Epic Universe at Universal Orlando: Latest Updates & Info
The Orlando, Florida region is known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World” due to the large number of theme parks from Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and more. In 2025, Universal Orlando will be expanding their current park grounds by adding another theme park to their current impressive lineup featuring Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park.
The announcement for Universal’s Epic Universe was originally announced in August of 2019 and we now know the opening date is May 22, 2025.
Today I’m covering everything we know about the Epic Universe Park including details of the lands featured throughout the park, dining and lodging options, and more. Theme park enthusiasts get excited because this is going to be EPIC!
Where is Epic Universe going to be located?
Unlike the other Universal Parks that can be easily accessed from one another, Epic Universe is actually going to be slightly further out and will require a separate drive to attend. The location is on Epic Boulevard, just south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard.
A good landmark for reference is the Orange County Convention Center. It is approximately 10-15 minutes from the current Universal Parks, depending on traffic. The new park is between Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.
The nice bonus is that Universal will be providing complimentary transportation between all of their parks as well as Universal Hotels.
How Big is the Epic Universe Park?
Universal has revealed that the Epic Universe Resort area will be a whopping 750 acres! That number does include the theme park, hotels, and other amenities. Simply said, the Epic Universe theme park will be 110 acres in size. To compare, Universal Studios Florida covers about 108 acres, Islands of Adventure is approximately 110 acres, and Magic Kingdom at WDW is about 107 acres in size.
Can you park hop to Epic Universe?
No. At this time, you are not able to purchase a “Park-to-Park” ticket and have the opportunity to visit the current Universal Orlando Parks as well as Epic Universe with one ticket all in one day.
There are ticket options where you can purchase a multi-day ticket that will allow you to visit Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay parks with a separate day to visit Epic Universe (3 parks and 4 parks tickets). It is unclear if this will always be this way or if eventually you will be able to visit all parks in one day.
Lodging at Epic Universe
Universal has announced that there will be three total hotels near the Epic Universe Park. The Universal Stella Nova Resort and the Universal Terra Luna Resort will be Prime Value Hotels (moderate level) and will be sister hotels. Stella Nova Resort is currently open and accepting reservations, Terra Luna is expected to follow with an opening date of March 25, 2025.
The final Epic Universe hotel that will be available is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will actually be located INSIDE Epic Universe and will be a part of the Universal Signature Hotel Collection. Helios Grand Hotel will be opening with the grand opening of Epic Universe on May 22, 2025!
Epic Universe Lands
Epic Universe has revealed that there will be five featured lands throughout the park featuring some of the most famous Universal franchises that we all know and love. Each of these lands will feature unique attractions, rides, and experiences that immerse guests in these storylines. Universal has stated that Epic Universe will offer more than 50 unique experiences across the Epic Universe Park. These lands include:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
A third addition to the Wizarding World lands, joining Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando, the Ministry of Magic land will showcase Magic from the 1920’s in Paris up to the 1990’s in the British Ministry.
Visitors can visit Place Cachée, a hidden, bustling shopping district in 1920s wizarding Paris, inspired by the Fantastic Beasts film series. From there, guests can travel via the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry of Magic set in the 1990s, as depicted in the original Harry Potter series
The land is set to showcase even more of the Wizarding World including a variety of dining options, shops, interactive magic stops, and a brand-new attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This attraction is described as a lift style attraction in which riders will help Harry, Ron, and Hermione defeat Dolores Umbridge as she attempts to escape her trial at the Ministry.
As for dining experiences, Café L’air De La Sirène is a Parisian-inspired café serving French sandwiches, daily specials, and delectable desserts, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Another notable spot is Le Gobelet Noir, a haven for those intrigued by the darker aspects of magic, offering a menu featuring soups, salads, hearty entrées, and indulgent desserts.
Super Nintendo World
The Nintendo franchise is popular among so many including those of all ages. Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan already feature their own versions of Super Nintendo World but Epic Universe will be the reveal of Orlando’s very own version of the land.
During your visit at Super Nintendo World, you will get to enjoy incredible set pieces straight from the Mario games we all know and love. There will be an incredible THREE new attractions throughout Super Nintendo World including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Mine-Cart Madness with Donkey Kong, and Yoshi’s Adventure.
