Your Epic Universe Watch List: What to Watch (and Play) Before the Grand Opening!

Universal Orlando is making theme park history with the opening of Epic Universe—and I’m beyond excited to share that I am one of the lucky travel advisors selected to attend a special preview before the grand opening in 2025! I’ll be headed there in just a couple of weeks, staying at the stunning new Helios Grand Hotel, which is located right at the heart of the action. With five immersive worlds unlike anything we’ve seen before, this park is set to be a total game-changer.

Whether you’re planning your own visit or just curious about what’s coming, watching (and playing!) the source material ahead of time will make your experience even more unforgettable.

Here’s your ultimate Epic Universe prep list:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

This land merges the magical eras of both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. To fully appreciate the theming and storyline, dive into:

• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – for the epic Ministry battle

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 & 2 (2010–2011)

A full Harry Potter movie marathon is highly recommended if you really want to immerse yourself.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Gamers and nostalgia lovers, this is your time! This land brings the Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country to life. Get ready by:

• Playing the original Super Mario Bros. (1985)

• Replaying Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, or New Super Mario Bros.

• Checking out Donkey Kong Country for that jungle adventure vibe

Even if you’re not a gamer, these classics are part of pop culture for a reason.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

This vibrant land is based on the heartwarming animated trilogy where dragons and Vikings coexist. Queue up:

• How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

• How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

• How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)

The films are visually stunning and full of emotion—perfect to set the tone before flying with Toothless.

This world taps into the eerie and atmospheric realm of Universal’s classic monsters. To get in the spirit:

• Dracula (1931)

• Frankenstein (1931)

• The Wolf Man (1941)

• The Mummy (1932)

If you’re into spooky vibes and timeless horror, this land is going to be right up your alley.

I’ll be sharing updates from my preview trip soon—including exclusive looks at the Helios Grand Hotel and each themed land—so stay tuned! And if you’re dreaming of being one of the first to step into Epic Universe when it opens, you know who to contact.

#TriciasTravelClub