Hello, fellow thrill-seekers and magic enthusiasts! I’m beyond excited to guide you through everything you need to know about Universal Orlando Resort’s groundbreaking new park: Universal Epic Universe. This isn’t just another theme park; it’s a portal to entirely new worlds, promising an unprecedented level of immersion and adventure.
Universal Epic Universe isn’t just an addition; it’s a transformation. The epic universe opening date is fast approaching later this spring on May 22nd, 2025. It’s time to start planning how you’ll navigate this incredible expansion, especially if you’re considering visiting the existing Universal parks during the same trip. So, let’s dive into all the details that will help you craft the perfect Universal vacation.
Five Immersive Worlds: Must-Do Attractions
Epic Universe is comprised of five incredibly themed worlds, each offering unique and compelling experiences. The idea is to transport you to these worlds, making you feel like you’re stepping into a reality you never thought possible. Let’s explore what each world has to offer:
Celestial Park: Your Gateway to the Universe
Think of Celestial Park as the heart of Epic Universe, a “world between worlds”. As the main entrance, it’s more than just a pathway; it’s a destination in itself. Here, cosmic and astrological themes blend with lush gardens and shimmering water features to create a serene yet awe-inspiring environment.
Rides
Constellation Carousel: This isn’t your typical merry-go-round. Individual rotating animals inspired by constellations will lift you up to six feet in the air.
Stardust Racers: Get ready for a thrilling dual-launch roller coaster that sends you rocketing at speeds up to 62 mph.
Dining
Atlantic Restaurant: “Sea food? Eat food” is the motto of this establishment that sits across from Neptune’s Pool.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant: Dine under the constellations, with two neon dragons adorning the walls.
The Oak & Star Tavern: Gather around an oak tree and relish savory barbecue.
Shopping
Nintendo Super Star Store: The name suggests you’ll be able to purchase merchandise here.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Enter the 1920s Wizarding World
Prepare to apparate into an entirely new era of the Wizarding World. This land blends the 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic 1990s British Ministry of Magic from the original Harry Potter series.
Ride
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: Join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle Dolores Umbridge in a motion-based dark ride adventure through the British Ministry of Magic. Transport yourself through the Métro-Floo from Paris to the stunning British Ministry of Magic’s grand atrium. The adventure centers around Dolores Umbridge’s trial, which takes a dramatic turn as she escapes, leading to a chase through magical departments alongside Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Umbridge’s house-elf, Higgledy.
Height Requirement: Guests must be at least 40” tall to experience this attraction.
Show
Le Cirque Arcanus: Enjoy a live show set in the Fantastic Beasts universe, featuring live performers, puppetry, and special effects.
Shopping:
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique: A new wand shop based in Paris.
Dining
Cafe L’air De La Sirène: Indulge in French baked goods, sandwiches, and desserts at this charming cafe.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Level Up Your Theme Park Experience
Step into the vibrant, interactive world of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong. This land promises to bring your favorite video game adventures to life.
Rides
Mario Kart – Bowser’s Challenge: An augmented reality interactive dark ride that puts you in the driver’s seat and brings a race down Rainbow Road to life.
Donkey Kong Minecart Madness: Ride a minecart through the jungle with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong.
Shopping
Oneup Factory.
Mario Motors.
Funky Kong gift shop.
Dining
Yoshi’s snack Island.
Turbo boo treats.
Bubbly barrel.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: A Viking Utopia
Based on the beloved How to Train Your Dragon franchise, this land lets you soar with dragons in a colorful Viking village.
Rides
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A family-friendly roller coaster that lets you fly with Hiccup and Toothless.
Dragon Racers Rally: This Gerstlauer Sky Fly will divide fans.
Fyre Drill: A boat ride where guests can blast targets with water cannons.
Experiences
Viking training camp.
The Untrainable Dragon stage show.
Dining
The Grog and GRL Snack Shack: Quick bites and refreshing drinks.
Spitfire Grill: A quick-service restaurant with a variety of options.
The Mead Hall: Indulge in a feast of meats, fish, sandwiches, desserts, and specially brewed ciders and meads.
Dark Universe: Face Your Fears
Enter a realm dedicated to the classic Universal Monsters. In Dark Universe, you’ll encounter villains from Frankenstein’s monster to Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Rides
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: Escape the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein in this spooky ride. This ride is expected to redefine dark rides. Inside eerie catacombs, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein struggles to control legendary monsters like The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and Dracula, but things go terribly wrong when Dracula breaks free.
Height Requirement: Guests must be at least 48” tall to ride.
Curse of the Werewolf: A spinning coaster that sends you soaring through the forest as you escape a pack of werewolves. Synchronized launches and werewolf encounters promise an incredibly immersive experience.
Height Requirement: Guests must be at least 40” tall to ride.
Experiences
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience: Turn yourself into a universal monster with the power of makeup and temporary tattoos.
Dining
Dey’s Cottage: A small snack shack for quick bites.
