Credit: Universal Orlando ResortEpic Universe hasn’t even had its grand opening yet, and already it’s making headlines—but not the kind Universal Orlando was probably hoping for.
With Passholder Previews in full swing and hype for this brand-new park at an all-time high, it didn’t take long for guests to go all in on planning their visit down to the last meal. That’s especially true when it comes to The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, a highly anticipated dining spot located in Celestial Park.
But here’s the catch: shortly after Universal opened reservations for the restaurant, they suddenly hit the brakes. Without any formal announcement or explanation, reservations were pulled, and now guests are left wondering what happened. Was it a glitch? Did Universal just underestimate how much demand this place would get? Or did guests truly overwhelm the system?
Whatever the reason, The Blue Dragon now has an indefinite pause on bookings—and that’s just one more sign that the excitement surrounding Epic Universe might be pushing the limits of even the most well-oiled theme park operation.
Everything Guests Can Enjoy at Epic Universe Right Now
Epic Universe is set to open officially on May 22, 2025, but the Passholder Preview period is already giving lucky visitors a taste of what’s to come—and let’s just say, the park isn’t holding back.
Four unique lands make up the core of this massive expansion:
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Celestial Park serves as the dreamy central hub, blending art, light, and nature into an elegant intro to the rest of the park. This is where you’ll find the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and restaurants like The Blue Dragon and Atlantic.
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic gives guests a totally fresh take on the beloved franchise, diving deep into the wizarding government and French magic lore.
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SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is a vibrant, interactive area where Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure come to life—and yes, that includes the wristbands and coins.
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How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk gives you the chance to fly with dragons, experience Viking life, and even play in a family-friendly water ride.
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Dark Universe delivers gothic thrills straight from the classic monsters vault—think Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Invisible Man with a terrifying twist.
It’s not just about rides either. Universal has taken a page from Disney’s playbook and gone big on immersive theming, high-end dining, and technology-driven experiences. Whether you’re casting spells, racing through Bowser’s Castle, or sipping a specialty cocktail under neon-lit lanterns at The Blue Dragon, it’s clear this isn’t just another park—it’s Universal’s most ambitious effort yet.
So what’s the deal with the dining debacle?
According to the listing, guests were able to book meals at The Blue Dragon starting the day after opening—May 23, 2025. That didn’t last long. In what feels like a blink, the option disappeared, and now the only information available is a vague note that reservations have been “paused” with no word on when they’ll return.
The timing seems to suggest this might’ve been a premature launch, maybe even a test that went sideways once the demand outpaced what the team was prepared for. But if that’s the case, it still raises the question: why launch reservations before you’re ready?
Adding to the mystery, Atlantic—a second table-service spot also located in Celestial Park—is listed in the reservation system but doesn’t yet have available dates either. If both of these venues are having trouble keeping up during previews, it might indicate Universal still has some backend kinks to work out before the floodgates truly open.
But honestly, who can blame guests for being excited? The restaurant’s concept is pure magic: a courtyard-style dining space where it’s always evening, glowing lanterns overhead, neon dragons dancing along the walls, and a Tiger Bar serving cocktails.
It practically sells itself as the new go-to dinner spot for theme park foodies. Pair that with all the buzz surrounding Epic Universe, and it’s no wonder everyone wanted in.
For now, guests can still look forward to trying out The Blue Dragon once the official opening hits—but they might want to check the reservation system obsessively if they hope to snag a table.
And with previews bringing in limited numbers compared to full-capacity crowds this summer, it’s a safe bet we’ll see more of these “too much too fast” moments if Universal doesn’t pace the rollout carefully.
Still, if this is the kind of problem Epic Universe is dealing with, that’s probably a good thing. Being too popular too soon isn’t the worst issue to have—so long as they’re able to keep up with the demand by May 22. Because if this park is already causing chaos before it even opens, imagine what it’ll look like when the general public pours in.
Universal’s got a monster on its hands. And no, we’re not talking about Dracula.