Epic Universe is shaping up to be a whole new beast.

This new Universal park comes with some wild tech, immersive lands, and yeah, some pretty unfamiliar terms. If you’re starting to feel like you need a translator just to plan your day, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few totally made-up (but very helpful) words that’ll help you wrap your head around what to expect at Epic Universe.
Quable Service
I made this term up, so you’re getting a “Quincy original” with this one: a blend of “quick service” and “table service.” Because at Epic Universe, the quick service dining has a glow-up.

Instead of standing in line and balancing your tray like it’s a carnival game, you’ll grab a seat first, like you would at a table service spot. Once you’re sitting down at your chosen quick service restaurant, you’ll use the Universal Orlando app to place your order. You’ll even plug in your table number manually or by scanning a QR code so the Team Members know exactly where to bring your food. (Yes, you heard that right. Your quick service meal comes to you.)

It’s a great way to skip the stress of hunting for a table after you’ve already got food in hand, and the whole process is super chill. Just know that Mobile Ordering, while convenient, isn’t always perfect. Based on what we’ve seen from Universal’s other parks, app glitches or kitchen backups can sometimes slow things down. But in general? Quable Service is a win.
Portals
Forget themed “lands.” At Epic Universe, you’ll enter each immersive world through a portal. It’s basically a giant, heavily themed entrance that serves as your gateway to places like Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more.

And it’s not just for the vibes (though the vibes are strong). These portals make it super easy to navigate the park. If you’re trying to find your way around, just look for the next portal and step inside. Think of them as the wardrobe to Narnia, except it leads to Mario Kart or a Parisian wizarding alley instead of a snow-covered forest.
Power-Up Bands
This is the primary way you’ll level up your experience in Super Nintendo World.

At the center of this land is the Power-Up Band, which is kind of like a magic band and video game controller rolled into one. You’ll use it to tap question blocks, collect digital coins, and complete mini-games called Key Challenges. If you’re competitive or just love unlocking achievements, this makes the land way more interactive.
And the rides? Well, they’re next level.
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge lets you literally race Team Bowser in augmented reality. You steer, collect coins, and throw shells — it’s chaotic and awesome.
- Yoshi’s Adventure is a slow-paced ride with a great view, perfect for families or anyone who wants a break.
- Mine-Cart Madness in the Donkey Kong section is so much fun. This coaster uses tech to make it seem like you’re jumping gaps in the track. If you’ve ever played Donkey Kong Country, you know exactly the kind of chaos we’re talking about.
Between the Power-Up Bands and the ride lineup, this land really does feel like stepping into a video game.
Express-Pass
Express Pass is Universal’s answer to skipping long lines. Think of it as the Lightning Lane alternative — except it’s way more straightforward.

You buy the pass, and you get to use a separate, shorter line for participating attractions. It’s not free, but if you’re planning to hit the big rides during peak season (or just want to avoid standing in the sun for an hour), it can be totally worth it.

No complicated time slots or stressful refresh button tapping. Just a pass and a faster line. Done.
Metro-Floo
Sounds made-up — and it kind of is — but this is the magical transportation system you’ll use to access the Ministry of Magic attraction in the new Wizarding World area.

You’ll start in Wizarding Paris (yes, from Fantastic Beasts) and board a special transit system inspired by the Floo Network. (If you’re thinking fireplace portal, your mind is in the right place.)

You’ll enter through a station-like structure, and the next thing you know, you’re emerging right into the lobby of the British Ministry of Magic.
Helios Grand Hotel
If you’re doing Epic Universe from open to close, you’re gonna need a place to crash — or at least recharge. That’s where the Helios Grand Hotel comes in.

This is the on-site hotel inside the park, themed like the literal palace of the sun god (hence “Helios”). It comes with Early Park Admission, easy access to the other Universal parks, and one major perk: it’s right there in Epic Universe.

Whether you’re grabbing Mediterranean dishes with a view at Flora Taverna, sipping tapas and drinks at Bar Helios, or kicking back by the pool (yes, with a server), this spot is the perfect midday cooldown zone. And yes, we’ll probably be posting up there for a full afternoon.

Universal’s Epic Universe is a whole new kind of theme park. It’s big, it’s immersive, and it’s got more layers than we’re used to seeing from Universal. But with a few of these made-up words in your back pocket, we hope it feels just a little more familiar.
In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Epic Universe. Make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest theme park news!
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to get the free list of our ranking for rides at Universal's Islands of Adventure! Click here to get started!

When will you be going to Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments.
Trending Now
Act fast to get this bag in time for fall!
Hundreds of Loungefly bags, pins, apparel, and more are up to 70% off right now!
We now have confirmation of when 2 DIFFERENT character dining experiences will be happening in...
Hurry to Amazon to get your next pair of Hokas!
These 3 new shoes on Amazon are perfect for your grandma's trip to Disney World.
Here's a list of things you should NOT do on Disney's Skyliner.
Find out whether The Polite Pig in Disney Springs is worth a stop on your...
This new Disneyland merch collection has us missing opening day nostalgia.
We're worried about Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets...
Let's take a look at ride wait times in Disney World!
These water bottles are adorable and serve an awesome function for your hydration needs during...
Let's talk about a couple of the "lies" Cast Members tell you to keep you...
This is why every Disney Adult is suddenly booking a trip to Magic Kingdom in...
If you're on the lookout for new Loungeflys, you NEED to keep these rules in...
I walked over 10 miles in one day at Disney World -- and I did...
Beak and Barrel reservations at Disney World are proving very hard to get.
Reservations are no longer part of dining at Oga's Cantina in Disneyland!
There's a NEW Bath & Body Works collection featuring two of our favorite Disney Villains...
HUGE changes are coming for a popular Disney hotel perk!
Think you’re ready to hit the Most Magical Place on Earth? Let’s see if you...