Disney's theme park business competitor Universal Orlando unveils first detailed look at Universal Epic Universe

Jan 30, 2024 in "Universal Orlando Resort"

Universal Epic Universe concept art
Posted: Tuesday January 30, 2024 8:51am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its first official glimpse into its fourth Florida theme park - Universal Epic Universe, set to open in Summer 2025.

Today we get a first look at Celestial Park – the heart of Universal Epic Universe and the first world guests will encounter at the new theme park. More details about Universal Epic Universe – including the debut of an interactive preview center at Universal CityWalk later this year that will offer a sneak peek at the new theme park – will be revealed in the months ahead.

CELESTIAL PARK

As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they'll embark on a journey through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. Here, guests can relax while taking in the sights and sounds around them, board a shooting comet for a roller coaster adventure, dine, shop, and more.

PORTALS TO OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS

Plus, Celestial Park will be the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe. Through a set of portals that capture the imagination and creativity of each world, guests will embark on a transformative experience as they journey from Celestial Park to:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, where guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures' Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where guests will enter the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play as they step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where guests can soar with dragons in a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.

Dark Universe, where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.

CELESTIAL PARK ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

 

Here are additional details about some of the other experiences at Celestial Park:

Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who's the fastest of them all. Reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track, Starfall Racers will be Epic Universe's most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers such as the "Celestial Spin," in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air – creating an "out-of-this-world" adrenaline rush.

Constellation Carousel – the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park. Here, explorers of all ages will take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.

Astronomica, an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests.

An array of unique dining experiences ranging from full-service restaurants to quick-service locations that offer something for every palate, including Atlantic – a full-service "surf and turf" restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium complete with captivating views of Celestial Park; and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – where diners take a culinary journey across Asia as they enjoy authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare in this full-service restaurant accented with neon dragons and ethereal lanterns. Additional "must-eat" locations within Celestial Park include The Oak & Star Tavern, where guests can enjoy savory barbecue, Pizza Moon, which will serve up a tasty menu featuring a variety of pizzas, and more.



Detailed retail locations, including the Nintendo Super Star Store, where guests can shop an assortment of merchandise themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD; Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, where guests can satisfy their cravings with a unique selection of sweet treats, and more.

Entertainment, including various fountain shows throughout Celestial Park's seven acres of water where a multitude of fountains sway, dance – and even reach heights up to 135 feet in the air – to music and interactive lighting from day to night.

And located inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite – complete with 500 rooms, one-of-a-kind views and its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park.

Stay tuned for more Universal Epic Universe details in the coming months.

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celluloid2 days ago

The tavern is of course great, but it is really awesome to see the lighting for Kronos and Helios. Much better than I was thinking it may feature. It really brings some commitment to the continuation of aesthetic and tie in to Helios being a part of the park.

DCBaker2 days ago

Bioreconstruct has shared a closer look at the fire and electrical effects testing:

lazyboy97o3 days ago

Destination Parkway is getting its resort marquee.

Disneyhead'713 days ago

lazyboy97o4 days ago

Maybe don’t hope too much…

danlb_20004 days ago

Hoping that giant screen is not the norm for most of the ride.

McMickeyWorld4 days ago

The Battle at the Ministry

ToTBellHop5 days ago

An unnamed wizard from the Fountain of Magical Brethren in the British Ministry. We can presume it was rebuilt after being badly damaged when Harry encounters Voldemort during his 5th year and then temporarily replaced by the Magic is Might statue after the Ministry fell to the Death Eaters. Long-winded but you asked 😀

DCBaker5 days ago

trr15 days ago

does anyone know who is this supposed to be

Andrew256 days ago

I agree that it will provide more positive visual experiences than the on ride experience itself... just like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Both have great theming and a "gag" effect with the spinning/fake track gimmick. Both have atrocious capacity for the intended audience (essentially all ages willing to ride a coaster). Only about 1-1.2K riders an hour or so. Both are solid D-ticket experiences with the budget/appearance of an E-ticket. Both have a place at their respective park, but certainly not at the top of the list. Epic Universe will certainly raise the bar elsewhere though. This one attraction should not dismiss the entire park.

JT30008 days ago

Sarcasm isn't allowed here, only genuine doomposting. How else are we supposed to make the Universal side of the forum just as negative as the Disney side?

Disneyhead'718 days ago

A new look at Universal's new parking lot carnival.

Rich Brownn8 days ago