Universal Orlando Resort’s newest park Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025
**Update** We just spoke with some colleagues that have done the previews of Epic Universe and updated this post with some first-hand information. We also will be there for a preview event on May 21st.
Previews Available – April 17- May 19, 2025
- AP holders and Military ticket holders can purchase one day tickets
- Onsite guests* can purchase a one day ticket from the Vacation Planning Center at their hotel. They need to have an active room key to purchase. Prices can change, but should follow the pricing of a one day ticket to Island of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida.
- *Onsite guests refers to guests that are staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resorts:
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Universal Aventura Hotel
- Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites
- Universal Stella Nova Resort
- Universal Terra Luna Resort
- *Onsite guests refers to guests that are staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resorts:
This amazing new theme park is made up of 5 immersive worlds including:
- Celestial Park
- Super Nintendo World
- How to Train your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be the newest luxury hotel. Helios will have private access directly into Epic Universe and provide amazing views of this new theme park. Two additional prime value properties are also on the grounds of Epic Universe – Stella Nova with have a direct walking path to the entrance of Epic Universe and Terra Luna, her sister resort will not have a walking path.
This new area of Epic Universe and these hotels will be referred to as South Campus. The original park area of Islands of Adventures, Universal Studios, City Walk and other other hotels will be referred to as North Campus.
Here is what we know so far about Epic Universe and we will continue to update you here with new information as it comes out.
Celestial Park
This area is the heart of Epic Universe where the other worlds all come together. There are portals to each of the other “worlds” from this central area. It is a great hub area with a huge fountain, lush garden, and stadium seating. But that is not all, It also has attractions, dining, and shopping of its own.
Attractions
Stardust Racers is a dual launch racing coaster. Ever wonder what it would be like to ride a comet through the universe? Now you can find out. It has a new/unique feature of the “Celestial Spin” where the two racing coasters pass each other on an inverted crisscross. One of our colleagues that rode this already said, “it is so close you can see the other people’s eyeballs”. This is a FAST roller coaster. It is different than VelociCoaster but if you like that one, you will LOVE this. It has a starting launch and is quite fast.
Constellation Carousel is a great family ride. Instead of traditional horses, you ride on characters from different constellations. Although most figures move back and forth and turn, there are some that are stationary too. There are different lights and music so you will want to ride this more than once and in both the day and night. Another cool feature is how adaptable and inclusive this ride is, making it accessible to all ages and abilities. It will take you into the galaxy with celestial themes, music, and colors.
Dining
Atlantic (and Aquaria Bar) is fine dining with an undersea adventure atmosphere. Enjoy seafood and steaks along with great cocktails at the Aquaria Bar. We have heard amazing thing about the Mango Bread with Mango Butter. You may want to try the BBQ Meat Platter that comes with this delicious and unique treat.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant (and The Tiger Bar) features Chinese, Japanese and Thai food in a courtyard under the glow of stars. You can also get cocktails and relax at The Tiger Bar.
Shopping
Nintendo Super Star Store is the mega store for Nintendo fans.
How to Train your Dragon – Isle of Berk
When you enter through the portal you feel like you were transported to the fictional Viking village of Berk nestled in the Nordic vistas of Norway. This area has some great family attractions and there are some great food options here as well.
Attractions
Hiccups’s Wing Gliders will put you to the test to see if you are brave enough to ride a dragon. This is a “milder” roller coaster with a 40″ height requirement. Although it may be considered a “kids” coaster it does have some good speed and the ride time is long.
Dragon Racer’s Rally will put you through aerobatic maneuvers with high-speed barrel rolls as you train to be a dragon rider. This is for a more mature dragon trainer. Minimum height 48″.
Fyre Drill will take you on boats where you will blast water cannons at flame-like targets as well as the Vikings in other boats. This is a water ride and expect to get totally soaked. (No height requirement).
Viking Training Camp is perfect for junior Vikings to play and interact in the Viking village.
Dining
Mead Hall will have a hearty menu fit for Vikings with meat, fish, sandwiches, and desserts. This location has a Thawfest Platter with chicken, sausage, and salmon. It is said to feed 4 but it is a lot of food and if there are children involved it could feed a family, making it a great value. You also won’t want to miss the Stormyfly’s Catch of the day. This is a chocolate mousse that is shaped to look like an orange fish and it sits on a bed of crunchy bits (described as crushed up fruity pebbles). This dessert got special mention as being something extra special and very delicious.
Fire Pit is a quick restaurant that offers a small but very tasty menu. They have a few different types of skewers, such as steak, chicken or shrimp. They are served with rice and a vegetable. The steak and shrimp were tied for the favorite.
Entertainment and Shows
The Untrainable Dragon is a live show filled with music and excitement will include Hiccup, Gobber, and Astrid as they are challenged with an untrainable dragon.
Haddock Paddock will be a place to meet Hiccup and Toothless for a photo.
Isle of Berk Street Characters will be walking around to meet up with some new Vikings along with some dragons you may find flying overhead.
Super Nintendo World
This was a huge favorite of ours in Universal Hollywood and we are excited to see it come to Universal Orlando. You can play with Power Up bands and even use your bands from Hollywood if you already have one. (Keep in mind you will have separate scores and games but you can use the same band)
Attractions
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an interactive ride where you get to both go through the ride and also collect digital coins and throw shells to defeat Team Bowser. It will be different every time as you play the game. Along with the technology and Power Up Bands you will find the ride will increase in difficulty as you play/ride. Minimum height 40″.
