Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
It’s been almost five years since the world learned that Universal Orlando Resort would open a fourth theme park in 2025: Universal Epic Universe.
During the construction process, Universal has been fairly tight-lipped about what many believe will be one of the most immersive and exciting theme parks ever built … until this year. On Jan. 30, Universal finally gave fans a peek inside Epic Universe.
It revealed the park’s five themed areas, three hotels and an entertainment center decked out with restaurants and shops. The company also announced plans for the park’s central hub, Celestial Park, offering visitors even more storefronts and places to eat.
Since then, Universal has periodically revealed what’s to come within the park’s other highly anticipated areas. On Wednesday, details on the fifth and final land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, were revealed.
Here’s everything we know about Universal Epic Universe.
Epic Universe lands and rides
In a press release, Universal said Epic Universe will be home to five worlds “filled with extraordinary … adventures that go beyond [guests’] wildest imaginations.” Inside those lands, Epic Universe will feature more than 50 attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an “epic” theme park experience.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
When Universal set out to build a fourth park, it wanted to find ways to bring more of the “Harry Potter” universe to life. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic will highlight the wizarding era of 1920s Paris featured in the “Fantastic Beasts” films. The scale of this land will be unlike anything you’ve seen at Universal.
In a video accompanying the announcement, Universal Creative shared that the shortest building in this land is taller than the shortest building in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas within the Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. The group also revealed that the land’s main attraction is the most ambitious ride it has ever created, combining many different and new technologies.
When you enter the land, you’ll be in Place Cachee, a Muggle park set in 1920s Paris. Here, you’ll be able to shop, dine, drink butterbeer, visit a traveling circus, cast a few magic spells with your interactive wand and magically transport to London to visit the Ministry of Magic.
The land’s premier attraction will be Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. You will travel from Paris via Metro-Floo to the British Ministry of Magic, hot on the trail of Dolores Umbridge. Upon arriving, however, you will come to realize Umbridge has escaped and aims to bring back Lord Voldemort. You’ll join Harry, Ron Hermoine and a house elf named Higgledy on a chase through the ministry to capture Umbridge.
This ride has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.
After you return to Paris, you can stop into Le Cirque Arcanus for a magical menagerie of live performers, aerialists, puppetry and a few fantastic beast sightings. The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase of fantastic beasts to try and save his failing circus. During the show, a circus employee named Gwenlyn attempts to rescue the creatures and return them to their rightful owner.
You can shop for wands at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, Paris’ finest wand shop. Each wand comes with a map that shows spots throughout the wizarding world where you can practice casting spells with your new interactive wand. Some of the wand spots throughout the land will feature familiar fantastic beasts from the films, including nifflers, bowtruckles and demiguise.
As you stroll the streets, you’ll also be able to meet wizarding world residents and visitors, including Hogwarts exchange students.
All that spell-casting is likely to make you hungry, but there are several dining locations where you can grab a bite to eat. At Cafe L’Air De La Sirene, you can dine on French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts. At the dark, mysterious Le Gobelet Noir, you’ll find everything from soups and salads to entrees and desserts, and at Bar Moonshine, you can sample exclusive beers, wines and cocktails in a sports bar setting honoring the U.S. quidditch team.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the wizarding world without a butterbeer — or bieraubeurre — cart serving up various versions of the delicious drink.
You can also shop for wizarding gear in Les Galeries Mirifiques, pick up some sweet treats at K. Rammelle and make a stop for Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Metro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.
Dark Universe
Attending Universal’s annual Halloween Horror Nights is a rite of passage for horror fans. Now, you won’t have to wait for fall to get their fill of all things spooky. Dark Universe will be a place where you can visit Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and other classic monsters all year long.
You will enter Dark Universe through an electrified portal that harnesses the land’s dark energy. The portal will transport visitors to Darkmoor Village, a place where all of the Universal Classic Monsters films are real. Here, you will be able to experience two attractions, several dining options and the chance to be made into a monster themselves.
Universal says Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is guaranteed to be the park’s most terrifying attraction yet. The ride will take you inside Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Frankenstein’s great-great-granddaughter, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, is conducting a few experiments of her own.
You can enter the castle — if they dare — and witness Dr. Frankenstein’s attempts to control the monsters. Dracula, however, isn’t quite on board with her plan and unleashes them. You will then have to ride through the castle’s catacombs to avoid the angry monsters. In a behind-the-scenes video, Universal said Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment will use some of the most technologically advanced animatronic figures ever created to make the ride even more realistic and scary.
