Everything We Know About Universal Epic Universe, Universal's Newest Theme Park

Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 30, 2024. It will be updated as new details are released.

Beginning in 2025, there will be a brand-new theme park for visitors to Orlando: Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) has announced the five themed worlds within the theme park, which also includes more than 50 attractions, entertainment options, dining venues and shopping experiences and is set to open on May 22, 2025 – and select tickets and packages go on sale next week.

“The idea was to bring you to these worlds that you couldn’t otherwise possibly imagine,” said Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of UDX, in a YouTube video announcing the park. “And to do that, we wanted to create a mechanism that allowed you to be transported into another world, and it starts at the very entrance to the park itself.”

Additionally, three new Universal hotels will be available for booking, including Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort (sister properties) and Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will be located within the theme park.

Read on to see what visitors can expect from each of the theme park’s five “worlds.” 

Celestial Park

Visitors to the new park — the fourth for Universal Orlando — will enter underneath the “Cronos,” the first portal that brings visitors into Celestial Park, a multi-acre complex of rolling gardens, waterways and paths that will be home to Stardust Racers. It will also serve as a “gateway” to explore the other additional worlds of Epic Universe. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Universal Epic Universe will offer a dash of Harry Potter Magic. The new world at Universal Epic Universe will incorporate elements of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts” films to blend 1920s Paris with the U.K.-based Ministry of Magic from Harry Potter. The twist of time travel will allow clients to explore the two international wizarding communities and “the magic that connects them.”

After entering the land’s portal, clients will journey from a Muggle (non-magical) park in Paris to 1920’s Place Cachee in wizarding Paris, where wizards and non-magiques can cast spells using interactive wands, encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus, and — for the first time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — travel across countries and time to 1990s London using the Metro-Floo (a mode of wizarding transit inspired by the Floo Network from the films) for an all-new adventure set inside the British Ministry of Magic. 

Magical Experiences in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic:

- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: This magical adventure begins when guests travel by Metro-Floo from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the Dolores Umbridge. Upon arrival, guests enter the Ministry's iconic grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial. Of course, Umbridge attempts to escape, so Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy take clients along for a thrilling chase through the Ministry, all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way.

- Le Cirque Arcanus: For the first time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience with Le Cirque Arcanus featuring live performers, aerialists, puppetry, special effects and encounters with fantastic beasts. 

- Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique:  Clients can shop for the world's finest wands designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker Cosme Acajor in the premier Parisian wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In addition to imports from Ollivanders, shoppers will find a selection of wands packaged in unique three-sided boxes, each containing a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where they can practice casting spells.

- Wand Magic: Clients can use their interactive wands to create magical experiences at various locations, interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise, and engage with enchanted objects in storefront windows. 

- Entertainment: While exploring Place Cachee, guests will encounter exchange students from the Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministere des Affaires Magiques de la France, talking portraits of wizards who engage with locals about the happenings in Place Cachée, and more.

Highly-themed dining and retail locations, including:  

- Cafe L'Air De La Sirene: A charming cafe where guests can sample French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts. 

- Le Gobelet Noir:  A mysterious auberge, where international Dark witches and wizards gather for a meal and hushed conversation.

- Bar Moonshine: American witches and wizards can enjoy a taste of home with beers, wines and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and wizarding Americana.

- Bieraubeurre Cart: Guests can stop by the Bieraubeurre for delicious Butterbeer. 

- Clients can also shop for wizarding gear and memorabilia in Les Galeries Mirifiques, satisfy their sweet tooth at the French confectionary, K. Rammelle, or bring home Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Metro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.

The idea was to bring you to these worlds that you couldn’t otherwise possibly imagine.

Super Nintendo World

East Coast theme park-goers will also have the opportunity to visit Super Nintendo World (on the opposite coast of Universal Studio Hollywood's iteration) at Universal Epic Universe, where clients will come face to face with characters such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong. It will be the third — and largest — Super Nintendo World, with the first one opening at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. The Orlando location will include Super Mario Land and the first Donkey Kong Country in the U.S.

“Our primary goal was to make sure this was the ultimate Nintendo experience,” said Andrew Padua, creative director with Universal. “When I see Super Nintendo World, I see the future of immersive experiences, where the gaming world and the real world join together all around you.”

