Complete Guide to Universal Epic Universe

Updated on June 24, 2024

Universal’s newest and perhaps most anticipated theme park will open in Orlando in 2025, and we can’t wait!

It’ll have been nearly 25 years since a new theme park opened in Orlando, and Universal’s Epic Universe promises to be packed with thrills, new experiences, and creative new vistas!

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!

Below we’ve covered everything we know officially about Epic Universe…and some of the rumors that have yet to be confirmed by Universal.  As we get closer and closer to the opening and NBCUniversal releases more details, we’ll be sure to update you so you know exactly how to plan for your day in this new theme park and experience all it has to offer!

Introduction |  Super Nintendo Land | Celestial Park
| How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk| Dark Universe| The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

So, let’s jump into what we know!

UNIVERSAL APP

New technology is being developed all the time, meaning your next park experience could be bigger and better than the last. We anticipate that there will be many interactive elements in Epic Universe (plus there is a general trend now of parks utilizing smartphone planning apps), so we encourage you to download the Universal Orlando Resort App to your mobile device well in advance of your trip and get familiar with it.

When Epic Universe opens, we anticipate a few attractions may require a Virtual Queue and many of the restaurants will likely have Mobile Order. There may also be other enhanced interactive aspects of the Epic Universe experience that the app will be involved in, so it’s best to become familiar with it now!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

It’s no secret that Universal has kept much about the new park under wraps for years. However, arguably the most anticipated element was also the first officially announced: Super Nintendo World.

Universal Studios Japan opened the first Super Nintendo World in 2021, and shortly after that, in 2023, Universal Hollywood opened its own version of Super Nintendo World. Both locations have received rave reviews from fans and guests (even of the non-gamer variety). After much speculation, Universal Destinations & Experiences finally confirmed in February 2023 that Super Nintendo World would be included in Epic Universe, referring to it as the “worst-kept secret in history.” 

Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will be quite similar to the Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood versions, which provide essentially a blueprint for comparison.

We recently had a PERFECT DAY at Super Nintendo World in California, and you can watch our video about it right here!

Super Nintendo Land in Epic Universe will feature the same self-contained, dual-level footprint, featuring architecture straight out of the Super Mario games and interactive elements that allow guests to collect coins, unlock special areas, and compete in various mini-games featuring Nintendo and Mario characters including Koopa Troopa, a Piranha Plant, a Goomba, Thwomp, Bob-Omb, and  Bowser Jr. All of this is accessible with the use of a Power-Band accessory. 

POWER UP BANDS

If you want to take your Super Nintendo World experience to the next level, you’ll be able to pick up a Power-Up Band. These cost $40.

The bands come in a variety of designs so you can rep your favorite character.

Check out all the different Power-Up Bands! Which one’s your favorite? pic.twitter.com/Q007HHorpg

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) February 17, 2023

Throughout the land, look for touchpoints where you can tap your Power-Up Band. They might just make special effects appear!

Oh hi, Bowser! Didn’t see ya there! pic.twitter.com/KfnRRmta5C

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) February 17, 2023

You’ll find these bands at “retail locations in Universal Studios Orlando and Universal CityWalk as well as inside the land.”

ATTRACTIONS

MARIO KART: BOWSER’S CHALLENGE

The Mario Kart ride referred to is likely similar to (if not identical to) the one that is in Super Nintendo World in Japan and Hollywood.

The ride uses practical sets and augmented reality images shown using special glasses to bring guests directly into the world of the popular video game series.

You can check out our experience at the Hollywood version of this attraction at the link below!

To see photos and videos of what it’s like to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, click HERE!

MINE-CART MADNESS

We’ve been keeping an eye on the Donkey Kong coaster being built for the land, the construction of which can be seen from high in the sky around the park.

This is similar to the Donkey Kong coaster being built for Universal Studios Japan. That one has the same name — Mine-Cart Madness. The Japan version is set to open in 2024.

This “boom coaster” style ride will feature the illusion of jumping over sections of missing and broken tracks.

YOSHI’S ADVENTURE

Construction photos seemed to reveal that a Yoshi’s Adventure attraction is being constructed for Epic Universe, and now we know for sure!

This is a slow-moving family omnimover ride that takes guests around the land’s second level in ride vehicles shaped like Yoshi.

Character Meet-and-Greets

You’ll have the chance to meet characters and snap pictures with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. The lines for some of these could get long, so just prepare for that!

Still, the lines might be worth it to snap a photo with that iconic duo.

