Universal Orlando Resort is set to open its new theme park, Epic Universe, in just over a year, making its debut in 2025.
This innovative project promises to unveil a new level of unparalleled immersion and entertainment. It is set to feature over 50 astounding attractions, dining experiences, and shopping opportunities that culminate in an unforgettable adventure.
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Epic Universe will be the largest Universal Park in the U.S., according to theme park officials. It will be made up of five immersive worlds, themed from different, well-loved franchises, to allow guests to travel through a “portal” to explore and engage with their favorite fictional, legendary lands in a whole new way.
While much about Epic Universe remains a mystery, Universal has released some information about its new park, revealing much to look forward to. Here’s what we know about each of the different worlds so far.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the cosmic heart of Universal’s Epic Universe, where all of the adventures begin. At the center of the park, you will find portals to extraordinary worlds just waiting to be explored. But this “world between worlds” has an array of opportunities in itself before you embark on your favorite realm. It features exciting rides, dining experiences, retail locations and more entertainment options.
Super Nintendo World
Travel through the iconic green pipe and step into a colorful landscape full of well-known characters and exciting challenges. Based on the beloved video game franchise, this land follows the original land in Japan and Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Hollywood.
There are countless themed entertainment opportunities, rides, and virtual reality experiences that bring your favorite elements of the classic video game to life. Jump into a “kart” for a thrilling race with the “Bowser’s Challenge” ride or hop into a mine cart to explore the jungle of “Donkey Kong’s County” in “Mine-Cart Madness.” Guests can also visit “Yoshi’s Snack Island,” “Turbo Boost Treats” or “Toadstool Cafe” to grab some treats and refreshments.
Isle of Berk: How to Train Your Dragon
Explore the intricate, hand-carved architecture and lush landscaping of the rugged Viking village in the heart of the Isle of Berk as you prepare to take to the skies and soar with dragons. From exhilarating attractions, meet-and-greets, and live entertainment, there is no shortage of adventures in this new world.
Guests can take a fly with the dragons on “Hiccup’s Wing Gliders,” a family-friendly thrill coaster that launches riders into the sky for a “dragon’s eye view” of Berk to explore extraordinary heights and the rolling hills surrounding the vibrant village. There will also be interactive training opportunities at “Dragon Racer’s Rally” and “Viking Training Camp” and much more.
Dark Universe
Enter Dark Universe through a haunting portal with an electricity-charge spire on top that sends a jolt of excitement down your spine, resembling how misguided science experiments are brought to life. Based on Universal’s collection of early horror films, Dark Universe blends the classic stories of monsters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and more with a whole new generation of monsters and characters.
Twisted trees give off a spooky first impression and guests are sucked into this enthralling, shadowy world to explore a village ravaged by the wrath of unearthly creatures and the monstrous experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. Travel into the mysterious town to embark on unique adventures and discover new thrills. But beware, exciting opportunities are not the only things lurking around every corner.
Dark Universe is also getting an original score from legendary film composer Danny Elfman, whose distinct style of music ranges from whimsical to macabre.
The Universal Monsters have always been such a big part of my life. I'm grateful and honored to have been chosen to compose the music for the new Dark Universe in @universalorlando. I can’t wait to go!!! https://t.co/m6EiyTSkmM
— Danny Elfman (@dannyelfman) June 24, 2024
Ministry of Magic: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This is the world that remains most a secret.
Universal has yet to release details about what the Ministry of Magic will entail. However, the park states that it will transport guests to a new realm to allow them to directly experience the “international wizarding communities and the magic that connects them.”
The two existing Harry Potter worlds in Universal’s Studios main park have brought many magical favorites to life, including Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Express, Hogsmeade, and Hogwarts Castle.
There is also a wide variety of themed rides and entertainment options that thrill guests. This new extension is set to provide fans with brand-new transcendent experiences to delve into the magical world of Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts films.
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