If you’re a thrill-seeker, coaster enthusiast, or simply planning your first visit to Universal Orlando’s newest park, you’re probably wondering: What are the best roller coasters at Epic Universe? Universal’s Epic Universe is a game-changer, bringing together innovation, storytelling, and pure adrenaline to create one of the most exciting coaster lineups in Florida. As someone who’s experienced these rides firsthand—and spent hours researching the best ways to enjoy them—I’m here to give you the inside scoop.
Whether you’re mapping out your day, trying to avoid long waits, or just want to know which Epic Universe roller coaster is right for you (or your kids!), this guide covers everything you need to know about Epic Universe roller coasters. Along the way, I’ll share personal tips, answer common questions, and naturally link to my other in-depth resources on everything from crowds to food and hotels.
Note: Epic Universe is divided into five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. While this article focuses on the park’s roller coasters, each land offers its own set of attractions, shows, and themed environments worth exploring.
| Coaster Name | Type | Max Speed | Height Requirement | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stardust Racers | Dueling Steel Launch | 62 mph | 48 in (122 cm) | ~2:00 | Celestial Park |
| Hiccup’s Wing Gliders | Suspended Family Coaster | 45 mph | 40 in (102 cm) | ~1:30 | Isle of Berk |
| Curse of the Werewolf | Spinning Family Coaster | 37 mph | 40 in (102 cm) | ~1:20 | Dark Universe |
| Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness | Boom Coaster (Track Jump) | 34 mph | 40 in (102 cm) | ~2:00 | Super Nintendo World |
1. Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is the flagship coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe and easily one of the most anticipated new rides in Orlando. This dueling steel launch coaster is all about speed, competition, and jaw-dropping maneuvers.
Key Facts:
- Type: Dueling steel launch coaster
- Max Speed: 62 mph
- Height Requirement: 48 inches (122 cm)
- Duration: ~2 minutes
- Location: Celestial Park
- Intensity Level: High thrill
What Makes It Special:
Stardust Racers features two intertwined tracks, so you’ll be racing another train through a series of near-miss elements, airtime hills, and the signature “Celestial Spin“—a zero-g roll that’s as breathtaking as it sounds. The launches are smooth and powerful, and the nighttime views of Celestial Park are spectacular.
My Experience:
During my solo visit, I rode Stardust Racers three times in one day—twice during the afternoon and once at night. The launch out of the station genuinely pinned me back in my seat, and that first zero-g roll left me completely weightless. The dueling aspect is pure adrenaline—you can actually make eye contact with riders on the other track as you twist through the course. I’m already planning to bring my family back later this year, and I know my son Ben will absolutely love the competitive racing element.
Insider Tip: This Epic Universe roller coaster draws the biggest crowds, especially in the afternoon. For the shortest waits, consider arriving early or using complimentary Express Passes if you’re staying at a participating Universal Premier Hotel.
2. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying on the back of a dragon, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders delivers that fantasy in the most magical way. Located in the Isle of Berk, this suspended family coaster is perfect for younger riders and fans of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise.
Key Facts:
- Type: Suspended family coaster
- Max Speed: 45 mph
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
- Duration: ~1.5 minutes
- Location: Isle of Berk
- Intensity Level: Moderate/Family-friendly
What Makes It Special:
The ride vehicles “glide” below the track, swooping and banking over the beautifully themed landscape of Berk. Onboard audio and dragon effects add to the immersion, making every ride feel like a new adventure.
My Experience:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders surprised me with how smooth and graceful it felt, like an actual flight rather than a typical coaster. The banking turns over the village gave me incredible views of the entire Isle of Berk area. This will definitely be perfect for my daughter Ava when we visit as a family—she loves anything dragon-related, and the gentle swooping motion won’t be too intense for her first big coaster experience.
For more family-friendly tips and height requirements, check out my page on Epic Universe for Kids.
3. Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster that brings Universal’s classic monsters to life in a whole new way. This Epic Universe roller coaster is all about unpredictable fun, with launches, tight turns, and a spooky storyline.
Key Facts:
- Type: Spinning family coaster
- Max Speed: 37 mph
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
- Duration: ~1.3 minutes
- Location: Dark Universe
- Intensity Level: Moderate (spinning adds unpredictability)
What Makes It Special:
Each car spins independently, so every ride is completely different. The launches are surprisingly punchy for a family coaster, and the werewolf theming—complete with eerie sound effects and transformation scenes—adds excitement without being too scary.
My Experience:
I rode Curse of the Werewolf four times during my visit, and each experience was wildly different. One ride spun constantly and left me dizzy; another barely spun at all and felt more like a traditional coaster. The unpredictability is what makes it so fun! The monster theming is perfectly balanced—spooky enough to be exciting but not nightmare-inducing. My wife, Jaimie, isn’t usually a fan of spinning rides, but I think she’ll enjoy this one since the spinning isn’t too intense. If you want to plan your route through the park efficiently, my Epic Universe Map can help you hit all the roller coasters at Epic Universe strategically.
4. Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness
Gamers and coaster fans alike will love Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness. This innovative “boom coaster” uses a unique ride system to simulate the famous “track jumps” from the Donkey Kong Country games.
Key Facts:
- Type: Boom coaster with track-jumping technology
- Max Speed: 34 mph
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
- Duration: ~2 minutes
- Location: Super Nintendo World
- Intensity Level: Moderate/Family-friendly
What Makes It Special:
The ride vehicle appears to leap over broken sections of track, just like in the video game. The Nintendo theming is top-notch, with animatronics, interactive elements, and hidden references for gaming fans.
My Experience:
The first “track jump” completely caught me off guard—for a split second, I genuinely thought we were flying through the air! The boom coaster technology creates this incredible illusion of jumping gaps in the track. The Nintendo details throughout the ride are incredible, and I caught new references on each of my three rides. This Epic Universe roller coaster will be perfect for our planned family trip—the low height requirement means everyone can ride, and I know Ben will go crazy for all the Donkey Kong references.
What About Other Thrill Rides?
While this article focuses on the four true roller coasters at Epic Universe, there are a few other thrill rides coaster fans might want to check out:
- Dragon Racer’s Rally in the Isle of Berk features spinning ride arms that let you control your dragon’s flight, offering an interactive, coaster-like experience in the skies.
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, located in Dark Universe, is a high-tech dark ride with intense action, sharp turns, and sudden drops that may appeal to thrill-seekers—even though it’s not technically a coaster.
These are not roller coasters by definition, but coaster fans may still enjoy them for the thrills, theming, and unique ride systems.
Epic Universe Roller Coaster Tips: Wait Times, Hotels, and Planning Advice
Arrive Early: The most popular Epic Universe roller coasters (especially Stardust Racers and Donkey Kong) have the longest waits by midday. Rope drop is your best strategy!
Stay Nearby: Booking a room at one of the new hotels near Epic Universe can get you early park access and save you valuable time.
Express Passes: If you want to maximize your coaster count, consider staying at a Universal Premier Hotel for complimentary Express Passes, or check out my breakdown of the cost of Epic Universe to see if it fits your budget.
Plan Your Meals: Don’t miss the unique dining options between coaster marathons! My page on food at Epic Universe highlights the best snacks and meals near each roller coaster.
Use a Travel Agent: If you want a stress-free experience, see my recommendations for the best travel agents for Epic Universe—they can help you book everything from tickets to hotel rooms and dining reservations.
FAQs: Epic Universe Roller Coasters
How many roller coasters are at Epic Universe?
There are four major roller coasters: Stardust Racers, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Curse of the Werewolf, and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness.
Are the roller coasters at Epic Universe family-friendly?
Absolutely! Stardust Racers is an exciting thrill ride, while the other three rides cater to a broader range of ages and heights. Among these, Donkey Kong is likely the most suitable coaster for younger children. For more information on which rides are best for kids, check out my guide to Epic Universe for Kids.
What’s the best time to ride Epic Universe roller coasters with minimal wait?
Early morning (rope drop) or late evening are best for shorter waits. For the latest on wait times and the best days to visit Universal, check the Universal Crowd Calendar and my breakdown of Epic Universe crowds.
Can I ride all the Epic Universe roller coasters in one day?
Yes, definitely! Especially if you plan ahead and use Express Passes or visit on a less crowded day.
Is Epic Universe worth it for coaster fans?
In my experience, it’s a resounding yes! The variety, cutting-edge technology, and immersive theming behind these roller coasters make Epic Universe a must-visit for any thrill-seeker. For a full breakdown, read my article: Is Epic Universe Worth It?
Which Epic Universe roller coaster is the most intense?
Stardust Racers is definitely the most intense, with 62 mph speeds and multiple inversions. It’s followed by Hiccup’s Wing Gliders for moderate thrills.
Final Thoughts
The roller coasters at Epic Universe are more than just rides—they’re immersive adventures that combine cutting-edge technology, storytelling, and pure fun. Whether you’re racing through the stars on Stardust Racers, flying with dragons on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, spinning through monster-filled forests on Curse of the Werewolf, or leaping tracks with Donkey Kong, there’s something here for every thrill level.
These Epic Universe roller coasters represent the future of theme park attractions, and after experiencing them myself, I can confidently say they deliver on every promise. The technology, theming, and pure excitement factor make this the best new coaster collection in Florida.
For more tips on planning your trip—including where to stay, what to eat, and how to beat the crowds—explore my other guides throughout this site. And remember: the best way to experience Epic Universe is to plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy every moment of the ride!
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