Unless you’ve been living under a rock (okay, or maybe just quietly not paying attention to anything on social media), you probably know that Universal just officially opened its brand-new theme park in Orlando — Universal Epic Universe — and it’s a huge deal. This is Universal’s third park in Florida, and not only is it their biggest US expansion ever, it’s also the first new major theme park built in the country since 1999 — yes…1999!!!
The park has got five immersive worlds: a brand-new Harry Potter land set in 1920s Paris and the Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe based on the Universal Classic Monsters, Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon, the retro-futuristic hub land Celestial Park, and Super Ninentdo World.
I was lucky enough to be invited by Universal to attend the media preview ahead of the grand opening. While the park at the time hadn’t been officially opened, it had been open for a couple of months for previews (or basically dress rehearsals).
Over that time, several new foods that were created for the park have gone viral. This meant one thing: Now that I was here for the media preview, I needed to try those foods and see if they were actually worth the hype (looking at you, pizza from Pizza Moon)!!!
PB&J (Pork, Bacon, and Jam) Mac & Cheese Cone available at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel in Isle of Berk
Frank & Friends Pretzel available at DeLacey’s Cottage in Dark Universe
Pizza Lunare, The Giant Mushroom, and The Pizza Moon Pepperoni pizza available at Pizza Moon in Celestial Park
Koopa Troopa: Red Shell Calzone available at Yoshi’s Snack Island in Super Mario World
Yoshi’s Mango Smoothie available at Yoshi’s Snack Island in Super Mario World
DK Crush Float Tropical Banana Flavor available at The Bubbly Barrel in Donkey Kong Country (located within Super Mario World)
And lastly, the Butterbeer Crepe available at Café L’air De La Sirène in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
All in all, most of the viral foods at Epic Universe definitely live up to the hype. Whether you’re going all-in on a Butterbeer crepe or just grabbing a classic pepperoni slice, there is definitely something for every kind of eater. BTW, there is more to come, I’ll be reviewing the rides and giving my overall thoughts and tips on the park!!!