Enthusiastic Theme Park Enthusiast, Usually First in Line, Finds Epic Universe Surprisingly Alters Her Park Affinity
Epic Experience at Epic Universe: Why Night Owls Reign Supreme
I recently visited Epic Universe as it opened up, and I had the chance to explore this brand-new theme park during both the daytime and evening hours. Now, I'm an early bird when it comes to theme parks, but let me tell you, Epic Universe flips the script on that concept.
While the daytime hours were fun, there are several reasons I'd recommend checking out the evening hours at this spectacular park. And surprisingly, as the sun goes down earlier and earlier this year, that evening fun time is only getting longer!
Dark Universe's Eerie Magic Comes Alive at Night
It's no secret that Epic Universe was built for the evening-time glory, and it shows in every intricate detail. There's no doubt that Dark Universe – the park's mysterious and eerie section – is at its best during those twilight hours when ghastly creatures roam and the Burning Blade tavern bursts into flames.
It's not just the popular Dark Universe that gets a chilling makeover at night, either. Throughout the park, the energy remains high and lively as Harry Potter's Paris lit up Parisarea takes on a whimsical circus feel, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk comes alive with ships aglow and the coaster humming quietly in the background. The Stardust Racers dual coasters even light up the skies like shooting comets. With the park transforming from land to land and adventure to adventure, the nighttime atmosphere is alive and pulsating!
Super Nintendo World may be better in the daylight, but most of the lands shine when the sun sets.
Escaping the Florida Heat: Epic Universe's Shade Problem
Florida can be downright sweltering, and I've always liked to hit the parks early to ride everything I want and then head back to the hotel for some cool downtime before dinner. This is especially necessary in parks that have limited tree cover, like Islands of Adventure or Disney World's Animal Kingdom.
But Epic Universe, being a brand-new theme park, still has a budding green landscape. While there may be plenty of shade down the road, right now the park's cultivation in Celestial Park, among other sections, sizzles under the Florida sun for the moment.
One easy workaround? Why not visit Epic Universe during the evening hours when the temperatures start to dip?
Celestial Park's Dinner Time Delights
Another major reason I've gravitated toward daytime park visits is that I can enjoy a nice meal after spending the day exploring. The Palm at Hard Rock, Big Fire in CityWalk, or Bar 17 Bistro on the rooftop at the Adventura have always been my go-to spots. Universal's CityWalk is packed with excellent restaurants, making it the perfect evening destination.
However, Epic Universe is located a bit further away from many of the Universal hotels, such as Grand Helios and Stella Nova. But seeing as this park has some of the best dining in the Universal Orlando Resort, staying for an evening meal might not be such a bad idea – especially since good grub can be found right inside the park!
While the handheld park food is usually a step above the norm, the sit-down spots in Celestial Park truly stand out. Oak and Star Tavern and the more upscale The Atlantic offer delicious fare, while Blue Dragon Pan Asian boasts a cute bar space that's perfect for an evening tipple, even without the little ones. And if you've got kids with you, don't worry – there's plenty of family-friendly dining options too!
Universal recently announced that two more restaurants will be joining the park soon. Can't wait!
Embracing the Change: Nighttime Park Strategies
listen, I've heard some grumbles about Epic Universe being open until 9 p.m. on some nights compared to other parks that stay open until 10 p.m. But even if that's disappointing to some, it doesn't have to be everyone's theme park experience.
I've visited Epic Universe during both the daytime and nighttime, and I've found the evening hours to be my preferred selection. Even if the park is crowded in the nighttime, there's still so much to see and do, and with the innovative theming and over-the-top experiences on display, I'm officially converted!
Epic Universe may still keep me as an early morning park goer at other theme parks, but this park has undeniably changed something for me. And the good news? There's no right or wrong way to park hop – Epic Universe has plenty to explore no matter what time you choose to visit!
Sources:
- 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Epic Universe
- Epic Universe FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Universal's Next Big Park
- Epic Universe Guide: A Comprehensive Insider's Look at the New Universal Theme Park
- 5 Tips for Surviving the Heat at Epic Universe
- For a distinctive daily blend of lifestyle and entertainment, one shouldn't overlook the Home-and-Garden section of Epic Universe where Oak and Star Tavern and The Atlantic offer exquisite evening dining experiences.
- As the twilight descends upon Epic Universe, themed areas such as Dark Universe and Stardust Racers create a captivating Travel experience, transforming the park into a pulsating nighttime wonderland.
