Everything We Know About Universal’s Epic Universe

It’s almost here – the day theme park enthusiasts, Nintendo fans, wizards and muggles, Vikings, and monster-lovers have been waiting for.  

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is getting ready to open its gates.  

A conceptual rendering of EPIC Universe as an aerial shot, looking down on three central bodies of water and outlying areas with coasters, fireworks, and trees.

On May 22, 2025, the most highly anticipated theme park in decades joins an incredible roster of world class entertainment here in Central Florida.  

For months, Universal has been teasing the public with sneak previews of what we can expect when the park finally opens. 

Rosen Inn closest to Universal is proud to be a Universal Partner Hotel. That means as our guest, you’ll get to take advantage of discounts on merchandise, food, and non-alcoholic beverages at select theme park locations.  

Plus, our complimentary scheduled shuttle will make sure you get to your preferred Universal theme park with plenty of time to spend the day adventuring – including at Epic Universe. 

In the meantime, here is everything we know so far about what to expect at Epic Universe.  

Five All New Themed Lands 

Epic Universe is pushing the boundaries of imagination with five highly anticipated new worlds.  

Let’s take a look at what you can expect to find at Orlando’s newest theme park.  

Celestial Park  

Upon entering Epic Universe, guests will find themselves in a serene, picturesque park area surrounded by astronomical and mythological-inspired architecture and features.

A conceptual rendering of Celestial Park, with a beautiful body of water, trees, building with glowing glass ceilings, and an arched portal in the middle.

Acres of gardens, waterways, and strolling pathways add serenity and beauty for a true haven right in the middle of Epic Universe.  

Celestial Park is also home to exciting rides and attractions, including Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster designed to make guests feel like they’re rocketing through the skies on a comet.  

This highly anticipated ride will be the most thrilling in all of Epic Universe, reaching speeds up to 62 miles per hour and heights of 133 feet.  

Guests looking for something a little less intense can enjoy the Constellation Carousel, which takes riders through the constellations while gliding forward, backwards, and even twirling 360 degrees on a journey of music and starlight. 

Two ornate glowing domes with stained glass-like panels in turquoise and purple with gold accents. A tall gold spire with the word "Constellation" sits between the two domes.

There will also be stylish dining, retail opportunities, and an interactive wet-play area known as Astronomica, perfect for keeping cool on warm Orlando days.  

Celestial Park is the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other exciting worlds. You’ll find majestic portals waiting to usher you into exciting lands of imagination and adventure like you’ve never experienced before.  

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 

A conceptual rendering of an arched entryway surrounded by trees and decorated with icons from the Super Mario franchise, including colorful pipes, a gold coin, and a toadstool.

Classic video game fans, rejoice! 

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD finally makes its way to Universal Orlando.  

Jump into experiences inspired by the Super Mario franchise, like the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride that will have you racing alongside familiar friends to the finish line.  

A conceptual rendering of people riding in a vehicle with blue bumpers, white sides, and a red square on the front with a large “M” on it, ready to launch.

Yoshi’s Adventure is a family-friendly ride that sends guests on a search for glowing eggs with breathtaking views of Super Mario Land.  

In Donkey Kong Country, you can explore lush tropical landscapes with waterfalls and signature landmarks like The Golden Temple.  

Mine Cart Madness is a family coaster that sends riders careening through the jungle to protect the coveted Golden Banana. Using innovative track technology, this ride features mind-bending maneuvers that once only seemed possible in video games. 

A conceptual rendering of the Golden Temple with a waterfall, a monkey-like face at the top, and a coaster track in the foreground.

Enjoy treats inspired by the world of Super Mario at Toadstool Cafe or pick up a quick bite from Yoshi’s Snack Island or Turbo Boost Treats.  

Meet your favorite Super Mario characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad throughout various areas in the park.  

A conceptual rendering of a family posing for a photo with Mario and Luigi in front of a red checkered wall and surrounded by a stone castle. 

Level up your experience by purchasing a Power-Up Band that will allow you to collect coins using interactive elements throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.  

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic 

A conceptual rendering of an arched entryway surrounded by trees with a golden hand holding a wand atop a tall spire

Universal theme parks are known for their wildly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter destinations.  

Epic Universe adds an entirely new area for wizards, witches, and muggles to explore, inspired by the magical universes of the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” franchises.  

Upon walking through the portal, you’ll be transported into the beautiful 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.”  

A conceptual image of people and families milling about a cobblestone street posing for pictures surrounded by cafes and shops. At the end of the street is a large sign that reads ”Le Cirque Arcanus”

In this meticulously detailed world, you’ll be able to enjoy a full-scale theatrical experience called Le Cirque Arcanus, featuring live performers, aerialists, breathtaking puppetry, jaw-dropping special effects, and fantastic beasts you’ve never seen before.  

Shop for a new wand at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique and then put it to good use by casting spells at various interactive spots throughout the Wizarding World.  

Don’t forget to pick up a butterbeer from the Bièrauberre Cart, a hearty meal from Le Gobelet Noir, or a drink at the American Quidditch bar, Bar Moonshine.  

A conceptual rendering of a grand lobby made of dark stone with levels of glowing window surrounding a golden statue and black-and-white banners featuring a woman with short hair in a striped shirt. 

Then, travel by Métro-Floo to journey to 1990’s London and the British Ministry of Magic. You'll arrive just in time for the long-awaited trial of Dolores Umbridge, but just as you board the omnidirectional lift to get to the trial, she tries to escape.  