This ride has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches.
Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning, family-friendly coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man” (1941). After learning they bear the mark of the werewolf, riders must board a wagon in an attempt to escape the werewolves who inhabit the forest and to avoid becoming one themselves.
This ride has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.
At Dark Universe, you have the chance to become a monster yourself. At the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, guests of all ages can get a monster makeover using face paint and temporary tattoos. You can complete your look with merchandise and memorabilia from Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities gift shop.
There will also be several meet-and-greet opportunities throughout Dark Universe. As you explore Darkmoor Village, you may run into characters such as Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and monster hunters, among others.
However, all that screaming, terror and running around can make you hungry — thankfully, there are several dining options in Dark Universe. Das Stakehaus is a sit-down restaurant run by vampire “familiars,” with a menu featuring kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
The Burning Blade Tavern is a quick-service restaurant modeled after the iconic burning windmill seen in “Frankenstein.” In Dark Universe, the town’s monster hunters have since taken over the mill and transformed it into a hangout where they can display the “trophies” of the monsters they’ve bested. You can dine on German-inspired bar bites like burgers, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages.
You also have the option to swing by De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, which sells grab-and-go treats like ice cream and cinnamon bread.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World will immerse guests in the colorful adventures of favorite Nintendo heroes like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong, as well as not-so-favorite villains like Bowser and his minions.
Related: Complete guide to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood
You will enter the land through a green warp pipe. Inside Super Nintendo World, you will encounter two separate lands: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Both areas immerse visitors into the vibrant, animated worlds of these beloved video games with interactive elements, character meet-and-greet attractions and more.
Super Mario Land will house two attractions — Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an interactive, multisensory ride that utilizes physical set pieces and projection mapping technology to put you behind the wheel in a high-stakes Mario Kart race.
Just as in the Mario Kart games you play at home, you can race through courses, collect coins and throw turtle shells to beat Team Bowser. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is located inside Bowser’s Castle, and the queue experience is almost as exciting as the ride itself.
You must be 42 inches tall to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and 48 inches tall to ride without a supervising adult.
Yoshi’s Adventure is a slow-moving, family-friendly ride where you ride with Yoshis, searching for colorful, glowing eggs hidden throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. Along the way, you’ll get breathtaking views of the land, and you may even spot a few familiar characters. Yoshi’s Adventure has a minimum height requirement of 36 inches; you can ride without a supervising companion if you’re at least 48 inches tall.
During your time in Super Mario Land, you can also dine on Nintendo-themed dishes at Toadstool Cafe, get an energy boost with snacks and treats from Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats, or shop for souvenirs at the 1-UP Factory or Mario Motors. You can also meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad in various places throughout Super Nintendo World
Toward the back of the park, you’ll encounter the entrance to Donkey Kong Country. This area is designed to resemble the tropical jungle landscape that’s depicted in Donkey Kong video games. Donkey Kong Country will also have its own dining and merchandise inspired by the video game franchise.
In Donkey Kong Country, visitors can ride the family-friendly attraction, Mine-Cart Madness. This coaster sends you careening through the jungle on a mission to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the prized golden banana. Mine-Cart Madness will utilize innovative technology and a one-of-a-kind ride system to mimic the maneuvers in the video game and simulate experiences like getting blasted out of a barrel and jumping over gaps in the track.
You must be 36 inches tall to ride Mine-Cart Madness or 48 inches tall to ride without a supervising companion.
Super Nintendo World is more than just a place to see characters and ride attractions based on classic Nintendo games. It actually functions like a real-life video game, and you are the main character.
In Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country, you can collect digital coins, stamps and keys by riding the attractions, punching question blocks and playing interactive games called “key challenges.” Earn enough keys, and you can face off against Bowser Jr. in an ultimate boss battle.
To earn coins and stamps, compete in key challenges and keep track of your score within the land, you’ll need to purchase a Power-Up Band. You don’t need a Power-Up Band to enjoy Super Nintendo World, but it is well worth the money to fully experience it. It’s also fun to compete with your friends and family to see who can get the highest score.
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
Like the “How to Train Your Dragon” films, this area of Epic Universe will allow you to fly with, befriend and live among dragons. From the lush landscaping to the towering architecture with hand-carved details, this land is meant to serve as an authentic recreation of Berk.
There are four attractions in How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a family-friendly roller coaster where you can fly on the back of his latest invention, a winged flying machine that looks like a friendly dragon. The coaster will take you soaring through and around Berk, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph.
This attraction will have a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.
