Universal’s Epic Universe, a brand-new theme park, is coming to Universal Orlando Resort. This new theme park will include a brand new Harry Potter land, a Super Nintendo land, an area themed on How to Train Your Dragon plus a land themed around the classic Universal monsters. This is one of the biggest theme park expansions we've seen in Orlando since the early 2000s.
Universal Orlando is going all out for its third theme park expansion with dozens of brand new attractions and out of this world immersion. Universal Orlando already has two existing theme parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida plus their own water park Volcano Bay. Universal counts Volcano Bay as a third theme park making the addition of Epic Universe as a full fourth theme park. Epic Universe will feature more than 50 new attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences.
Keep reading for all the details about Universal Orlando's Epic Universe including brand new concept art and details on all the new lands! We just received a MASSIVE news drop from Universal and this article has now been updated with all the new information including concept art, attractions, and more!
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Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has been a premier destination for theme park devotees for some time. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the thrilling roller coasters, Universal Orlando Resort has been a leader in providing immersive experiences for guests.
Universal’s Epic Universe will be the first major theme park built in the Orlando market since Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. SeaWorld Parks opened Discovery Cove in 2000. Legoland Florida, in Winter Haven, opened in 2011 with a more recent addition of Peppa Pig Theme Park. Fun Spot America – Kissimmee opened in 2007. However, none of those count as full-fledged major theme parks. For example, Legoland Florida is great but primarily targets younger families. Discovery Cove makes for a magnificent day spa experience but is not considered a theme park.
Now, the theme park resort is preparing to take its Orlando area theme park offerings to the next level with the highly anticipated Epic Universe. Universal has confirmed Epic Universe will have five brand new lands:
- Celestial Park
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
Watch the big reveal of the park that was released by Universal Orlando! Click the video below to see the full reveal.
Super Nintendo World has been a huge hit at Universal Studios Hollywood and this will be an even larger land with MORE attractions. I am also excited to see a third Harry Potter land added to the lineup of Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal. The popular How to Train Your Dragon films are getting their own land plus an area dedicated to the classic Universal Monsters!
Epic Universe will also feature a brand new hotel INSIDE the park at the end of Celestial Park called the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Two other hotels Universal’s Terra Luna Resort and Universal’s Stella Nova Resort Epic Universe will bring the total up to three brand new hotels built for Epic Universe. Epic Universe will also feature efficient transportation to and from the other areas of Universal Orlando to fully connect it to the larger Universal Orlando Resort.
This is is a huge expansion for Universal Orlando and is going to be a huge draw for guests. Personally, I am already planning my Universal Orlando vacation!
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When Does Epic Universe Open?
Universal Orlando will officially open on May 22, 2025. Multi-day tickets and vacation packages are on sale NOW.
Universal Stella Nova Resort will open on January 21, 2025 and Universal Terra Luna Resort will open February 25, 2025.
Epic Universe Lands and Attractions
Universal Orlando has now officially confirmed the new lands coming to Epic Universe which include:
- Celestial Park
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
Keep reading for all the details plus NEW concept art of these lands!
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the area guests will see first as they enter Epic Universe with acres of rolling gardens, chasing waterways and pathways which Universal states will “put the park back in theme park.”
Celestial Park is truly what it sounds like: a park! Guests can wander through the expansive gardens, waterways, all surrounded by architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.
Attractions in Celestial Park
Celestial Park will include three new attractions: Starfall Racers, Constellation Carousel, and Astronomica.
Starfall Racers will be a dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the fastest! This rollercoaster will reach speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. This will be the most thrilling coaster experience at Epic Universe with unique maneuvers like the “Celestial Spin,” in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air.
Based on the thrilling nature of this rollercoaster, I expect it will be as popular as Velocicoaster in Islands of Adventure!
Constellation Carousel will take guests on a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward, and even make 360-degree rotations. Guests will get to experience the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight. This attraction sounds simply stunning!
Astronomica is an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass to the many wonders of Epic Universe featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests.
Celestial Park Dining & Shopping
Atlantic is a full-service “surf and turf” restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium complete with views of Celestial Park.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant is a full service restaurant featuring authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare accented with neon dragons and ethereal lanterns.
Additional dining locations in Celestial Park include The Oak & Star Tavern serving barbecue options and Pizza Moon serving a variety of pizzas and more.
Celestial Park will also include its own Nintendo Super Star Store where guests can shop an assortment of merchandise themed to Super Nintendo World.
The interior of the store matches the theming of Celestial Park!
There will also be a new store called Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets featuring a variety of themed treats.
Celestial Park will also feature fountain shows over seven acres of water with heights reaching up to 135 feet in the air with music and interactive lighting from day to night.