After entering the iconic Green Pipe, guests will be immersed in the vibrant colors and kinetic energy of Nintendo games in two distinct lands.

Super Mario Land

In Super Mario Land, clients can expect the following:

- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Park guests will join Team Mario in a race for the Golden Cup in this groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) attraction, which uses projection mapping technology and real-life environments to bring Mario Kart video games to life.

- Yoshi’s Adventure: The charming, family-friendly attraction makes its U.S. debut as clients join Yoshi on an adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom to find three glowing eggs.

- Toadstool Cafe: This highly themed dining experience features a menu inspired by the world of Super Mario, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese and spicy Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs. Super Mario Land will also feature Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats for snacks and beverages.

- 1-Up Factory and Mario Motors: The land’s two retail locations will offer souvenirs, apparel, toys, and more inspired by Super Mario characters.

- Meet-and-Greet Experiences: Clients can meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad in Super Mario Land.

Donkey Kong Country

The first-ever Donkey Kong Country will be home to Mine-Cart Madness, a first-of-its-kind family coaster. The ride combines innovative technology and unique coaster design to take clients on a jungle adventure to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana, all while being blasted out of a barrel and “jumping” over gaps in the rickety track.

“There are zero screens,” Padua said. “It is all real show, [and] it is all real thrill."

Food and merchandise inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video games and characters will also be offered. More details will be shared in the coming months.

Power-Up Bands

Wearable Power-Up Bands will allow clients to enhance their play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country by punching Question Blocks, playing interactive games, collecting digital coins and stamps, finding hidden elements in the land and earning digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Fans of the How to Train Your Dragon film franchise will be immersed in a world filled with Viking adventures, including the opportunity to soar with dragons.

The immersive area recreates the Viking- and dragon-filled world of the Academy Award-nominated “How to Train Your Dragon” movies, with four attractions and one live show, plus character (and dragon) meet-and-greet experiences.

- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A family thrill coaster that takes riders on an adventure in a winged flying machine as they soar around the perimeter of Berk — and through the lagoon — alongside Hiccup and Toothless

- Fyre Drill: Teams compete to outscore (and out-soak) each other on a water-filled battle onboard dragon-headed boats equipped with water cannons.

- Dragon Racer’s Rally: Clients can practice their aerobatic maneuvers on two dragon-riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet in the air. 

- Viking Training Camp: Junior Vikings can climb, slide, and explore this interactive adventure play camp featuring a Viking agility course, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, and baby Gronckle dragon climbers.

- The Untrainable Dragon: A live musical spectacular featuring Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid and life-sized dragons soaring overhead.

- Meet Hiccup and Toothless: Clients can meet the Dragon Rider and his friendly Night Fury (as well as other familiar Vikings and dragons).

How to Train Your Dragon -Isle of Berk will also offer themed eateries, including Mead Hall, with a menu featuring meats, fish, sandwiches, and a collection of meads and ciders; Spit Fyre Grill, a quick-service location featuring meals flame-seared by a dragon cook; and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel racing-themed food stand in the Viking Camp.

The land’s shops include Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures.
Details about the park’s other three themed areas — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe (themed to Universal monsters), and Super Nintendo World — will be announced later this year.

New training modules for Universal Epic Universe are available on the dedicated Universal Destinations & Experiences travel agent website.

Dark Universe

Guests who pass through the portal into the Dark Universe will be immersed in a monster-filled world featuring the dark energy of the village of Darkmoor.

The first-of-its-kind theme park environment is inspired by classic Universal monsters such as Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein. It also features a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, who has continued the experiments of her great-great-grandfather.

The land’s signature state-of-the-art dark ride (and Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction ever), Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, takes guests into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her mysterious experiments.

Guests are invited into the laboratory for a demonstration, but the doctor’s plans go awry when her failed attempt to control Dracula unleashes a horde of monsters, forcing guests to evade The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.

"Monsters Unchained has the most technologically advanced animated figures that have ever been built,” said Peter Carsillo, senior creative director for Universal Creative. “They are visceral, they are powerful and they are intense.”

