Universal EPIC Universe Plans Memorial Day Weekend 2025 Opening, Creating New Rivalry with Disney World

Oct 15, 2024 in "Universal Orlando Resort"

Universal Epic Universe concept art
Posted: Tuesday October 15, 2024 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

According to our sources, Universal EPIC Universe is now projected to officially open on Memorial Day Weekend 2025.

Although no official opening or preview dates have been announced, the highly anticipated theme park, which will be Universal Orlando Resort's largest expansion to date, is expected to begin offering previews in the months leading up to the late May 2025 grand opening.

The preview period is anticipated to last for a couple of months, providing guests with a first look at select attractions and areas of the new park. While details on which specific lands will be included in these early previews remain under wraps, it's clear that Universal aims to build excitement ahead of the Memorial Day launch.

EPIC Universe is set to bring intense competition to Walt Disney World as Universal continues to expand its offerings in the Orlando theme park landscape. With lands including Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, and Dark Universe, EPIC Universe is expected to deliver immersive experiences that rival Disney's established parks. This new addition will challenge Disney's position as the dominant theme park destination in Orlando, with Universal aiming to capture more of the region's tourism market, especially amongst families with teens.

Stay tuned for more updates as the opening of EPIC Universe approaches.

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    Rich Brownn5 hours ago

    Its not a Universal ride unless it spits fire, water or fog (or all 3 at once) at you :D

    Andrew C5 hours ago

    MisterPenguin6 hours ago

    There's fire blasts pretty near guests in FoF parade. And the giant torches around World Lagoon. Not to mention fireworks...

    Disgruntled Walt10 hours ago

    We always used to say that the Universal playbook for a ride was get in a Spider-Man-type vehicle, look at a screen at some point, and then there's fire somewhere. Fire is all over Universal. It's a pyromaniac's dream resort!

    Andrew2510 hours ago

    They literally have a dragon that shoots fire above and at guests every 15 minutes or so.

    999th Happy Haunt13 hours ago

    I’m sure they thought ahead

    McMickeyWorld23 hours ago

    Yes, the first two are from HP, and the third is from Monsters.

    lazyboy97o1 day ago

    It’s not really any different. You use non-combustible materials in the correct assemblies. You provide sensors, alarms, and extinguishing systems. It’s not in an enclosed space which makes some things easier. Revenge of the Mummy is pumping gas into a room and then igniting it. If too much gas built up that’d be a big problem.

    JT30001 day ago

    Obviously it's not their first use of fire, but it's the first time they've had a large, flaming object hanging above a building like this.

    lazyboy97o1 day ago

    There are standards for live fire effects. Lots of reading available on the NFPA website. It won’t be the first use of fire in a Universal park.

    JT30001 day ago

    So... uhh... how can we be sure this isn't a major fire hazard? Someone had to ask.

    Vclguy901 day ago

    Wait I'm confused, I thought at first that was the HP ride but then the other pic is of Monsters. Right?

    Disgruntled Walt1 day ago

    Why?

    BaconPancakes1 day ago

    Twitter links ought to be banned…