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FIRST LOOK: Universal Orlando unveils Epic Universe theme park

Theme park expected to open in 2025

ORLANDO, Fla.Universal Orlando Resort is set to revolutionize theme park entertainment in 2025 with the grand debut of its most ambitious project yet – Universal Epic Universe.

On Tuesday the theme park released video announcing the lands that will be part of the new park, and giving us a taste of how the park will be laid out.

This extraordinary venture promises an unparalleled level of immersion and innovation, featuring over 50 awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment options, dining experiences, and shopping ventures that collectively craft an unforgettable adventure.

“What I think we’re trying to do most is give people the opportunity to experience the full thrill of being alive,” Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, said in an announcement video.

Universal Epic Universe is located just a few miles south of Universal Orlando Resort, not far from the Orange County Convention Center on 750 acres of land.

“Universal Epic Universe is comprised of five incredibly themed worlds and in those, over 50 unique compelling experiences,” Woodbury said. “The idea was to bring you to these worlds you couldn’t otherwise possibly imagine and to do that, we wanted to create a mechanism that allowed you to be transported to another world and that starts at the very entrance of the park itself.”

Epic Universe is also expected to bring thousands of new jobs to Orlando.

“Every theme park that opens, adds to the luster of the town,” said Dr. Duncan Dickson, a retired UCF professor and theme park expert. “The size and the expanse of Epic, they are going to be able to hold a lot of people there.”

Universal Epic Universe – Bird’s-Eye View (Universal Orlando)

Celestial Park: The Heart of Epic Universe

Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Park Overlook (Universal Orlando)

Once guests step through the park’s first “portal” at the front entrance they will step into Celestial Park, the central hub of Universal Epic Universe.

This all-new area presents guests with a breathtaking world that redefines the concept of a “theme park.”

Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Park Arrival (Universal Orlando)

Boasting acres of rolling gardens, captivating waterways, and inviting pathways, Celestial Park is a testament to Universal’s commitment to bringing back the essence of a park within a theme park, leaders explained.

As visitors step into this imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey surrounded by lush living gardens, shimmering waters, and architectural marvels inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.

Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant (Universal Orlando)

Celestial Park offers a range of experiences, including an exhilarating roller coaster adventure aboard a shooting comet, delectable cuisine, exclusive merchandise shopping and more.

See an animated flyover of Celestial Park in the video below.

Portals to extraordinary worlds

Beyond Celestial Park, guests will discover four additional worlds within Epic Universe through majestic portals:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

  • Transporting visitors to a different era of the wizarding world, blending 1920s wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic.
Universal Epic Universe – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Portal (Universal Orlando)

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

  • Featuring beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong in an interactive gaming experience.
Universal Epic Universe – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Portal (Universal Orlando)

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk:

  • A vibrant world filled with Viking adventures and the opportunity to soar with dragons based on the popular film franchise “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Universal Epic Universe – How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Portal (Universal Orlando)

Dark Universe

  • A realm of myth and mystery, where guests encounter the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and traverse a shadowy landscape inhabited by monsters like Dracula and the Wolfman.
Universal Epic Universe – Dark Universe Portal (Universal Orlando)

Celestial Park attractions and experiences

Leaders said Celestial Park offers a multitude of wonders, including:

Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Starfall Racers (Universal Orlando)
  • Stardust Racers: A dual-launch racing coaster with speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet, featuring unique maneuvers like the “Celestial Spin.”
Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Constellation Carousel (Universal Orlando)
  • Constellation Carousel: The grand centerpiece of Celestial Park, the attraction will offer a fantastical whirl aboard constellations.
Universal Epic Universe – Attractions (Universal Orlando)
  • Astronomica: An interactive wet-play area and giant compass rose leading to Epic Universe wonders.
Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Atlantic (Universal Orlando)
  • Diverse Dining Experiences: From full-service restaurants like Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant to enticing options like The Oak & Star Tavern and Pizza Moon.
Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Nintendo Super Star Store – Exterior (Universal Orlando)
  • Detailed retail locations: Including the Nintendo Super Star Store and Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.
Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Park Arrival (Universal Orlando)
  • Exciting entertainment: Fountain shows throughout Celestial Park’s seven acres of water, featuring dynamic fountains reaching heights up to 135 feet.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel (Universal Orlando)

At the end of Celestial Park stands the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, with 500 rooms, stunning views, and a dedicated entrance into the theme park.

Epic Universe will also have two other hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort.

Leaders said in addition to elevating theme park innovation, Epic Universe embraces energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.

Further details about Universal Epic Universe, including an interactive preview center at Universal CityWalk, will be unveiled in the coming months, the resort explained.

See an in-depth look at Universal Epic Universe in the video below.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.


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