No. 5 – the scariest ride here

Ride: Stardust Racers

Land: Celestial Park

Don’t get me wrong – this truly defines the word “epic” and is one of the halo rides in terms of its engineering and thrill factor. But it’s 133ft tall, reaches speeds of up to 62mph (my own car no longer even goes that fast), and is one of THE fastest and most daring coasters in Orlando.

I’m only leaving this here at number five, as for the longest three minutes of my life, I felt utterly petrified; this won’t be for everyone. A dual-launch ride, two comet-shaped trains (Photon and Pulsar) effectively race each other on a swirling 1.8-mile track. The ride has lightning-fast launches and no break zones (meaning the trains do not stop at any point during the ride) which added to the relentlessness of the experience (for me, anyway).

One of the scariest points (my eyes were closed most of the time so I can't quite tell you how this was) is the unique Celestial Spin element, where the tracks invert and criss-cross, with the two racing coasters facing then twisting around each other.

Designed to resemble comets, at night, the carriages of Stardust Racers are illuminated, but not the track itself, so they kind of look like shooting stars as they zip through the night sky. You know it’s safe, you know it’s “only” a few minutes, but my word – this is fast. Intense, and impressive in almost equal measure.

Also try here: You can calm your nerves on a gentle spin on the Constellation Carousel; it’s not about the thrills and wows here, it’s about the whimsy. It’s very child-friendly; equally 52-year-olds like me will appreciate the house-music backing track as you enjoy riding an adorable star-sign creature with the chance to feel some cool air around you.

What else: While each of the other four worlds has a fun array of thematic food options, Celestial Park will be the hub for dining, including the impressive Atlantic seafood restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium; The Blue Dragon pan-Asian restaurant; The Oak & Star Tavern; and Pizza Moon. Plus – Celestial Park has that lake and fountain situation to make you feel cooler.

No. 4 – Fun for all ages

Ride: Mine-Cart Madness, Donkey Kong 

Land: Super Nintendo World

I just loved this one – it’s squeally great fun. Built to reflect the game, including how carts jump the tracks and hurtle you along in search of the golden banana; as you approach what looks like a broken track you wail in fear/delight before the cart does the jump.

An outdoor coaster, it includes splash areas (you don’t really get wet, it just adds to the effect), great detailed sets, fun animatronics and plenty of sound effects – and not just your screams. But while this is another ‘family coaster’, it’s not a smooth ride and can be a bit on the rough and shaky side.

The theme park experts among you will see the similarities to a forerunner coaster at Universal Studios Japan which opened in December 2024. The bonus here however, is that Mine-Cart Madness sits in a vibrant land of its own – Donkey Kong Country, where you amble through a tropical landscape inspired by the video game series, complete with a waterfall and landmarks such as the Golden Temple.

Also try here: The main part of Super Nintendo World is of course the hyper-coloured Super Mario Land, first reached by riding up a green escalator before each of your senses – well mainly sight and hearing – is grabbed and shaken until you no longer know what’s real anymore. While making your way around the Mushroom Kingdom, you can also wear a power-up band (around $45 to purchase), with this wrist device allowing you to hit the various blocks and play points along the way.

What else: A meet-and-greet with DK or Mario and Luigi should also be on the list, as should the super-sweet but irresistible DK Crush Float (whipped banana cream with sprinkles, chocolate bits, caramel popcorn on a waffle bowl, $18.99!) served at the Bubbly Barrel. Or, eat at the stupidly cute Toadstool Cafe, where on the menu are the likes of Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup and Piranha Plant Caprese.

No. 3 – monster magic

Ride: Curse of the Werewolf

Land: Dark Universe

Some say it was a bold move theming one of Epic’s new lands around a bunch of monsters some people may have only seen in old movies; but most of us will probably always be afraid of the idea of werewolves, Frankenstein, strange experiments and spooky ole castles. Enter Dark Universe.

This brilliantly-created land is a supposed to evoke an eerie Medieval village called Darkmoor: think windmill blades that periodically burst into flames, and mysterious flashing lights in a tower atop a foreboding castle, while dubious characters lurk in the shadows.

The pre-ride experience of Curse of the Werewolf, takes on this story, as you enter an area that evokes a wagon camp of travelling mystics, who warn of these creatures lurking outside the castle walls. It’s an outdoor spinning coaster with a strong launch that propels you into “a dark forest”, with many twists, turns, forwards and backward – all designed to make you feel as if you are being chased by werewolves.

