It has been almost five years since the announcement of Universal Epic Universe, the fourth theme park to be added to the Universal Orlando Resort. With construction set to resume after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans have eagerly awaited more information about this highly anticipated theme park. Finally, on January 30th, Universal provided a glimpse inside the gates of Epic Universe, revealing its five lands and the magic they will hold. Set to open in 2025, Epic Universe will also feature three hotels and an entertainment center, making it a truly immersive and exciting experience for guests.
Epic Universe will be home to five worlds, each filled with extraordinary adventures that surpass guests’ wildest imaginations. The park will feature over 50 attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences that come together to create an epic theme park experience.
The first world guests will encounter as they enter the park is Celestial Park. This astronomical-themed area will have ample green spaces, fountains, and day-to-night entertainment. Guests can enjoy mystical fountain shows and experience three attractions, ranging from family-friendly to thrilling. The highlight of Celestial Park is Starfall Racers, touted as Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster. This dual-launch coaster can reach speeds of up to 62 mph and heights of up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. For those who prefer a slower pace, the Constellation Carousel offers a constellation-themed ride with vehicles that gently glide back and forth, making 360-degree rotations. Celestial Park also features an interactive water play area called Astronomica and multiple dining outlets, including Atlantic, a full-service “surf and turf” restaurant set inside a large Victorian-style aquarium. Guests can also enjoy Asian cuisine at The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant and barbecue and pizza at Oak & Star Tavern and Pizza Moon, respectively. Shopping options include the Nintendo Super Star Store, where guests can find merchandise themed to the park’s other lands, as well as snacks and desserts from Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.
Celestial Park also serves as a gateway to the park’s other four worlds, which guests can enter through majestic themed portals. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will transport guests to the wizarding era of the 1920s featured in the “Fantastic Beasts” films. While Universal hasn’t revealed many details about this land, guests can expect to see iconic destinations from the films, such as Paris and the British Ministry of Magic. Super Nintendo World will take guests inside the adventures of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, and Bowser. The land will feature a Mario Kart ride, similar to the one in Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World, and there are rumors of additional rides themed to Donkey Kong and Yoshi. How to Train Your Dragon – The Isle of Berk will allow guests to soar through the sky with dragons in a world filled with Viking adventures. Universal will release more details about this land at a later date. Finally, Dark Universe will reimagine Universal’s classic monsters with the mysterious Dr. Victoria Frankenstein at the helm. This land will give guests a year-round spooky experience, similar to Universal’s popular Halloween Horror Nights.
In addition to the immersive lands and attractions, Epic Universe will feature three hotels. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, both adjacent to the new park, will each have 750 guest rooms, outdoor pools, and quick-service dining options. Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be located inside Epic Universe, at the end of Celestial Park, and will have its own dedicated entrance into the park. This hotel will offer 500 guest rooms and “one-of-a-kind” views designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite.
For those curious about the park’s layout, Universal released a map of Epic Universe, showcasing the different lands and their locations. Celestial Park is situated at the main entrance to the park, with Universal Helios Grand Hotel at the back of the land. Guests can enter portals from Celestial Park to access the other four lands.
Epic Universe is scheduled to open in 2025 and will be located on a 750-acre tract of land near Universal’s current parks. It will be about 3 miles down the road from the rest of Universal Orlando, and complimentary shuttle service will be provided between Epic Universe and the rest of the resort.
Universal Epic Universe promises to be an epic theme park experience like no other. With its immersive lands, thrilling attractions, and attention to detail, it will undoubtedly cement Universal Orlando as a weeklong vacation destination for theme park enthusiasts. From the recent additions of Minion Land and the upcoming Dreamworks-themed land to the new experiences coming to Epic Universe, Universal Orlando will truly have something for everyone.