Universal Epic Universe, the fourth theme park at Universal Orlando, is opening on 22 May 2025. Universal’s biggest theme park in the US joins Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay in the Sunshine State. Situated on 750 acres, Epic Universe includes a theme park, as well as three hotels, shops and F&B.
Epic Universe is billed as the most ambitious theme park ever created by Universal Destinations and Experiences, and a game changer for theme park entertainment.
Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation, said:
“Our new park represents the single largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall. It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”
Opening date of Universal Epic Universe
Epic Universe is opening to the public on 22 May 2025. The launch date was revealed after a report in the Wall Street Journal suggested a potential opening for the park as early as Memorial Day weekend.
“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort.
“With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our universe will never be the same.”
Location of Universal’s Epic Universe
As above, Universal Epic Universe is located close to Universal Orlando’s three other gates. It is on a plot of land near the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
“I think we have a unique opportunity to tap into the convention business,” said NBCUniversal’s former CEO Jeff Shell. “For people who are going to the convention and want to have an event across the street at the park and do different things, I think that’s going to give us a unique opportunity to play with the pricing a little bit and get even more demand for people.”
New infrastructure
Also, Universal Orlando and Orlando’s Right Rail coalition are developing a SunRail route. This will run between Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center. A new community development district will plan, finance, build, own and maintain the new rail station at the convention centre. Universal Orlando is pledging 13 acres of land to the new district for the station.
“We are one step closer to creating a multi-directional commuter rail system that benefits our entire region,” said John Sprouls, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “The new SunRail corridor and convention center station will make it easier for residents to get to work, the airport and to the places they love. And it will enable business growth within the International Drive area and across the region.”
Maria Triscari, president of the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Orlando’s Right Rail, added:
“We’ve known for years that connectivity between the airport and International Drive area will be essential to our entire region’s future. This new station is great news for our entire community.”
Lands, rides and attractions
Epic Universe will house five themed lands with more than 50 attractions, entertainment experiences, and retail and F&B outlets. The new lands are: Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.
The heart of Epic Universe is Celestial Park, home to gardens, waterways and pathways, as well as the Starfall Racers dual-launch racing coaster. This sends guests flying through the sky on comets at top speeds of 62 mph and heights of 133 feet across 5,000 feet of track.
Starfall Racers is Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster with manoeuvres like the “celestial spin”, where the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross in the air.
Also in this astronomical-themed land are the Constellation Carousel, and the interactive Astronomica water play area.
As for F&B, restaurants include Atlantic, the Blue Dragon Pan-Asian restaurant, the Oak & Star Tavern, and Pizza Moon. Retail outlets include Nintendo Super Star Store and Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.
Celestial Park: a gateway with magical portals
Celestial Park will serve as the gateway to the park’s four additional lands, which can be accessed through magical portals. These are:
Dark Universe – this land is themed to Universal’s classic monsters and described as a “shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery”.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – this new Harry Potter land is inspired by 1920s Paris in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando is already home to Diagon Alley, and Islands of Adventure houses a Hogsmeade area.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk – here, guests can soar with dragons in a colourful and Vikings-themed world based on the How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.
Super Nintendo World – guests enter via the iconic green pipe and discover a gamified and interactive land themed to characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.
Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe
Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. It was followed in 2023 by the first Nintendo land in the US at Universal Studios Hollywood. The interactive zone is home to exhilarating entertainment and innovative technology based on Nintendo’s video games and characters. It features groundbreaking rides, interactive areas, and themed retail and dining.
Guests at Epic Universe will enter the land via the iconic green pipe, finding themselves in a vibrant and energetic space surrounded by Mt. Beanpole, Peach’s Castle, Piranha Plants and Goombas.
Super Mario Land at Epic Universe includes Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a groundbreaking attraction located in Bowser’s Castle that merges augmented reality (AR), projection mapping technology, and elaborate environments. This is joined by Yoshi’s Adventure, a family-friendly ride during which visitors search for Captain Toad in a treasure hunt.
As for F&B, the land includes Toadstool Cafe, Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats. Guests can buy souvenirs, clothing and toys at 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors, and meet characters such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad across the land.
