“I’m Crying.” — We Are Inside the NEW Epic Universe Theme Park With a FIRST LOOK at All FIVE Lands

We’re crying. We’re emotional. We’re excited. There’s a lot happening right now. That’s because we’re reporting LIVE from Epic Universe ahead of the grand opening! So far, there are two new hotels bordering Epic Universe that are open, and we just got a preview of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel (which will feature an exclusive entrance to the park for its hotel guests). But now, we’re back to see what lies just beyond each world’s portals INSIDE Epic Universe.

If you’re ready to buy your tickets for this summer, there’s only one thing left to do! Come with us as we have a FIRST LOOK inside the newest Universal Orlando park. We’re bringing you along to see it ALL!

This NEW park is set to welcome its first visitors publicly beginning May 22nd, but we’re fortunate enough to get boots on the ground inside the park a little earlier! Universal has invited us along for a look inside Epic Universe, and we’re giving you a first look at everything there is to experience within its five worlds! We hopped on our bus to make our way over to this brand-new theme park!

Entrance

This center section is home to some entrance bathrooms, a guest services window, and the security checkpoint. You might be impressed to find that the security screenings are so close to the park’s entrance. The only other entrance to Epic Universe is towards the back of the park, where there is an exclusive entrance for guests of the Helios Grand Hotel.

First Impressions

Ok, seriously, this place is MASSIVE and we are freaking out!

You guys.. I was not kidding. I’M FREAKING OUT!! ✨ #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/bfDBSMC6yk

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

The first thing that will likely command your attention is the towering Chronos that awaits you just beyond the park’s gates. Its towering presence is meant to welcome you into the park and serve as the portal to the other worlds through Celestial Park.

We will be bringing you along with us as we explore everything Epic Universe has to offer! Let’s take a look at what is in store for us.

Celestial Park

Celestial Park is where you will enter Epic Universe, so this world acts as a sort of “grand entrance.” The theming here is based on the idea that Celestial Park is a “world between worlds,” where the energy of the universe is harnessed to create the “portals” to the other four worlds in Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — The Ministry of Magic, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk.

Stardust Racers is the feature ride for this world. The coaster reaches speeds of 62 mph and is 133 feet high. The coolest part about this coaster is that it performs a “Celestial Spin” where the two coaster vehicles do an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air. To ride, you’ll need to be at least 48 inches tall.

The other ride you’ll find here is the Constellation Carousel.

Onboard, the constellations glide forward and backward and make 360-degree rotations on the carousel. The carousel serves as the “grand centerpiece” of the world and features animal renderings of the constellations that make up the night sky. This one has no height requirement, which would make it a great option for the entire family to experience together!

Outside of rides, you’ll find Astronomica which is an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass showing the way to the other worlds. It will feature crystal blue fountains that visitors can play in.

Several dining spots can be found inside Celestial Park as well! This includes Atlantic, which is a full-service “surf and turf” restaurant. It’s set inside a Victorian aquarium with incredible views!

The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant is another full-service restaurant situated near the backside of the park. This restaurant will serve authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food with neon dragons and lanterns all around.

And Celestial Park is also home to two quick service restaurants, The Oak & Star Tavern, which serves barbecue…

Taking a lunch break at Oak & Star Tavern located at Celestial Park 😗🍴 #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/DxMfwChLdW

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

We Tried 6 (!!!) Menu Items at the NEW Oak and Star Tavern in Epic Universe

…and Pizza Moon serves a variety of pizzas.

Oh yes, there is plenty of shopping to be done here as well!  Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets will be around to help ya kick that sweet tooth!

See INSIDE Celestial Park at Epic Universe

How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

Inside Isle of Berk, you’ll have the opportunity to take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of the Berk, take part in wild boat battles, feast like a Viking and more.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk ✨ #EpicUniverse #Hosted pic.twitter.com/kvewYc6yR3

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

This is where How To Train Your Dragon fans will get the “ultimate wish fulfillment” of flying with dragons.

First up to talk about here is Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. This family thrill coaster invites you as a new Viking to join Hiccup and Toothless as you take a ride on his latest glider contraption. What could go wrong, right?! 