On Fyre Drill, Vikings of all ages must compete to out-soak each other during a fun-filled boat battle.
Here, you can shoot water cannons at flamelike targets and master the skill of putting out the fires that tend to pop up when you cohabitate with dragons. A word of warning: Be prepared to get wet on this one.
The plan is to make this attraction appropriate for guests of all ages, and it won’t have a minimum height requirement.
Think of Dragon Racer’s Rally as a training ground for your next dragon race. On this high-flying attraction, you will swoop and soar up to 67 feet in the air. The ride can be as gentle or intense as you prefer; each rider will have the ability to control how often you spin upside down as you fly. This attraction will have a minimum height requirement of 48 inches.
Viking Training Camp is meant to be a boot camp for even the youngest of Vikings, with opportunities to climb, slide and explore as they hone their skills. Inside, kids will find things like a Viking agility course and a Toothless-themed teeter-totter.
You will also have plenty of opportunities to interact with dragons, and there will be meet-and-greet opportunities with Hiccup and Toothless. (Universal has also teased that you may see other dragons and Vikings roaming the land, too.) You can also see Toothless and his dragon friends at “The Untrainable Dragon” stage show.
The show will feature music, storytelling and life-size dragons soaring through the sky.
Dragon training can be hunger-provoking work, so Berk will have several dining establishments. Mead Hall is set to be the primary restaurant and was built to look like the franchise’s main gathering hall. Dishes will feature a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches and more. Viking-beloved meads and ciders will be on offer as well.
You can also pick up quick bites and drinks at Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel.
For a sneak peek at the Viking adventures that await you inside this land, Universal shared an animated fly-through of How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk on YouTube.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park will be the first world visitors encounter as they enter Universal Epic Universe. This astronomy-themed area will have ample green spaces and fountains for guests who want to relax, as well as day-to-night entertainment. Such entertainment includes mystical fountain shows and three attractions ranging from family-friendly to faster-than-fast.
Starfall Racers is being touted as Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster. This dual-launch coaster can reach speeds of up to 62 mph and heights of up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track.
Guests who prefer to go at a slower pace can hop aboard the Constellation Carousel, a constellation-themed ride with vehicles that gently glide back and forth and make 360-degree rotations.
Celestial Park will also have an interactive water play area called Astronomica and multiple dining outlets.
Options include Atlantic, a full-service surf and turf restaurant set inside a large Victorian-style aquarium, and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, which serves Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare.
At the Oak & Star Tavern, you can find barbecue; meanwhile, Pizza Moon serves, as you may have guessed, pizza.
You’ll also be able to shop for snacks and desserts at Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, and for merchandise — including items themed to the park’s other lands — you can head to shops like the Nintendo Super Star Store.
Celestial Park will also serve as a gateway to the park’s other four worlds, which guests will enter through majestic themed portals.
Epic Universe hotels
Late last year, we got a look at two of the three hotels coming to Universal Epic Universe.
Adjacent to the new park, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will each have 750 guest rooms, outdoor pools and quick-service dining options similar to Universal’s other Prime Value category hotels, like Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Universal has also released information and artwork for a third hotel called Universal Helios Grand Hotel. This hotel will be inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park and will have its own dedicated entrance.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel will have 500 guest rooms and one-of-a-kind views “designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite,” according to a Universal press release.
Epic Universe map
If you want to get an idea of the park’s layout, Universal also released a map of Epic Universe with each land labeled accordingly.
Celestial Park will be at the main entrance of the park, and from there, you can enter portals to the other four lands. Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be at the back of the theme park.
When does Epic Universe open?
Epic Universe is scheduled to open in 2025.
Where is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe will be on a 750-acre tract of land near Universal’s current parks.
Epic Universe will be about 3 miles from the rest of Universal Orlando. The resort will provide complimentary shuttle service between Epic Universe (and its hotels) and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort.
Bottom line
It’s hard to describe Universal Epic Universe without saying it will be … epic. While many theme parks have immersive lands and attractions, we have yet to see a theme park of this scale with this groundbreaking level of detail and immersion.
Related: How Universal is stepping out of the mouse’s shadow to become the hottest theme park
Universal Epic Universe will cement Universal Orlando as a weeklong theme park vacation destination. From the resort’s recent additions like Minion Land and DreamWorks Land to the new experiences coming to Epic Universe, Universal Orlando will truly have something for everyone.
If next year feels like a lifetime to wait, you can visit the interactive Epic Universe preview center at Universal City Walk on your next visit for a taste of what’s to come.
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