The Burning Blade Tavern: An immersive bar experience where you can enjoy a drink while encountering Monster Hunters.
Das Stakehaus: A sit-down steakhouse experience run by vampires.
A Culinary Universe: Dining at Epic Universe
Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure! Epic Universe is set to offer a diverse array of dining locations, from full-service restaurants to fast-casual spots, with more than 30 dining locations. Universal’s culinary team has developed over 100 creative new menu items, promising something to satisfy every palate. Here is a taste of what we’ve seen
Celestial Park: Don’t miss the Atlantic for seafood, Pizza Moon for Pizza, the Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, or the Oak & Star Tavern for barbecue.
Dark Universe: Experience Das Stakehaus, a vampire-run steakhouse, or grab a drink at The Burning Blade Tavern while encountering Monster Hunters.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Indulge in a Butterbeer Crêpe.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Try the Mario Burger.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Sample the Yaknog.
Hotels and Accommodations: Your Cosmic Retreat
To fully immerse yourself in the Epic Universe experience, consider staying at one of the three new hotels designed as part of the expansion:
Universal Helios Grand Hotel: This hotel features 500 rooms with stunning views of Epic Universe and its own private entrance to the park. Inspired by Mediterranean themes, it promises a divine escape. This will truly be Universal’s top of the line luxury hotel and you won’t want to miss it.
Universal Stella Nova Resort: Inspired by distant galaxies and new stars, this Prime Value hotel offers tranquil accommodations.
Universal Terra Luna Resort: Opening March 25, 2025, this resort draws inspiration from planetary elements, offering a unique and immersive stay.
Staying at any Universal Orlando hotel comes with perks, including Early Park Admission, allowing you to get a head start on the fun. However, it’s important to note that current Helios bookings do not include Express Passes for the parks.
Accessibility: Ensuring Everyone Can Enjoy the Adventure
While Epic Universe promises thrills for everyone, it’s important to consider accessibility. Some early concept art of Super Nintendo World reveals a lot of stairs, particularly at Peach’s Castle. If you or someone in your travel party uses a wheelchair, it’s wise to keep an eye out for accessibility updates from Universal. All that said, Universal has a good reputation for providing an accessible park experience with their other properties in both LA and Orlando, so we can expect the same for Epic.
One important tip for those with special needs – You can register for an Individual Accessibility Card within 30 days of your visit and this will provide you with the ability to request an Attractions Assistance Pass. You can find more information about accessibility on Universal’s website.
Transportation and Maps: Getting Around
Epic Universe is located a few miles south of the existing Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks. Universal intends to provide transportation between Epic Universe and its existing properties. Be prepared for a potentially long walk from the parking lot to the entrance. Although an official Epic Universe map has not yet been released, the concept art below shows the general layout of the part. There you can see how you enter through Celestial Park, and from there access the other four worlds. You can also see where the Helios hotel is positioned in walking distance to all of the worlds of Epic Universe.
Shopping: Bring Home the Magic
No theme park experience is complete without some retail therapy! Epic Universe will feature a variety of themed shopping locations:
Celestial Park: Nintendo Super Star Store.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Oneup Factory, Mario Motors, Funky Kong gift shop.
Dark Universe: Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.
Tickets and Planning: Your Journey Starts Here
Planning your Epic Universe adventure requires a bit of strategy but it’s important to get tickets locked in well in advance of the Epic Universe opening date. Currently, you can only visit Epic Universe for ONE DAY, as part of a multi-day park ticket. The multi-day park tickets come in different flavors. The least expensive are the tickets allowing you to visit one park per day, and the more days you book the lower the price. The price goes up a bit if you want the flexibility to move between parks, and if you want to add on Volcano Bay.
Important Considerations:
These multi-day tickets include only one day at Epic Universe, with the remaining days for the other Universal parks. While it’s possible that additional ticket packages will come out before the park opens, at the current time
Single-day tickets to Epic Universe may become available in the future, but vacation packages are currently the best way to guarantee entry.
Annual passholders have the option to purchase a 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket Add-On.
Express Passes and VIP tour experiences will be available for those looking to maximize their time at Universal Islands of Adventure or Universal Orlando. At the current time, Express Passes and VIP options are not offered for Epic, but stay tuned as that may change soon.
Tips for Booking:
Book Early: With the epic universe opening date generating so much buzz, booking early is crucial.
Consider a Vacation Package: These packages often offer the best value and ensure you get access to Epic Universe.
Work with a Travel Agent: As an expert, I can help you navigate the options, find the best deals, and create a personalized itinerary.
You can find more information about the latest ticket prices and packages for Epic Universe on Universal’s website.
Conclusion: Get Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime!
The epic universe opening date of May 22, 2025, is rapidly approaching, and the excitement is palpable. Universal Epic Universe promises to be an immersive, innovative, and unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
As your dedicated travel agent, I’m here to help you plan every detail of your Universal Orlando vacation, ensuring it’s as magical and stress-free as possible. Contact me today to start planning your epic adventure!
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