Universal opens new Epic Universe theme park to the public
- Jake Nicholas
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
After years of buildup, speculation, and wonder, the wait is finally over—Universal Epic Universe has officially opened its gates to the public this morning. First announced in August 2019, the massive new theme park represents the most ambitious expansion in Universal Orlando Resort history, and the first entirely new park to open in Florida in over two decades. With a construction timeline impacted by a global pandemic and sky-high expectations fueled by conceptual renderings, insider leaks, and fan theories, Epic Universe has emerged as a next-generation entertainment destination. Its opening isn’t just a milestone for Universal—it’s a defining moment for the global theme park industry.
Spanning 750 acres—more than double the size of Islands of Adventure—Epic Universe brings five fully immersive worlds together around a central hub called Celestial Park. Each “portal” transports guests into radically different universes powered by blockbuster IPs, cutting-edge attractions, and cinematic-level worldbuilding. From fire-breathing dragons to haunted laboratories and digital racetracks, every inch of Epic Universe aims to redefine what it means to experience a theme park.
Celestial Park: The Cosmic Core
Before stepping into the themed worlds, visitors first pass through Celestial Park, a lush, open-air promenade filled with interactive fountains, gardens, and starlit walkways. It’s also home to Stardust Racers, the park’s signature dual-launch roller coaster where two tracks race and weave through the cosmos at speeds topping 60 mph. Restaurants like Atlantic and retail spots like Nintendo Super Star Store set the stage here, but Celestial Park’s true magic lies in how it connects to the four portals beyond.
Super Nintendo World: Jump Into the Game
One of the most anticipated lands, Super Nintendo World, drops guests into a vibrant, pixel-perfect universe of pipes, coins, and beloved characters. Here, fans can race in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an augmented reality dark ride that combines real sets and digital overlays in a high-speed competition through Bowser’s Castle.
A brand-new attraction, Mine-Cart Madness, sends guests barreling through a Donkey Kong jungle temple in a coaster that mimics the iconic mine-cart jumps of the classic video game. With character meet-and-greets, the Toadstool Café, and interactive Power-Up Band experiences that let visitors collect digital coins and unlock mini-games, this land is pure nostalgia and innovation rolled into one.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Ride with the Vikings
In Isle of Berk, the animated world of How to Train Your Dragon comes to life as a sprawling coastal village where dragons soar above and Vikings roam below. This land features Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family-friendly coaster that simulates dragon flight, and Fyre Drill, a wet-and-wild water cannon battle.
The land’s massive dragon animatronics, immersive architecture, and performances by Viking characters help make it feel truly alive. Guests can dine at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel or take in sweeping cliffside views, with plenty of interactive play areas for younger adventurers. It's a standout family-friendly zone that doesn’t sacrifice detail or thrill.
Dark Universe: Monsters Reimagined
The boldest and most daring land in the park may be Dark Universe, a moody, gothic enclave devoted to Universal’s classic monsters. Shrouded in mist and shadow, this area introduces guests to a modern reinterpretation of Frankenstein, Dracula, the Invisible Man, and more.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a marquee dark ride that plunges riders into a thrilling escape through Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab, blending animatronics, physical sets, and projection technology. For coaster lovers, Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning launch coaster set in a mysterious forest. The land’s eerie vibe is reinforced by roaming scare actors, fog effects, and uniquely atmospheric dining at De Lacy’s Cottage.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Magic Goes Global
Expanding the scope of the beloved Harry Potter universe, this all-new Wizarding World land transports guests to the British Ministry of Magic as seen in both the original series and the Fantastic Beasts films. Lavishly detailed and buzzing with wand-casting opportunities, the land’s centerpiece is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a dark ride where guests are caught in the chaos of a magical conflict playing out inside the Ministry’s marble halls.
With appearances by characters from both film eras, richly detailed Parisian streetscapes, and magical effects around every corner, this is the most mature and politically charged Wizarding World area yet—offering a different kind of intrigue than Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley.
Opening Night Magic
The park’s grand opening on May 21, 2025, was a spectacle worthy of the name “Epic.” Celebrities including Gerard Butler, Andy Cohen, Bowen Yang, and the Phelps twins walked the blue carpet, while Universal leaders like Karen Irwin and Tom Williams welcomed the crowd. A finale of fireworks, drone formations, and an emotional speech from Universal Chairman Mark Woodbury, capped off by a voiceover from Steven Spielberg, brought the celebration to a cinematic close.
As drones painted the night sky with the word “Epic” hovering above the central portal, it was clear that Universal wasn’t just unveiling a new theme park—it was launching a new benchmark for immersive entertainment.
Universal Epic Universe is now open to the public at 1001 Epic Blvd, Orlando, FL. Tickets start at $139. For more information, visit universalorlando.com
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