Ahead of its grand opening on May 22, Universal has revealed the first images of its upcoming Epic Universe theme park. Universal Orlando’s fourth official park has been in development for years, and is comprised of five worlds – Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Here’s what Universal has to say about each new world in the $6 billion park, as well as the first-ever-released photos of the new areas:
The Chronos
“As guests start their day, they will pass through the stunning Chronos portal that serves as the gateway to the incredible adventures found in Epic Universe. The first world guests will encounter upon entering the Chronos is Celestial Park, where they can board a shooting comet for an exhilarating roller coaster adventure, dine on delectable cuisine, shop exclusive merchandise to commemorate their visit and more.”
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
“In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, guests will journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the breathtaking spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris. Within Place Cachée, guests will find numerous dining venues like Café L’air De La Sirène, chic shopping options like Les Galeries Mirifiques, a live, full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus and more. They’ll also journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic to witness the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge in the thrilling ride, ‘Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.'”
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
“After guests emerge from the iconic green pipe into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, they’ll be immersed into the worlds of beloved Nintendo characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Donkey Kong and more. Within Universal Orlando’s most colorful and interactive experience yet, they’ll encounter familiar places inspired by Nintendo’s games, including Mt. Beanpole.”
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
“Upon entering the larger-than-life world of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, guests will be captivated by a real-life version of the iconic sweeping vista straight from the wildly popular “How to Train Your Dragon” films. As they take in the vast sparkling lagoon, two 40-foot-tall Viking statues and an energetic village perched above churning seas, guests can embark on a variety of Viking adventures inspired by the beloved film series – including experiencing what it’s like to fly on a dragon on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, competing to outscore and out soak fellow guests on Fyre Drill, posing for a photo with Toothless and so much more.”
Dark Universe
“In Dark Universe, guests will explore the shadowy village of Darkmoor – home to Universal Monster legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and more. The icon of this ominous world is Frankenstein Manor, where guests will venture deep into its catacombs and face a horde of enraged monsters on Universal Orlando’s most chilling attraction ever – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.”
The following was originally published October 21, 2024:
Universal Orlando’s fourth park will officially be opening its doors on May 22 of next year, just ahead in time for Memorial Day. Comprised of 5 worlds– Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Epic Universe, the massive 750-acre park is a result of a $6 billion investment from Universal.
“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” says 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.”
Phase one of tickets for the new park open tomorrow, October 22.
The following was originally published February 1st, 2024:
Universal Orlando has finally pulled back the curtain on the upcoming Universal Epic Universe, set to open in 2025. Their announcement is accompanied with a video that provides a virtual flyover of the park and its five worlds. The 750-acre park will be comprised of five sections, which are mostly modeled after existing properties and franchises.
“Universal Epic Universe is comprised of five incredibly themed worlds and in those, over 50 unique compelling experiences,” says Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences in an announcement video. “The idea was to bring you to these worlds you couldn’t otherwise possibly imagine and to do that, we wanted to create a mechanism that allowed you to be transported to another world and that starts at the very entrance of the park itself.”
Disney commits $1.9 billion to theme park expansion
Celestial Park
The entrance Epic Universe brings guests into Celestial Park, which acts as the central hub of the park. Celestial Park is made up of living gardens, scenic waterways, and grand architecture to welcome guests into Epic Universe. While most details are still under wraps, Universal has confirmed that Celestial Park will include three new rides, as well as the 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Once through Celestial Park, visitors will have their choice of four themed worlds to explore:
Super Nintendo World
Guests will have their pick of games and rides featuring the likes of Mario, Bowser, and Donkey Kong in this park themed after classic Nintendo franchises.
How to Train Your Dragon- Isle of Berk
Themed after the How to Train Your Dragon film franchise, visitors will get to soar on dragons’ wings and go on adventures throughout the Isle of Berk.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Unlike the two existing Wizarding Worlds at Universal Orlando (Hogwarts and Diagon Alley), this new addition is based off the Fantastic Beasts films and includes the British Ministry of Magic.
Dark Universe
This mysterious land is a new concept, where Universal says that guests will encounter Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and her experiments, as well as classic Universal Monsters like the Wolfman and Dracula.
The following was originally published December 7, 2023:
UPDATE: New details have emerged about Universal Studio’s long-awaited Epic Universe. Teased in 2019, this new park’s development was halted during the pandemic, but Universal Studios has confirmed that construction has been been consistently productive, and the new park will be opening of Summer 2025.
What’s more, the new park is set to be a massive 750 acres, nearly doubling the size of Universal Studios. Confirmed areas of the park will be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, an area themed after Universal Classic Monsters, and an area themed after the How to Train Your Dragon franchise.
In addition to the attractions, Epic Universe will contain two new resorts, the Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, as well as a number of new dining options.
The following was originally published August 17, 2023:
Universal Studios is continuing to put the pressure on Disney in their ongoing theme park turf battle in Orlando, Florida. While Disney has not announced any expansions or additional rides to Walt Disney World, Universal is currently building their fourth theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Epic Universe. New reveals now show that Epic Universe isn’t the only expansion Universal is working on.
Universal’s KidZone closed in January of this year, and speculation has continued as to why, or what might replace it. Universal has now announced that it is being replaced by a brand new “land,” one that is themed around DreamWorks Animation characters.
“As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them. They will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda to life in the most imaginatively fun ways,” the company shared.
While further specifics weren’t shared by Universal, Theme Park Tourist seems to have gotten the scoop as to upcoming attractions.
“Rumors have hinted that the former Fivel’s Playland area is currently being transformed into Shrek’s Swamp,” the website states.
“In addition to the playground and roller coaster attractions, there will be a character meet and greet areas in this land where guests can meet a rotating cast of familiar faces from DreamWorks films as well as new characters from upcoming movies, similar to the former DreamWorks Destination attraction,” the website reported.
