Sneak Peek at Epic Universe: Universal Orlando’s Game-Changing New Park

The wait is almost over! Universal Orlando has just raised the bar in theme park innovation with its highly anticipated EPIC Universe – the largest expansion in the resort’s history and first theme park opening in America since 2001. But what exactly does this new park have in store for visitors? Let’s take a sneak peek into the future of theme park entertainment.

What is EPIC Universe?

An expansion of Universal Orlando redefining the theme park experience. This park features innovative attractions and immersive experiences beyond what you have ever experienced before. You will find 5 worlds - Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic - each with their own portal entrance. When you step into each of these worlds, you are immersed into the atmosphere with entertainment, characters, rides, food and overall theming.

Themed Areas & Attractions:

Celestial Park

This area serves as your main hub when you enter the park—it’s the central space that connects you to all the immersive worlds beyond. It’s a spacious zone filled with dining options, shopping, and a fantastic view of the Helios hotel. If you're staying on property and have a park ticket, you’ll also find a convenient entrance here. You’ll likely rack up quite a few steps moving from one portal to the next, but this area is also a great spot to pause, grab a bite, do a little shopping, or simply recharge. Plus, you’ll find two attractions here: the whimsical Constellation Carousel and the high-speed Stardust Racers.

A quick heads-up for guests staying at the Helios hotel—if you don’t have park admission to Epic Universe, you won’t be able to access the restaurants and bars located inside the park’s main hub area. Without a park ticket, your dining options will be limited to what's available within the hotel itself or by heading over to CityWalk or one of the other parks.

The Constellation Carousel does not require a specific height to ride. This will be very similar to any carousel that you may have previously ridden, although children under 48" inches are not permitted to ride without being accompanied by a supervising companion. This ride will be available with a Universal Express Pass.

The Stardust Racers is a must do if you are experiencing this park! This ride is super intense, but very cool. The innovation of two tracks "racing" one another through the ride, crisscrossing and winding around is one for the books. For intensity, it did remind me a little bit of the Velocicoaster in Islands of Adventure. Guests are required to be 48 inches to experience this ride and child swap is available for those with littles. This will also be included with a Universal Express Pass.

How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk

Walk right into the Isle of Berk, where dragons and Vikings do exist. In this world you will find themed dining, character meet and greets, three attractions, and a playground.

The Untrainable Dragon a Live Show:

You will find action, comedy, and music within this live show where Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid navigate a new dragon on the Isle of Berk. We were not able to record during the time we were in the park, but the show will be one that kids love equipped with songs, flying dragons, and more!

Rides: 

Hiccup's Wing Gliders: This is a fun coaster where riders will fly and encounter Toothless and other dragons along the way. Riders must be 40" to ride and children under 48" inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion. This ride will be available with the Universal Express Pass.

Dragon Racer's Rally: In this ride you will fly a dragon spinning round and round. Riders must be 48" to ride. The lap bar for Dragon Racers Rally was a bit strange. Instead of it coming up to your waist, it closes in on your thighs. The ride is cute, but over pretty quickly as most of the rides within this new park.

Fyre Drill: Hop onboard to compete to see who can outscore and out-soak each other. We did not get the chance to ride this, but it looked like it would be fun for the whole family. 

Meet and Greet areas: These are very cute and give you the opportunity to meet with characters from the movie. These characters may vary depending on the time you are in the area, but many guests have the opportunity to meet Toothless and Hiccup at Haddock Paddock. You may even run into Astrid and Stormfly or see dragons flying overhead during the meet-and-greet! The line on preview day with the park capping at 8,000 people was 35 minutes in the morning.

Dark Universe

As someone who isn’t a big fan of creepy or scary things during the day, I actually really enjoyed this area—it felt just the right amount of spooky for me. That said, I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to explore it at night! But for those who love Halloween Horror Nights or anything monster-themed, this land is going to be a favorite. Just like the other immersive worlds, guests will be transported into a realm of mystery, myth, and classic monsters. This area features two attractions, spooky-themed food and drinks, character meet-and-greets with Frankenstein and his bride, and a unique makeup experience where you can transform into a monster yourself.

One quick note: If you decide to get monster makeup done at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, it may interfere with the park’s facial recognition system used for lockers or purchasing beverages, so plan accordingly.

Rides:

The Frankenstein Experiment: This ride was incredible. The pre-show was immaculate. Riders experience thrill through motion stimulation. Those riding are required to be at least 48 inches, and it will be available with Universal Express Pass. While we were not able to take video at this time, we were blown away with how realistic everything felt. The ride itself reminded me a lot of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, just not as intense.

Curse of the Werewolf: We did not get an opportunity to ride this ride, but from what we could see it looked like a lot of fun. This rollercoaster speeds through the track spinning. It will be included in the Universal Express Pass and requires riders to be 40 inches to ride.

Meet-and-Greet: Guests will have the opportunity to meet monsters such as Frankenstein's Monster and his bride, the invisible man, and a few other characters. These characters may vary depending on when you arrive at the meet-and-greet area.

