Saying that
Universal Orlando Resort
Opening a completely new theme park next month barely scratches the surface of what the Florida resort has actually created—a world filled with fully immersive experiences not found elsewhere.
Universal Epic Universe
featuring five distinctive, intricately designed realms: a one-of-a-kind thematic world referred to as
Celestial Park
,
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
,
TheWizardingWorldofHarryPotter–MinistryofMagic
,
Super Nintendo World
and
Dark Universe,
which focuses on iconic creatures from Universal movies.
For fans of these franchises, the park offers a chance to step into these worlds, interact with their characters, and even expand upon their cherished stories.
USA TODAY Network got exclusive access to visit before Epic Universe opens to the general public on May 22.
Here’s the information you need to be aware of.
Traveling across the universe
Each of Epic Universe’s worlds is accessed through an ornate, oversized portal. Think of these as doorways through time and space. From the outside, you can’t really tell what lies beyond each one, but stepping through, you hear the background music transition and emerge in an entirely different, self-contained world.
The first and largest portal is attached to the already iconic Chronos Tower at the front of the park. Emblazoned with the words “Beyond this gate find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams,” this welcomes guests into Celestial Park at the heart of Epic Universe.
Each morning, visitors have the opportunity to observe as the Chronos initiates the portals by aligning and activating them.
From there, visitors can enter gateways to Epic’s four additional realms, along with the new one.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Behind the park.
Celestial Park
In contrast to the other four realms, which are linked to intellectual properties, Celestial Park stands as an original idea realm infused with mythology and astronomy.
It strongly resembles a park featuring winding pathways, extensive gardens, sophisticated statues, and engaging water features.
Celestial Park is also home to several shops and themed eateries including elegant, glass-enclosed
Atlantic
and family-friendly
Pizza Moon
, offering premium desserts along with a blend of quick-service and table-service similar to numerous eateries within the park. Rather than standing in an actual queue, visitors place their orders via a QR code located at their table, after which meals are brought directly to them; however, unlike conventional table-service establishments, staff do not continuously attend to them throughout the meal.
The two main attractions in Celestial Park are the dueling, dual-launch coaster
Stardust Racers
and otherworldly
Constellation Carousel
, featuring beings modeled after star patterns, such as a towering bull representing Taurus, rising up to six feet tall as the attraction whirls around.
Stardust Racers is enormous, featuring an impressive 5,000-foot track and a station platform comparable in size to those used by actual high-speed trains. During the experience, you can reach velocities of up to 62 miles per hour, which makes the journey feel both fun and seamless. However, its distinctive feature—the Celestial Spin where one train flips above another—might be disorienting for some passengers.
Passengers must secure all unsecured items in a locker prior to getting onboard, this includes smartphones as well. This precaution mirrors what occurs at the Jurassic World VelociCoaster within Universal Islands of Adventure. Yet, distinct from the policies found across other venues managed by Universal Orlando, these new lockers utilize facial recognition technology for opening and closing them; thus, visitors won’t be burdened with keeping track of their admission passes when retrieving personal effects. Should you misplace your specific locker location, simply use one of the stations available to scan and it will guide you accordingly.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Isle of Berk
This is Berk, and it’s just like it looks a “How to Train Your Dragon” film, with bright colors and practical scenery that almost looks animated.
Situated at the far end of the globe,
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
welcomes daring new Viking adventurers to try out his newest flying machine — but Toothless ruins it by damaging the device since he disapproves of dragons being substituted. The journey is silky-smooth and thrilling as it glides across the waters surrounding Berk.
Whether your party needs to relax or burn some energy,
Dragon Racer’s Rally
is a fit for everyone. Guests can enjoy the sights of Berk while flying or move the wings beside their seat to try a flip or two (or five).
For individuals looking to cool down, particularly following the intense arm exercise during Dragon Racer’s Rally,
Fyre Drill
offers a bit of respite. Participants climb aboard a vibrantly decorated boat shaped like a dragon’s head and shoot water cannons at flame-shaped targets to simulate extinguishing fires. Keep in mind, though, that you’re up against other teams. If you hit the incorrect target, you might find yourself drenched by the time the attraction concludes.
