Hello from sunny Orlando! This blog is coming to you from Drew, our general manager here at Vista Cay Resort. He’s excited to share some highlights from attending Universal’s Epic Universe grand opening as a special guest. Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable vacation, Epic Universe truly lives up to its name — and staying just minutes away at Vista Cay makes the adventure even better.

 

From Drew - 

 

 

As an Orlando local and theme park fan, I’ve had the opportunity to visit just about every park in Central Florida. But stepping into Epic Universe for the first time was something else entirely. From the moment I walked through the gates, I knew guests were in for a next-level experience. Here’s the insider scoop from my experience!

 

Welcome to Celestial Park

 

 

The journey begins in Celestial Park, the central hub of the entire theme park. It’s a beautifully designed, space-themed area that really sets the tone for your visit. Think glowing pathways, lush gardens, and futuristic architecture that feels like a scene straight out of a sci-fi dream.

 

One of the standout attractions here is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that soars through the sky and twirls in mesmerizing fashion. It’s exhilarating and smooth — definitely a must-ride for thrill-seekers. If you’re traveling with little ones (or just need a breather), the Constellation Carousel offers a whimsical and relaxing spin through the stars.

 

Celestial Park also has some excellent quick bites and sit-down options. As the central hub of the park, these are perfect options for any point of your journey. 

 

Dragons Await in the Isle of Berk

 

 

From there, we passed through our first portal into the Isle of Berk, the land of How to Train Your Dragon. This section is fantastic for families and fans of the movies. The level of detail is jaw-dropping — you’ll feel like you’re walking right through the Viking village of Berk.

 

We had a blast meeting the dragons and interacting with cast members who were all perfectly in character. Kids will especially love this land, as the rides are accessible to younger children without skimping on the fun.

 

Our favorite ride here? Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a high-flying adventure that gives you a dragon’s-eye view of the land.
 

Powering-Up in Super Nintendo World

 

 

Next, we jumped into a whole new world — literally. Super Nintendo World is everything a gamer could dream of. The area is split into two sections: Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country, and both are packed with interactive experiences and clever design.

 

You’ll definitely want to purchase a Power-Up Band before diving in — these wristbands let you interact with objects, collect coins, and even track your progress on mini-games throughout the land.

 

 

In Donkey Kong Country, we braved Minecart Madness, which quickly became one of my favorite coasters. The ride is wild — expect bumps, sudden drops, and sharp turns as you race through the jungle in true DK style. It’s fast, fun, and full of surprises. (Trust me, adrenaline junkies will love it.)

 

Things Get Spooky in Dark Universe

 

 

As the sun began to set, it was the perfect time to visit Dark Universe, the park’s horror-themed land dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters. If you’ve ever wanted to come face-to-face with Dracula, Frankenstein, or the Wolfman, this is your chance.

 

This area has an intense atmosphere — think foggy pathways, gothic architecture, and eerie sound effects that echo through the trees. I rode Curse of the Werewolf after dark, and let’s just say I held onto the safety bar a little tighter than usual. It’s thrilling, immersive, and not for the faint of heart.

 

The Wizarding World And More

 

 

Image courtesy of Harrypotter.com

 

One thing about this park is it's huge, and we didn’t even have time to explore every park during our visit. One spot we missed was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic. This area exists in 1920’s Paris and is a must-see for any Potterhead. So we leave the rest to you, be sure to check it out for yourself!

 

A Dazzling Finale at Celestial Park

 

 

To end the night, we circled back to Celestial Park for the nightly fireworks show — and wow, what a finale. The lights, music, and visual effects are synchronized perfectly for a magical send-off. It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day.

 

To see more, check out the video we made from our day here.

 

Why Stay at Vista Cay Resort

 

One of the best parts of our Epic Universe adventure? Knowing that Vista Cay Resort was just a short drive away. After a day filled with walking, rides, and excitement, there’s nothing like returning to a spacious suite with resort-style amenities. Our accommodations are ideal for families and groups, with room to spread out, full kitchens, and multiple bedrooms.

 

Whether you’re coming for Epic Universe or any of Orlando’s world-famous attractions, Vista Cay is a calm, comfortable home base in the heart of the action  — no long commutes, no stress.