Florida - So, you heard Universal is building a new theme park in Orlando? That’s right! In this article, we’ll cover all the essential details about this exciting addition to the resort. Read on for in-depth insights into the park’s thrilling new themed areas, attractions, dining options, and more!
What is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is an upcoming theme park being developed by Universal Orlando Resort. The new park will feature four themed lands and a central park, filled with new attractions using the latest ride technologies, as well as unique dining and entertainment options.
The park is being developed as a central, galaxy-themed hub, from which the other lands are accessible through portals. These portals offer access to the themed lands, which are being built as immersive areas. Once in a themed land, you can’t see anything else from the park, and you are fully immersed in the theme of that world. The only way in or out of the themed land is through the portal.
Epic Universe will become part of Universal Orlando Resort, which currently consists of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and the Volcano Bay water park. With Epic Universe, the resort will have a total of four parks and eleven hotels.
When will Epic Universe open?
Epic Universe is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025. The park’s opening has already experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally planned to open in 2023, construction was halted in April 2020 and resumed in March 2021, pushing the opening date back to 2025.
What attractions and rides will Epic Universe feature?
Epic Universe will feature 4 themed lands and one central park, all containing attractions and rides. The four themed lands and their attractions are:
Central Park: Celestial Park
Celestial Park at Epic Universe is the central hub. This area is themed around the cosmos and acts as a “world between worlds,” providing portals to the other four immersive lands within the park.
Celestial Park is designed to be a lush, garden-like environment by day, transforming into a vibrant, illuminated space by night. The park’s theme focuses on celestial elements, creating a mystical atmosphere with its cosmic inspirations.
It will feature three rides:
Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is one of the standout attractions at Celestial Park. This dual launch racing coaster is designed to provide an “out-of-this-world” experience, mimicking the thrilling race of comets across the sky. Reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph) and heights of 40.5 meters (133 feet), it promises to be one of the park’s most exhilarating rides. Both tracks are 1,524.0 meters (5,000 ft) long.
The ride features a unique “Celestial Spin” element, where two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross maneuver, creating an intense, gravity-defying sensation for riders. The coaster is adorned with hundreds of lights, making the vehicles appear as glowing comets, which will be especially stunning during nighttime operations.
The theming of Stardust Racers integrates deeply with Celestial Park’s cosmic ambiance, ensuring that every ride feels like a journey through the stars.
Constellation Carousel
Constellation Carousel is another signature attraction at Celestial Park, which transforms the classic carousel into a celestial adventure, aligning with the park’s cosmic theme. Instead of the traditional horses, riders will mount beautifully crafted celestial creatures that represent various constellations.
Designed to be the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park, the Constellation Carousel features hundreds of points of light that enhance its magical appearance, especially at night. The ride’s unique design allows the celestial figures to rotate 360 degrees, adding an extra layer of wonder as they glide forward and backward. This artistic and technical marvel offers an all-ages attraction that combines the nostalgia of a traditional carousel with the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
Astronomica
The third attraction in Celestial Park is Astronomica, an interactive wet-play area designed to captivate visitors with its unique blend of water features and cosmic theming. Inspired by a compass rose, Astronomica serves as a central point, guiding guests to the various portals and attractions around Celestial Park.
The centerpiece of Astronomica is its array of fountains, which offer a refreshing play area for guests of all ages. During the day, these fountains provide a cool respite, while at night, they transform into a dazzling light show, combining colors and music to create a mesmerizing spectacle. This dual functionality ensures that Astronomica remains a vibrant attraction, whether guests visit during the day or night.
Themed Land: Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is the first immersive land of the park. It will transports visitors straight into the iconic worlds of Nintendo. Building on the success of similar areas at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood, this new land brings beloved Nintendo characters and settings to life with stunning detail and interactive experiences. The area will feature three rides:
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is one of the flagship attractions at Super Nintendo World. This state-of-the-art dark ride combines augmented reality (AR) with traditional ride mechanics to deliver an immersive and interactive racing experience that brings the Mario Kart games to life.
