When Universal Orlando Resort opened its new theme park, Epic Universe, on May 22, 2025, there was a host of new things to do. From an incredible dueling roller coaster to seeing dragons flying overhead, the park is filled with jaw-dropping moments that will continue to delight guests for years to come. After visiting the park a handful of times, what I’ve found is that the real magic of Epic Universe is in all the little details and secrets waiting to be discovered around the park.
In fact, you could spend an entire day lurking in the shadowy side streets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Ministry of Magic casting new spells, waiting for Ygor to recruit you as another intern at Frankenstein Manor in Dark Universe, or testing your skills in mini-games around SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Think you know all of Epic Universe’s secrets? Keep reading to learn some of our favorites.
Epic Universe secretes inside Dark Universe
Listen for bells in Dark Universe
You’ve likely seen the photos of The Burning Blade Tavern, a bar and quick service restaurant, catching on fire inside Dark Universe. But did you know there’s an audio cue that rings throughout the land to make people aware of when the blades of the tavern are about to be engulfed? When you start hearing bells chiming across Darkmoor, you’ve got about 30 seconds to make your way to The Burning Blade Tavern to see the windmill on fire. I love this effect at night since the fire seems way more powerful against the dark sky. After watching the “show,” head inside for a drink. I like the secret menu “Crossbow,” which is a mix of Darkthorne Mead and Strongbow Gold Apple Cider.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD secrets
Unlock an exclusive mini-game in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
If you want to feel like you’ve just been plopped into one of the most popular video games of all time, then head straight to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This colorful portal is home to three attractions (Yoshi’s Adventure, Mine-Cart Madness, and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge) and the popular DK Crush Float. But it’s also home to a ton of interactive play areas. All around the land, you’ll see little games and blocks to punch while wearing a “Power-Up Band.” These wearable bracelets connect to the Universal Orlando app so you can collect points.
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One of the most secretive games is the final mini-game called Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. To get to this game, you’ll need to go around SUPER NINTENDO WORLD collecting three digital keys while playing mini games. After collecting the keys, you can enter the showdown space. Just know that Universal team members will scan your Power Up Band before you get into the room to ensure you’ve found all of the keys.
Epic Universe secrets in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Hatch and adopt your own dragon
Between the meet and greet line for Toothless and the exit of “The Untrainable Dragon” show is a small merchandise store called Toothless’ Treasures. Inside, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs to bring home, from jewelry and t-shirts to pins and accessories. But one souvenir that’s turning Vikings into dragon trainers is giant plastic eggs that “hatch” and allow you to adopt a dragon. Each of the egg colors corresponds with a particular type of dragon. If you have your heart set on a tiny night fury like Toothless, then you’ll want to get a yellow egg. Team members can also help you pick the right egg for the dragon that you want.
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After paying for your egg, you’ll start the “adoption ceremony” at the cash register. You’ll name your dragon, vow to take care of it, and give it a good snuggle before putting it back into the egg, which has transformed into a carrying case with a strap. I’ve seen plenty of people walking around Berk with their new little dragons, and it’s always a good ice breaker with the characters who walk around the land.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Talk to a portrait in a window
There are a lot of secrets lurking in the shadows of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, but one is right in plain sight. If you go down the little alley where Le Goblet Noir is, you’ll see a large window into a storefront with paintings. (If you’re entering from the side near the entrance to the world, this window will be on the left.) Stand around for a while because those portraits come to life.
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During a recent visit to Epic Universe, I spoke in real time with the lady of the painting named Cassandra. We conversed for about 10 minutes before she helped me through a “spell” to alter another painting in her window. While I cannot guarantee you’ll always do spells with her (I happened to have my new wand from the nearby wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique with me), being able to talk to a portrait like in the Harry Potter books and movies is pretty cool.
Celestial Park hides one big Epic Universe secret
Take a look at the back of Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is the massive dueling coaster in Celestial Park, and it just happens to be my favorite ride at Epic Universe. While you may be debating what side of the coaster to ride, green or yellow, what you should really take notice of is the back of the ride vehicle. Tucked away on the back of the ride car is a Flux Capacitor. Yes, the same one from “Back to the Future.”
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You’ll spot this Epic Universe secret on the very last car in each train. The best way to see it is either by sitting in the front row of the coaster and seeing it on the train in front of you as you pull into the loading station at the end of your ride, or with quick eyes while you wait to load and a train is pulling away to start its race through the cosmos.
Bonus secret for three portals
Grab your refillable cups for this Epic Universe secret
When it’s time for a break at one of the quick service restaurants across Epic Universe, you’ll find Coca-Cola Freestyle machines that can fill your cup with your favorite soda. But did you know that there are secret drinks for three of the worlds inside Epic Universe? That’s right. In Dark Universe, Celestial Park, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, you’ll find exclusive drinks that can only be had at Epic Universe. These were created in partnership between Universal Orlando chefs and Coca-Cola. When you’re ready to try, simply tap on the portal’s logo in the top corner of the machine’s interface and start pouring.
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In Celestial Park, you’ll find Celestial Spritz, a bright orange drink that’s very tart. In How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dragon Splash, a citrusy drink that’s not too sweet, is on the menu. And in Dark Universe, Screaming Berry is akin to Dr. Pepper Blackberry.