A conceptual rendering of a square box car with an open side and two rows of riders facing out, surrounded by figures in long, black wands and skull-like masks.

This ride is heralded as being Universal’s most ambitious and groundbreaking ride to date. Join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase that will propel riders up, down, forwards, backwards, and sideways, all while dodging Death Eaters and other dangerous obstacles.  

How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk 

A conceptual rendering of an arched entryway surrounded by rocky ledges, topped with a dragon figure atop a tall spire.

DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures’ award-winning series “How to Train Your Dragon” comes to life in an all-new world at Epic Universe.  

Designed to look like the rocky, rugged Viking world of Berk from the film franchise, visitors will find themselves amongst extraordinary dragons, busting villages, and endless activity.  

A conceptual rendering of a lagoon with two large blue and gold statues overlooking a Nordic-inspired village with dragons flying overhead. 

Stunning views of a sparkling lagoon and two 40-foot-tall Viking statues welcome you to Berk, where you’ll encounter incredible architecture, lush landscaping, and rolling hills.  

On Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family thrill coaster, you’ll board Hiccup’s newest glider contraption as a brave new Viking. Soar around the perimeter of Berk while experiencing what it’s like to fly on a dragon.  

A conceptual rendering of a long train of riders on a dragon-like coaster splashing through water while onlookers watch from a nearby railing. 

In the heartwarming and theatrically spectacular stage show “The Untrainable Dragon,” audiences will be delighted by captivating musical numbers, incredible sets, and majestic life-sized dragons soaring overhead.

A conceptual rendering of a full audience watching Vikings and colorful dragons onstage while a boy in leather armor rides a black dragon over the audience. 

Other rides and experiences like Fyre Drill, Dragon Racer’s Rally, and Viking Training Camp will help train new Vikings on boats, Viking-made dragon-riding trainers, and an interactive play camp with an agility course.  

Visit Haddock Paddock to meet Toothless and Hiccup, enjoy feasting on a variety of meats, fish, and sandwiches at Mead Hall, and pick up merch at gift shops like How to Treat your Dragon, Toothless’ Treasures, and Viking Traders.  

Dark Universe 

A conceptual rendering of a glowing, arched entryway in a gloomy setting surrounded by gnarled trees topped with a spire conducting purple bolts of electricity. 

For years, Universal Orlando has been setting the bar hauntingly high for spooks and scares during Halloween Horror Nights.

Dark Universe is their latest foray into the world of monsters and mysteries.  

The entire park is a love letter to classic creepy legends of Universal Pictures, including Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and others.  

A conceptual rendering of Frankenstein’s monster holding two balls of electricity shooting out blue bolts while surrounded by chains and other monsters including a werewolf. 

Dark Universe is home to Universal’s most terrifying ride yet – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. You’ve been invited to Frankenstein Manor by Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to admire her twisted experiments. Things go wrong, however, when her prisoner, Dracula, escapes and unleashes a hoard of angry monsters.  

Curse of the Werewolf propels riders through a dark forest on a wagon, racing to escape from the werewolves without becoming one themselves.  

The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience lets guests of all ages become “fashionably monstrous” with temporary tattoos and face paint executed by talented artisans.  

A conceptual rendering of a dark salon with people having their makeup done in chairs while others wait on vintage red sofas.

Have your photo taken with monsters roaming the streets of Dark Universe. Then, dine at restaurants like Das Stakehaus, where vampire waiters are on the lookout for unsuspecting humans to become their next meal.  

While this spooky Universe is family-friendly, Universal is once again pushing the boundaries of intensity for a one-of-a-kind interactive experience. 

A conceptual rendering of a woman with a large weapon and Frankenstein’s monster surrounded by werewolves, vampires, and other creatures in a dark setting with a roller coaster and a tower being struck by lightning in the background.

Getting your Epic Universe Tickets 

Epic Universe’s opening date on May 22, 2025 is drawing closer, and tickets are in high demand.  

As of early January 2025, admission to Epic Universe is only available if you purchase a three or more day pass to Universal Orlando theme parks.  

One day of admission to Epic Universe is included in a three, four, or five-day pass; the other days can be spent at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay. 

Tickets to Epic Universe are also being carefully allocated to ensure everyone has the chance to experience the park without it being overcrowded.  

Universal has reassured excited guests that one-day tickets to Epic and special tickets for Universal Passholders will be available before the park opens, but no date has been announced for those opportunities yet.  

For now, guests who are anxious about securing their Epic Universe tickets will need to purchase a minimum three-day Universal park ticket with a few extra days of built-in fun.  

Stay Close to Epic Universe 

With so much to explore at Epic Universe, you’ll want to make the most of a full day at the park.  

That’s why staying close to the park has definite perks like spending less time getting to your destination and more time being there.  

Have we mentioned that when you stay at the Universal Partner Hotel Rosen Inn closest to Universal, you’ll have access to complimentary shuttles to Universal Parks, including Epic Universe? 

We’re happy to help you get to all the action and make the most of your vacation.  

Our comfortable guest rooms, exciting onsite dining, and popular Kids Eat Free program are just some of the amenities that have kept guests returning to our hotel for decades.  

And, with some of the most budget-friendly prices in Orlando, you can save your extra pennies and spend them on something a little more epic.

A sign reading Rosen Inn and Shogun Japanese Steakhouse Sakura Sushi silhouetted against a sunset sky.

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