In addition to Celestial Park, the Isle of Berk offers ample space with plenty of areas to navigate through various attractions. This openness enhances its suitability for observing dragons. The gateway bears an inscription echoing from the franchise’s inaugural movie, stating, “My friends, we have dragons.”
The charmingly scaly beings are dispersed across the globe. Visitors have the opportunity to encounter a full-sized Toothless, just as lovable as depicted in the show, alongside Hiccup.
Haddock Paddock
.
Visitors might come across characters such as Astrid with her dragon Stormfly or the twin siblings Ruffnut and Tuffnut wandering about. Be sure not to miss greeting Gobber in his workspace, where his slumbering dragon, Grump, can also be found.
Other Vikings and dragons can be seen in the live show “Voyages Beyond Boundaries.”
The Untrainable Dragon
.” There isn’t a poor vantage point for the performance, as Hiccup and Toothless fly high over the audience recounting the tale of an untamed dragon. Ideal for families and enthusiasts of the series, this show includes Viking-inspired tunes, a charming narrative, and the most adorable baby dragons you’ll ever see.
When it comes to families, the smaller members will enjoy diving into
Viking Training Camp.
Visitors of every age can savor the sight of Epic Universe from the peak of the extensively shaded, multi-tiered playground. Should you peer through the viewing towers, you might catch a glimpse of a small Gothi atop the mountain on the opposite side of Berk.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Ministry of Magic
Visitors could potentially deceive their family members into believing they have genuinely visited France thanks to the latest feature added to the Wizarding World. As guests stroll through the area savoring meals at street-side eateries and admire the intricate artwork adorning nearby structures, you may find yourself momentarily convinced that you’ve journeyed abroad.
The entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic features wands held by characters from both “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts.” On one side, you’ll see Voldemort, Ron, Hermione, and Harry; on the opposite side are Grindelwald, Queenie, Tina, and Newt. In the center stands the Elder Wand. Above this magical archway, a quote attributed to Albus Dumbledore reads: “For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own.”
Similar to “Fantastic Beasts,” much of this universe takes place in 1920s Paris featuring grand Haussmann-style structures and expansive boulevards. However, this version of Paris is different. It’s known as Place Cachée, the district where wizards reside, making every aspect enchanting.
Looking through the windows, you might catch sight of a tiny bowtruckle in the locksmith’s store, a curious mooncalf eagerly awaiting its magical guardian, or a lively portrait of Newt Scamander next to his renowned book.
Magical creatures are also featured on Art Nouveau-style tilework in the stunning
Cafe L’Air de la Sirene
, where you might discover a novel version of Butterbeer called Bièraubeurre Crepes. Observant visitors could also spot that at this stage, Madame Malkin from the “Harry Potter” series is still referred to as Mademoiselle Malkin at her store.
From the ornate gold-trimmed cash registers featuring gleaming golden nifflers to the large-scale friendly Floo-Powder fireplace in the waiting line,
Harry Potter and the Fight at the Ministry
every detail is impeccable.
Set against the backdrop of the British Ministry of Magic and within Harry Potter’s timeline, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Ride” centers around the trial of Dolores Umbridge for her misdeeds. Much like the “Escape from Gringotts” ride at Universal Studios Florida, visitors will witness the reunion of the Golden Trio as they join forces once more to vanquish darkness.
Although Dark Universe is rightly garnering significant notice for its animatronics, do not overlook those found in Ministry of Magic. The Death Eaters are so lifelike that you might think actual performers are standing before you.
For enthusiasts of Newt Scamander and the world of “Fantastic Beasts,” the “Le Cirque Arcanus” live performance will surely captivate your attention. Even just the pre-show garners multiple rounds of applause due to its narrative development and character introductions. During the main event, audiences witness various magic-themed performances which then segue into an engaging plot—ringmaster Skender has taken possession of Newt’s enchanted case, and it falls upon circus worker Gwenlyn to retrieve the mystical beings contained within.
And indeed, Eddie Redmayne comes back as Newt.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World also connects two realms: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
In this realm lies the longest portal created by Epic, featuring either an escalator or a wheelchair-friendly elevator that transports visitors through a verdant pipe. This journey leads them upward towards Princess Peach’s Castle; upon exiting, guests find themselves in a setting reminiscent of a three-dimensional video game come to life.