Food:

We stopped into The Burning Blade Tavern while we were in the park. The bar itself was very dark. I can see it being a very popular hangout because both the food and beverage options were amazing. It will be a great place to hang out and get out of the heat, but we did find it difficult to find it if you do not know where it is. For reference, it is behind the Werewolf coaster.

Super Nintendo World

Step into your childhood—or your early parenting days—with the incredibly immersive Super Nintendo World. It’s like jumping straight into the game, and the attention to detail is spot-on. Around every corner, you’ll find interactive fun, with plenty of surprises for Nintendo fans of all ages. For an extra layer of play, guests can purchase a Power-Up Band, which lets you collect digital coins and keys throughout the land. These bands are best suited for guests ages 5 and up.

This world is divided into two themed areas: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. You’ll find three exciting attractions here—Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Mine-Cart Madness with Donkey Kong, and Yoshi’s Adventure. Plus, keep an eye out for meet-and-greets with beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, and more! 

Mario Kart: This ride had a longer line, but the queue is packed with details and visuals to keep you entertained along the way. That said, be prepared—there are quite a few stairs throughout the queue, and you’ll be carrying your headgear for a good portion of the walk. The attraction itself is a virtual reality experience that combines both 3D and 4D elements, so the headgear is a key part of the ride. You’ll find yourself fully immersed—looking around, aiming, driving—just like you're inside the video game.

Riders must be at least 40 inches tall to experience the attraction, and at least 48 inches to ride without a companion. Universal Express Pass will be available for this ride as well, which can help cut down your wait time.

Mine-Kart Madness with Donkey Kong: This ride was very well done! Once again, WOW, you feel like you are in a video game. This ride was less than 2 minutes but is definitely one to experience! Riders must be 40 inches to ride this ride and like many others within this park riders must be 48 inches to ride without a supervising companion.

One note: If you did not know Donkey Kong country was there you wouldn't see it. This part of the world is behind everything else to see.

Yoshi's Adventure: We didn’t ride this ride, but it supposedly is pretty tame and like the others short. Guests must be 34 inches to ride and 48 inches to ride without a supervising companion. The Universal Express Pass will be offered on this experience.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic

I could’ve easily spent the entire day exploring the streets of Paris in this magical land. There’s just so much to take in—plenty to see, do, and enjoy, especially watching guests use interactive wands to bring the area to life. Visitors to EPIC can purchase new wands that activate special effects throughout the land, adding even more fun to the experience.

This immersive area includes three unique dining spots, an impressive signature attraction, new interactive spells, and a live theatrical show. Characters roam the streets, and there’s even a live band that adds to the atmosphere. Every detail is thoughtfully designed—from the charming French café to the shadowy corners of the Dark Alley—you truly feel transported to both the 1920s streets of Paris and the heart of the 1900s British Ministry of Magic.

Don’t miss the Bieraubeurre Crêpes and the Giggle Water at Café L’air De La Sirène—they were absolutely incredible!

While we didn’t get to ride Battle at the Ministry, we did walk through the queue—and wow, it was something else. The design is on a whole other level. You enter through a swirl of green smoke into the British Ministry, just as Dolores Umbridge is about to go on trial. The scale, the detail, and the theming throughout the queue completely blew us away—it’s like stepping right into the films. To ride, guests must be at least 40 inches tall, and the attraction includes motion simulation.

Technology & Innovation:

Universal has really stepped up the game in a number of theme park elements within this park. We were blown away with the immersive ride queues and the overall theming before you even stepped foot on the ride. The animatronics within the queues and the rides are a lot smoother and more life-like. The Frankenstein during the pre-show of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment was phenomenal, it could pass as an actor! It is absolutely insane, the creators within this park went above and beyond to ensure guests really feel like they are a part of each location. One of the exciting things about EPIC Universe is its focus on accessibility and comfort. With new and improved ride seating, more plus-sized guests are finding they can fully enjoy the attractions. Along with thoughtfully designed ride queues, this park is creating more opportunities for guests of all sizes to be part of the experience.

If you’ve visited a Universal Park before, you know that lockers are a big part of the ride experience. At EPIC Universe, they’ve taken it to the next level by introducing facial recognition technology—no need to scan your ticket anymore! Another great update? The lockers are now located inside the queue, so you can hang onto your belongings a bit longer before storing them.

You might be wondering, “What if facial recognition doesn’t work?” Don’t worry—there’s always a helpful team member nearby to assist (we speak from experience!). Just be sure to remember your locker number when it’s time to grab your stuff, and you’ll be all set. 

Dining and Shopping:

Each of the different worlds have their own themed quick service and snack experiences to match the locations. A few of the food options we were able to try including:

• Garlic Knots in Super Nintendo World at Toadstool Café

• Mount Beanpole Cake in Super Nintendo World at Toadstool Café

• Burning Cheddar Bites at The Burning Tavern - These were outstanding!

• Hunter's Garlic Steak at The Burning Tavern - Another must try!

• Bieraubeurre Crepes are something you cannot visit and not try!

• Mac-n-cheese in Isle of Berk: This was one we did not get to taste but EVERYONE was raving about them!

