Ready to take on the BEST roller coasters at Epic Universe?
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando, you’re in for a treat.
With Universal’s Epic Universe opening on May 22, 2025, the countdown is officially ON for what promises to be Orlando’s most exciting theme park expansion in years.
I’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you plan your coaster strategy for opening day.
Let’s rank these epic rides from good to absolutely mind-blowing!
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Key Takeaways
- Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025, expanding Universal’s attractions significantly.
- Universal Orlando offers a diverse range of roller coasters, catering to both thrill-seekers and families.
- Curse of the Werewolf will have you twisting and turning through the forest while trying to escape a group of werewolves..
- Stardust Racers is a thrilling dual-launched coaster reaching speeds of 62.6 mph over 5,000 feet of track.
- Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness features innovative rail-jumping technology for an immersive ride experience.
- Hiccups Wing Gliders offers a family-friendly coaster option with a top speed of 45 mph, appealing to all ages.
Keep reading to get the full breakdown on each roller coaster at this park!
#4 Curse of the Werewolf
Drawing inspiration from the classic werewolf lore that we’ve come to, this atmospheric coaster delivers spine-tingling thrills with a howling twist to see if you’ll become the next werewolf in Darkmoor Village.
The story goes on to say that Maleva, the head of The Guild of Mystics, invites you to a hidden wagon camp.
It’s here where you are cautioned about the beasts that lurk deep into the woods. You will twist and turn through the forest while trying to evade a group of werewolves.
The ride combines family-friendly ride elements along with unexpected drops, launches and tight turns through a haunted European village at 37 miles per hour (mph).
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What to Expect on This Epic Universe Roller Coaster
Themed queue line featuring werewolf lore, moody lighting, and sudden accelerations that mimic a werewolf’s pounce.
The coaster’s unique “transformation” section halfway through changes the ride experience completely!
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Ride at night for maximum atmosphere – the moonlit sections hit differently when it’s actually dark outside.
#3 Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness
Hold onto your tie! This groundbreaking attraction uses Universal’s patented Boom coaster technology to create the illusion that your mine cart is actually jumping between tracks – just like in the video games!
What to Expect on This Epic Universe Roller Coaster
This is a wildly immersive journey through Donkey Kong Country with barrels to dodge, bananas to collect, and realistic rail-jumping moments that will have you questioning physics.
The ride system creates a genuinely unique sensation unlike any other attraction.
Many people complain about its roughness but that’s where I found the charm in this cool roller coaster.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Sit in the back row for the most intense “jump” feeling when the cart appears to leap between tracks.
#2 Hiccups Wing Gliders
I fell in love with Hiccups Wing Gliders. Honestly, I like it over Stardust Racers but I wanted to leave my bias out of this list.
Perfect for families but thrilling enough for coaster enthusiasts, this coaster lets you soar through the skies of How to Train Your Dragon’s world.
The fun Epic Universe roller will have you feeling like you’re really training to be a dragon rider as you hit speeds of up to 45 mph with a peak height of 50 feet.
What to Expect on This Epic Universe Roller Coaster
On Hiccups winged flying machine, you’ll experience smooth swooping motions, near-miss elements with Viking village structures, and incredible theming that makes you feel like you’re truly riding a dragon.
The ride features multiple “gliding” sections where the coaster slows to let you appreciate the scenery along with some intense launches that will have you screaming for more!
You’ll even get a glimpse of Toothless and Hiccup while you’re on this attraction.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Request the front row or the back row for the most dramatic flying sensation and be sure to ride this one at night as it makes you feel super immersed in the story.
#1 Stardust Racers
The undisputed crown jewel of Epic Universe’s coaster collection!
This dual-launched cosmic adventure spans approximately 5,000 feet of track and reaches exhilarating speeds of 62.6 mph with a peak height of 133 feet as you race through a celestial landscape.
There’s also an inverted crisscross known as the Celestial Spin that makes you feel as if you’re truly racing through space!
What to Expect on This Epic Universe Roller Coaster
Two distinct racing tracks (Yellow and Green) with different elements, multiple launches, and a revolutionary “cosmic jump” section where both tracks appear to cross paths in impossible ways.
The ride features onboard audio synchronized perfectly with the experience.
In my opinion, this ride was a bit bumpy on the yellow side so do keep that in mind when you choose your sides on this ride.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: To me, the yellow track offers more airtime moments, while the green track delivers more intense experience overall with an inversion – choose according to your preference or ride both!
My Final Thoughts
Epic Universe is set to revolutionize Orlando’s theme park scene with these innovative coaster experiences.
Whether you’re drawn to the horror-inspired thrills of Curse of the Werewolf, the groundbreaking technology of Mine-Cart Madness, the family-friendly excitement of Hiccups Wing Gliders, or the pure adrenaline of Stardust Racers, there’s something for every level of thrill-seeker.
Mark your calendars for May 22, 2025, and get ready to experience these game-changing attractions firsthand! Which one will you race to first?
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
