*This post was last updated on June 25th, 2024*
A brand NEW theme park is coming to Orlando in 2025, but how much do you actually know about it?
Epic Universe is the new theme park being built by Universal Orlando Resort. It’s set to feature new lands, new rides, a new hotel, and MORE. We’ve been watching all of the construction progress being made on this park, but just what could it actually include? We’re taking a look now at everything confirmed for the park to let you in on all the secrets!
Location
In terms of its location, the new park won’t be attached to Universal Orlando’s existing theme parks. Instead, it’ll be located closer to the Orange County Convention Center, about 15 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal previously shared, “Universal’s Epic Universe is just a few miles from the existing resort in Southwest Orange County. Specifically, it will be south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard.”
Construction is underway for some road changes that’ll facilitate guest access to Epic Universe. Plus, Universal has also pledged 13 acres of land near Epic Universe for a Brightline high-speed rail expansion.
Click here to see our FULL post about where Epic Universe is located
Overview
Here’s an overview of Epic Universe. The park consists of 5 main areas.
The park entrance/Celestial Park main area is marked by the Chronos and the entrance to the other themed areas are marked by themed portals.
Let’s tackle each area one by one.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the “cosmic heart” of Epic Universe. It is the first land you’ll encounter as you enter. This is meant to be a “world between worlds, where the energy of the universe is harnessed to open portals to extraordinary realms of excitement.”
Celestial Park as a whole is themed to the cosmos and features a variety of attractions, walkways, greenery, dancing fountains, restaurants, and more.
In terms of what is confirmed for this space, there will be a roller coaster called Stardust Racers…
…a carousel called Constellation Carousel…
…an interactive wet-play area called Astronomica (which doubles as a compass rose)…
…a fine dining steak and seafood restaurant set inside a Victorian Aquarium called the Atlantic…
…The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, serving up Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food…
…The Oak & Star Tavern (savory barbecue), Pizza Moon (pizzas and more), the Nintendo Super Star Store (featuring Super Nintendo World merchandise), Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets (sweet treats)…
…and exciting entertainment (including “fountain shows throughout Celestial Park’s seven acres of water where a multitude of fountains sway, dance – and even reach heights up to 135 feet in the air – to music and interactive lighting from day to night.”
Now, let’s tackle the other themed lands within Epic Universe.
Click here to see EVERYTHING we know about Celestial Park
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is heading to Epic Universe and it will immerse video game fans right into the world of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Donkey Kong, and more!
Thus far, Universal has confirmed that Super Nintendo World will feature two main areas — Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
In Super Mario Land, you’ll find Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (a ride utilizing AR-technology that’ll let you ride through some of the iconic courses, throw shells, and collect coins to beat Team Bowser)…
…Yoshi’s Adventure (a family-friendly ride where you’ll travel around the Mushroom Kingdom and search for glowing eggs)…
…character meet-and-greets with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad…
…Toadstool Cafe (where you can enjoy themed food like Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, and more all while checking out Toads cooking up food in virtual windows)…
…Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats (featuring various snacks), 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors (souvenir shops), and interactive games throughout the land (including access to Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown if you unlock enough keys with the other games) with the use of Power-Up Bands.
In Donkey Kong Country, you’ll find the Mine-Cart Madness ride (a family roller-coaster where you’ll get to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana)…
…as well as tropical menu and merchandise offerings.
Click here to see EVERYTHING we know about Super Nintendo World
Dark Universe
Dark Universe is the land themed to Universal’s iconic Monsters. This land is set in the village of Darkmoor and it is said to be the most “mysterious” world in this new theme park.
Thus far, Universal has confirmed that Dark Universe will feature a dark ride called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (where a demonstration by Dr. Victoria Frankestein goes awry, “unleashing a horde of enraged monsters”)…
…the Curse of the Werewolf ride (a family coaster themed to “The Wolf Man”)…
…the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience (where you can get face paint and temporary tattoos to turn into a monster)…
…character meet-and-greets (including the chance to meet Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, “Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories”)…
…Das Stakehaus (a vampire-themed dining hall)…
…The Burning Blade Tavern (the monster hunters’ favorite hangout where guests will get to hear stories of the ” infamous ‘Hounds’ – boastful hunters from beyond Darkmoor – all while surrounded by an impressive display of the monster heads they consider their ‘trophies'”)…
…De Lacey’s Cottage (a food stand serving up snacks like cinnamon bread and twisted taters), and Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities (a souvenir shop).
Many folks are READY to be seriously spooked by this new land, and we cannot wait to learn more.
Click here for EVERYTHING we know about Dark Universe
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
Next up, we have The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.
Universal shares, “From 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry, explore international wizarding communities and the magic that connects them in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.”
Universal has said that we’ll be able to “discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.”
Rumors suggest that guests will enter the land through a recreation of the Porte Saint-Denis arch, and find wizarding stores including shopping, sweets, and wands similar to those featured in the other lands, but with Parisian twists.
The land is rumored to feature a large theater show with a circus tent facade similar to the one seen in the Fantastic Beasts films.
It is also rumored to feature an E-Ticket attraction that will take place inside the British Ministry of Magic as seen in the original Potter books and films. Allegedly, guests will be transported from Paris to London through the magical Floo Network transportation system, and then face Professor Dolores Umbridge as the primary antagonist.
The land was also reportedly set to feature a large virtual reality attraction revolving around flying broomsticks, but rumors suggest the VR attraction has been dropped.
In terms of interactive elements, rumors suggest magical creatures will be featured around the land and will interact with guests’ interactive wands.
Much about this land has yet to be confirmed but we will update this post with details once we know more!
Click here for EVERYTHING we know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
The last themed land in this new park is How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk.
Thus far, this land is confirmed to feature a roller coaster called Hiccup’s Wing Gliders…
…a unique stage show where Toothless flies overhead called The Untrainable Dragon…
…a spinning ride that’ll let you “practice aerobatic maneuvers on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer” called Dragon Racer’s Rally…
…an interactive boat ride called Fyre Drill…
…a play area called Viking Training Camp…
…meet-and-greets with dragons and other characters like Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, and even the chance to see a dragon flying overhead…
…a restaurant called Mead Hall (featuring meats, fish, and drinks — including meads, ciders, and ales)…
…Spit Fyre Grill (a quick service location with hearty meals “flame-seared by a helpful…dragon fry cook), Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel (a racing-themed food stand with quick bites), and souvenir shops including Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures.
Click here to see EVERYTHING we know about the Isle of Berk
Hotels
There are various hotels confirmed for Epic Universe as well. The main one is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. This will feature an in-park entrance, 500 “luxurious” rooms, and more.
Sister hotels, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort will be situated nearby at the front entranceway to the new park. These will open on January 21st, 2025, and February 25th, 2025 respectively.
That’s what we know about Epic Universe…so far. Epic Universe is not set to open until 2025, so we’ve got a ways to go. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates. Stay tuned for the latest info!
Click here for our full page about Epic Universe
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What are you most excited about when it comes to Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments!
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