ORLANDO, Fla. – Universal Orlando Resort is set to open its new theme park, Epic Universe, in May 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.
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.
Known as the “world between worlds,” 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, including lush gardens, fountains, dining, shopping and attractions.
For rides, there’s Stardust Racers — one of the largest roller coasters Universal has ever built. A top hat, hills and multiple launches make up 5,000 feet of track with heights reaching up to 133 feet. Riders will also experience the “Celestial Spin” where one ride vehicle will invert over the other one before trading places.
Constellation Carousel takes the average merry-go-round concept to a whole new level, literally. The ride consists of four ride tables and can function independently, as well as the ride vehicles. Modeled after star constellations, the ride vehicles can also go as high as six feet.
At the back of Celestial Park sits a golden palace, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel has an integral part in the world’s cosmic storyline. The hotel’s warm colors represent Helios, the Greek god of the sun.
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 Country 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 Universal Monsters 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. Dracula, The Creature of the Black Lagoon, and The Phantom of the Opera are just some of the 14 animated figures featured in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Dark Universe family coaster will bring out the werewolf in all who ride. Curse of the Werewolf will spin and weave through the woods and reach speeds up to 37 mph.
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
Universal Orlando Resort established a new standard in theme parks when it built lands based on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are based in London, and for the new installment, Universal wanted to expand the story.
Enter the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.
Blending 1920s wizarding Paris from the “Fantastic Beasts” films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic, the land features an awe-inspiring collection of experiences that include fantastical dining, whimsical retail, and spellbinding entertainment.
The latest Harry Potter world also will have the first-ever live show inspired by the “Fantastic Beasts” films.
For its flagship attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will be nothing short of elaborate with a Floo corridor, atrium, and different Ministry of Magic departments all within the queue. Guests will board ride vehicles in a lift bay to witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge for her crimes against the Muggles.
When Umbridge escapes the courtroom, guests set out with Harry, Ron, and Hermoine to capture Umbridge and prevent her from turning back time to when Lord Voldemort reigned.
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