Super Nintendo World
It's not surprise to see Super Nintendo World join the lineup of new lands at Epic Universe especially after the Universal Studios Hollywood location has been such a big hit. This Super Nintendo World land will be huge in comparison to the one at Universal Studios Hollywood with enough space to incorporate more attractions like those in Japan like the Donkey Kong Mine Cart rollercoaster.
This speculation received some credibility with the recent news announcement that Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World would feature the worlds of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and… Donkey Kong!
Attractions in Super Nintendo World
Though Universal Parks and Destinations has not officially confirmed the below attractions, we expect three Nintendo-based rides in Orlando’s version of Super Nintendo World. This is based on construction details and the other Super Nintendo World rides around the world at Universal's theme parks.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – This driving simulation attraction allows Mario Kart video game fans to enter that world. Guests will enter Bowser’s Castle before embarking on their journey. This ride already exists in Japan and Hollywood based on this popular game.
Yoshi’s Adventure – This family-friendly omnimover-style ride will also likely be coming to Orlando. The first version of this ride system exists at Universal Studios Japan. This is similar in concept to Walt Disney World's People Mover with guests riding on the “back” of Yoshi's as they enjoy views of Super Nintendo World while they search for Yoshi eggs.
Donkey Kong Mine Cart Rollercoaster – Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World land is rumored to include a Donkey Kong Mine Cart rollercoaster. This will likely feature a unique ride system that will make riders feel their coaster vehicle is jumping gaps in the track. This Donkey Kong Mine Cart attraction will open at Universal Studios Japan in 2024 and at Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025. There have also been rumors that Universal Studios Hollywood is also exploring building the Donkey Kong attraction there.
Recreating the mine cart levels from the video game, this new Donkey Kong roller coaster will make it look like you’re jumping over gaps in the track. We expect this attraction also to include detailed show scenes and some animatronics.
Power-Up Bands– these Mario-themed wristbands upgrade guests’ experience in Super Nintendo World. These bands will also cost an upcharge to own of $40 currently. These bands currently operate for guests in Japan and Hollywood. Universal has stated that if you have purchased a Power-up Band from one of these parks already, that it will work at Epic Universe. These bands enable guests to battle enemies, unlock bonus features, and collect coins by tapping question mark blocks.
There have been rumors flying about the potential for a Zelda incorporation in the land but we have nothing to confirm that. If this is true, this may be a project that comes later after the the park opens.
See everything we know so far about Super Nintendo World Orlando in our guide!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Epic Universe will also include a brand new Harry Potter themed land! This new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe will blend the 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films with the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
Based on the building permits approved by Orange County, Florida, we know that the Wizarding World area will have a large theatre and a large dark ride. The headliner attraction will be a dark ride in which guests enter the Ministry of Magic like in the “Harry Potter” movies.
Based on the success of the two Wizarding World areas at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, we expect this new Wizarding World land to be equally popular.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This area of Epic Universe will build on Universal’s partnership with DreamWorks. Though we expect to see far more DreamWorks properties at Universal Parks and Destination locations like Universal Studios Florida and in Frisco, Texas, Epic Universe will have an entire land for “How to Train Your Dragon.”
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will feature numerous brand new attractions, meet and greets with favorite characters, and amazing shows.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
The main roller coaster of the land is a family friendly ride where Hiccup has invited brave new vikings to take a ride on his latest glider creation. This “winged flying machine” launches new Dragon Riders into the sky for a dragon's eye view of Berk.
Fyre Drill
Viking twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnu, invite teams of Vikings to outscore and out-soak each other on this boat battle. Guests will board a colorful dragon-headed boat and blast water cannons at flame-like targets to practice putting out fires.
Dragon Racer’s Rally
This attraction allows new Vikings racers to “practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls” on this attraction that reaches heights of up to 67 feet in the air.
Viking Training Camp
The Viking Training Camp will give “Junior Vikings” a chance to learn everything about dragons as they enjoy this interactive play camp which includes a a Viking agility course, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, baby Gronckle dragon climbers and more.
Meet Hiccup and Toothless
And of course, the land would not be complete without a Hiccup and Toothless meet and greet!
This area looks to be targeted toward younger families but the offerings in this area, especially the incredible theming, will be a draw for all ages.
Dark Universe
Dark Universe will be a land focused on the Universal Classic Monsters where guests will encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a “shadowy landscape” where monsters roam.
The Universal Classic Monsters have been a part of Universal’s legacy from almost the beginning. The horror genre kept Universal afloat during some lean years in the past. Rumors of a Classic Monsters attraction coming to Universal Orlando Resort have existed for decades. Popular classic monsters include Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Wolfman along with the already confirmed Dr. Victoria Frankenstein.