Across the globe stand massive Piranha Plants, blocks to hit just like Mario or Luigi would, and much more. It truly seems as though you’ve entered a video game, with bright hues and cartoony visuals all around you.
Whether you’re into gaming or not, you’ll admire the meticulous details and captivating themes. Visitors spanning all generations join in the gameplay fun, ranging from the youngest participants to their elderly grandparents.
To get the most out of these interactive games around the world, you may want to have at least one
Power-Up Band
for your party, but you can still have fun without one.
There are three rides.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
merges hands-on play sessions with virtual game action utilizing headsets along with a steering wheel controller, similar to what’s found at Universal Studios Hollywood. Make sure to direct your gaze towards wherever you intend to aim your turtle shells.
Yoshi’s Adventure
It’s a leisurely attraction ideal for families with young children who are at least 34 inches tall. This ride offers extra entertainment as passengers seek out luminous eggs and tap the buttons located ahead of their carts.
Mine-Cart Madness
It’s wild because the path isn’t clearly visible—and what little you can make out seems distorted or twisted—adding an extra layer of unpredictability compared to Stardust Racers. Just as the message on Super Nintendo World’s entrance states, “Here we go!”
Dark Universe
The Dark Universe isn’t as frightening as its name suggests.
Yes, it’s a place where Universal’s legendary monsters roam, as its portal’s inscription reads, “It’s alive! It’s alive!” But unlike
Halloween Horror Nights
, Dark Universe is for all ages. Guests can casually converse with the Bride of Frankenstein or Ygor, without worrying about jump scares.
The Dark Universe features some of the park’s most groundbreaking attractions, particularly
Monsters Unleashed: The Frankenstein Experiment
Similar to the route of Hogsmeade’s “Forbidden Journey” ride, this experience showcases smooth, life-like animatronics. Could it be that Count Dracula is genuinely soaring just 10 feet above your head? The illusion makes it feel as though he truly is!
The narrative of the ride is captivating, introducing a fresh character named Victoria Frankenstein, who faces off against an uprising of furious creatures spearheaded by Dracula. You can look forward to sightings of several beloved figures such as The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The world’s other ride,
Curse of the Werewolf
, provides excitement and goosebumps for visitors. The ride features cars that move back and forth through the campsite while rotating independently. Look up! There’s a giant werewolf poised to leap at you as you pass through the cabin.
Visitors can likewise completely submerge themselves in this universe by turning into monsters as well with the
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
, which costs extra.
If so, they’ll find themselves quite comfortable in Darkmoor Village within the Dark Universe, where vampires have resided for centuries and humans only continue to exist due to the vampires’ whim. These sentiments are inscribed in Latin on a well situated in the town square and also appear on small wooden stakes driven into the steaks.
Das Stakehaus
, which is run by the servants of vampires.
Therefore, visitors might observe a scarcity of garlic in those dishes, whereas they will encounter ample amounts at The Burning Blade Tavern, managed by locals. Be sure to watch for the tavern’s blades igniting intermittently during the day depending on the weather conditions, similar to how the dragon perched above Gringotts emits streams of flame in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Closing remarks before Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe opens
The Epic Universe most definitely delivers with impact.
epic
punch from its attention to the most minute detail to the innovative attractions and experiences. All five worlds fully immerse you; look around, you’ll spot several awe-struck reactions and gasps around each one.
Every realm hosted a significant crowd of visitors who engaged actively with their surroundings and highlighted ingenious elements they noticed. People from various age groups participated in games, performances, and exhibits.
Whether you entered the Dark Universe just as it opened or visited Super Nintendo World shortly before it closed, the atmosphere stayed vibrant all day long.
Since large crowds for the theme park will be inevitable following its opening next month, allocate a few days to experience everything at Epic Universe on any future trips. Each world is so elaborate, it might take a few trips through the portals to feel like you’ve seen everything.
Although many theme parks across the nation will have a busy year in 2025, Universal Orlando is set to shine with the arrival of Epic Universe, making it undoubtedly their year.
This story was updated with new details, photos and video
.
The journalists working on this piece were granted access through Universal. However, USA TODAY retains full editorial control over the content.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:
Explore Epic Universe: Discover Universal Orlando’s latest theme park