We’ve known for some time that Universal Orlando Resort is planning a new theme park in Orlando to go alongside its two existing parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Called Epic Universe, the new park will join Universal’s water park Volcano Bay and an array of uniquely themed resort hotels when it opens in 2025.
Fans have been speculating for years about what rides, attractions, and themed areas we’ll find in Epic Universe, and today we finally got some details. Universal says Epic Universe will house five distinct lands and more than 50 unique experiences, including rides and attractions, shopping, and dining.
What New Lands Will There Be in Epic Universe?
While many details about the lands have yet to be revealed, there were some interesting nuggets revealed today. In all, the five lands that will make up Epic Universe are:
- Celestial Park
- Dark Universe
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Upon entering Epic Universe, guests will pass under the “Chronos” to find themselves in Celestial Park. This land serves as the central point from which you can enter any of the other four areas. Think of the classic hub-and-spoke model seen in parks like Magic Kingdom. It makes navigating a new, unfamiliar theme park a breeze.
Celestial Park will feature two rides: Constellation Carousel and Starfall Racers, a dual-launching roller coaster. It will also be home to Astromica, an interactive dancing fountain attraction. From there, guests can journey through the other four worlds via “portals” connecting the lands to Celestial Park.
Beloved Harry Potter and Nintendo Characters Return
If you’re big into the Harry Potter theme park experience like me, you may be the most curious about what The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will look like. Universal announced that the land will include both 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts franchise and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
And fans of the Super Mario video game universe will likely recognize much of what’s to come in Super Nintendo World. Fresh off the success of its sister lands in Japan and Hollywood, Super Nintendo World brings a fun interactive element to the park.
Epic Universe Opens in 2025
Together with a brand-new 500-room resort hotel called Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the opening of Epic Universe will nearly double the size of Universal Orlando Resort. At that size, Universal Orlando can become a full-week destination.
With Epic Universe still one year away from completion, there will be many other updates in the coming months. I’m personally most excited to hear what the flagship ride will be in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and what will be included in Dark Universe! I think there’s a perfect opportunity for a whole new element to Halloween Horror Nights. Whatever Universal has up its sleeves, it sure looks like it will indeed be epic.
