Two new contenders vying to become the best dark ride in the world sit 1,000 feet apart from each other at Universal Epic Universe with the winner set to be determined by millions of eager fans with the new Florida theme park officially debuting this month.

The $7 billion Epic Universe that officially opened to the public on May 22 is home to two of the best dark rides in the world: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

It’s the kind of problem any theme park in the world would like to have.

ALSO SEE: Epic Universe first impressions from inside Universal’s newest theme park

Universal and Disney have been at war over the past few decades with the rivals constantly trying to upstage each other with the best new ride in the world.

Epic Universe gives Universal two chances to reclaim the dark ride crown from Disney — and maybe even push Mickey Mouse into a distant third place behind the two Epic Universe upstarts.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Universal Epic Universe

There is really only one word that can describe the new Ministry of Magic dark ride at Universal Epic Universe: Wow.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry sends you on a ride aboard a magic lift through the subway-like elevator tunnels running throughout the Ministry of Magic.

Universal Creative has done a masterful job of combining a motion-based platform ride vehicle with plenty of practical sets, animatronics and massive video screens.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

Universal Epic Universe

The Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment dark ride in the Dark Universe themed land at Epic Universe might be even better than the new Potter attraction.

The Kuka arm ride vehicles aim riders like a sentient movie camera at the most important parts of every scene inside the grim, forbidding and shadowy Frankenstein Manor.

The animatronics in the pre-show and dark ride are so life-like that you’ll wonder if they are actors.

Which ride is better: Battle at the Ministry or Monsters Unchained?

Is either the best dark ride in the world?

The answers depend in part on the competition which include an amazing collection of attractions from both Disney and Universal.

Take a look at the rivals and decide for yourself if the new Epic Universe rides are worthy of the crown.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The reigning dark ride crown almost certainly belongs to Rise of the Resistance.

The ambitious, first-of-its-kind attraction clocks in at an astonishing 18 minutes long and combines four separate ride systems with state-of-the-art audio-animatronics and visual effects.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Universal Studios Florida

Any new Harry Potter dark ride will be compared to the two that came before it.

It’s been more than a decade since the Escape from Gringotts opened in the Diagon Alley themed land at Universal Studios Florida.

The dark ride/roller coaster combo takes riders inside the Gringotts Wizarding Bank in search of a horcrux on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Universal Studios Hollywood, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Japan

The original Harry Potter dark ride still remains among the top theme park attractions in the world.

The Forbidden Journey motion-based dark ride utilizes Kuka robotic arms to add twists, turns and thrills to the attraction.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure

Shanghai Disneyland

The Shanghai Disneyland version of the classic boat ride is by far the best of the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions.

Battle for the Sunken Treasure uses an innovative ride system that controls the position, speed and direction of the boats.

Mystic Manor

Hong Kong Disneyland

Mystic Manor is easily the most technically advanced version of Disney’s classic Haunted Mansion dark rides.

The Hong Kong Disneyland attraction trades the doombuggies and omnimover track found in other Haunted Mansion attractions for Mystic Magneto free traveling automated ride vehicles.

Radiator Springs Racers

Disney California Adventure

Radiator Springs Racers takes the Test Track ride system and adds a Cars backstory with a compelling reason for a head-to-head race.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is working on two new Cars attractions that could challenge Radiator Springs Racers for the Piston Cup.

Transformers: The Ride 3D

Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Beijing

Universal’s Transformers dark rides upped the ante when the attractions first debuted in 2011.

The combination of motion platform-mounted vehicles and 3D images projected onto 60-foot-tall screens set the standard for dark rides in the 2010s.

Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Islands of Adventure

The Spider-Man attraction reigned for a decade as the best dark ride in the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards following its debut at Islands of Adventure in 1999.

The Universal Studios Japan version of the ride closed in 2024 after 20 years in service.

Indiana Jones Adventure

Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

Indiana Jones Adventure still ranks as one of the best dark rides in the world after 30 years at Disneyland.

The Dinosaur attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that uses the same ride system is getting an Indy makeover with a new storyline involving a search for a mythical creature in a Mayan temple.

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• Where: Epic Universe is about 2.5 miles southeast of Universal Orlando’s original theme parks, near the Orange County Convention Center. The entrance is off Epic Boulevard, which is accessed from Destination Parkway or South Kirkman Road. The official address is 1001 Epic Blvd.

The Kirkman Road extension has opened for traffic, so if traveling from downtown Orlando, westbound on Interstate 4, take Exit 75B for Kirkman. There are new directional road signs in place for Epic Universe. The new route is a bit curvy and elevated at points, but follow those signs to Epic Boulevard and the theme park’s parking lot, which will be on the left.

If traveling from the southwest, going eastbound on I-4, exit onto State Road 528 and then take Exit 2 to go northbound on Universal Boulevard.   Turn right onto Destination Parkway, then left onto Epic Boulevard, skirting a roundabout and then a right turn to the entrance of the parking lot.

• Parking: Epic Universe has its own parking lot; there is no parking garage there. Parking is $32. Prime self-parking is $50-$60.

• Key times: The main parking lot (including ride-share drop-off) opens at 6 a.m.; shuttle bus service from Universal Orlando hotels to Epic Universe also begins at 6 a.m.; turnstiles at the front entrance and inside the entrance for Helios Grand Hotel guests open at 7 a.m.