Click here for more details about the character meet-and-greets!

Other Experiences

Guests will also be able to experience the various interactive elements we’ve seen in other versions of Super Nintendo World. These elements let guests collect coins, unlock special areas, and compete in various other mini-games featuring Nintendo and Mario characters including Koopa Troopa, a Piranha Plant, a Goomba, Thwomp, Bob-Omb, and  Bowser Jr. All of this is accessible with the use of a Power-Up Band accessory.

WHEW! Sounds like we’ll have quite a bit to do over in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe.

FOOD

Universal has released concept art and details about Super Nintendo World, including all the new restaurants we’ll be able to experience in the land! We suspected that Toadstool Cafe would come to this land like its Hollywood counterpart, and now we officially know! Check out all the details below.

• Toadstool Cafe: At Toadstool Cafe, guests can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs and so much more. Guests will also get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.

Check out our review of Toadstool Cafe at Universal Studios Hollywood here!

• Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats: Guests can also pick up delicious treats, snacks, and beverages at these walk-up dining locations.

We can’t wait to check out the new Toadstool Cafe, Yoshi’s Snack Island, and Turbo Boost Treats when they officially open at Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025!

Shopping

Universal revealed the names of the shops you’ll find in Super Nintendo World, where you can buy all kinds of cool Nintendo merchandise. Get ready to drop some coins at the 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors, which will feature all kinds of exclusive souvenirs, apparel, and toys.

This will be your go-to for all things Mario. In Universal Studios Hollywood, some of the merchandise we spotted included shirts……

…character plushes, headbands…

…and more!

There will surely be a lot to check out here so you’ll want to take your time to explore it all.

Click here for our full post about the merchandise in Super Nintendo World!

OTHER LANDS & EXPERIENCES

Beyond, Super Nintendo World, Universal confirmed in early 2024 — following years of speculation — what other lands would make up the park. These include 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.

Let’s go through some of the details for these other areas now!

Celestial Park

The second Epic Universe land to have the majority of its details revealed was Celestial Park, the massive and lush literal parkland that will make up the entrance area and centerpiece hub of the park.

You’ll enter Celestial Park underneath the chronos clock tower. This serves as a “portal” into the land. Each of the other four lands also have portals, each themed to their respective land.

While Celestial Park itself is themed to any specific IP, that doesn’t mean the land will be devoid of attractions. In fact, it’s going to be home to two of Epic Universe’s main rides. 

The first, and arguably the main attraction of the entire park, is the Stardust Racers roller coaster.  The massive, 133-foot tall dueling coaster themed to traveling through space is going to feature several thrilling elements including a 62-mile-per-hour launch and a maneuver known as the “Celestial Spin,” which will see the two dueling coaster vehicles perform an “inverted crisscross” around each other. 

The area will also feature the massive Constellation Carousel, which will allow riders the opportunity to “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.”

Astronomica is an interactive wet-play area that is also a giant compass to show the way to the other lands. It will feature crystal blue fountains that guests can play with.

Celestial Park is sort of a “world between worlds,” where the energy of the universe is harnessed to create the “portals” to the other four lands. ANd it looks like there will be plenty of details to look for throughout the area.

In addition to the attractions, Celestial Park will also feature a several restaurants. Atlantic will be a full-service “surf and turf” restaurant. It’s set inside a Victorian aquarium with incredible views of the land.

The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant is also a full-service restaurant. Here, you’ll find authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food with neon dragons and lanterns all around.

Other dining spots will include The Oak & Star Tavern serving barbecue and Pizza Moon serving a variety of pizzas.

There will be gift shops to check out too, including the Nintendo Super Star Store, with plenty of merchandise themed to Super Nintendo World.

And look out for Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets for some sweet treats.

At the end of Celestial Park, you’ll see the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.

Within Celestial Park there will also be entertainment. Thus far, we know that there will be various fountain shows across its seven acres of water. The water will even reach heights of 135 feet to music and interactive lighting all day long!

Click here to see more about Celestial Park!

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

In March of 2024, Universal released official details on Epic Universe’s How to Train Your Dragon land, Isle of Berk.

Take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. #EpicUniverse pic.twitter.com/ZAFTxYd3an

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) March 28, 2024

Universal describes it as an “authentic re-creation of the rugged, rocky world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons live together in hilarious harmony.”