Riders will don AR headsets and hop into Mario Kart vehicles, where they can steer, accelerate, and throw virtual items at competitors, just like in the video game. The track takes guests through iconic locations from the Mario Kart series, featuring dynamic environments and familiar characters.
The ride’s design incorporates physical sets and digital projections to create a blend of reality and virtual elements. This makes for an exhilarating experience as guests race against Bowser and other classic characters in a bid for victory.
Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness
Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness is a new type of roller coaster that is designed to replicate the thrilling mine cart levels from the Donkey Kong video games.
This new type of roller coaster is called a “boom coaster”, which creates the illusion that the mine carts are jumping over broken tracks and navigating through various obstacles.
Riders will be seated in mine carts that mimic the aesthetic of the Donkey Kong games. As they race along the tracks, they will encounter familiar characters and scenes.
Yoshi’s Adventure
Yoshi’s Adventure is a charming and family-friendly attraction which invites guests to embark on a scenic tour through the Mushroom Kingdom, guided by the lovable Yoshi. Designed as an omnimover ride, Yoshi’s Adventure offers a gentle pace, making it perfect for guests of all ages.
As riders hop onto their Yoshi vehicles, they are taken through various scenes that bring the world of Mario to life. Throughout the journey, guests will help Yoshi find hidden eggs, adding an interactive scavenger hunt element to the experience.
Themed Land: How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk brings the enchanting world of the beloved “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise to life, offering visitors a chance to explore the Viking village of Berk and its dragon-filled skies. The land is crafted to replicate the rugged, Nordic landscape seen in the films and TV series, complete with detailed architecture and natural scenery.
Guests will feel as though they have stepped straight into the world of Hiccup, Toothless, and their friends. The Isle of Berk is designed to capture the essence of Viking life, featuring iconic locations such as Hiccup’s workshop, the dragon training arena, and the bustling village square. Visitors can expect to encounter various interactive elements and themed experiences that celebrate the spirit of adventure and friendship central to the “How to Train Your Dragon” story.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will feature three rides and a show:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is the main attraction at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. This multi-launch roller coaster, built by Intamin, offers guests the experience of soaring through the skies alongside Hiccup and Toothless. The ride reaches speeds of up to 72 km/h (45 mph) and features dramatic drops and sweeping turns that mimic the flight patterns of dragons.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders takes riders on a thrilling journey above and around the picturesque landscape of Berk. Designed to reflect Hiccup’s inventive spirit, the ride vehicles resemble winged contraptions, adding to the immersive experience.
Throughout the ride, guests will encounter detailed theming and special effects that bring the world of How to Train Your Dragon to life. The coaster’s layout includes multiple launch points and high-speed sections, ensuring an engaging experience from start to finish. The coaster is expected to be thrilling, yet family-friendly.
Dragon Racer’s Rally
Dragon Racer’s Rally is a dual Sky Fly which ride offers guests the unique opportunity to control their dragon’s flight, combining the thrill of aerial acrobatics with the competitive spirit of dragon racing.
A Sky Fly attraction from Gerstlauer is an interactive ride where riders control individual gondolas that can perform 360-degree spins, providing a personalized and thrilling experience. The ride reaches heights of about 20 meters (65 feet) and allows for dynamic aerial acrobatics.
Riders will be seated in dragon-themed airplanes that can be maneuvered to spin while the ride dives and soars through the sky.
Fyre Drill
Fyre Drill is a family-friendly interactive “Splash Battle” boat ride that offers guests a journey through the waters surrounding the Viking village of Berk, bringing the beloved world of “How to Train Your Dragon” to life. As guests board their Viking-themed boats, they navigate through various iconic scenes from the franchise, including encounters with different dragon species and elements of Viking lore.
