marquee family coaster of the Isle of Berk. Instead, it came off as underwhelming. It’s not fast enough to excite thrill-seekers and not charming enough to win over families.
Even with some impressive animatronics along the way, it felt like Universal pulled its punches here. Guests rode it once, then moved on without much desire to return.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge — Winner
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s crown jewel, Mario Kart, delivers an AR-enhanced dark ride that puts you right inside the game. You race through Bowser’s castle, tossing shells and dodging hazards, and the sets are stunning.
But let’s be honest: the AR headset nearly ruined it for some. The heavy visor wouldn’t stay in place, and guests complained about fumbling with the tech while trying to enjoy the ride. Even so, the overall immersion and fun factor saved it from being a loser. Despite its flaws, it remains a must-ride.
Planning Your Visit
Epic Universe’s opening year proved that Universal can still dream big—and mostly deliver. For every can’t-miss ride like Stardust Racers, Mine-Cart Madness, and Monsters Unchained, there were more minor misses like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders or Constellation Carousel that didn’t justify the hype.
If you’re planning your visit, dedicate your time to the winners. They showcase Universal’s ability to push theme parks into the future. And as for the losers? Well, maybe you’ll thank them for shorter lines elsewhere.