Everything We Know About the Rides Coming to Universal Epic Universe

Updated on August 18th, 2024

It has been a WHILE since a full-fledged new theme park opened in the Orlando area. But, that’s all set to change in 2025, when Universal opens its highly anticipated Epic Universe!

For years, the company stayed tight-lipped about what was coming to the new park. However, they’ve recently begun divulging new and exciting details about Epic Universe and its lands that have us even more excited!

After years of speculation, Universal confirmed in early 2024 that Epic Universe will be made up of an east coast version of  Super Nintendo World,  a new expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that merges elements of the original and Fantastic Beasts films, and lands based on How to Train Your Dragon and Universal’s Dark Universe of famous monsters, all surrounding the central Celestial Park land.

With 5 themed lands, new rides and restaurants, and MORE — there will be a lot to discover. So, now, let’s dive in and take a closer look at ALL the rides we know are coming to Epic Universe.

But First, a Quick Intro!

Universal first announced Epic Universe in 2019, saying that the park would be their “most immersive and innovative theme park” and naming a potential 2023 opening date. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to those plans, with construction being halted and the project being indefinitely delayed in July 2020.

Despite fears that the project would be shelved entirely, construction resumed in the spring of 2021, and the following year the company announced a new opening date of Summer 2025. 

With the park’s opening date reset, the company has continued hyping up the park. For example, Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts told Good Housekeeping in 2023:

“Our vision for Epic Universe is historic. It will build on everything we have done and become the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created.”

So, what exactly will be in this “historic” “immersive” and “innovative” theme park? Here’s what we know so far:

Attractions in Celestial Park

Before we dive into the park’s lands, we first have to focus on the central area of the park. This is called Celestial Park. This area will feature “acres of rolling gardens, chasing waterways and strolling pathways.” Aside from enjoying the atmosphere, there will be some attractions within this space.

First up is one for the thrill-seekers. Stardust Racers is “a dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the fastest of them all.”

The coaster will reach speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. It is set to be Epic Universe’s “most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers such as the ‘Celestial Spin,’ in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air.” There will be a minimum height requirement of 48 inches.

Also, it’s worth noting that there will be NO external track lighting at night so the illuminated ride vehicles themselves will look like comets shooting across the sky.

CLICK HERE for a first look at Stardust Racers!

Within Celestial Park there will also be a carousel ride called Constellation Carousel. At this attraction, you’ll be able to “take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.”

Universal notes that “Guest carriages include celestial lions, dragons, peacocks and more. Each carriage turns 360 degrees while lifting riders up to 6 feet in the air.”

There is no height requirement for this ride, and it is kid-friendly, but children under 48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion (and hand-held infants are not permitted).

Another attraction in this area is Astronomica, which Universal describes as “an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests.”

Want to learn more about Celestial Park? Click the link below!

Click here to see EVERYTHING we know about Celestial Park

Super Nintendo World

Next, let’s move on to Super Nintendo World. This is one of the themed lands coming to Epic Universe and is expected to be very similar to the versions of the land that already exist in Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood.

So, what rides will Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World contain? The headlining ride will be Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. This AR dark ride uses practical sets and augmented reality images shown in glasses to bring guests directly into the world of the popular spin-off video game series.

There will be a minimum height requirement of 40 inches (and those under 48 inches will need a supervising companion). Click here to see photos and videos of what it’s like to ride this attraction in Hollywood!

In addition, a version of Japan’s Yoshi’s Adventure will be present in the land. This is a slow-moving family omnimover ride that brings guests around the land’s second level.

According to Universal, “you’ll weave your way through iconic Mushroom Kingdom landscapes, encountering many familiar characters and spotting hidden colored eggs along your journey.”

The minimum height requirement is 34 inches, and those under 48 inches will need to have a supervising companion.

Plus, those at Epic Universe will be able to step into the world of Donkey Kong with Mine-Cart Madness (which appears to be similar to (if not identical to) the one coming to the land in Japan).

According to Universal, “It’s up to you to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana on Mine-Cart Madness™. Enter the majestic Golden Temple, board your mine cart and take off in this thrilling family coaster. Speeding through the mine, you’ll appear to jump across gaps in the track and perform other eye-popping feats from the Donkey Kong Country video games.”

The version in Japan is set to be a revolutionary “boom coaster” style ride that will feature the illusion of jumping over sections of missing and broken tracks), and it appears the Epic Universe version will likely be similar.

The minimum height requirement will be 36 inches, but children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion. Hand-held infants will not be allowed on the ride.

Meet-and-greets with iconic Nintendo characters — including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad — will also come to the land!