Located at the edge of Super Mario Land is Donkey Kong Country, a tropical-themed area inspired by the Donkey Kong video games with tall trees, waterfalls and landmarks like the Golden Temple. Donkey Kong Country includes Mine-Cart Madness, a unique family-friendly coaster using an unprecedented ride system and innovative technology. Visitors will feel like they are playing inside the arcade game, released by Nintendo in 1981. Since then, the franchise has sold more than 65 million units worldwide.
Many of Super Nintendo World’s attractions and experiences are interactive and gamified. Guests can jump and punch Question Blocks to collect virtual coins using the Power-Up Band wearable device. Visitors can also earn digital keys to unlock content, and compete with other guests.
A life-size, living video game
“Think of Super Nintendo World as a life-size, living video game where you become one of the characters. You’re not just playing the game – you’re living the game, you’re living the adventure,” said Thierry Coup, Universal Creative’s former senior VP and chief creative officer.
“We have developed some state-of-the-art technology to create the perfect fusion of the physical world with the world of video games.”
In a conference call in 2019, Comcast execs said: “Nintendo – based on our research – is the biggest potential driver in attendance you can have in terms of intellectual properties. It’s up there with Harry Potter. In some of our parks, Harry Potter drives an incremental attendance of two million people.”
Dark Universe at Epic Universe
Dark Universe is an immersive land dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters at the new Epic Universe theme park. Universal’s first-ever land is themed to monsters like Frankenstein, the Mummy and the Wolf Man.
The visit begins at the electrifying portal to Dark Universe, an eerie town called Darkmoor featuring fiendish F&B, thrilling rides, and menacing merchandise. Attractions here are called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf.
The former is billed as Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction to date. This state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr Victoria Frankenstein carries out her experiments. During an intense ride experience through the darkness, guests attempt to escape monsters like the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster inspired by The Wolf Man (1941). Guests board a wagon and venture into the forest to escape werewolves and avoid transforming into beasts themselves. Additionally, a monster makeover experience is set in the old lab of Dr Pretorius (Bride of Frankenstein, 1935). Visitors will also get the chance to meet Universal’s monsters and more, including Victoria Frankenstein’s servant Ygor, the Invisible Man, and an eccentric monster hunter.
F&B venues in Dark Universe are Das Stakehaus, the Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage. Monstrous merchandise can be found at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.
Isle of Berk at Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe contains a How to Train Your Dragon-themed land, named Isle of Berk. Guests will soar with dragons in a colourful world of attractions, characters, and retail and dining experiences.
Universal said the land “captures the heart, humor and scale of the films within an authentic re-creation of the rugged, rocky world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons live together in hilarious harmony”. Guests visiting the Isle of Berk will see one of the most spectacular environments ever made by Universal. In this bustling village, there will be immense architecture, lush landscaping, vibrant dragon houses and local establishments.
Isle of Berk at Epic Universe will offer four new attractions, a live show, and character meet-and-greet experiences. Attractions here are a family-friendly thrill coaster named Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, the Fyre Drill boat ride, the Dragon Racer’s Rally ride, and the Viking Training Camp play area. Additionally, there will be a live show called ‘the Untrainable Dragon’, and guests can meet Hiccup and Toothless in the Haddock Paddock.
F&B outlets in Isle of Berk are Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill, and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel, and merchandise will be available in themed shops like Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop and Toothless’ Treasures.
Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe
This Ministry of Magic destination is Universal Orlando’s third Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is inspired by 1920s Paris in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
Rides and attractions in this land include Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This is billed as one of Universal’s most impressive attractions to date, with immersive environments, powerful storytelling, and unique ride technology. The ride experience begins with guests travelling by Métro-Floo, based on the Floo Network in the films, to the trial of Dolores Umbridge. Guests will enter the ministry’s grand atrium and see other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place.
When Umbridge attempts to escape, guests join Harry, Ron, Hermione and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase through the building as they dodge attacks from Death Eaters and other creatures.