In addition to these awesome attractions, you will have the chance to meet your favorite characters including Mario and Luigi themselves and enjoy delicious treats at the Toadstool Café.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
In conjunction with some of the other popular DreamWorks movie franchises featured at Universal Studios Florida such as Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda… the Epic Universe Park will have a complete land featuring another fan favorite, How to Train Your Dragon.
The How to Train Your Dragon land has something for everyone! The land will feature the Viking Training Camp, a play land for kids to climb, slide, and play. In addition to this fun play land, there will also be another three brand new attractions and a stage show for guests to love.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a roller coaster that takes you soaring of the Isle of Berk, Dragon Racer’s Alley will give you the chance to become a champion dragon-racer as you swoop and soar on a dragon riding trainer, and finally enjoy a fun boat ride battle on Fyre Drill. The Untrainable Dragon is a live show that gives guests the opportunity to join Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid as they attempt to train The Untrainable Dragon.
Dine like a Viking at Mead Hall where you will find a number of dishes featuring a variety of meats, fish, and more. This is a quick service dining option that will offer a number of meal options as well as beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) including a variety of meads, ciders, and ales.
Dark Universe
Universal Studios has created some of the most iconic monsters and Halloween icons including Frankenstein and Dracula. The Dark Universe land is set to showcase these iconic characters and will give visitors the opportunity to take a glimpse into what it takes to create these monsters.
This land will feature two thrilling attractions, a few dining options, and a monster makeup experience. The attractions featured in the Dark Universe include a motion simulation ride known as Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in which Dr. Victoria Frankenstein puts you right in the middle of an angry revolt being led by monsters including Frankenstein.
The other ride that you will have the chance to embark on includes the Curse of Werewolf, a thrill ride that will have you racing through the deep woods as you attempt to escape a pack of angered Werewolves.
At Universal Studios Florida you can see the Horror Make-Up Show which takes you behind the scenes of what it takes to create the looks of these monsters but in the Dark Universe you can visit the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience where YOU can be transformed into one of those thrilling monsters.
If you love vampires, you won’t want to miss the chance to dine at Das Stakehaus where you can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the Vampire-inspired décor around you. Looking for something a bit more casual? Grab some quick eats at The Burning Blade Tavern.
Celestial Park
The final land within Epic Universe is Celestial Park. This is the first land that you will encounter upon entry into the park and here you will get a cross between Universal’s City Walk with the addition of fun rides and attractions to enjoy as well. Celestial Park will feature a number of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. In addition to these there are also two attractions to kick start your visit.
Stardust Racers, is the most anticipate coaster coming to Universal’s Epic Universe! This high-speed dueling launch coaster isn’t just about speed—it’s a cosmic race through the stars, where two separate tracks twist, dive, and weave around each other in an intense competition.
The ride’s signature “Celestial Spin” maneuver sends riders into an inverted crisscross, making it feel like you’re defying gravity itself. And at night? The coaster trains light up like shooting stars streaking across the sky, creating an out-of-this-world spectacle. With record-breaking length and adrenaline-pumping airtime, Stardust Racers promises to be one of the most breathtaking, high-energy attractions at Epic Universe. If you love speed, thrills, and a little friendly competition, this ride is going to be an absolute must-experience!
Looking for something a little more laid back? Take a ride on the Constellation Carousel. This attraction is a classic Carousel style attraction that takes you through the Constellation on a number of fantasy figures such as dragons, peacocks, horses, and more!
Dining options within Celestial Park include a fine dining experience at Atlantic featuring fine seafood and steak options and an Asian Culinary experience at The Blue Dragon.
It is safe to say that the Epic Universe Park opening is going to be BIG! Universal has gotten a reputation of being a park that is a “quick trip”, with many guests only visiting a couple of days in comparison to its competitor, Walt Disney World. The goal with the launch of Epic Universe is to expand the offerings at Universal Studios Orlando to allow guests the opportunity for a longer vacation within their parks.
Which land are you most excited for? I can’t wait for the opportunity to see and visit Epic Universe when it opens May 22, 2025. Both of my girls are huge Universal Parks fans and they grew up loving How to Train Your Dragon and Harry Potter, so this park is a perfect fit.
