I have to admit, before I delve into the wonder of Universal's new theme park Epic in Orlando, I am terrified of rollercoasters.
Growing up, we would often head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK, where my siblings would jump on the Big Dipper at least four or five times. Me? I stuck to the tea-cups and that was exhilarating enough!
However, the older I get, the more adventurous I seem to be, and I am pushing myself to try new things, and what better way to test this than by heading to Epic in Orlando?!
Universal is known for rides such as the Incredible Hulk coaster that moves at 67 miles an hour or the Jurassic World VelociCoaster with its death-defying drops. But Epic offers something a little extra - a more creative thrill rather than a rollercoaster buzz - and don't worry, there are still some rides for those who love the thrill.
The park features five immersive lands - Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. There is something for everyone.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the opening gateway into this magical land. As you walk in, fountains flow in time to the music, and Greek mythological figures decorate the walkways.
This is the starting point of your journey and is more about creating an 'out of this world' atmosphere and mood as you make your way to the different portals.
Mums, dads, and big kids will love this area, as you can head here for a break or to bring your blood pressure back to normal after some of the rides.
It is a much slower pace with cocktail spots and restaurants such as the Sea Bass at Atlantic, Tonkotsu Ramen at The Blie Dragon Pan Asian Restaurant, and BBQ lovers will love the ribs, steak, and pulled pork at The Oak and Star Tavern.
Super Nintendo World
As a child of the nineties, I just had to head to Super Nintendo World first, and for all those other big kids out there, you will see why!
Walking through the portal, it is almost like you are being transported into the game and have become a character yourself.
You become a miniature figure surrounded by Venus flytrap plants, the question mark boxes that you hit your head on to collect coins, and you are sure to bump into Mario and Luigi themselves.
Heading around the corner, you will bump into another surprise: Donkey Kong Country, the cartoon game character who was once an enemy of Mario, but now has a strong friendship.
For those trying to ease themselves into the stomach-turning rides of the park, the Minecraft ride is the perfect starting point.
For kids, it's a land of colour and fun, for adults, a true sense of nostalgia with its characters and rides bringing you back to happy times of sitting and playing for hours.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic
Universal theme park, which is just a stone's throw away from the gates of Epic, centres on the original Hogsmeade, the village close to Hogwarts magical school, and Diagon Alley, the fictional shopping district that features in the famous books.
I must be honest, I never jumped on the Harry Potter bandwagon. The book was released when I was 13, and it was never something that appealed to me...that is, until now, though.
Walking through the Ministry of Magic portal in Epic, you will find the area that focuses more on the Fantastic Beast films (the prequel to the Harry Potter series), and the British Ministry of Magic, the fictional government/heads of the wizarding community.
There is one ride called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Even if you are not a fan, or your knowledge of the franchise is limited, the audio on these rides will give you a good idea of what is happening... and you'll be surrounded by Potterheads who will happily fill you in on the details.
This ride is more of a virtual simulator ride than a rollercoaster. Yes, it does involve a small level of speed as you zip through the story of Dolores Umbridge, an accomplished witch who is the senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, who has escaped prison. In a high-speed chase, you whiz through the air, dodging Death Eaters to catch her and bring her to justice.
For those, like me, who have read the books or seen the movies, this world, with its magic and sorcery, will have you picking up a copy on your way home.
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
Sticking with the theme of magic, dragons, and powerful figures, the How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk is the fourth world.
This area caters to all ages, particularly younger kids, with the array of different rides. The Dragon Racer's Rally gives you the feeling that you are flying, giving you the perfect view of the lagoon - it's not fast, but if you are scared of heights, be mindful of this.
Hiccups Wing Gliders is a fast-paced rollercoaster, which I plucked up the courage to go on and found it not too bad!
While it is a fast rollercoaster, people like me won't have to be scared of being turned upside down or dropping from significant heights. You will pass by your favourite character, such as Hiccup and Toothless, making you feel like you are almost flying yourself.
Dark Universe
Saving the best for last, well, for horror fanatics like myself, The Dark Universe land is something else, as it brings you back to the origins of horror.
Forget the 3D effects of today, or the modern tales of the Conjuring or Freddie Cougar. Here you will see the characters that brought this genre to life, such as Dr Victoria Frankenstein's Monster and his bride, Ygor, the Mummy, then Invisible Man, and of course, our very own Dracula, created by Irishman Bram Stoker.
It's like having Halloween all year round, as you walk through the portal, with grave stones and gothic-looking creatures around every corner.
If you want to join in and transform yourself, Darkmoor Monster Makeup, located on the left just as you walk through, can conduct their own make-up experience, changing you into a werewolf, Dracula, whatever scary mythical creature you want, starting at just €38 ($45).
As for the rides, there are two: Curse of the Werewolf and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Similar to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it is a simulator ride but more intense as you are flung crossways and backwards as you try to escape the clutches of Dr Victoria Frankenstein and his latest experiment. - Top tip: don't eat before getting on this, as it may make you queasy.
The Curse of the Werewolf ride is an outdoor spinning ride, and while it looked fine, by the afternoon, I had had my fill- I decided to leave that up to the die-hard rollercoaster fans.
With the heat, just be mindful that queuing is something you can't escape, so it's a good idea to have a plan in place. We went early in the morning to avoid the hot spells and plan lunch and short breaks out of the sun around the part of the day where the weather is at its hottest, between noon and 4 pm.
The waiting line for some of the rides is longer than others, so make sure to check out the waiting time boards that will give you some idea of how long to wait.
Epic is not so much about the high adrenaline rush of rollercoasters but more about the creativity and colours that tales can bring.
Smallies will be captivated by the size, bright colours and lovable characters walking around, just waiting to jump in a photo with you. As for mum and dads, you get a chance to be big kids once again with what can be found as you make your way around. The name of the park certainly defines your experience - simply EPIC!
Return direct flights to Orlando with Tour America start from €1529pp. This includes seven nights' accommodation at Universal Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites. A three-park Explorer ticket, which includes access to the main Universal Park and the Epic park for one day.
At this time of year, with the Halloween Horror Nights in full swing, this includes access to the scary zone for one night. To find out more, click here.