Le Cirque Arcanus is a live theatrical experience with performers and aerialists, puppetry, special effects and more, while Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique is a shop selling interactive wands. These can be used by guests to create magical experiences by casting spells at various locations. Visitors can also interact with fantastic beasts like Nifflers, as well as enchanted objects around the land.
F&B locations in the new land are Café L’Air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir, Bar Moonshine and a butterbeer (or bièraubeurre) cart. Merchandise will be on offer at Les Galeries Mirifiques, K. Rammelle and Tour En Floo.
State-of-the-art technology
Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said Epic Universe is the “most technologically advanced park we’ve ever done”. Universal Orlando’s fourth gate will use “facial recognition, photo validation technology” to provide a “frictionless experience”.
“It’s the most technologically advanced park we’ve ever done,” Woodbury said. “And that speaks to both the attractions themselves, the next generation of robotics drone technology, all the way through to the guest experience. The full guest journey is really being taken to a whole new level.”
Woodbury added, “We have the benefit of new technology that we’re deploying in terms of managing ticketing, revenue and revenue management across each of those platforms.”
Hotels at Epic Universe
Epic Universe will have three new Universal hotels – Stella Nova Resort, Terra Luna Resort, and Helios Grand Hotel, which has its own dedicated entrance to the park.
Universal Stella Nova Resort opens on 21 January 2025. This will be followed by Universal Terra Luna Resort, which launches on 25 February 2025. Both new hotels are co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels. Each hotel will have 750 guest rooms. They are both located adjacent to Epic Universe.
Stella Nova is inspired by the “infinite vastness of the unknown universe”, says the Universal Orlando website. It will offer various F&B options, a huge spa pool, an interactive splash pad and lake views. Terra Luna is inspired by “the thrill of exploring the unknown, pushing the limits of discovery and stepping into new landscapes”, Universal Orlando says.
Universal Orlando’s current theme parks and Universal CityWalk will be accessible from the new hotels via free shuttles.
Universal’s family park in Texas
In addition to Universal Epic Universe, the company has several other sites planned. One of these is a new family-friendly theme park resort in Frisco, Texas. The attraction, called Universal Kids Resort, sits on 97 acres of land and includes a 300-room hotel and a theme park.
The park will feature lands inspired by Universal’s brands, characters and stories. There will be family-friendly attractions, interactive entertainment, unique merchandise, F&B outlets and character experiences. Per a press release, the theme park will have a “completely different look, feel and scale than Universal’s existing parks and will appeal to a new audience for the brand”.
“Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play,” said Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative. “We’re designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters.”
Work on the new resort is well underway after a groundbreaking in November 2023. “We’re excited to welcome Universal to our community and look forward to Frisco families making unforgettable park memories right here at home,” said Jeff Cheney, the mayor of Frisco.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures for Universal Destinations & Experiences, said the park will be created “specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans”. It will be smaller than Universal’s other resort destinations, although there’s room to expand.
Universal’s new horror attraction
Universal is also developing a new year-round horror attraction at Area15 in Las Vegas. In an interview with blooloop, Area15’s CEO Winston Fisher said the experience is going to be “badass”. He also said it will have guests “smiling and screaming”. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, he said, is a “30-year concept that has incredible brand awareness”.
The venue will bring to life Universal’s huge library of classic horror films and characters. For example, Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy and the Wolf Man. It will also be home to attractions based on its modern horror stories through collaborations with filmmakers including Jason Blum, James Wan and Jordan Peele.
Universal Horror Unleashed is Universal’s first permanent horror experience outside of its parks. It will offer eerie experiences, frightening F&B spaces, scary seasonal events and menacing merchandise.
Thompson said the decision to launch the attraction is due to a “huge and growing demand for immersive experiences”, particularly horror-themed ones.
Universal Destinations & Experiences
Considering these new developments, Universal Parks & Resorts – a division of Comcast NBCUniversal – rebranded in 2023 to become Universal Destinations & Experiences.
“We are thrilled to expand how we bring the Universal brand to life in new, immersive and compelling ways for fans around the world using our rich collection of stories, characters and franchises,” said Woodbury.