Plus, various interactive elements we’ve seen in other versions of the land will be available too. If you want to take your experience to the next level, you’ll be able to buy and wear a Power-Up Band to collect (digital) coins and win keys in interactive activities at Super Nintendo World. Note that the Power-Up band is a separate purchase.

According to Universal, you’ll be able to collect a digital key every time you win one of the “Key Challenges.” If you collect enough keys, you’ll be able to “unlock the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown.”

The interactive games include Goomba Crazy Crank, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch…

…Bob-omb Kaboom Room, and Thwomp Panel Panic.

These elements typically let guests collect coins, unlock special areas, and compete in various other mini-games featuring Nintendo and Mario characters.

If you collect at least 3 keys, you can get the chance to confront Bowser Jr.

Collecting digital keys is accessible with the use of a Power-Up Band accessory.

To see more about what else is coming to Super Nintendo World, click our link below!

What We Know About Super Nintendo World Coming to Universal Epic Universe

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic

Another land that will be featured in Epic Universe is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic! The land will allow us all 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.”

Plus, you’ll be able to “explore international wizarding communities and the magic that connects them.”

The main attraction in this land is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Universal explains, “The adventure begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo – a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films – to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge.”

You’ll get to enter into the grand atrium of the ministry and explore some departments before “boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place…until Umbridge attempts to escape.”

Then you’ll team up with “Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase that will propel [you] up, down, forward, backward, sideways and more throughout the Ministry as [you] try to capture Umbridge – all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way.”

The ride will have a height requirement of 40 inches.

Fun fact: Universal shares “Both the queue and attraction spaces for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ are covered by tiles. The Métro-Floo alone has over 80,000 subway tiles and the British Ministry of Magic™ spaces have over 125,000 of the iconic Ministry tiles in five colors!”

Another attraction within this land will be called Le Cirque Arcanus. This is a live, full-scale theatre experience. There will be “live performers and aerialists, amazing puppetry, brilliant special effects and more to take guests on a whirlwind journey where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before.”

According to Universal, the show centers around the story of “Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – where Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves and more reside – to try and bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory. It’s then up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever.”

Universal shares that “Guests can explore the strange and unusual acts of Le Cirque Arcanus as they stroll past the many sideshow booths on their way to the main stage.”

For more entertainment, you’ll be able to explore the streets of wizarding Paris and use an interactive magic wand to cast spells and create magical experiences. You’ll also be able to “interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise, and engage with enchanted objects in many of the storefront windows plus other areas throughout the marvelous Place Cachée.”

Want to get a wand? Stop by Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In this store, you can “shop some of the world’s finest wands designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor.” You’ll also be able to get “popular imports from Ollivanders,” and “a selection of exquisite wands packaged in unique three-sided boxes – each containing a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where guests can practice casting spells.”

Plus, Universal promises more entertainment for this part of the Wizarding World. Specifically, they have noted that you’ll find other visitors while exploring the streets of Place Cachée (where this story is set).

These can include “officials and residents from the wizarding world, including exchange students from the Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France who roams inquiring of suspicious characters, talking portraits of delightful wizards who engage with locals about the happenings in Place Cachée, and more.”

Learn more about the Harry Potter land coming to Epic Universe by clicking HERE!

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

One of Dreamworks’ most successful and long-lasting animation franchises — How to Train Your Dragon — will have a whole land dedicated to it in this park and it’ll feature a few different rides.

In this land, guests will be able to “Take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of Berk. Take part in wild boat battles, feast like a Viking and more.”

One of the main rides here will be Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. Through this ride, you’ll experience the latest contraption from Hiccup’s workshop — “a winged flying machine that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the air, swooping and soaring and encountering Hiccup and Toothless along the way.”

This is a coaster that’ll send you above and around the Isle of Berk. Look for Hiccup, Toothless, and other dragons along the way! The height requirement is 40 inches, and children under 48 inches will need to be accompanied by a supervising companion. Hand-held infants will not be allowed.

Another ride in the land will be Fyre Drill. This is a family-friendly boat ride with interactive cannons that will allow riders to interact with the physical environments that make up the show scenes. 

Universal shares, “With fire-breathing dragons everywhere, villagers have to be prepared. Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut have transformed Berk’s Fyre Skööl into a watery, interactive boat battle at sea. Board your ship in Fyre Drill and blast your water cannons at flame-like targets – and the occupants of every other boat – to out-soak other Vikings.”

According to Universal, “This watery sea adventure has water cannons that shoot over 28 feet through the air to reach the many targets throughout the ride, along with other Viking ships.”