“Guests visiting Berk will encounter one of the most breathtaking environments Universal has ever created – complete with immense architecture featuring hand-carved details, lush landscaping, and extraordinary heights of rolling hills surrounding vibrant dragon houses and local establishments.”

“And everywhere guests look within the bustling village, they’ll find endless activity – from active dragons in their natural habitats and sheep attempting to disguise themselves as Terrible Terror dragons to sporadic bouts of fire – making Isle of Berk an attraction unto itself.”

Attractions for the land include Hiccup’s Wing Glider, a family launch coaster that Universal proclaimed, “launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the air, swooping and soaring and encountering Hiccup and Toothless along the way.”

Universal describes it as “a fun coaster that invites Vikings to prove they’re brave enough to speed through the sky with dragons.”

Next up is the Fire Drill boat ride, which Universal says sends riders 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.”

Finally, there’s Dragon Racer’s Rally, a spinner attraction that will allow “new Vikings to practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer. You’ll need these high-flying, gravity-defying, swooping and soaring skills if you hope to become a champion dragon racer.”

Beyond these rides, the land will also feature a massive stage show – similar to one already in Universal Studios Singapore…

…meet and greets with numerous characters (including life-size dragons)…

…a play area called Viking Training Camp (where young Vikings can “discover all types of dragons as they climb, slide and explore”)…

…and several restaurants including the massive Mead Hall, which Universal describes as “Berk’s main gathering place, a grand chamber hewn from mountain rock where Vikings feast on a hearty menu including meat, fish, sandwiches and desserts. Beverages include assorted meads, ciders and ales.”

Universal confirmed two more food locations for the land: Spit Fyre Grill, described as “Overlooking the action of the Fyre Drill water attraction, Spit Fyre Grill is a quick-service dining location featuring delicious, hearty meals flame-seared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook” and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel, where guests can “grab quick bites at this festive racing-themed food stand located in the Viking Camp.”

It’s also rumored that guests will be able to “adopt” their own dragon — possibly the one they’re “training” to ride — which will interact with the land.

Shops in the land will include  Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures.

Click here for more about the How to Train Your Dragon land!

Dark Universe

Arguably the second-most-anticipated land coming to Epic Universe — is Dark Universe! The Dark Universe land will feature many of the famous Universal Monsters, including Dracula, Wolf Man, and Frankenstein.

One of the characters whose story is important to Dark Universe is Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. According to Universal, she is “the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments.”

Dark Universe is set in the village of Darkmoor. As you venture through the town, you’ll encounter “the characters and subjects of those experiments.”

The main attraction in Dark Universe will be called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Universal has touted it as its “most terrifying attraction yet.” The dark ride “takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters.”

“Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.”

The land will also feature a second attraction — a family-style spinning coaster known as Curse of the Werewolf. This ride is inspired by “The Wolf Man.” According to Universal, “Guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics where they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.”

In addition to these two attractions, the land will feature a makeup experience called Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. This will be for guests of all ages. According to Universal, “monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.”

And if you’ve always wanted to meet some spooky characters, Dark Universe will take care of that! According to Universal, you’ll be able to meet folks like “Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein.” But you’ll also want to keep an eye out for some of the “unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including 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.”

Three restaurants will be available in the new land. First up there’s Das Stakehaus. According to Universal, this is a “dining hall run by vampire ‘familiars’ who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast.” The menu here will feature kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Another dining spot will be called The Burning Blade Tavern. One of the most unique things about this spot is that it’ll have windmill blades that smoulder and flame periodically. According to Universal, “Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout.” While here, you’ll even 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.'”

The menu here will feature burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels, and specialty beverages.

The final restaurant will be De Lacey’s Cottage. This food stand will have a few different snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters, and more.

In terms of souvenirs, you’ll be able to grab some items at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.

Click here to read all about Dark Universe!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

According to Universal, this latest Potter-themed land will blend “1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.”

Aerial overview of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Helios Grand Hotel and the Epic Universe show fountain at left. pic.twitter.com/vk88zpCBPj

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 31, 2024

The land’s centerpiece is expected to be a massive dark ride – Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – which will allow guests to travel via the “floo network” from Paris to London and plunge them into a battle raging through the British Ministry offices.

The land is also rumored to feature Le Cirque Arcanus, a stage show based around the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Once we know more about what’s coming to these sections, we’ll update this guide with everything you need to know and how to plan your day to experience all that Epic Universe has to offer!

Stay tuned for all the latest news!

When Will Universal’s Epic Universe Open?

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