Fyre Drill is themed around Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, who have turned Berk’s Fyre Skööl into a playful, competitive experience. Guests use onboard water cannons, which can shoot streams of water over 8.5 meters (28 feet), to hit flame-like targets scattered throughout the ride, aiming to outscore and out-soak each other.
The ride features over 130 moving targets, providing plenty of opportunities for interactive fun as riders navigate the waters of Berk.
The Untrainable Dragon:
The Untrainable Dragon is a captivating live show. This Broadway-style production brings the beloved characters and enchanting world of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise to life with a mix of thrilling stunts, musical numbers, and life-sized dragons soaring overhead.
Set in a different time period from the films, the show follows Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid as they work together to solve the mystery of a new, untrainable dragon that has arrived in Berk. The narrative is enhanced by special effects, breathtaking sets, and advanced puppetry that animate the dragons, making them appear lifelike and majestic.
One of the highlights of the show is the moment when Toothless flies directly above the audience, showcasing a wingspan of nearly 8.2 meters (27 feet) and weighing over 524 kg (1,157 pounds). This aerial spectacle adds a dramatic and immersive element to the performance, captivating guests of all ages .
The Untrainable Dragon is inspired by the successful “Untrainable” show at Universal Beijing Resort.
Themed Land: Dark Universe
Dark Universe is inspired by Universal’s classic monster films and brings to life the eerie and gothic ambiance of these timeless stories.
Visitors will enter Dark Universe through a portal in a giant dead tree, leading them into the foggy, derelict village of Darkmoor. Here, they will encounter iconic characters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster, as well as new characters such as Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein, and Maleva, leader of The Guild of Mystics.
Dark Universe offers a range of experiences that cater to both thrill-seekers and families. The land is designed to immerse guests in a shadowy world filled with monsters and mystery, blending the horror and charm of Universal’s classic monsters with modern storytelling and attractions.
Dark Universe will feature two rides:
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is the premier attraction in the Dark Universe section of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. This state-of-the-art dark ride immerses guests in the terrifying catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her experiments to control a horde of iconic monsters, including Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The ride system for Monsters Unchained utilizes a KUKA robo-arm technology, similar to the one used in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. However, unlike Forbidden Journey, Monsters Unchained does not rely heavily on screen-based effects. Instead, it emphasizes physical sets and animatronics to create a more immersive and tangible horror experience.
Guests will board ride vehicles designed to resemble experimental apparatus, complete with gears, coils, and medical table-like seating.. As the ride progresses, guests will witness the chaos unleashed by Dracula’s escape, navigating through scenes filled with monstrous fury and near-misses with other classic creatures.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment promises to be one of Universal’s most terrifying and innovative attractions, combining advanced ride technology with classic horror storytelling to deliver an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and fans of Universal’s monster legacy.
Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster, inspired by the classic Universal monster The Wolf Man. It takes guests on a thrilling journey through the dark, eerie woods on the edge of Darkmoor.
Manufactured by Mack Rides, the coaster features multiple launches and a unique spinning mechanism that adds a dynamic element to the ride. Guests board wagon-like cars, each seating four riders back-to-back, and venture into the forest after being warned by Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer, about the impending danger of the werewolves. The ride reaches speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and lasts over two minutes, ensuring an action-packed experience filled with twists, turns, and high-speed excitement.
As riders race to escape the werewolves, they encounter various thematic elements and a swing launch through a shed, that enhance the immersive storyline. The ride’s design ensures it is suitable for families, with a height requirement of only 102 cm (40 inches), making it accessible to younger guests while still providing enough thrills for older visitors.
Themed Land: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic transports guests to the magical Paris seen in the Fantastic Beasts films. But the area houses a secret. Through Métro-Floo it is possible to travel from Paris to 1990s London for an adventure inside the British Ministry of Magic.