We loved getting to glide alongside the iconic duo, and you may want to watch out for the exploding eggs along your journey!

Fyre Drill is the next attraction, and consider this your fair warning — you WILL get wet! You’ll board a boat and compete to “outscore and out-soak” in a battle between Team Ruffnutt and Team Tuffnutt. Riders will blast water cannons at flame-like targets to practice putting out fires, which is kinda a common occurrence when you live with dragons.

Last, but certainly not least, the final ride here is the Dragon Racer’s Rally! Once onboard, you’ll practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers. The best part of this ride is that you individually choose if you want a “wild” or “mild” experience.

The Untrainable Dragon show here is one not to be missed! This is inspired by the popular “Untrainable” show from Universal Beijing Resort and features characters like Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid. You can expect musical numbers, life-sized dragons, lots of heartwarming moments, true adventure with acts of courage, and more! 

The show has a fast story that is very delightful, and it is a show that we think kids would really love! Plus, it had a Toothless moment that is a theme park moment we will remember forever. Quincy had tears streaming down her face.

The Untrainable Dragon at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/h63zkZn0d3

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

ALL the Hidden Details We Spotted in Epic Universe at How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk

 

Just steps away, you’ll also have your very own experience meeting with some of the How To Train Your Dragon characters! We were able to meet Toothless, Hiccup, and Astrid a photo op….

…and you could find the twins, Tuffnutt and Ruffnut also walking around saying “hello” to the newest Viking voyagers!

Kiddos need a play area and Epic Universe is giving them just that. In the Viking Training Camp, Junior Vikings will learn about dragons through an interactive play camp with slides, bridges, and more. There’s even a “Viking agility course” and a Toothless-themed teeter-totter!

Four new shops are coming to the Isle of Berk: Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures will all be opening with the land!

Mead Hall is the “beating heart of Berk” and the village’s main gathering hall. Look out for a savory menu of items served here, like a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches, and more, along with a collection of meads and ciders.

Other dining options in the land include the Spit Fyre Grill…

…and Hooligans Grog and Gruel, which serves mac & cheese cones in a variety of styles. The Hooligans Harbor Hideaway is close by.

See INSIDE How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Epic Universe

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — The Ministry of Magic

This world is where we’ll discover a different era of the Wizarding World! This world works to blend 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.

The breakout feature ride here is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This highly anticipated ride will take you on a chase through the Ministry of Magic as Dolores Umbridge attempts to escape during her trial for her crimes. 

The “magical, omnidirectional” ride has you propelled up, down, forward, backward, and more with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a house-elf named Higgledy chasing Umbridge and dodging magical creatures, Death Eaters, and more!

The queue is a magical experience, and the ride is truly jaw-dropping! We felt so immersed in the experience and we think this ride is going to be very popular.

The magical experience of walking through Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic! 🧙‍♂️✨ #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/GPg6KTOobu

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

We Rode the NEW Harry Potter Ride at Epic Universe

Another breakout feature found exclusively within this version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the first-ever live, full-scale theater show, Le Cirque Arcaus! The experience will feature live performers, aerialists, puppetry, special effects, and more. This show will take you on an adventure of fantastic beasts like you’ve never done before.

All around the wizarding world, you’ll find even more places to practice your magic! Cast spells, interact with fantastic beasts like Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and a Demiguise, and interact with enchanted objects in storefront windows.

In addition to rides and attractions, you will also be able to meet some iconic characters roaming the Wizarding World, including officials and residents, exchange students from Hogwarts and Ilvermony Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministére des Affaires Magiques d la France, and more!

You can also shop at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. It is the Parisian wand shop where you’ll find the world’s finest wands designed by Cosme Acajor, the esteemed wandmaker. You’ll find imported Ollivander wands, along with wands in unique three-sided boxes. Each wand also comes with a list of places that you can practice using your wand throughout the Wizarding World.

Other shops include Les Galeries Mirifiques, where you’ll find wizarding gear and memorabilia, the French confectionery K. Rammelle, and Tour En Floo, a shop with Ministry of Magic-inspired items.

Welp, After This Announcement, I Know Where My Paycheck Is Being Spent at Epic Universe

Now, you’ll probably find yourself getting hungry as you explore all that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic has to offer. So, what dining options will be available in this land?