There is no minimum height requirement, but children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising adult and hand-held infants are not allowed.

Ready for more fun?! Another ride in this land will be called Dragon Racer’s Rally. At this ride, “Berk’s new Vikings can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on a Viking-made dragonriding trainer.”

According to Universal, the training vehicles will “reach heights of up to 67 feet in the air.” But the good thing is that riders will be able to control how “wild” or “mild” their experience will be.

The minimum height requirement is 48 inches.

In addition to those rides, the land will have a stage show called The Untrainable Dragon. It is inspired by the show that exists in Universal Studios Beijing.

Universal describes it as follows: “When a new dragon shows up on the Isle of Berk, the Vikings think they may have finally met their match. Hiccup and Toothless, with help from Gobber and Astrid, work together to solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. Experience the wonder of dragons onstage and soaring overhead in this spectacular, music-filled, heart-warming live show.”

Get ready for some impressive effects here! Universal notes that “Toothless soars above the audience, weighing in at 1,157 pounds, with a wingspan of nearly 27 feet.”

While this show is for everyone, Universal does warn that there are “sudden and intense sound effects, theatrical lighting effects, and performers in close proximity to the audience.”

But wait…there’s MORE! This land will also have an interactive play area called Viking Training Camp. Here, “junior Vikings will discover all types of dragons in this sprawling, colorful, interactive play area. Adventures include multiple towers to climb and explore, a fun agility course, Viking drums and chimes to play, an interactive sheep launcher game, plus slides and activities for the youngest Vikings.”

Universal shares, “The Isle of Berk contains 119 buckets, 175 barrels, 168 crates, 151 feed sacks, 115 books and 120 baskets. Some of these can be spotted in the Viking Training Camp.”

The land will also have character meet-and-greets. Specifically Universal has said you’ll be able to meet Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock. Plus, you’ll meet vikings and dragons as you stroll through the land (like Astrid and Stormfly). AND you might even catch a dragon FLYING above the village!!

According to Universal, “The Viking village features 30 animated and static dragons, representing 17 unique dragon species throughout the world.”

There will also be restaurants in the land and much more.

See more about the Isle of Berk here!

Dark Universe

The final land coming to Epic Universe is called Dark Universe and it is ALL about Universal’s classic monsters! Universal has shared that Dark Universe will take us into a “world of myth and mystery” covering things like “the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.”

One Universal representative has said, “Everything you’ve ever wanted to experience with monsters is in this world.” 

In terms of attractions, the main ride here will be called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. In this elaborate dark ride, you’ll encounter Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, who has continued “the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate.”

Universal shares, “A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.”

The minimum height requirement for this ride will be 48 inches.

Fun fact: Universal shares, “The Phantom of the Opera’s organ within the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment features 14 individual flame points that shoot vertical flames over 3 feet in the air and dance in synchronicity with the organ music.”

The other main ride in the land is a family coaster called Curse of the Werewolf. Universal shares, “Maleva, leader of The Guild of Mystics, welcomes you to a secluded wagon camp. Here you’re warned of the creatures who prowl the deep woods.”

“Before long you’re riding Curse of the Werewolf – surrounded by glowing eyes and gnashing teeth, you’ll spin and weave through the forest as you attempt to escape a pack of werewolves.”

This will have a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.

Universal notes that the ride “tears through the dark forest at 37 mph, for over 2 minutes of sheer thrill, racing through a dark foreboding shed with mysterious figures clawing ever so near.”

Want to be transformed into one of your favorite monsters? You can do that at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. In this experience, “skilled artisans use their talents to experiment on customers and release their inner love of Universal Monsters – be they werewolves, vampires, mummies, or something even more fashionably monstrous.”

If it’s meet-and-greets you’re after, there will be plenty of that too! You’ll be able to meet Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein for a photo-up. AND you’ll want to keep an eye out for “strange and unusual inhabitants” throughout the land.

Universal shares that guests might be able to meet “Ygor; The Invisible Man; a courageous monster hunter; or a musician who may regale you with songs about the village. Feel free to say hello and take photos with them. But beware. You never know who – or what – may be lurking in the shadows.”

This land will also have a souvenir shop and 3 dining spots.

Click here to see MORE about Dark Universe!

And that’s what we know about Epic Universe’s rides so far, but with 2025 getting closer by the day, we expect a LOT of other details will be revealed soon.

Click here for our full page of Epic Universe information!

Which of these Epic Universe attractions will you be most excited to visit when the park opens in 2025? Be sure to let us know in the comments below, and keep following All Ears for the latest Epic Universe announcements!

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