  
  

Similar to the other Universal parks each world has its own stores and merchandise throughout. The mystery boxes were a huge hit, and a lot of people were purchasing these. One that stood out was in the Isle of Berk, you could adopt a dragon. You didn't know which you would get so it was a fun mystery in your purchase. If you are like me and wait until the end of the day to make a purchase within the park, you are in luck! There is a big store within Celestial Park that includes merchandise from each of the worlds.

When does EPIC Universe open?

EPIC Universe officially opens on Thursday, May 22, 2025! Tickets are now available for both 1-day and 2-day admission options. We highly recommend connecting with one of our travel advisors to make the most of your visit—whether it’s planning your time in the park, finding the best ticket options, or creating a full vacation experience.

There may also be opportunities to preview the park ahead of the grand opening, so be sure to reach out for the latest updates and availability!

The Helios hotel will begin welcoming guests on Wednesday, April 16. If you're staying at Helios during this time, you can check with guest services for the availability of preview tickets. Additionally, guests who have made prior bookings at any on-property hotel before the official park opening can also inquire with guest services at their hotel about the opportunity to purchase entry to EPIC Universe.

What sets it apart from other theme parks?

Orlando is already home to some of the most iconic theme parks in the world—from the magic of Walt Disney World to the marine thrills of SeaWorld, and of course, the immersive worlds already built by Universal itself. Each park brings something truly special to the table, offering unforgettable experiences for families, thrill-seekers, and fans of all ages.

That said, EPIC Universe is ushering in a bold new chapter in the evolution of theme park design and storytelling. Here’s what makes this newest addition to Universal Orlando Resort stand out—while still complementing the amazing experiences across Central Florida:

• Next-Level Immersion: While Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar have set a high bar for immersive lands; EPIC Universe pushes the envelope even further. Each of its themed worlds—like Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and the Isle of Berk—is designed as a fully contained environment, with unique entrances that instantly transport guests to another world. You’re not just visiting a ride; you’re stepping into a living, breathing story.

• Interactive and Personalized Adventures: Unlike traditional attractions that follow a set path, many of EPIC Universe’s rides include interactive gameplay, Augmented Reality (AR) features, and branching ride outcomes. For example, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge blends real-world sets with AR racing in a way that makes every ride unique to the guest. It’s a fresh take on engagement that complements, rather than competes with, Disney’s charming character meet-and-greets or SeaWorld’s wildlife experiences.

• A Perfect Balance of Thrill and Family Fun: Orlando is known for thrills, from SeaWorld’s Mako to Universal’s VelociCoaster. EPIC Universe introduces a new layer of excitement with Stardust Racers, a dual-track racing coaster, while also providing more accessible attractions for younger guests—like the dragon-riding coaster in the How to Train Your Dragon land. It strikes a strong balance between high-octane fun and family-friendly adventure.

• Expanding Beloved Worlds in New Ways: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic area expands the magical universe fans already adore, this time incorporating new lore from the Fantastic Beasts films. It offers a fresh experience for longtime fans without repeating what’s already been done in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade—providing something new for everyone while building on a legacy.

• A Park Designed for Tomorrow:  EPIC Universe is built from the ground up with the future in mind. From its infrastructure to its mobile app integration and guest services, the park aims to deliver a next-gen guest experience—seamlessly blending tech and storytelling. This innovation not only benefits guests but also sets a new standard that elevates the entire Orlando destination.

At the end of the day, we believe there’s no single “best” park—only the best experience for each guest’s dream vacation. EPIC Universe doesn’t replace the magic of Cinderella Castle, the wonder of SeaWorld’s animal encounters, or the timeless charm of E.T.’s Adventure. Instead, it adds to the already incredible mosaic of Orlando attractions, giving visitors even more reasons to return, explore, and be amazed.

Tips for visiting EPIC Universe:

At the start, we highly recommend purchasing a Universal Express Pass to make the most of your time in the park, especially if you're only visiting for one or two days. While it may seem pricey, it’s definitely worth it to experience all the lands, attractions, food options, and more. The Universal Express Pass can be purchased privately for a group of 5 or more, or you can join a group of up to 12. Pricing will vary depending on the experience you choose.

The Express Pass is particularly helpful because many of the rides are short but thrilling—often just 1 to 2 minutes long. You’ll want to skip those long lines to make the most of your time in the park.

As we get closer to the official launch date, several of our agents will be visiting EPIC Universe to gather insider tips, experience the attractions firsthand, and answer any questions you may have. They’ll be sharing their knowledge to help you plan the best possible visit.

Overall, we had an incredible time at EPIC Universe—there’s so much to see and do! One of my favorite moments was seeing the park as it started to get dark. The park closed at 7 p.m. the day we were there, just as the evening light started to set in, and it was absolutely breathtaking. I have no doubt that the park will look stunning at night, and the Dark Universe will be a must-see. With cutting-edge technology, immersive theming, and a range of exciting new attractions, EPIC Universe is sure to change the theme park experience. Whether you're a long-time Universal fan or a first-time visitor, this is one adventure you won't want to miss!

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