It’s said to be family friendly, but again, it does reach speeds of up to 37mph over the two minutes with many spins. Needless to say, I howled with glee as we made our way around…

Also try here: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is phenomenal. As part of the pre-ride experience, you make your way through the old castle on quite a journey, past various scary installations and immersions in what Universal Orlando says is “its most terrifying attraction yet”. It’s then a state-of-the-art dark ride that sends you “into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor”. Very clever, very next-generation. And very creepy. 

What else? Maybe try the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience – guests of all ages can undergo a makeup transformation that includes elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos to showcase their fandom for the various Universal monsters over the years. And get hold of the FrankenPretzel; I washed this mask-sized salty snack down with the Monocane Mocktail, a green potion served with a playful laboratory effect in The Burning Blade Tavern. 

No. 2 – Likely to get the most attention

Ride: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry 

Land: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Potterheads will probably pounce on me for only placing this second – but I’m not a follower. I also think it will be very wise to temper clients’ expectations: the queues for this are going to be off the charts (I queued for an hour when there were probably only a few hundred people around). However – having said all that, this ride will blow anyone’s mind; fan or otherwise.

The pre-ride experience starts via an elegant station entrance that you might even miss in this faithful recreation of 1920s Paris. The MetroFloo unfurls before you, then you’re directed through green swirling mist into the unbelievable main hall of the Ministry of Magic, where all the talk is of the long-awaited trial of Dolores Umbridge.

I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Huge walls of rich green tiles lead the eye up to soaring ceilings in this cathedral-scale interior hall where swirling clouds adorn the ceiling, atop glass-walled ‘offices’ on multiple levels.

You wind your way through the immersive pre-ride queue experience, through locker rooms and offices, past talking portraits, statues and set tableaus that recall key parts of the Ministry in outstanding detail. You then take a seat in an omnidirectional lift, almost like being in a small theatre, or perhaps a jury box at a court trial.

This ‘lift’ – which has been hailed as a completely new kind of ride system – spins and dips as incredible sequences play out before you on enormous screens, peppered with lifelike animatronics that loom out at you against huge sets. I won’t give away any more, but know that this highly immersive attraction blends seriously impressive audio-animatronics and screen set pieces seamlessly.

But also warn clients that they could be in for a loooong wait (several hours sometimes) for this one.

Also try here: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter itself is one of the most realistic and immersive lands Universal has ever created: just strolling around, it felt so Parisian, from the epic Phoenix Arch you enter beneath, to the sophisticated Place Cachée, lined with grand cafes and eateries and perfect little shops. Speaking of which – very intriguingly, guests can use their interactive wands (around $85 each) to engage with enchanted objects in the windows and awaken magical experiences as they cast spells at other locations. Pure genius.

What else? One of Epic’s two live shows is also here (keep an eye and ear out too for other pop-up musical interludes and characters), called Le Cirque Arcanus, but The Untrainable Dragon beat this one for me (see below). Best drink of the park is probably here too – you have to try Butterbeer, a non-alcoholic, creamy drink that tastes like a blend of butterscotch and cream soda, with a sweet whipped topping (it costs around $8.99), available from the Bièraubeurre Cart on Place Cachée. Decadent and delicious.

No. 1 – My favourite!

Ride: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

Land: How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

First, a confession: I have never watched a How to Train Your Dragon film (or read the books, which are said to be superb), but I am now officially obsessed. And if you know clients are too, a new live action film comes out this month (a live-action remake of the 2010 animated film), so it’s a good time to pitch this trip.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is described as “a family thrill coaster” that launches aspiring dragon riders into the skies. There is just such a nice vibe, with Epic team members always ready with a cheery “welcome Vikings” as you make your way to the ride. The pre-experience is all outside and as you ‘fly’ through the sky on the ride, you get sweeping dragon’s eye views of Berk, where incredibly imaginative design brings the famed island to life. And while there may be cutesy elements to it and childlike narration in some places, make no mistake – this is not for the faint-hearted, with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders reaching speeds of up to 45mph.

Also try here: The Untrainable Dragon is a fantastical live show, one of the two shows at Epic Universe. A large air-conditioned theatre awaits with a musical extravaganza and spectacular life-sized dragons soaring overhead – and bumbling onto the stage. A great option for people to sit and absorb all the magic of a live show with beloved characters such as Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid. Plus, there is likely to be a long wait, but the meet-and-greets with Hiccup and Toothless back out in this park are sure to be a must for fans.

What else? This is the largest of the worlds and is probably the best for families with smaller children, given its bucolic and cutesy environment, and easier attractions like the slow-paced water-ride Fyre Drill and the Dragon Racer’s Rally, while the Viking Training Camp is a great adventure play area.