Mine-Cart Madness is a family coaster that takes you into the world of Donkey Kong in a mine cart. Minimum height 40″.
Yoshi’s Adventure is another family friendly attraction that take you on a ride around the Mushroom Kingdom while you look for familiar characters and hidden colored eggs. Minimum height 34″.
Dining
Toadstool Cafe is a quick service option that has tasty soups, salads, and sandwiches. Don’t miss some of their specialty themed desserts. Bowsers Fireball Challenge was a favorite, but keep in mind this is a hot and SPICY meatball.
Entertainment
Character Meet and Greets are available with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad
Interactive Key Challenges are a great way to “play” a real-life Nintendo game. You can purchase a Power-Up Band and then find digital keys around the land to unlock challenges. There are 5 ways you can find the keys through different interactions with activities/games in the world.
“You can boost your experience at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ by purchasing a Power-Up Band™! You can join a team by selecting between eight different character designs: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong. Then, as you and your family explore and play while wearing your bands, you’ll each collect digital coins, digital stamps, and collect digital keys by winning Key Challenges. Once you obtain three keys,you’ll unlock a special Bowser Jr. boss battle challenge, Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. Your band also can be used to track your progress on Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. You can pair your band with the Official Universal Orlando Resort App* (app download not required for attraction gameplay) to track your scores, follow other users, and see your digital rewards. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is filled with interactive activities that will keep you exploring, discovering, and playing together.”
Dark Universe
Finally, a land for the villains like Dracula, wolf man, and Frankenstein. Walk the streets of Darkmoor Village to experience it all. Fear not, this will not be like Halloween Horror Nights at all. It is more like old Hollywood creatives and theatrics. No scare zones, etc.
Attractions
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment takes you below the Frankenstein estate where a demonstration leads to a revolt of classic monsters like Wolf Man, The Mummy, and more. This ride has over 14 gigantic ride figures. It has a similar feel to Spiderman with ride vehicle and movement. The best part is the newest technology that will eliminate the need for 3D glasses by combining new screen technology to make you feel as if you are truly with these real-life monsters. Minimum height is 48″.
Curse of the Werewolf takes you through the forest where you will try to escape a pack of werewolves. Minimum heigh 40″.
Dining
Das Stakehous is run by “vampires’ familiars” in an old inn. It is built over the catacombs so be sure to be careful where you go. It has some amazing food but it is not overly scary but more cheeky with the artwork and themes.
The Burning Blade Tavern has casual fare like burgers and wings and is the perfect place for visitors to Darkmoor Village to hang out. One of the unique items here is the “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich. This chicken is on a mysterious black bun making it more unique.
Entertainment
Character Meet and Greets include Ygor, the invisible man (how will you see him you ask? We did too), and Frankenstein’s monster and his bride to name a few.
Shopping
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience is a place to have your monster makeover. This will probably need to be reserved in advance. More information to come.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Here you will enter 1920s Paris in the wizarding world. It’s like you just stepped into the movie Fantastical Beasts. There is more fun as you can travel by Metro-Floo to the 1990’s London for more fun with your friends from Harry Potter. There are lots of walking characters in this land. It is also amazing as the smallest building here is actually larger than the largest building in Diagon Alley. It is quite impressive.
*Tip – try your wand at the suitcase with the Neffler
Attractions
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is where you will board a “lift” with familiar friends like Harry, Ron, and Hermione to take on an adventure in the Ministry of Magic. Watch out for fantastic beasts in this new adventure. This ride will remind you of Forbidden Journey but there are more passengers in the ride vehicle. Minimum height 40″.
*Fun Fact – the tiles used in the Ministry of Magic are the exact same tiles they used in the movie set.
Dining
Cafe L’air De La Sirene is a quick service French cafe with sandwiches, desserts, and of course butterbeer. Here you will find a new butterbeer treat with a french twist, the Butterbeer Crepe. You will also find one of Dumbledore’s favorite treats, Lemon Drop Fudge. You will love that you can go straight to your table and order and they will bring the food to you!
Entertainment
Le Cirque Arcanus will be a circus of fantastic beasts including puppetry, performers, and special effects. This show is about 8-10 minutes and showcases some amazing technology. It will leave you thinking, “how did they do that?”
Interactive Wands will have new experiences so be sure to pack your wand. if you don’t have one, don’t worry there will be options for purchase at Cosme Acojor’s shop. In fact, they will have new wands that you can only get here. There is a 2.0 version that will have new interactive abilities, although the original interactive wands will still work. Another feature of the 2.0 wands is that they will connect with the Universal app.
Shopping
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique will have a variety of things every wizard needs..including a wand. There will be a variety of options from wandmaker Cosme Acajor. Inside the wand shop, you will want to go to the center where the special new wands are located in a horseshoe shaped display. There are wands in this shop that cannot be purchased in Olivanders.
More Epic Universe Information to Come
The Universal Orlando Resort will be EPIC in 2025 and you won’t want to miss it. Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025. There will be more information coming. Stay tuned and let us know if you want to travel to Universal. We can help you get your trip booked. You can find more information Universal Orlando too.