Other attractions and experiences in Dark Universe include:
- Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man”

- Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, a parlor where skilled artisans transform guests of all ages into their favorite Universal Monsters

- Meet the Monsters, where guests will meet Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and others

- Das Stakehaus dining hall, featuring a menu of kebabs, burgers and sandwiches, run by “vampires”

- The Burning Blade Tavern, serving burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages

- De Lacey’s Cottage, featuring treats such as cinnamon bread, ice cream and twisted taters

- Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, which offers commemorative merchandise and mementos.

Accommodations at Universal Epic Universe

Universal Epic Universe will add 1,500 new guest rooms to Universal Orlando Resort, with the opening of Universal Stella Nova Resort on Jan. 21, 2025 and Universal Terra Luna Resort on Feb. 25, 2025. Both will be operated by Loews Hotels.

The sister properties will feature “otherworldly” theming, according to Universal. Stella Nova will represent “the infinite vastness of the universe” with decor in cool teals and purples, while Terra Luna will invite clients to “step onto planets that have yet to be discovered” with a color palette of greens and golds. Each hotel will have 750 rooms with two queen beds (that sleep up to four guests). No family suites will be available.

In addition, quick-service onsite restaurants (Cosmos Cafe and Market at Stella Nova and Omega Cafe and Market at Terra Luna) will offer made-to-order American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus grab-and-go items. Each hotel will also have a poolside bar and grill and a lobby bar pouring specialty cocktails.

Clients can also expect resort-style pools with activities like poolside movies and outdoor games, fitness centers, game rooms and benefits of staying onsite at Universal Orlando Resort, including early park admission to Universal Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and complimentary shuttle bus transportation to all four theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort are available for booking now. Universal Epic Universe will also feature the Mediterranean-inspired, in-park Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will also open in 2025.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Universal Orlando Resort’s 11^th onsite property, The 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel overlooking Celestial Park, will have direct access to the new theme park, the destination’s first dedicated theme park entrance for hotel guests. Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open on October 22, 2024, for stays beginning May 22, 2025.

When clients step through the doors, they’ll be transported to the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, featuring décor that celebrates the constellations and views of Epic Universe through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Many of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites will also offer spectacular views of the park, including the new How to Train Your Dragon Kids' Suites (unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel), where young clients can sleep among the dragons of the Viking village of Berk.

Dining options include Flora Taverna, a full-service Mediterranean restaurant featuring outdoor seating overlooking Celestial Park; The all-day Aurora Market offering freshly-roasted coffees, grab-and-go food items, snacks and desserts; Lotus Lagoon poolside bar and grill where clients can sip refreshing cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.

Last but certainly not least, Bar Helios, a stylish rooftop lounge with 360-degree views of Epic Universe (and beyond), will serve a menu of creative tapas and handcrafted specialty cocktails.

Clients staying at Universal Grand Helios Hotel can also enjoy at resort-style zero-entry pool featuring underwater speakers, poolside cabanas, a hot tub, poolside movies and activities, and a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring strength and cardio equipment.

Staying at any Universal Orlando hotel provides clients with exclusive benefits like early park admission (which will expand to include Universal Epic Universe in 2025), complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk and resort-wide charging privileges.

The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel also introduces three reimagined hotel categories for Universal Orlando Resort:

- Signature Collection – Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22, 2025), Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

- Prime Value Hotels – Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening Jan. 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening Feb. 25, 2025) 

- Value Inns and Suites – Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites and Dockside Inn & Suites

Advisors should note that only clients staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific Resort will receive Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Universal Epic Universe Tickets

The first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale next week, including 3-Day, 4-Day, and 5-Day theme park tickets that include two, three, or four days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure plus one separate day admission to Epic Universe (Epic Universe admission will not be immediately available as part of a Park to Park ticket). Clients have the option to add access to Universal Volcano Bay to any of these multi-day tickets. 

A Create Your Own Vacation Package is also available on Oct. 22, 2024. Clients can save by bundling a multi-day theme icket that includes access to Universal’s three existing parks plus a separate day of admission to Epic Universe with a stay at one of Universal’s onsite hotels. 

Additional ticket products for Epic Universe – including single-day tickets for the general public, additional multi-day ticket options, Florida resident tickets, Universal Express passes, and more – will be available at a later date (but before the park opens).

“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.”