You've Heard the Rumors About Epic Universe — These 3 Are Actually True

Epic Universe is coming in hot, but not everything you’ve heard is just hype.

Epic Universe

We’ve been keeping our ears to the ground (and boots on it, too), and while some rumors are just wild internet talk, a few of them? They’re actually legit. Whether it’s about ride wait times, kid-friendliness, or unexpected sleeper hits, we’ve seen it firsthand — and we’ve got thoughts. So let’s break down the five rumors that turned out to be TRUE (or at least, mostly true).

There’s No Shade

OK, this one is… kinda true. This rumor was one of the first things we heard floating around about Epic Universe and unfortunately… yeah, we kinda see where it’s coming from.

Epic Universe

Is it totally devoid of shade? No. There are spots you can duck into when you need a break from the sun, and you’ll find covered seating areas and some indoor relief here and there — especially near restaurants and gift shops. But in terms of general walkways, queues, and just moving around the park, well, get ready for a lot of time in direct sunlight.

Frosty Moon

We’re talking long stretches between lands where you’re fully exposed. Some of the lands do try to use themed shade structures (like trees or overhangs that blend into the environment), but it’s not always 100% effective. The bottom line is, if you’re going on a hot, sunny day, plan like you’re headed into a desert. Sunscreen, a hat, and a personal fan aren’t just nice to have — they’re survival gear.

Some of the Kids’ Rides Are Total Sleeper Hits

Okay, confession time. When I saw the names “Mine Cart Madness” and “Hiccup’s Winged Gliders,” I fully assumed these were filler attractions. The kind you breeze past unless you’re wrangling a preschooler. But after riding them? It turns out, we were wrong. Like, really wrong.

Mine-Cart Madness

These rides are straight-up fun, even for adults. Mine Cart Madness, for example, has a surprising amount of thrill and clever theming. It’s not just a kiddie coaster — it’s a full-on whimsical adventure that nails that perfect middle ground between family-friendly and actually entertaining.

Mine-Cart Madness

And Hiccup’s Winged Gliders? Don’t let the cutesy name fool you. There’s a smooth glide, great views of the park, and just enough excitement to keep everyone smiling. These rides ended up being some of our favorite surprises of the day — and the best part? You can ride with your kids. So instead of standing on the sidelines, you’re right there in the action with them.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

If you’re headed to Epic Universe with family, don’t skip these thinking they’re throwaways. They might just end up being the rides you talk about all the way home.

There’s Not Much for Babies or Really Little Kids

Unfortunately, this one is just… true. If you’ve got a baby or toddler who isn’t ready for rides yet, Epic Universe doesn’t give you a ton to work with. There are two stage shows and a carousel — and that’s it. The shows are cute, but unless your little one is super chill (or loves sitting still for 20 minutes), they might not even enjoy those. Everything else is pretty ride-focused and geared toward older kids or adults. Definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning a family trip with really young kiddos.

Constellation Carousel

As with any new theme park, things are going to keep evolving at Epic Universe now that it is officially opened and the crowds start settling into patterns. If you’re planning your visit now, these are the things we’ve seen with our own eyes and tested out ourselves. A little planning (and realistic expectations) go a long way — and knowing what’s actually true can help you enjoy the park a lot more.

Stay tuned to DFB for more on Epic Universe!

REVIEW: We Just Found a SECRET Menu Item at a Popular Epic Universe Restaurant

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Will you be going to Epic Universe in 2025? Let us know in the comments below.