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Epic Universe Is “Better Than Anything Disney Has Done In a Long Time,” Fans Say

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Posted on by Andrew Boardwine 2 Comments
Universal Epic Universe concept artwork for Celestial Park.

Credit: Universal

Universal Orlando Resort is set to redefine theme park entertainment with the opening of Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. This $6 billion project is the first new theme park in Central Florida in over 25 years and aims to offer a groundbreaking experience rivaling Disney World.

With five immersive lands, cutting-edge attractions, and flying animatronics, Epic Universe is shaping up to be Universal’s most ambitious expansion yet.

From the stunning Celestial Park to the highly anticipated SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming to Universal’s Epic Universe.

An artists rendition of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, opening summer of 2025.
Credit: Universal

Celestial Park – The Grand Entrance to the Future

Unlike a traditional theme park hub, Celestial Park is a themed land of its own, featuring lush gardens, cosmic-inspired architecture, and interactive experiences. It serves as the gateway to the other lands via portal entrances.

Key Attractions:

  • Stardust Racers – A thrilling dual-racing roller coaster, reaching speeds of 62 mph and heights of 133 feet.
  • Astronomica Carousel – A space-themed carousel with planetary designs and interactive elements.
  • Other Interactive Experiences

Dining in Celestial Park:

  • The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – Signature dishes include Tonkotsu Ramen, Double Fried Korean Wings, and Passion Fruit Mooncake.
  • The Oak & Star Tavern – A rustic eatery featuring smoked brisket, ribs, cheddar jalapeño sausage, and roasted chicken.
  • Pizza Moon – A cosmic pizzeria with Harvest Moon Pizza topped with grilled artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, and olives, but don’t worry, there’s much more to enjoy here, as well.
  • Comet Dogs – A hot dog stand with unique offerings like the Bulgogi Dog and Smoky Carrot Dog.

At the center of Celestial Park is the Helios Grand Hotel, which offers exclusive park access and a rooftop bar with views of Epic Universe.

The Universal Helios Grand Hotel Resort coming to Epic Universe.
Credit: Universal

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

The next chapter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this land will transport guests to the Parisian Ministry of Magic and the British Ministry of Magic, combining elements from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts.

Key Attractions:

  • Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – A high-tech dark ride, where guests enter a magical battle featuring Dolores Umbridge and other wizards. The expectation is that we’ll see Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger make an appearance in the attraction, as well.
An illuminated stage with a vibrant backdrop featuring a dragon and a fiery motif. Two performers in colorful costumes are standing near the center, facing the audience. The stage is adorned with lights and drapes, creating a lively, festive atmosphere reminiscent of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Dining in The Wizarding World:

  • Café L’air De La Sirène – Home to Butterbeer Crêpes, Quiche Lorraine, and Poulet à la Provençal.
  • Le Gobelet Noir – A wizarding pub offering Alchemist’s Platter, Lentil Stew, and specialty drinks.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Jump into the Game

A larger version of the already popular SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan, this land brings the world of Mario, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi to life with rides and interactive gameplay.

Key Attractions:

  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – An augmented reality dark ride, where guests race through iconic Mario Kart tracks.
  • Mine-Cart Madness – A thrilling Donkey Kong-themed coaster, simulating track-jumping as seen in classic Donkey Kong Country games.
  • Yoshi’s Adventure – A family-friendly dark ride, offering stunning views of the land.

Dining in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD:

  • Toadstool Café – Featuring Mario Burgers, Luigi Burgers, and Bowser’s Fireball Challenge (a one-pound meatball dish).
  • Bubbly Barrel – A Donkey Kong-themed beverage spot, serving tropical drinks like the DK Crush Float.

In a lot of ways, this is going to be the most-anticipated land. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD looks incredible already and it’s going to be fun to see how it looks once it’s officially open.

A vibrant, detailed illustration of Super Nintendo World, featuring iconic structures and attractions like castles, green pipes, and a yellow pyramid.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Step into the world of How to Train Your Dragon, where Vikings and dragons coexist. Universal has confirmed flying animatronics, meaning dragons will soar above guests, adding a next-level immersive element.

Key Attractions:

  • Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – A family coaster, simulating dragon flight with speeds up to 45 mph.
  • Fyre Drill – A boat battle attraction, where guests compete to extinguish fires caused by dragons.
  • Dragon Racer’s Rally – A spinning aerial ride, letting guests control their dragon’s movements up to 67 feet high.
  • The Untrainable Dragon Show – A live-action stage show, featuring life-sized dragons and interactive performances.

Dining in Isle of Berk:

  • Mead Hall – A Viking feast hall offering grilled meats, seafood, and Nordic-inspired dishes.
  • Spit Fyre Grill – Quick-service meals featuring Stoick’s Steak Bowl, Meatlug’s Chicken Bowl, and Valka’s Vegan Bowl.
  • Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – Serving Mac and Cheese Cones and Viking-themed drinks.
Hiccup and the rest of the characters from How To Train Your Dragon film franchise
Credit: DreamWorks Animation Studios

Dark Universe – Universal’s Classic Monsters Come to Life

Dark Universe reimagines Universal’s classic monsters, offering a horror-themed land where guests explore Frankenstein’s lab and supernatural encounters.

Key Attractions:

  • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – A dark ride, unleashing some of Universal’s most iconic monsters.
  • Curse of the Werewolf – A spinning roller coaster.
The entrance to Dark Universe, an immersive land inspired by classic and new Universal monsters coming to Universal Epic Universe in Universal Orlando Resort
Credit: NBCUniversal

Here’s what Universal shares about the Monsters Unchained attraction:

“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein – conducts her twisted and misguided experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed. Guests then embark on a terrifying ride through the darkness as they try to evade Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.”

Dining in Dark Universe:

  • Das Stakehouse – Featuring the Blood Orange Chicken Sandwich and Red Velvet “Death” Cake.
  • The Burning Blade Tavern – Offering Hunter’s Garlic Stakes and Burning Blade Burgers.

A chance to experience a little taste of Halloween Horror Nights any time of the year? Count us in.

A vibrant amusement park at sunset, part of the Epic Universe, features a dome-covered carousel with colorful lights. Nearby, a roller coaster with a fiery design spirals around, emitting sparks. People enjoy fountains and lush greenery surrounds the attractions at Universal.
Credit: Universal

Ticket Pricing and Availability

Universal has structured Epic Universe ticketing into multi-day packages, requiring guests to visit Universal’s other parks as well.

“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe,” 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.”  

Here’s a look at the current passes available for Epic Universe:

  • Three-, Four-, or Five-Day Passes:
    • Starting at $117 per day for adults.
    • Kids’ tickets are slightly cheaper.
    • Includes one day at Epic Universe, with other days at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay.
  • Annual Passholder Add-On:
    • $122 per day for single-day Epic Universe access.
    • The first, 17 days are already sold out for pass holders.
  • Individual Tickets:
    • Will be available at a later date.
    • Pricing yet to be announced.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Universal Orlando Resort

Epic Universe isn’t just an expansion—it’s a massive leap forward for Universal, blending cutting-edge technology, immersive environments, and next-level entertainment. With flying animatronics, groundbreaking coasters, and fully themed lands, Universal is poised to change the theme park industry when Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025.

What do you think of Universal’s Epic Universe? Will it be better than anything Disney has done in years?

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Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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