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

Jan 30, 2024 in "Universal Orlando Resort"

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Universal Epic Universe concept art

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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.

Universal Epic Universe – Bird’s-Eye View map

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.

Universal Epic Universe - Front Gate

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.

Universal Epic Universe - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Portal

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.

Universal Epic Universe - SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Portal

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.

Universal Epic Universe - How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Portal

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.

Universal Epic Universe - Dark Universe Portal

CELESTIAL PARK ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

Universal Epic Universe - Attractions

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.

Universal Epic Universe - Celestial Park - Starfall Racers

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.

Universal Epic Universe - Celestial Park - Constellation Carousel

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.

Universal Epic Universe - Celestial Park - The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant

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.

Universal Epic Universe - Celestial Park - Nintendo Super Star Store - Interior

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.

Discuss on the Forums

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Andrew C5 hours ago

I recall in 2012 or so, we were at DHS until 2am one night for extra magic hours. Glorious and without a special ticket.

sedati14 hours ago

As a night-owl, part of me wishes all parks in Florida were opened from dust-to-dawn.

JoeCamel14 hours ago

Just get an invite/ticket to the after hours event. I doubt they will operate this park differently than the others and that buyout income is sweet sweet music to the bottom line

Tom Morrow22 hours ago

Yes! Epic was made to be seen at night. If they don’t want to increase the hours then they should consider opening the park later than 9:00 AM so it can be open for longer at night. The theme park enthusiast community should really push for this.

TennHokies1 day ago

Imagine how fantastic this park would look at night if it was open? And no, I don’t consider closing at 9pm enough time to enjoy a nighttime park atmosphere. Come on Epic U - give the people what we want! And at the very least give creative their just deserves.

jrhwdw1 day ago

That's a Start. Thanks!

EricsBiscuit1 day ago

I’m not sure if it will match the test or when it will be ready. They just know that it’s happening.

Disstevefan11 day ago

With previews now open to general public it will be interesting to see the wait times.

Unbanshee1 day ago

Monsters is averaging like a 45-minute wait, with wait times below 30 minutes in the afternoon and almost no wait in the early evenings. You should be able to ride, no problem!

Sir_Cliff1 day ago

That makes sense. I am interested to know what their plans are in terms of a nighttime show, as I think we have all been assuming that the park has been planned with that in mind. I am sure people who have been there have a better sense of whether it would be viable to stand around the fountain area with the focus being fireworks launched behind the hotel. Are the show buildings of Ministry and Monsters Unchained, for example, close enough that fireworks launched from there would be in your field of vision from that vantage point? Or perhaps there are alternative viewing areas further back?

jrhwdw1 day ago

I believe the High Fireworks Launch is the Lagoon by Helios Parking Lot.

lazyboy97o1 day ago

Some of the showbuildings were designed to be able to launch pyrotechnics from their roof.

Sir_Cliff1 day ago

I hadn't thought of it, but that's actually a good point: wouldn't the Helios Hotel be too tall and wide to hold regular fireworks shows that are launched from behind the hotel and were intended to be viewed in Cosmic Park? I can't imagine they would be launching fireworks off a hotel full of people on a regular basis and there is nowhere in the park from which to launch fireworks as far as I know, so I think launching them from behind the hotel is the only option. The logical viewing spot would be the areas around the fountains, but they're right up against the hotel.

sedati1 day ago

How high would the fireworks have to be if standing around the fountain so Helios didn't block the view? Also, would they turn out everyone's park-facing room-lights? Would the rooftop bar go dark? Don't the parks usually dim their lights for their nighttime spectaculars (for good reason)?