Universal appeal

Celestial Park

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Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel.

Unlike the lands beyond, this original world isn't tied to any movie, show or game. It's the centre of Epic with dancing fountains, art-nouveau architecture and tree-lined walkways that evoke the park's interstellar theme.

As night falls, colourful lights flicker in sync with an extravagant fountain show, casting a soft glow over the park's cosmic heart.

Beaming "Celestians" (team members) greeted me in splendid cosmic regalia, chirping "Welcome, travellers!" I almost asked whether I needed a passport.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, featuring two independent launches, allowing riders to choose between the thrilling yellow "Photon" and green "Pulsar" tracks. This is a nonnegotiable attraction that'll shake up even hardcore thrill-seekers.

Want a slower pace? Hop aboard the wonderfully over-the-top Constellation Carousel, where you can spin gently through the stars on a celestial lion, dragon or peacock.

For lunch, try the Space Cowboy pizza, a bold combo of BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives and crisps, served in the Victorian theatre turned pizzeria, Pizza Moon.

Top tip: Stick around until dusk when Apollo hands over the sun to Luna in a dazzling light ceremony.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

This popular film franchise tells the story of hapless Viking boy Hiccup who defies centuries of tradition by befriending adorable "night fury" dragon Toothless.

Hiccup's craggy, chaotic home Isle of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail as raucous Vikings and feisty dragons co-exist.

Thanks to jaw-dropping animatronics, the dragons are so realistic you half expect them to flap off into the skies.