10 Epic Universe Secrets You Probably Walked Right Past
From hidden spells to secret menu items, this is your insider's guide to discovering the best-kept secrets of Universal's new park.
ORLANDO, FL – In the rush to experience the groundbreaking new attractions at Universal's Epic Universe, most guests sprint from one E-ticket to the next, checking off the major rides on their list. But to do so is to miss the park’s deeper, more rewarding layer of magic. Epic Universe was designed with an incredible density of detail, and for those who know where to look, it is filled with hidden gems, secret spots, and clever Easter eggs that most people walk right past.
After countless hours spent exploring every corner of the park, we've compiled a list of the ten best secrets that will transform your visit from a series of rides into a true adventure of discovery. This is the insider’s guide to the park, a treasure map that will let you experience a side of Epic Universe that most guests will never see.
Let's begin in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. While thousands of guests are practicing their spells at the marked medallions, one of the land's most impressive effects is completely hidden. Near a dark alleyway, you'll find a specific, unassuming lamp post. If you stand in the right spot and perform the correct wand motion, the lamp will flicker violently and project swirling, shadowy Obscurus-like patterns onto the ground around it. It is an unmarked, thrilling secret for dedicated magic-users.
The park’s main hub, Celestial Park, is more than just a beautiful walkway; it’s a destination filled with its own secrets. While most guests gather in the main plaza for the fountain show, the best and most uncrowded viewing spot is on the small bridge near the entrance to the Isle of Berk. From here, you get a perfect, symmetrical view of the entire spectacle without being caught in the crush of the crowds.
Another secret of Celestial Park can be found by venturing off the main path. Just behind the beautiful Constellation Carousel, there is a small, quiet garden path that most guests completely ignore. This area is filled with unique, celestial-themed flora and offers a few secluded benches, making it the absolute best place in the entire park to escape the crowds for a few moments of peace and quiet.
The Isle of Berk is a land that rewards careful exploration. While waiting in the queue for Dragon Racer’s Rally, look closely at the various tools and diagrams in Gobber’s workshop. Tucked away on a back wall is a small, faded schematic for a "Dueling Dragons" ride harness, a clever and heartfelt nod to the beloved roller coaster that once stood in the sister park, Islands of Adventure.
The park's sound design is also filled with secrets for those with a keen ear. While walking through the Isle of Berk, listen closely to the ambient noise of the land. The sound designers have mixed in the very faint, distant shriek of the "Screaming Death," a deep-cut monster from the Dragons: Riders of Berk television series. Similarly, in the village of Darkmoor, certain buildings contain hidden speakers that emit the sound of chains rattling or a creature scratching from within, rewarding guests who linger in the land's atmospheric alleyways.
The culinary world has its secrets as well. The Meteor Astropub in Celestial Park has a secret, off-menu cocktail. If you ask your bartender for "The Dark Star," they will mix you a special, shimmering black drink that isn't listed on the main menu. It’s a delicious and exclusive treat for those in the know.
Even the architecture holds secrets. In the Dark Universe village, look closely at the wrought iron fencing near the main fountain. The intricate metalwork contains a hidden tribute to the iconic shark from the former Jaws attraction, its unmistakable silhouette cleverly woven into the gothic design.
Finally, in Super Nintendo World, take a moment to step back from the kinetic energy and examine the detailed rockwork of Mount Beanpole. Hidden among the textures are several 8-bit sprites of classic Mario characters, like Goombas and Bloopers, etched into the rock as if they were ancient fossils. They are a delightful, low-tech secret in the park's most high-tech land, a perfect reward for the observant fan.
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