Café L’Air De La Siréne will be your quick stop into a charming café where you can grab French sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts.

Le Gobelet Noir can be found in the shadowy corners of Place Caché, where Dark witches and wizards meet to escape the Paris Ministry. You’ll find a hearty meal of a variety of entrees and desserts along with soups and salads here.

Bar Moonshine is where American witches and wizards will feel right at home! You’ll find exclusive beers, wines, and cocktails in a bar decorated with U.S. Quidditch pennants and other wizarding items from America.

It’s not The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without Butterbeer! The Biéraubeurre Cart will have your favorite frosty beverage in the streets of Place Cachée.

See INSIDE The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe

Dark Universe

Dark Universe takes us into a “world of myth and mystery,” covering things like “the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam,” and believe us when we tell you this world delivers on the hype!

Here at Dark Universe, after reading the classics and seeing it come alive, it’s the perfect amount of fun and spookiness year round! 🌙😈 #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/JxAU6LVfZM

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

Universal is one of the first companies to ever bring classic monsters we know (and love) to life on screen, and Dark Universe’s realization was a chance for Universal to “breathe new life into the classic Universal monster family.”

This land “blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments.”

The world you’ll visit as you step through the Dark Universe portal is Darkmoor — a “ravaged village.” Throughout the land, you’ll have opportunities to “encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.” If you’re a fan of Danny Elfman’s musical compositions, you may want to listen carefully as he was hand-selected to create the music you’ll hear throughout Darkmoor. 

The main attraction will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and Universal calls it their “most terrifying attraction yet.”

This is achieved by using a “state-of-the-art dark ride” that takes you deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments.

The Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment ride 🧟‍♂️ I’m starting to think those animatronics are truly alive, the technology is just AMAZING! ✨ #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/ktITYKLWei

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

While attempting to display her genius to visitors of Frankenstein Manor, you’ll access her laboratory and witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters that almost goes off without a hitch! But as her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous monster of all fail, she unwittingly unleashes a horde of enraged monsters led by Dracula himself!

You’ll want to look for some cool details in this ride, too. We especially loved the look of The Phantom of the Opera’s organ featured within the ride including 14 individual flames that shoot up through the air and dance with the organ.

The second main attraction found here is Curse of the Werewolf — a spinning family coaster that is inspired by “The Wolf Man.” Here, you’ll enter the encampment of the Guild of Mystics, where you’ll be greeted by Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader. But Maleva will forewarn you that you bear the mark of the werewolf, and escaping will be no easy feat!

Your ride vehicle you’ll board is like a wagon and as the ride begins you’ll  venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they have the chance to claim you in becoming one yourself!

The carts move and spin in different directions as the weight shifts inside the cart!

Curse of the Werewolf ride in Dark Universe 🐺🎢 #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/Jxo2vqnQoP

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

Looking for more spooky fun? Visitors of all ages will be able to get a “monstrous” makeover at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments. Here, skilled artisans use their talents to transform your outer appearances so you can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters through the use of facial makeups and accessories. This experience is a separate cost from your theme park admission, and reservations can be made in advance through Universal Orlando’s app and website.

There will be various monster meet-and-greet experiences throughout Dark Universe too. You might even meet spooky characters like Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein.

Met some new characters at Darkmoor in Dark Universe, say cheese! 📸 #EpicUniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/tiWNOykYqS

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

These unusual inhabitants will be found roaming the eerie village, including Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales Darkmoor visitors with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories.

Das Steakhouse, the resident quick service restaurant in Darkmoor is actually an “old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs.” Das Stakehaus is a “dining hall run by vampire ‘familiars’ who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast.”

Inside you’ll be mesmerized by artwork and artifacts that detail the history of vampires. Take a close look at those paintings while you’re dining here! These paintings depict the world of vampires from their point of view, painting them as heroes in their stories, while displaying some of Darkmoor’s history, and referencing its architecture. The menu here features kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

The next dining spot here is Burning Blade Tavern. Outside, the tavern has a windmill that smolders and flames periodically during both the day AND night! According to the lore “Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout.” The menu here features burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels, and specialty beverages and you’ll find most of its seating and tables outside of the tavern.

