10 Tips for Families Visiting Epic Universe in Orlando

If you plan on visiting Epic Universe in Orlando this year, you need to be prepared. Between the size of the park, the immersive lands, and all the new attractions, knowing how to plan ahead can make the difference between a stressful day and an unforgettable vacation.

Whether you’re visiting with kids, teens, or it’s your first Universal park experience ever, these Epic Universe tips for families and first-timers will help you get the most out of your trip.

1. What is Epic Universe (and Why It’s Different)

Epic Universe isn’t just another theme park. It’s a brand-new Universal theme park built with fully immersive lands, next-level rides, and family-friendly attractions.

Unlike Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe is designed so each land feels like stepping into a whole new world. Knowing this ahead of time helps you plan your day without rushing.

The “worlds” are as follows: Nintendo World, Paris(Harry Potter Ministry of Magic), Dark Universe and How to Train your Dragon.

Tip for first-timers:
Plan to explore slowly. Epic Universe isn’t meant to be “done” in a few hours.

2. Arrive Early (Especially with Kids)

This is one of the most important Epic Universe tips. Arrive early.

Families benefit the most from early entry because:

Kids have more energy
Ride lines are shorter
The park is cooler and less crowded

If you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, you may qualify for early park entry, which is a game-changer for popular attractions. Make sure you eat before breakfast before you go, last thing you want is hangry and hot kids and spending a small fortune at the park to feed them.

Family travel tip:
Ride the must-do attractions first, then slow down later in the day.

See my “Epic Universe Travel Guide” here for more details

3. Choose Family-Friendly Rides First

When visiting Epic Universe with kids or first-time visitors, it’s smart to start your day with attractions that the whole family can enjoy together. Not every ride will be intense, and Epic Universe offers several family-friendly rides perfect for all ages.

Here are a few examples of rides families should prioritize first:

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – A fun, interactive ride where families race through familiar scenes using augmented reality. It’s exciting without being scary, making it a great choice for younger kids and parents alike. This ride typically has long lines, so you make sure you check ahead of time what the queue is.
Yoshi’s Adventure – A gentle, slow-moving ride that’s perfect for toddlers, young kids and anyone who prefers a relaxing experience. It’s also a great way to enjoy the theming and rest tired feet later in the day.
How to Train Your Dragon – This is a little more intense ride but it’s good for kids who are ready to experience something a little more thrilling. A couple launches, fast twists and turns and a fun ride for everyone.
Dark rides and interactive attractions – These types of rides are perfect for first-timers because they focus on storytelling, visuals, and hands-on fun rather than big drops or intense speeds. The “Harry Potter and Escape from the Ministry” is a ride like this. Pretty chill and not anything too crazy.

Yoshi's adventure ride at Universal — Yoshi’s adventure ride at Universal

Tip for families:
Start with these rides in the morning when lines are shorter and kids are fresh. You can always work your way up to bigger thrill rides later in the day.

This approach helps everyone ease into the park, avoids early-day stress, and keeps the experience fun for the whole family.

4. Use Universal’s App to Save Time

If you only follow one planning tip, make it this one: Download the Universal Orlando app.

The app helps you:

Check real-time wait times
Navigate the park
Find food and restrooms
Adjust plans on the fly

For families, this means less wandering and fewer meltdowns.

First-timer tip:
Check wait times before walking across the park. Epic Universe is BIG.

5. Take Breaks (Epic Universe Is Huge)

Epic Universe is designed to be massive and immersive, which means a lot of walking.

Families should plan:

Snack breaks
Sit-down meals
Shaded rest areas
Pack water with you to make sure everyone is hydrated

You don’t need to rush from ride to ride to have an amazing experience. You will have time to do everything you want in one day.

Parent-approved advice:
A rested kid is a happy kid and a happy kid means a better vacation.

6. Don’t Skip the Theming and Details

One of the most magical parts of Epic Universe is the attention to detail. Each land is filled with hidden touches, interactive elements, and storytelling moments.

Slow down and:

Look around
Take photos
Explore shops and scenery

My favorite part of Universal is seeing all the little details and attention they put into each theme. Waiting in line doesn’t have to be boring. Take in the beautiful surroundings, artwork and architecture in those queues and appreciate the immersive experience you’re in.

Ministry-of-Magic-Queue — Ministry of Magic Statue

7. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

Dining is a big part of the Epic Universe experience, and popular restaurants can fill up quickly.

Look up menus in advance
Make reservations in the app ahead of time
Eat breakfast at home to save time and money

Eating earlier or later than the usual lunch rush can save you a lot of time.

Helpful tip:
A sit-down meal is also a great way to recharge everyone’s energy. After we sat down and had a meal in the “How to Train your Dragon” world I instantly felt better. Definitely worth it to spend 30-60 minutes to sit down, eat and drink and get in the shade.

For families:

8. Consider Express Passes (If It Fits Your Budget)

If your family is visiting during peak seasons like summer or holidays, Express Passes can be worth considering.

They allow you to:

Skip regular standby lines
Experience more rides in less time
Reduce stress for kids and parents

They aren’t required, but for first-timers who want to maximize their day, they can be a big help. I personally don’t think they’re worth it. They cost more than the actual tickets themselves! But if you have the money to spend then go for it!

Ministry of Magic Ride Queue Epic Universe

9. Pack Smart for a Full Day at Epic Universe

What you bring with you can make or break your day at Universal’s Epic Universe, especially when visiting with kids.

Because the park is large and involves a lot of walking, families should pack with comfort and convenience in mind.

Must-pack items for families:

Refillable water bottles (hydration is key in Florida)
Sunscreen and hats
Portable phone chargers
Lightweight and sunproof shirts
Snacks for kids

Packing smart helps reduce stress, saves money, and keeps everyone comfortable throughout the day.

10. Set Realistic Expectations for Your First Visit

For families and first-time visitors, one of the biggest mistakes is trying to do everything in one day.

Epic Universe is designed to be immersive, not rushed. Long lines, rest breaks, meals, and exploration time all add up.

Helpful mindset tips:

You most likely won’t get to see everything in one day, however you most likely will get to do what you want.
Focus on top priorities, not every attraction. Do what you’re most excited for first, then the rest is just gravy on top.
Build in flexibility for kids’ moods and energy levels. Pack snacks and take frequent breaks
Appreciate the world around you. Take in the small details and design that went into the parks. That is what makes Universal the best!

By setting realistic expectations, families enjoy the experience more and leave feeling happy instead of overwhelmed.

Epic Universe is truly a theme park unlike any other. Whether you’re going with family or friends, you have to be prepared and know what to expect before you go. I hope this article of 10 Tips for families going to Epic Universe for the first time is helpful and comes in handy for your first trip to this amazing park.

Use the link here for hotels near Epic Universe