After a few trips to
Epic Universe , the new
Universal Orlando theme park, a list of should-have-packed items emerged. Some of these goods are attraction staples or everyday “life in Florida” materials. Some are just good planning strategies. Some are more necessary at Epic than at other locations. Although these are recommended for most Orlando outings, here’s why they should be considered Epic essentials.
Skin game
Wear sunscreen, Momma always said, and Momma knows best. Make it a high-number SPF, too. Epic’s debut comes on the dawn of what will likely be another blazing Florida summer. The new theme park,
which officially opens May 22 , is not what you’d call shady at this point. That’s most apparent in
Celestial Park , which leads to the four other lands and is the required route when walking from world to world. No trams, monorails or Hogwarts Express will save you. When the sun is at its highest, Epic visitors stand inside buildings, in nooks, in crannies, in that sliver of shade next to buildings for relief. Going without sunscreen practically guarantees sunburn. And be aware when reapplications are needed. Other hot-weather recommendations: sunglasses, cooling towels, collapsible water bottles for hydration. The park has multiple vertical water stations that make refilling easy.
Power moves
There are reasons to believe that smartphone use will go up at Epic, so a portable charger may boost confidence in the idea of continuous power. The official
Universal Orlando app not only reveals wait times for rides and schedules for shows and meet-and-greets but a healthy chunk of Epic food ordering (and payment) is done there, too. The virtual line, used during previews for the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride, also is run through the app. Word on the street has been that some users found success with the electronic queue by attempting to secure slots at times in addition to the ones posted by the park. Your results may vary, but that method sure can drain a battery. Heat is no friend of phone batteries either. A nice recharging near a shady plug could be a welcome break.
Making a list
Epic Universe will be a new experience for most people, and folks may not be able to complete all their missions in a single day. So a priority list should be, well, a priority. It can be old-school paper or digital on that phone. The park has 11 rides (including four roller coasters) and two stage shows that are scheduled for multiple performances a day. There also are new restaurants to consider. Scoping Epic online then clumping the Day One must-dos land by land cuts down on walk time crisscrossing Celestial Park. Everyone has different needs. Maybe save the potentially wettest ride (Fyre Drill in How to Train Your Dragon) for on your way out? Maybe Dark Universe is best after sunset? Maybe your group needs a chunk of quality time in the 1920s Parisian setting of Wizarding World of Harry Potter or the tempting inside queue of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry?
Sensible shoes
Choose footwear wisely. As at many theme parks, there’s walking to be done. A couple of rides – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Dragon Racer’s Rally — put passengers into dangling-legs positions, so shoes that could fall off are not allowed. We’re looking at you and your flip-flops and Crocs. There are also plenty of stairs (CoughNintendoCough) to conquer, so support is key. There have also been some slippery-when-wet reports, but … welcome to Florida.
Getting into the game
Gamers should be aware that to take full advantage of the interactivity offered in Super Nintendo World, an investment in a Power-Up Band is needed. The wristbands are sold inside Epic for $42, and they activate games and effects attached to that world’s trademark ? Blocks. Complete enough challenges and become eligible for the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. On the other hand, Power-Up Bands are not required to wander around Super Nintendo World or ride its attractions.
Back to backpacks
OK, perhaps this one is counterintuitive after reeling off a list of essentials. But small backpacks are great for the little attraction lockers and for your aching back. Maybe throw in a couple of other goodies like a power bar or a small umbrella. Floridians should embrace the power of the parasol more.
New and notes
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