Universal Orlando’s newest theme park is filled with amazing rides, but the interactive performers really bring its worlds to life. Read on for our Unofficial Guide to four characters you won’t want to miss when visiting Epic Universe.
Epic Universe features several headliner meet-and-greets with formal queues that are publicized in the Universal app, most notably Toothless in Ise of Berk, the Bride of Frankenstein in Dark Universe, and the Mario Brothers in Super Nintendo World. However, there are also character experiences that aren’t as obvious but still well worth seeking out. Here are four of our favorite easily overlooked character experiences to prioritize at the new park.
Baby Dragon at Isle of Berk
Hang around the gate near Toothless’s paddock, and you may be lucky enough to see one of his tiny offspring make an adorable appearance. There are three different baby dragons, all of which are actually robotic dogs beneath their sculpted skins (originally developed for military use). Berk’s baby dragons perform a 10-minute show with their handler, which includes a demonstration of their abilities and a brief game of “Toothless Says.“ There’s also enough time to snap some photos from a distance at the end, before they disappear again backstage.
Watch this video of a complete baby-dragon appearance inside Isle of Berk, and see if you can spot the remote-controlled creature’s operator disguised as a tourist among the crowd:
Donkey Kong in Super Nintendo World
Mario and Luigi, along with Toad and Princess Peach, draw long lines for their meet-and-greets in the front half of Super Nintendo World. But continue farther through the tunnel into Donkey Kong Country, and you may find its eponymous ape resident hanging out beneath the treehouse right outside his Mine Cart coaster.
When he does appear, Kong quickly draws a crowd, so you may want a frosty pineapple treat from the nearby snack stand to slack your thirst while you wait.
Magical Musicians in the Wizarding World
As you roam around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, you’ll find the streets of 1920s Paris filled with Aurors, exchange students, and other enchanted residents. But our favorite is the trio of wizarding jazz musicians, who perform impromptu concerts in front of the stairs to Sacre Coeur.
Did we say trio? Look closely and you’ll see this is actually a quartet, with an animatronic Puffskein playing percussion!
Ygor in Dark Universe
Last but definitely not least, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein doesn’t make live appearances around Darkmoor, but her loyal assistant, Ygor, roams the village, taunting tourists with his bag of severed limbs. This is truly one of the most macabre meet-and-greets found in any theme park, and Ygor is the number-two reason to visit this world (after the marvelous Monsters Unchained ride).
What characters are you most excited to meet at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments below!
For all there is to see and do at Universal Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.
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