Initial speculation about this area of Epic Universe revolves around the backstory of a village, once terrorized by monsters, living in fear of them still. Within this setting, two attractions will be a part of the Universal Classic Monsters area. Other reports indicate a massive dark ride using similar technology to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction at Islands of Adventure. Also, based on permits and logical conclusions, a Universal Classic Monsters-themed coaster will be in this land.
Where Will Epic Universe Be Located?
Universal's Epic Universe will be a brand-new theme park. The park was announced in August 2019 and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025 despite delays during 2020. The park's concept is centered around “storytelling,” with each park area being based on a different guiding narrative or intellectual property.
The park will feature various attractions, shops, and dining options. It will also have its own hotels. Three hotels are currently in the plans at Epic Universe. Also, they are under construction, with speculation that at least one of the hotels will open before Epic Universe does.
Universal’s Epic Universe theme park will not be in the same area as the current resort properties. Epic Universe’s location will be away from the existing main Universal Orlando campus. The current two theme parks, water park, CityWalk area, and six of the eight “on-site” hotels reside in the same place. Guests can quickly move from one part of that property to another. In fact, short bus rides and boat trips can move you from anywhere in that area to another in ten minutes. Everything in that section of Universal Orlando Resort is within reasonable walking distance if desired. This is commonly known now as the north campus in preparation for Epic Universe.
That section of Universal Orlando Resort is located fittingly on Universal Boulevard north of Interstate four around exit 74B. Just south of Interstate four, also on Universal Boulevard, exists The Endless Summer Resort Hotels.
Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites, the Endless Summer Resort Hotels, serve as the value-level hotels at Universal Orlando. These hotels and the other Universal Orlando property are known as the North campus.
If you continue south along Universal Boulevard, you reach Sand Lake Road. The official address for Epic Universe is 4700 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. Based on standard traffic patterns in that area of Orlando, it should take 10-15 minutes to go from the current main parking garage at Universal CityWalk Orlando to Epic Universe. That travel time resembles going from Disney Animal Kingdom to the other three Walt Disney World theme parks.
How Large Is Epic Universe?
In simple terms, the property is in the south area on Sand Lake Road, where Epic Universe is being built. It is more significant than everything on the north campus of Universal Orlando. The two parts of the north campus are a little less than 750 acres in total. However, the south campus area where Epic Universe is being constructed is slightly over 750 acres. Epic Universe marks a considerable expansion for Universal Orlando Resort.
We strongly suspect that Universal Orlando owns more land in that area for expansion if desired. Based on initial plans between Universal Orlando Resort and the city of Orlando, dedicated bus lanes will be created between the north and south campus for Universal Orlando guests. Universal Orlando committed 160 million dollars to help pay for this project.
Several other road construction projects are being done in connection with Epic Universe. For example, an elevated traffic circle will be built connecting Kirkman Road near Universal Orlando to Epic Universe. “One of the main features of the project is an elevated traffic circle. That’s going to be used to facilitate traffic distribution to the Universal property,” said Ken Leeming, Orange County highway construction manager.
NEW Epic Universe Hotels
Universal's Epic Universe will also feature three brand new hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and Universal Stella Nova Resort. These hotels will have about 2000 rooms in total.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is located at the end of Celestial Park and is designed to transport guests to a “world where the heavens and earth unite.” This new hotel will include 500 rooms, views of Epic Universe plus its OWN dedicated entrance into Epic Universe.
The location of Universal Helios Grand Hotel makes its easily one of the most exciting out the three new hotels and I anticipate this will be the most luxurious of the bunch.
Universal Terra Luna Resort
Universal Terra Luna Resort is inspired by the massive and planetary elements of the universe and is expected to open February 25, 2025.
Universal Terra Luna Resort is a Prime Value category resort and includes 750 guest rooms.
The hotel will be located adjacent to Epic Universe.
Guests staying at Universal Terra Luna Resort can take advantage of on-site Universal Orlando benefits like Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation to and from the parks, resort-wide charging privileges, and more.
Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Stella Nova Resort will open on January 21, 2025.
Universal Stella Nova Resort will be located adjacent to Epic Universe theme park.
Universal Terra Luna Resort is a Prime Value category resort and includes 750 guest rooms.
Guests staying at Universal Stella Nova Resort can take advantage of on-site Universal Orlando benefits like Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation to and from the parks, resort-wide charging privileges, and more.
Universal's Epic Universe is poised to be a game-changer in the world of theme parks. With its focus on storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and immersive experiences, it will surely be a hit with visitors worldwide. While many details are still under wraps, this new theme park is already generating excitement among fans with popular franchises like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Nintendo.
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