Epic Universe has been open for over a year, and we’re still loving Universal’s technologically advanced Orlando theme park and its game-changing rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Quincy in Dark Universe!
However, while we still love going to Epic Universe, there are some things at the park we’re not buying again anytime soon.
A NEW Refillable Mug
Okay, so refillable mugs are one of our favorite things about Universal’s parks, Epic Universe in particular. Universal Orlando offers mugs that can be filled at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines located throughout their theme parks, including Epic Universe and CityWalk. These Universal mugs retail for about $19, and offer refills every 10 minutes throughout the day.
You can find them all over the resort.
This has allowed Universal to introduce concepts like Epic Universe’s exclusive soda flavors. Three of the park’s portals feature exclusive Coca-Cola variants only available in those specific lands:
Celestial Spritz: This flavor is located in Celestial Park and features a blend of Seagram’s products, cherry and orange flavors, and a secret “added tartness” that’s mixed in.
Screaming Bury: Located in Dark Universe, Screaming Berry blends Fanta Cherry and Fanta Fruit Punch with added grape and vanilla notes.
Dragon Splash: This Isle of Berk specialty is refreshing on a hot day with its zesty, citrus-forward flavor made with Minute Maid Lime, Fanta Lime, and Mello Yello.
Coca-Cola machine at Oak and Star Tavern
So, why are we saying we won’t buy a new one? Because our old one still works and can be reactivated for $11.99. So, until it breaks, gets lost, or etc., there’s no reason to spend nearly double to replace it.
REVIEW: I Need This Epic Universe Drink on My Own Personal Tap ASAP!
Express Pass
Hear us out: Universal’s Express Pass offers guests shorter wait times at participating rides and attractions once per ride for prices starting at $199 a person, not including theme park admission, which itself ranges anywhere from roughly $140 to $200.
Mine Cart Madness
Now, let’s compare that to an Epic Universe VIP Tour. The park’s Non-Private VIP Tour is a roughly 4-hour structured and guided walking tour of Universal Epic Universe, including VIP Priority access to some of the park’s most popular rides and attractions for no more than twelve (12) guests per tour. The tour is loaded with rides, behind-the-scenes experiences, and some special perks.
Emma loves Epic Universe!
We did the tour ourselves and here’s what we thought! Over the course of the tour, which lasted from 10 AM until 2:30 PM (with a lunch break), our Team Member guide took us through each of Epic Universe’s portals to experience as many attractions as possible, entering each through its exit, and waiting minutes, if at all.
Over the course of the 4.5 hours, our group was able to ride the following attractions:
Mine Cart Madness
Dragon Racer’s Rally
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Fyre Drill
Stardust Racers
Battle at the Ministry
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Yoshi’s Adventure
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
In addition to riding the rides, our guide also provided a litany of interesting facts about the park.
Yoshi’s Adventures
Following the tour’s completion, guests’ VIP Lanyard also serves as a Universal Express Pass for the rest of the day. After our tour, we were able to use our lanyards to ride the following rides:
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Yoshi’s Adventure
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Mine Cart Madness
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Fyre Drill
Battle at the Ministry
La Cirque Arcanus
Stardust Racers
Constellation Carousel
Stardust Racers
In addition to the Express Pass, guests who take the tour also receive 10% off merchandise for the rest of the day.
©Universal
Now the experience is not a cheap one — it costs $489.99, NOT including the $174.00 price of a one-day admission to Epic Universe, which is required to take the tour — so in total, the experience costs nearly $700. That overall price includes the roughly 4-hour tour, and Universal Express access (using your VIP Lanyard once per ride) for the rest of the day. However, the aforementioned Express Pass and park ticket can cost around $500, depending on the date, and doesn’t include the earlier tour access or the merchandise discount. Now, both of these are big financial commitments, and neither is something to do EVERY time once visits the park, but for a once-in-a-lifetime visit or splurge day, the tour seems superior.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders!
I Paid Over $700 for a VIP Tour of Epic Universe and It Was Worth Every Penny
A NEW Power-Up Band
Last but not least, we have the Power-Up Bands. These wristbands are available to purchase for use in Super Nintendo World, and they’re $40 each. They’re designed to help you interact with the land, complete tasks, and collect coins…just like a Mario game! These are a ton of fun if you’re a Nintendo fan, and I could spend all day wandering through the land and doing all the interactive features. Your kids especially will love these, and… the good news is that you’ll only need to make the purchase once instead of buying a new one every visit.
Power-Up Band
You can share one band with the whole family, and many of the games can even be played without the Power-Up Bands, though you won’t be able to keep track of your score. It can be a worthwhile purchase, but don’t be afraid to share, and don’t forget to pack it in your bag for a return visit.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
We love visiting Epic Universe and getting back as often as we can, but we won’t be buying these items for a long time. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Universal tips.
Heading to Epic Universe any time soon? Let us know in the comments below.
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