UNIVERSAL Resort Orlando has revealed a stunning first look at its biggest ever theme park – Epic Universe – and I was among the first to get a sneak peek at the £7 BILLION mega attraction in Florida.

From an awe-inspiring recreation of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic to a world-first Donkey Kong-inspired Minecart Madness ride where carts will appear to leap across a collapsed track, Universal have brought a whole new level of technological firsts to its fourth park.

I was one of the first to visit Epic Universe including its Super Nintendo World
Credit: Universal

Epic Universe also has an incredible How to Train Your Dragon themed world
Credit: Universal

Universal also recreated 1920s Paris for the Harry Potter section
Credit: Universal
The attention to detail and sheer scale of the park is jaw-dropping.

With five unique lands based on blockbuster movies and popular culture icons, there are more than 50 rides, entertainment attractions, shops and restaurants across the 750 acres as well as three vast new hotels.

The first new major resort to open in Orlando for more than two decades, Epic Universe is more than double the size of the existing theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure together.

Such is the anticipated demand, thrill ride fans will only be able to book just one day tickets to Epic Universe in 2025.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Universal’s original theme parks made history with their ultra-immersive first two Wizarding Worlds – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

The Ministry of Magic takes it up a gear with vivid recreations of 1990s London and the Ministry of Magic for its signature ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.

And you’ll access the ride via the unique time-travelling Metro-Floo from a muggle park – Place Cachée – in 1920s Paris, setting of the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

LISA’S VERDICT: Universal have taken the Potter franchise to an entirely new level.

The sheer scale of the recreation of 1920s Paris takes your breath away from the moment you enter through a towering Phoenix Arch into a streetscape so authentic you feel you’ve time travelled.

Universal reveal huge on-site hotel opening and new Epic Universe theme park
But most astonishing of all for me was the queue experience for Battle at the Ministry – a cavernous recreation of the British Ministry of Magic that drew gasps as we entered.

Interactive wand magic moments around every turn and a host of authentic Parisien restaurants and shops with a Wizarding twist mean you could happily spend a day in the world, despite the fact there are just two big attractions, the Battle at the Ministry and a show worthy of a West End stage featuring animals from the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Universal have recreated both the London Underground and Paris Metro

The Super Nintendo World is based on similar parks in Japan and Hollywood

Super Nintendo World

A must for gamers young and old, this technicolour dreamscape of a park almost feels like you are living inside the classic video games.

Travel through the green pipe into Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country, passing Peach’s Castle and Mt. Beanpole.

There are three main rides.

Collect digital coins on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, search for glowing eggs on Yoshi’s Adventure and leap across collapsed tracks on Donkey Kong’s Mine-Cart Madness.

LISA’S VERDICT: Double the size of the existing Super Nintendo Lands in Hollywood and Japan, this is a must for gaming fans young and old.

The intense theming and signature tunes mean you are instantly transported right into the very heart of the classic games.

Little ones will adore Yoshi – mum and dad will appreciate the overview of the entire world.

But it was Mine-Cart Madness that surprised – the optical illusion that allows you to believe you are leaping across the ruined tracks while hurtling along on this intense rollercoaster was mindbending.

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The Dark Universe features classic horror charactersCredit: Universal

Dark Universe

THE skies may be blue overhead but an eerie gloom envelops the village of Darkmoor  – home to Universal’s monster legends Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolf Man and more.

Stand-out attraction is Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment that will take you deep into Frankenstein Manor.

Curse of the Werewolf is a thrilling family coaster and the Monster Make Up Experience will allow fans of all ages to transform into their favourite fiend.

LISA’S VERDICT: This park will be best explored after dark.

While the attention to detail is impeccable, sunny Florida skies and sizzling temperatures make it more difficult to immerse yourself in the excellent theming.

I loved Monsters Unchained – a mind-bending blend of high-tech cinemagraphic excellence but with a kitsch nod to the classic film noir heritage in the astonishing animatronic monsters.

Grown-ups looking for a beer should head to the Burning Blade Tavern – sup a pint alongside some quirky characters desperate to tell you of their monster-taming deeds.

The Isle of Berk is the most family-friendly of area in the park
Credit: Universal

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

THE most family-friendly of the five worlds, you’re transported into the smash-hit movie franchise’s Viking village set in a sparkling lagoon with 40ft Viking statues and colourful longboats.

Fly like a dragon on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, soak the family on Fyre Drill and pick up dragon-riding tips on Dragon Racer’s Rally.

And there’s always time for a quick meet’n’greet with loveable dragon Toothless.

LISA’S VERDICT: You’ll need at least a day to appreciate this whimsical, sprawling world.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a fully-immersive, thrilling but smooth coaster with some surprise elements.

Fyre Drill is a welcome soaking in scorching temperatures.

But it was the astonishing staging of The Untrainable Dragon that had the most impact for me – Toothless’ soaring surprise appearance above the audience drew gasps.

The attention to detail across the parks – from dragon benches to surprising snacks – that take the storytelling to another level.

The theme park is the first to be built in Florida in two decades
Credit: Universal

Celestial Park

GATEWAY to Epic Universe, the cosmic heart of the park from which you’ll travel through portals to the other worlds, features lush gardens and dancing fountains.

Soaring 133ft skywards is its signature attraction, Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that tops 62mph.

Younger fans will love the Constellation Carousel – a gentle galactic ride.

LISA’S VERDICT: The creatives behind Epic Universe had a mission: To bring the ‘park’ back into theme park and they have succeeded with this stunning hub.

Verdant gardens with well-established blooms beside endless sparkling lagoons bring a calm, relaxed heart to the entire park.

I loved the dancing fountains and chilled, relaxed vibe of this area where you can indulge in a cocktail or two or grab a sophisticated bite.

Don’t miss the Oak and Star Tavern for top notch barbecue goodies and home-style mac’n’cheese.

The park took my breath away