What’s better than watching Toothless flying across the sky or Harry Potter casting spells alongside Dumbledore? It’s actually experiencing those worlds for real. Turns out, Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, “Epic Universe,” is bringing that fantasy to life.
Spanning over 750 acres, Epic Universe has three themed parks featuring dragons, wizards, Mario Kart races, monster mayhem, and a dreamy hub called Celestial Park. Plus, this park boasts an ADA-compliant design including wide pathways, ramp access, wheelchair-friendly ride queues, and spacious retail areas for easy navigation. Let’s check out what Universal Studios Epic Universe is offering in 2025.
Accessible Thrills: Rides and Attractions at Universal Studios Epic Universe
Universal Studios Epic Universe offers different kinds of rides and immersive attractions that are suitable for thrill seekers, laid-back cruisers, and even those who aren’t exactly fans of wild roller coasters but still want to be part of the action.
Celestial Park: Your Gateway to Adventure and Accessibility
As a portal to other immersive themed areas, Celestial Park is probably the calmest place that features three different rides and attractions, including:
- Stardust Racers is a high-speed roller coaster designed for the adrenaline crowd. Riders will need to transfer from their wheelchair to the ride vehicle, but once strapped in, you’ll be flying through constellations with your stomach somewhere back on Earth.
- Constellation Carousel is a glowing, slow-spinning galaxy ride that glides and rotates 360 degrees like it’s orbiting a star. Guests using wheelchairs can either remain seated during the ride or transfer to one of the ride’s custom ride creatures.
- Astronomica is basically a giant splash pad with interactive water features. It’s perfect for kids to cool off or accidentally-on-purpose soak a family member.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: A Magical Accessible Journey
Once you’ve soaked up the stardust vibes at Celestial Park, your next stop would be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Here, you can roam through cobbled alleyways, peek inside magical shops, and spot a Niffler causing chaos near the fountains. The Ministry of Magic features omnidirectional lifts that take you directly to Umbridge’s trial location. Potterheads may have to transfer to the ride vehicle to chase her through the courtroom and pay for her long-overdue crimes.
Afterwards, catch a live show at Le Cirque Arcanus to find the fantastic beasts. There are accessible seating areas so everyone gets a good view of the madness. Don’t forget to find your wand at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique and cast spells throughout the streets of Paris.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™: Powering Up with Wheelchair Accessibility
Ready to jump into a video game? At SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, you’ll find two massive worlds: Super Mario Land™ and Donkey Kong Country™, both packed with interactive fun and iconic characters.
You can start with Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. With AR headsets and real steering, you’ll be racing through classic courses like Rainbow Road. Riders typically need to transfer for this one, but team members are trained to assist.
The Mine-Cart Madness is a high-speed coaster that winds through the jungle to protect the Golden Banana. This ride includes jumps, dives, and some wild tilts, so transfers are required. However, there’s a non-moving transfer station available for guests who might struggle with stepping from a stationary platform onto a moving one.
Prefer something more relaxed? Yoshi’s Adventure is the perfect slow-paced ride, where you’ll glide through the Mushroom Kingdom, collecting glowing eggs and enjoying the view. Don’t forget to take pictures with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad.
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How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Soaring with Accessibility
At the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk themed area, you finally get the chance to step into a Viking village where dragons are part of the family.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a suspended coaster that mimics the thrill of flying on your very own dragon. Riders will need to transfer into the flight seats, but the queue itself is wide and smooth, so you can explore all the little Viking details while you wait your turn to launch into the skies.
Feeling splashy? Fyre Drill is a boat ride-meets-water cannon battle where teams blast targets and outsoak each other for Viking bragging rights. Then there’s Dragon Racer’s Rally, a spinning ride that gives you full control of how wild your dragon gets. Viking Training Camp is another fully accessible play area with interactive elements, sensory-friendly spots, and space to explore at your own pace.
Don’t miss The Untrainable Dragon, a live-action stunt show featuring fire-breathing drama, a heartwarming story, and all kinds of awesomeness. There are designated viewing areas for wheelchair users.
Dark Universe: Unveiling Accessible Horrors
If your idea of a good time includes lightning storms, monster labs, and a dose of creepiness, Dark Universe should be your next destination.
At this land, start with Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It’s a high-tech dark ride that throws you straight into Victor Frankenstein’s twisted lab where monsters go awry. Or, you can ride Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster that races through the woods as you try to outrun a pack of cursed villagers and snarling werewolves.
Dark Universe is fully explorable with wide pathways, smooth transitions, and accessible viewing areas, so nobody misses out on the chills, thrills, or monster mischief.
Accessible Dining and Shopping Experiences at Universal Studios Epic Universe
When you’re at Universal Studios theme park, snacking and shopping are a must. Below are some of the restaurants and retail stores where you can grab a bite or pick up your favorite merchandise:
Wheelchair-Friendly Restaurants and Snack Stops
You can’t conquer five epic lands on an empty stomach. That’s why Epic Universe boasts wheelchair accessible restaurants and eateries. If you’re at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, visit Café L’air De La Sirène™ to try French cuisine or drink Butterbeer at Bar Moonshine.
In Super Nintendo World™, Chef Toad serves themed burgers that look like they came straight out of a game level at Toadstool Café. Over in Isle of Berk, you can satisfy your inner Viking with Thawfest Platters, Valka’s Vegan Burger, and a Nordic Harvest Salad that’s way more delicious than it sounds. Dark Universe gets spooky with monster-sized meals at Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage.
Craving a fancy second meal? Celestial Park has two eateries named Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, serving everything from Tonkotsu ramen to sea bass.
Accessible Shopping: Browse and Buy with Ease
When it comes to shopping, there are wearable, playable, and 100% displayable items at Epic Universe. You can purchase a light-up wand to cast spells through the Wizarding World, a Donkey Kong tee that screams retro-cool, or an emotional support Toothless plushie. Into spooky stuff? Check out Frankenstein-themed crossbody bags or Dracula figurines from Dark Universe.
The best part is that every store has wide paths, smooth floors, and low counters, so you can stock up your favorite merchandise without squeezing through tight corners.
Exploring the Accessible Features of Universal’s Epic Universe
While most theme parks can be overwhelming for wheelchair users, Epic Universe is built to take the stress out of the journey. There are clearly marked handicapped parking spaces, and complimentary shuttle buses for access between Universal Theme Parks and Universal CityWalk, as well as to the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels.
Once inside, you can rent manual wheelchairs for $15, ECVs (Electric Convenience Vehicles) for $75, and Canopy ECVs for $95 per day. Most rides are wheelchair-friendly. If you’re concerned about long lines, check out the Attractions Assistance Pass. This system helps disabled guests who can’t wait in traditional queues by giving them a return time instead.
There are accessible restrooms throughout the park, a Family Care Center with sensory-friendly quiet rooms, and First Aid stations conveniently located adjacent to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™.
Enjoy an Accessible Vacation with Wheelchair Getaways
Heading to Epic Universe or anywhere else in the USA but worried about transportation? Wheelchair Getaways is your trusted partner for wheelchair-accessible rides across the nation. Our vans come equipped with ramps, spacious interiors, and secure tie-downs, so you can travel comfortably and safely. Need a customized setup like hand controls or extra seating options? Just give us a call, and we’ll arrange a suitable vehicle for your needs.
Thanks to our flexible rental options, you can book a van for a weekend getaway, a theme park marathon, or even a long road trip. We also offer multi-day discounts, weekend deals, and online booking offers, so you can save while traveling comfortably.
Ready to book your accessible van for Universal Studios Epic Universe or your next big adventure? Please fill out our online form or call us at (866) 224-1750 today!