• Future operating hours: From June 2 through June 17, Epic’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The schedule varies by day but opens at either 9 or 10 a.m., then closes at either 9 or 10 p.m. (These times are subject to change).

• Security: Bag screening occurs just before the main entrance. Among the prohibited items in the park are explosives, weapons, alcohol, marijuana or any item containing cannabis or related paraphernalia, power-driven or radio frequency-controlled devices, outside food or beverages, glass, coolers, suitcases, bags with wheels and folding chairs. Everyone must travel through a metal detector, too. (The system is similar to Universal Orlando’s mega-garage.)

An effect makes it appear as though guests are traveling through a green tube at the entrance of Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe, welcoming them during a media preview event on May 20. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)

• Tickets: Prices for one-day admission to Epic vary daily and range from $139 (for four days in September) to $199 (from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve). Universal Orlando offers multiday passes with other theme parks and Volcano Bay water park that may bring down price-per-day rates.

• App: The official Universal Orlando app can be used to facilitate purchases, dining reservations, maps, show schedules, wait times and more.

More on Epic Universe

Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe

A rolling history of Central Florida’s attractions industry

Epic Universe: Know before you go

Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary

Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe

Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers)

Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World

Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here’s how theme park evolved

An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal’s new park

Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor

Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park

Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles

Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park

 

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump met with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday and the two discussed the economy but not Powell’s outlook for interest rates, the Fed said.

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Powell told Trump that the central bank would make decisions about the short-term interest rate it controls “based solely on careful, objective, and non-political analysis.” The Fed’s rate typically influences borrowing costs across the economy, including for mortgages, car loans, and business borrowing.

The meeting comes as Trump has assailed Powell for not reducing the Fed’s key interest rate, calling him “Too Late Powell.” The president initiated the meeting, the Fed said.

Trump argues that there is “no inflation” and so Powell should cut rates, though such a move might not necessarily reduce the borrowing costs consumers face. Inflation is down substantially from a year ago, yet it remains above the Fed’s 2% target.

The meeting is the first during Trump’s second term, though the two met and had lunch together in his first term. Fed chairs regularly meet with Treasury secretaries but less often with presidents, given that the Fed’s interest rate decisions are intended to be separate from political concerns.

A Ramona Wildlife Center pygmy hippo that was rescued more than two decades ago broke a world record this weekend by becoming the oldest living captive pygmy hippo in recorded history, San Diego Humane Society officials said.

On Sunday, Hannah Shirley — a 65-inch-long, 400 to 500 pound pygmy hippo — surpassed the previous age record for her species in managed care of 51 years, 6 months and 2 days. Officials called the achievement “extraordinary,” due to pygmy hippos typically only living 30 to 50 years in the wild.

“Every day with Hannah Shirley is a gift,” said Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager at the center. “Her playful spirit, resilience and sweet personality make her a truly special ambassador for her species — and a symbol of how excellent care can help animals thrive far beyond what’s expected.”

Hannah Shirley lives in a 13,000-square-foot pen complete with a pond, pool and barn. (San Diego Humane Society)

Hannah Shirley was born on Nov. 22, 1973, and although she’d already broken the U.S. age record and become a quinquagenarian on her 50th birthday two years ago, it was Sunday when she broke the world record that truly set her apart from the rest of her species, San Diego Humane Society officials said.

The previous pygmy hippopotamus age record was held by a male named “Rif,” who was housed in Rostov-on-Don in Russia and passed away in 2023, officials said. Officials said Hannah Shirley’s longevity can be attributed to customized care that includes a top-tier nutrition plan, proactive veterinary treatment, and a 13,000-square-foot pen complete with a pond, pool and barn at the Ramona campus.

Officials said Hannah Shirley’s previous owner did not have proper permits to keep her, and she was transferred in 2002 to the center, which at the time was known as The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center before it was acquired by the San Diego Humane Society in September 2020.

San Diego Humane Society officials announced this weekend that Hannah Shirley, a 51-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the Ramona Wildlife Center, had become the oldest pygmy hippo ever living in managed care in the world. (San Diego Humane Society)

As one of the few dozen pygmy hippos living in such facilities across the country, the pygmy hippo has received specialized attention, officials said. For 23 years, Hannah Shirley’s daily routine includes back rubs with a broom, sprinkler showers, and a fresh diet of fruits and vegetables that are often grown on-site.

“Her diet is carefully managed and includes her favorite treats like wild chamomile, which she loves to forage,” said Angela Hernandez-Cusick, wildlife rehabilitation supervisor at the center. “The team continuously adapts her care based on the latest knowledge about this rare species, ensuring she thrives in her golden years.

Hannah Shirley also serves as one of the wildlife center’s eight animal ambassadors, a program that designates some animals — deemed unable to survive in the wild — as permanent residents at the facility, officials said.

Officials said ambassadors are viewed by guests at the center and some even travel with their keepers into the public to educate kids and residents about good stewardship, wild animals and vulnerable species.

“Anyone who meets Hannah falls in love with her,” Hernandez-Cusick said. “Her free spirit captures the joy of working with wildlife — we’re lucky to care for such a special species.”

Currently, there are fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos in the wild, according to San Diego Zoo. The species, which originates from West Africa, typically stands about 3 feet tall and can weigh up to 600 pounds. While the species has large teeth and tusks, pygmy hippos in the wild tend to be shy and flee when threatened in the wild, unlike their larger relative, zoo officials said.