Universal Epic Universe: New Orlando Theme Park Sneak Peek

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Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - Artist rendering of Map at Universal Epic Universe.
Artist rendering of Map at Universal Epic Universe. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort.

There’s a new theme park coming to Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and it promises to offer an absolutely EPIC experience.

Universal Epic Universe is currently under construction and is set to open in 2025. It will add 50 (!) immersive experiences to the current Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando. This all-new theme park will include five themed lands along with new rides, hotels and restaurants.  

Universal Epic Universe will be the fourth Universal theme park in the US joining Volcano Bay Water Park, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios.

Read More: Why You Should (Almost) Never Buy a Universal Express Pass Online

What to Expect

Universal Epic Universe will be located behind Icon Park, around 15 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort. Complimentary transportation between the two theme parks will be available, including free shuttles from Universal’s CityWalk dining and entertainment complex.

Universal Epic Universe promises to “take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands.” Expect immersive experiences that bring the movies you love to life. The new park builds on the success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opened in 2014.

Also under construction are three new hotels: Universal Stella Nova Resort, the Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. All are scheduled to open in 2025 along with Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando -  The 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Grand indeed.
The 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Grand indeed. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Explore Five New Lands at Universal Epic Universe

Here’s your opportunity to take a first look at Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Epic Universe includes five new lands: Celestial Park; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Ministry of Magic;  SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™;  How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk with other exciting Universal Monster characters; and Dark Universe.

Read More: Universal CityWalk Restaurant Guide

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - Welcome to the Celestial Park.
Welcome to the Celestial Park. Photo credit: Universal Epic Universe

Discover an Out-of-this-World Experience

You’ll enter the new theme park at Celestial Park, a portal between reality and the adventure ahead, You’ll get the feeling you’ve arrived in another world as you walk through the Universal Epic Universe. And yes, it really will be a park with natural trails, waterfalls, and lovely gardens for strolling as the fun begins.

This main hub, Celestial Park, is the heart of the Universal Epic Universe and features an outer-worldly dynamic blending astrology with astronomic elements. Kids will love to play in Astronomica, the water play area, so great on a hot Florida day. Imagine the  Constellation Carousel which lets you rotate 360 degrees as you orbit. Also in Celestial Park will be the Starfall Racers roller coaster, a race across the cosmos that’s like riding a shooting star. Look for shopping, dining, and plenty of entertainment. There’s even a Nintendo Super Star Store where you can shop lots of merch from Super Nintendo World.

Read More: Disney World vs. Universal: Which Theme Park is Better

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.
Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Enjoy the Worlds of Paris and Potter

For those obsessed with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Resort, The Ministry of Magic will take them into a new dimension of the Harry Potter films.  

Universal Epic Universe combines 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts movies and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter films. Their common denominator is the international world of wizarding that connects them, fulfilling your wildest imagination. Their signature ride will be The Ministry of Magic, an elevator-type ride that guarantees thrills, enhancing the Harry Potter experience.

Mark Woodbury, CEO  who’s involved with the design says the new land will expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and of course, visitors are invited to wear robes and carry wands to really feel like they’re in the moment.

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - Fun and games await you at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.
Fun and games await you at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Ride the Game

The SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ features warp pipe travel. Once you enter the green pipe, it’s like being transported into a live Super Mario Brothers video game called the Mario Kart™ ride.  Look for Mario, Luigi, Princess and other friends. Also planned to make its debut is the Donkey Kong Country™ Mine Country Roller Coaster. It’s designed to actually jump the track, just like the video game.

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - Mystery beckons at Dark Universe.
Mystery beckons at Dark Universe. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Dare to Enter Dark Universe, an Eerie New World

In Dark Universe, you’ll enter a world of mystery and monsters. Imagine exploring Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s frightfully fun experiments in the lab. At Dark Universe, it all becomes real.

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - The magic of dragons awaits you.
The magic of dragons awaits you. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Enter a World of Make Believe

At How to Train Your Dragon: the Isle of Berk, you’ll discover Viking adventure and colorful dragons that come to life, just like in the How to Train Your Dragon animated movies.

Chow Down at Delicious New Restaurants

Enjoy Atlantic, a surf and turf restaurant that is situated inside an aquarium by the shimmering waters of Neptune’s Pool, Or try The Blue Dragon (Pan Asian) as well as Oak & Star Tavern.

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - Ride the Troller Coaster in new DreamWorks land, Universal Studios.
Ride the Troller Coaster in new DreamWorks land, Universal Studios. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

DreamWorks Land – Opens this Summer

In the meantime, if you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios this summer, there’s more good news. Universal Orlando Resort will introduce DreamWorks Land, based on DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters Shrek, the Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.

Located in the Universal Studios Florida theme park, the new land adds more fun for the entire family with a family-friendly roller coaster, interactive play areas, live entertainment, a chance to meet the characters, and more.

Look for Shrek’s Swamp just outside of his 35-foot-tall cottage. Check out tasty treats, photo-op murals, interactive play areas, and splash pads.

For families, there’s Trolls Land, where Poppy and Branch welcome you with a large fountain and invite you to find your own “happy place.” There’s even a Trollercoaster, a family-friendly roller coaster.

Universal Studios Florida Announces Epic New Universe in Orlando - Kung Fu Panda Training Camp.
Kung Fu Panda Training Camp. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Based on the delightful Kung Fu Panda films, this all-new play area brings the Panda Village to life featuring both wet and dry play areas that families will enjoy. Check out the oversized water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans, and more. You can ride the merry-go-round that looks like larger-than-life noodle bowls. There’s even a “Digital Meet & Greet” with Po himself who will teach you about making the right Kung Fu moves.  

Learn More about Universal Studios

In other Universal theme park news, Universal Studios Resort is also developing the first-ever theme park designed for families with young children in Frisco, Texas, called Universal Kids Resort. Universal Studios also features Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan. For more details, visit CityWalk’s new park preview center in Orlando.  

Having just spent time at Universal Studios with my two grandsons, I was really excited to hear about these new additions to the Universal Orlando Resort. I can’t wait to go back. WOW! Just WOW is all I can say!

With more than 20 years of travel writing under her bling-y belt, Mira Temkin understands the expectations of the leisure traveler and writes to those expectations. From destinations to tours to cruises and luxury resorts, her articles cover the world: across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Central America, South America and Europe. She is a proud member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and past member of the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Mira always has her bags packed and is ready to go! You can read her other travel stories at miratemkintravel.com.
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