Upon entering through the portal, guests will step from a Muggle park in Paris into the vibrant 1920s Place Cachée. This hidden shopping district features Haussmannian buildings, cafés, and historic domes.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will offer one attraction and one show.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a massive dark ride with a completely new type of ride system. Universal promisses it will be one of its most impressive attractions to date. The attraction will have massive sets and use the latest technology to tell a new Harry Potter story.
The adventure begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo – a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films – to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge.
Upon arrival, guests will enter the Ministry’s grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place…until Umbridge attempts to escape.
Guests then join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase that will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge – all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures, and more along the way.
Le Cirque Arcanus
Le Cirque Arcanus is a live show. Guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience in the heart of the Harry Potter land. This spectacular show features live performers and aerialists, puppetry, special effects and more to take guests on a journey where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before.
The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – where Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves and more reside – to try and bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory. It’s then up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever.
What are the dining options at Epic Universe?
Universal’s Epic Universe, set to open in 2025, promises not only groundbreaking attractions and immersive environments but also a diverse array of dining options that enhance the thematic experience of each land.
From full-service restaurants offering gourmet meals to quick-service stands providing tasty snacks, Epic Universe aims to cater to every palate.
Each themed land within the park will feature unique eateries that complement its immersive storytelling, ensuring that guests can enjoy a culinary adventure as exciting as the rides and attractions. Below is a detailed look at the dining establishments in each themed area of Epic Universe.
Dining at Celestial Park
Atlantic Restaurant
Atlantic is a full-service restaurant that specializes in surf and turf, steak, and seafood. It features a Victorian aquarium theme with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, creating an underwater dining illusion.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant
This full-service restaurant offers a variety of dishes from Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines. The dining experience is enhanced by neon dragons and lanterns, giving it the feel of an indoor courtyard.
The Oak & Star Tavern
A quick-service barbecue restaurant designed to resemble a cozy tavern, The Oak & Star Tavern provides a relaxing spot to enjoy savory dishes.
Pizza Moon
Pizza Moon is a quick-service restaurant that offers a wide variety of pizza options. It’s a go-to spot for pizza lovers looking for a quick bite.
Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets
This sweet shop specializes in chocolates and other treats, offering a unique selection to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Dining at Super Nintendo World
Toadstool Cafe
Toadstool Cafe is a quick-service restaurant featuring Mario-themed dishes such as burgers, soups, and spaghetti. It draws inspiration from the Super Mario universe, creating a fun dining atmosphere.
Yoshi’s Snack Island
A walk-up stand that offers various snacks and beverages, Yoshi’s Snack Island is themed around the beloved Yoshi character from the Mario series.
Turbo Boost Treats
Turbo Boost Treats is another walk-up stand providing snacks and beverages, inspired by the high-speed action of the Mario Kart series.
Dining at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Mead Hall
Mead Hall is a sit-down dining venue where guests can enjoy a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches, and meads and ciders. The restaurant is themed as a Viking feasting hall, perfect for those looking to dine like a Viking.
Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel
A quick-service food stand offering snacks and beverages, Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel is themed around dragon racing, providing a lively and adventurous dining experience.
Spitfire Grill
Spitfire Grill offers hearty flame-grilled meals in a quick-service format. It features a dragon-themed grill stand, adding to the immersive experience of the Isle of Berk.
Dining at Dark Universe
Das Stakehaus
Das Stakehaus is a fast-casual restaurant serving kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and ribs. It is themed as a vampire dining hall run by “familiars,” situated above ancient catacombs.
The Burning Blade Tavern
A quick-service restaurant offering burgers, wings, bratwurst, and pretzels, The Burning Blade Tavern has a monster hunter theme, complete with a windmill that ignites every 20 minutes.
De Lacey’s Cottage
This quick-service spot provides snacks such as cinnamon bread, ice cream, and twisted taters. It is themed around the cottage where Frankenstein’s Monster found sustenance and friendship.
