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We take listeners through our experience at the Annual Passholder Preview for Epic Universe, Universal Orlando's third theme park, sharing our impressions, favorite rides, and a few disappointments from our visit before the official opening.

• Epic Universe features a hub-and-spoke design with Celestial Park at the center connecting to four immersive worlds
• The park's standout feature is kinetic energy - everything moves, from animatronic dragons to interactive Nintendo elements
• Stardust Racers in Celestial Park offers a uniquely smooth coaster experience with "ejector airtime" that feels like floating
• Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon world) impressed us with its elaborate animatronics and family-friendly attractions
• Super Nintendo World successfully transports visitors into the video games with interactive Power-Up Bands and moving elements
• Dark Universe brings classic Universal monsters into a year-round spooky (but not scary) environment
• Ministry of Magic features beautiful 1920s Paris theming but lacks the kinetic energy of other lands
• Food quality throughout Epic Universe represents a significant upgrade from other Universal parks
• The standout treat is the butterbeer crepe at Café la Sirène in the Ministry of Magic area
• Technical rehearsals meant some attractions had limited capacity, particularly the in-demand Ministry of Magic ride

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Tyler and Jessica engage in a lively Q&A session about (mostly) Universal Orlando, sharing intimate details of their theme park experiences, preferences, and wishlist items while reflecting on what makes Universal special.

• Favorite team member interactions range from friendly Hulk ride operators to the playful King's Cross Station attendants
• The best and worst ride types discussed, like screen-only attractions and dark rides
• Food recommendations include the tots at Green Eggs and Ham and drinks at Chez Alcatraz
• Diagon Alley stands out as a place where both wish they could spend more time immersed in the theming
• Backstage tours remain an elusive experience that Tyler has been trying to experience for over a decade
• Happy places in the parks include the bridge near Velocicoaster, Camp Jurassic, and the ET ride queue with its distinctive forest smell

Support the show

If you have thoughts to share with the show, you can text us using the link in the show notes or email us at rideitoutpod@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you and might respond on a future episode!

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Tyler and Jess, a married couple with a deep enthusiasm for theme parks, introduce their new podcast about theme park experiences with a focus on Universal Studios Orlando.

This week’s talking points:

• How Jess converted to "the religion of parkism" after marrying theme park enthusiast Tyler
• Navigating Universal Orlando with their toddler daughter who has already visited multiple theme parks
• The benefits of being annual pass holders and developing expertise in maximizing park experiences
• Using child swap on rides to allow both parents to experience attractions without waiting in line twice
• Their passionate opinions on screen-based rides versus practical effects attractions
• Discovering often overlooked attractions like Camp Jurassic and Dreamworks area play spaces
• The importance of appreciating themed environments beyond just the rides
• Planning strategies for their upcoming Easter weekend trip to Universal
• Why Harry Potter areas remain their favorite themed sections, complete with interactive wand experiences
• The surprising discovery that Easter Sunday may be an excellent low-crowd day to visit

If you have thoughts to share with the show, you can text us using the link in the show notes or email us at rideitoutpod@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you and might respond on a future episode!