So I'm back from my trip - and having spent two days at Epic.... I can honestly give the entire experience a 9/10.
For quick perspective, I've been following this project before the venture was announced, when land was rumored to be purchased -- to finally step foot in the park was exhilarating & satisfying. I am a Uni fanboi - putting that out there before leaving a review.
First - Helios: I do not think the early-entry and quick easy exit out of the park can be hyped up enough. It is such a value!! After long days on your feet, being able to just step right back to your room...wow - it was very special. The room itself was normal - no frills, but whatever not a deal breaker for me. The look of Helios is beautiful in person, and is a true spectacle while in / around the park. Anybody knocking the design as lackluster....I truly think you are nitpicking.
The pool area is wonderful - great poolside service for food and drinks.
The food all around Epic and Helios was very good. My hesitancy is the blatant overpricing of everything. Anything I ate was delicious, quickly delivered, and handled with care - my GF has Gluten and Dairy issues...the chef's really took care of everything (AT THE OTHER UNI PARKS TOO!). This was such a huge takeaway, and I couldn't be more impressed with the dedication. I didn't have much decided on the "where" i was going to eat - sort of just let it happen
**Oak & Star Tavern: Wonderful meat platter, they had a duet / live entertainment going on - the guys did wonderfully & I loved the set / little comedy
*** Cafe Sirene - easy, elegant, fast, solid.
****Blue Dragon - yummy, great variety, amazing to be inside on a very hot day in a night themed indoor restaurant (reminded me of Mexico Pavilion).
*****In Helios - the Taverna: Great food -- so overpriced.
The attractions:
Mario Kart IS WAY OVERHATED. Super fun, not that confusing, wonderful queue. The effects didn't make me sick at all, and I loved the dark ride. Obviously, i think it should have had a test track feel, but going all in on gaming was not a bad idea IMO.
Stardust Racers - amazing. The queue is a little "eh" - but the "hangar" feel with open space is the pre-show, getting you ready for a fun coaster. The intertwining of the tracks is a masterpiece.
Ministry of Magic - it is wonderful - 10/10, my favorite attraction. Seeing other people talk about it seemingly negatively, I was worried. It is an amazing ride - the grand reveals are GRAND, the effects are awesome, and it does NOT overly rely on screens.
Hiccup's Coaster, Monsters Unchained - also stand outs in the park.
Fyre Drill -- horrible. I'd be furious if I waited in line for that (had express)
The Carousel is adorable - not ground breaking, but who doesn't love a carousel.
The two shows -- Untrainable dragon had some amazing effects, puppets, scenery, costumes...the script and the musical lyrics are pretty bad though. I don't think I'd need to see that gain, unless i happen to be there during the summer again.
Arcanus - fun, good story, I like Harry Potter / Fantastic Beasts so i'm an easy one to please here, but definitely one I'd want to see again.
DK - Minecart: Again overhated (probably due to lengthy lines). The coaster itself actually had good thrill, good quick scenes -- only did it once, but once the park fills out a bit more, I think this will be very positively received.
Overall -- I'm ecstatic, and sad it is over. The park needs two more attractions - preferably indoor like we've talked about for a while.
On one other note - Universal's team has stepped up their game across the entire resort. From the hotel staff, ride op's, bus drivers, servers, etc - it was certainly noticeable how good the service was. When interacting with so many people, i can genuinely only think of 2 interactions that were NOT cool on their part. 2 / 500 team members interacted with being snotty, while the other being above & beyond -- very happy.
