Universal Unveils Plans for Epic Universe (Progress Photos, 2024)

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See Epic Universe’s progress of its new lands

The successes of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Studios Florida parks and the success of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora in Walt Disney World have proven that immersive IP (intellectual property) driven lands are what the people want in the theme park business. And at the massive Epic Universe theme park, which is now under construction in Orlando, Florida, the people are going to get what they want.

After much speculation, Universal Studios has released details about their brand-new theme park, Epic Universe. The new park is expected to open in 2025, and it will have five immersive lands, including Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk.

Epic Universe Rendering shows five sections and many water features
The above image shows the official concept art of Epic Universe in Orlando (media photo courtesy of Universal/©2024 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved)

When will Epic Universe open?

Universal says that Epic Universe will open in 2025, with some reports speculating that it will open in the summer. The project was first announced in 2019, but construction was halted. Now, the Epic Universe construction is back underway and also making considerable progress.

Universal confirms lands within the new park

Universal Studios recently confirmed that the new theme park has five worlds containing 50 unique experiences. After much speculation, Universal Studios finally released confirmation of which lands guests can expect to see in Epic Universe:

rendering of epic universe tower in universal orlando
The new Epic Universe will have five immersive lands and a new grand hotel (media photo courtesy of Universal/©2024 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved)

1. Celestial Park

Celestial Park will serve as the portal to Epic Universe, a cosmic-inspired world with stunning landscaping, dining, shopping and three attractions, including a dual-launch racing coaster called Starfall Racers, the Constellation Carousel and more. Anchoring the world will be the Helios Hotel, where guests can stay on-site at the park like never before.

rendering of portal to harry potter land
A rendering of the portal to the Ministry of Magic (media photo courtesy of Universal/©2024 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved)

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic

Fans will be happy to know that Epic Universe will feature a Harry Potter-themed land, featuring 1920s Paris as well as the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. While it’s confirmed that the new park will have at least one ride, those details have not yet been confirmed.

Super Nintendo World Epic Universe
An aerial view of Super Nintendo World in January 2024 (photo shared with permission via @bioreconstruct)

3. Super Nintendo World

This bright, colorful world is officially confirmed. Universal says that guests will be able to challenge Bowser on the Mario Kart ride and venture through Donkey Kong Country. Also, the outlines of Princess Peach’s Castle are already evident in aerial views as are parts of the Mario Kart ride. You can also see what appears to be the load-unload section of Yoshi’s Adventure from the air. It’s possible that the park could utilize Power Up Bands, which allow guests to play interactive games throughout the land. Universal Studios Hollywood currently offers these challenges. Read more about Super Nintendo World here.

monsters land under construction
Team members work on what is believed to be a coaster in Dark Universe (photo shared with permission via @bioreconstruct)

4. Dark Universe

Universal is tapping into its history of horror, breathing new life into the parks. Officials say this park will be “everything you wanted to experience with monsters.” Universal has confirmed that it will feature Dr. Victoria Frankensetin. There are also rumors of a water ride based on the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The monsters section could capitalize on Universal’s strong Halloween Horror Nights presence.

Meade Hall at How to Train Your Dragon Epic Universe Jan. 2024
The Meade Hall area of the How to Train Your Dragon-themed land in January 2024 (photo shared with permission via @bioreconstruct)

5. How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

Finally, based on the land of Berk from the Dreamworks “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy, this dragon land will feature flying dragons and viking experiences. Other reports speculate that the area may feature a play area, a boat ride, a stage show, a dual-racing roller coaster and more.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Gullion

John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for Hey Orlando.

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