Dining at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Café L’Air De La Sirène
A restaurant with French sandwiches, daily specials, and desserts in a charming café adorned with fantastic beast designs.
Le Gobelet Noir
A mysterious auberge where guests can enjoy a hearty meal, favored by international Dark witches and wizards.
Bièraubeurre Cart
No visit is complete without a frosty mug of Butterbeer from the Bièraubeurre cart.
Bar Moonshine
A bar where witches and wizards can savor exclusive beers, wines, and cocktails in a setting filled with U.S. Quidditch team memorabilia.
Are there any hotels or accommodations associated with Epic Universe?
Epic Universe will feature three new hotels to complement its immersive theme park experience, all set to open in early 2025. These hotels will be Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is positioned as the flagship accommodation within the Epic Universe theme park. This luxurious hotel is uniquely situated at the end of Celestial Park, providing guests with direct and exclusive access to the park. Named after the Greek god of the sun, Helios, the hotel aims to blend celestial elegance with modern comfort, offering a “divine escape” with stunning views of the park and its attractions.
The Helios Grand Hotel will feature 500 rooms. The design incorporates Mediterranean-inspired elements with celestial patterns and constellations adorning the interiors, creating a serene yet majestic atmosphere for guests.
Guests staying at the Helios Grand Hotel will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits. The hotel will also feature resort-style amenities such as a luxurious pool area, fitness center, and various dining options that enhance the overall guest experience.
Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort
These sister hotels will provide guests with immersive, cosmic-themed experiences and modern amenities, enhancing their visits to the new Epic Universe theme park.
Universal Stella Nova Resort is scheduled to open on January 21, 2025. This resort is designed to reflect the infinite vastness of the universe, featuring a calming color scheme of teals and purples. The hotel’s 750 double-queen guest rooms, each with spaceship-styled windows, offer a unique perspective of the world outside, creating a serene environment for guests to relax and recharge between theme park adventures. Dining options at Stella Nova include the Cosmos Cafe and Market for quick service meals, the Galaxy Bar and Grill by the pool, and the Nova Bar in the lobby.
Universal Terra Luna Resort will follow shortly after, opening on February 25, 2025. This resort invites guests to explore unknown worlds with its terrestrial theme inspired by planets and solar system elements. The 750 guest rooms are accented with greens and golds, echoing the beauty of undiscovered planets. Terra Luna offers similar amenities, with the Omega Cafe and Market, Moonrise Bar and Grill by the pool, and the Luna Bar in the lobby, all providing a variety of dining options.
Both hotels boast nearly 930 square meters (10,000 square feet) resort-style pools with hot tubs, fitness centers, game rooms, and Universal Orlando Resort stores. Guests will also enjoy exclusive benefits such as early park admission to select attractions, complimentary shuttle transportation to the theme parks, and resort-wide charging privileges.
Where is Epic Universe located?
Universal’s Epic Universe is located in Orlando, Florida, just a few miles from the existing Universal Orlando Resort. Specifically, the new theme park is situated south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard. This area, often referred to as the “South Campus,” spans approximately 750 acres, nearly doubling Universal’s available acreage in Central Florida.
Epic Universe is strategically placed near the Orange County Convention Center and is about 15 minutes away from Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, collectively known as the “North Campus” of Universal Orlando Resort. The new location is also closer to Walt Disney World than Universal’s other parks, which could make it a convenient stop for Disney visitors interested in exploring the new attractions.
To facilitate access between the North and South Campuses, Universal and the state of Florida are enhancing local infrastructure. A significant project includes the extension of Kirkman Road, adding 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) of new pavement from Carrier Drive to Universal Boulevard. This extension will feature a massive elevated traffic circle designed to manage traffic flow efficiently and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Additionally, Universal has planned a new road, Epic Boulevard, which will serve as the main entrance to Epic Universe. This road will include parking lot access, ride-share drop-off areas, valet stations, and connections to future expansions and on-site hotels.
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