But what you’ll really want to come here for are the stories! During your time here, you may just be able to hear stories of the infamous ‘Hounds’ which are boastful monster hunters from beyond Darkmoor. They’re all to agreeable to show off their ‘trophies’ of monster head’s they’ve hunted over the years so if you want on their good side, this is a great conversation opener!

Finally, you’ll find a quick snack spot over by Frankenstein’s Manor. This food stand serves up snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters, and more.

Want to bring home a “piece of the immortal world?” Stop by Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, which will offer commemorative merchandise and mementos.

Super Nintendo World

If you’re a fan of the popular, nostalgic video game franchise of Mario, then Super Mario World may be just your calling! You will find components from the Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, and Yoshi franchises to bring back all of those memories from your childhood and the games you may come to share with your kids.

The entrance to this world (like the others in the park) is marked by a themed portal. You’ll enter here through a giant warp pipe and ascend the escalators into the larger-than-life game world.

We think it’s pretty spectacular!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – HERE WE GOO!! #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/LDXN5Y8ZD7

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

Once inside the world, you’ll “discover a new way to play” as you step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong.

Within Super Nintendo World, you’ll be able to “experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride through the use of practical sets and augmented reality images shown using special glasses to bring you directly into the world of the popular video game series.”

While you’re here, don’t forget to venture around the corner and into Donkey Kong Country™ and hop aboard Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness, where you’ll soar through the air in your very own mine cart!

This “boom coaster” style ride creates the illusion of jumping over sections of missing and broken tracks, and trust us when we say, it’s not one you want to underestimate at first glance!

Yoshi’s Adventure is the ride here fit for even the tiniest of gamers! This is a slow-moving family omnimover ride that takes you around the world’s second level in ride vehicles shaped like Yoshi, kind of like giving you a “bird’s eye view.”

There’s also a fun “game” to play while you’re riding along (but don’t worry if you don’t spot all the glowing eggs in time)! Fans of Super Mario Bros. games and Yoshi’s Island may want to keep a watchful eye out for easter eggs calling back to tokens and power-ups found within the games.

This world is one that’s truly interactive, thanks to its compatibility with Power Up Bands. 

These beauties that conveniently fit right around your wrist allow you to “play” with the various interactive elements we’ve seen in other versions of Super Nintendo World.

These bands allow you its user to 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.

We loved being able to explore and use our bands!

Continuing to explore Super Nintendo World here at Epic Universe! #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/24Yas9Ugch

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2025

The 1-UP is the main giftshop with all the items you could need!

There’s even special popcorn buckets.

There are plenty of places to get your favorite Nintendo merchandise, like from Mario Motors!

In this world, dining and shopping will take on a whole new location in Donkey Kong Country in Super Nintendo World. Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy will be available to purchase all your jungle essentials, and you can also stop by The Bubbly Barrel just a few steps over for a sweet treat.

If you’re dreaming of the chance to actually MEET Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Country is where you can expect to find him! The famous gorilla will be meeting visitors at Donkey Kong’s Treehouse, and while you’re waiting, look for the nearby Rambi activity to check out.

The popular Toadstool Cafe Restaurant will also be your resident full-service restaurant for this world. We’ve already had a chance to eat at the same restaurant during our visits to Universal Hollywood, and if you’ve yet to venture out that way, this is your opportunity to get a similar menu in Orlando! Here, you’ll find themed burgers, soups, and salads, and thanks to its immersive theming, it’s a popular option for families to dine.

The Bubbly Barrel serves cool, tropical drinks in the heart of Donkey Kong Country!

Thanks for coming along with us for this exclusive first look and stay tuned with us as we bring you to see how the crowds are, what’s different, and more on Epic Universe’s opening day!

Want to go INSIDE Epic Universe? Come with us for a FULL TOUR of all five lands!

NEWS: Universal Is Taking the Epic Universe Portals On The Road

Which world inside Epic Universe are you headed into first? Tell us everything that’s on your list to do in the comments below!

Disclosure: We were invited by Universal to attend a preview of Epic Universe. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.

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