What do we know about the new park coming to Universal in Orlando? If you’re as curious as we are, you probably have a list of questions about what Universal Orlando is building!
So, what theme park is being built in Orlando?
Epic Universe is the new theme park being built by Universal Orlando Resort. It will feature new lands, rides, hotels, and MORE. We’re taking a look at everything that we know about this new Universal park!
Where will Epic Universe be located?
The new park will not be next door to the current Universal properties. Instead, it’ll be located closer to the Orange County Convention Center, about 15 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort.
Specifically, it will be south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard.”
To ease transportation, 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
What will Epic Universe Include?
The park will consist of 5 main lands accessible via “portals”.
What is Celestial Park?
Celestial Park is the first land you’ll encounter as you enter.
Celestial Park 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 (with a bar called the Aquaria Bar)…
…The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, serving up Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food (with a bar called The Tiger Bar)…
…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”).
Quite impressive, right?!
Click here to see EVERYTHING we know about Celestial Park
What is Super Nintendo World?
Super Nintendo World will immerse video game fans right into the world of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Donkey Kong, and more!
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) which are enhanced 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
What is Dark Universe?
Dark Universe is the land themed to Universal’s iconic Monsters. Set in the village of Darkmoor, it may be the most “mysterious” world in this new theme park.
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).
This looks to be a hit with guests who love all things spooky, including fans of Halloween Horror Nights.
Click here for EVERYTHING we know about Dark Universe
What is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic?
You’ll get to explore wizarding communities at 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.”
You’ll step past the land’s portal and initially “journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the breathtaking spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafés, and historic Parisian domes rising in the distance.”
The land will feature a ride called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (a dark ride where you’ll travel via Metro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic to see Dolores Umbridge’s trial. But when she tries to escape, you’ll have to board an “omnidirectional lift” that’ll take you up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more to chase her)…
…a live show called Le Cirque Arcanus (where you’ll follow the story of a ringmaster that has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase and the work of a circus employee to rescue the creatures)…
…the Cosme Acajor Baquettes Magique shop (where you can get some of the “world’s finest wands” designed by Cosme Acajor)…
…opportunities to use your interactive wand to create magic throughout the streets of wizarding Paris (as well as the chance 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”)…
…and entertainment in the form of visitors, officials, and residents who may be roaming the streets of wizarding Paris (these might include exchange students from the Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France, talking portraits of wizards, and more).
In this land, you’ll also find Café L’Air De La Sirène (a quick service restaurant serving French sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts)…
…Le Gobelet Noir (a restaurant in the shadowy corners of wizarding Paris where “Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry” — featuring soups, salads, entrees, and desserts)…
…Bar Moonshine (where American witches and wizards will find beers, wines, and cocktails amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants), and a Bièraubeurre Cart (a Butterbeer cart!).
For shopping, you can stop by Les Galeries Mirifiques (featuring wizarding gear and memorabilia), K. Rammelle (a French confectionary shop), and Tour En Floo (the Métro-Floo gift shop featuring Ministry of Magic-inspired items).
Click here for EVERYTHING we know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
What is 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 restaurant 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
What About New Hotels?
There are new 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 entrance to the new park. These will open on January 21st, 2025, and February 25th, 2025 respectively.
That’s what we can answer about Epic Universe right now. However, Epic Universe is not set to open until 2025, so 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 land will you visit first at Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments!
How about tickets??
Annual passes?