Universal Epic Universe will open to the public on May 22 at 9:00 a.m..
- When does Universal Epic Universe open, and what is the ticket price?
- What themed areas make up Epic Universe?
- Dark Universe draws from Universal’s classic films featuring characters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Invisible Man.
- What attractions will operate in each zone?
- What other facilities are planned for Epic Universe?
The opening will include a kickoff event at 8:00 a.m. at the main entrance of the complex. This marks the first traditional expansion of the Universal Orlando Resort since the debut of Islands of Adventure in 1999.
With the addition of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando will feature four parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay (opened in 2017 as a water park), and the new complex. According to local station WESH, the new park spans approximately 44.5 hectares (110 acres) within a total property of about 303.5 hectares (750 acres), allowing for future expansions.
The park’s design organizes five themed areas around a central hub known as Celestial Park. Each zone features attractions, dining options, and character interaction points. Unlike other areas of the resort, Celestial Park is not based on an existing intellectual property and serves as the gateway to the surrounding worlds, according to the official Universal Orlando Resort website.
When does Universal Epic Universe open, and what is the ticket price?
Universal Epic Universe will begin operations on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Entry will be available starting at 9:00 a.m., preceded by an institutional event at 8:00 a.m.
Ticket prices vary by season. A one-day ticket for adults (ages 10 and up) starts at $139, increasing to $199 during peak demand. For Florida residents, discounts are available on three-day packages, with rates ranging from $100 to $128.34 per day for adults and $97 to $125.33 for children. The three-day pass includes access to the resort’s three main parks, with at least one full day reserved for Epic Universe.
What themed areas make up Epic Universe?
The park is divided into five main sections: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Celestial Park, according to Bloomberg, serves as the park’s central hub. It features pathways that direct visitors to the other areas. It includes a roller coaster called Stardust Racers and a spinning platform. The roller coaster stands 133 feet tall and operates with a dual-launch system.
Super Nintendo World replicates elements from Nintendo’s video game universe. It features an attraction with augmented reality, a roller coaster inspired by Donkey Kong, and a gentle ride for younger visitors. This section is visually and audibly separated from the rest of the park by structures that limit external views.
Dark Universe draws from Universal’s classic films featuring characters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Invisible Man.
Entry to this zone is through a fictional Central European village. The area includes a dark ride set in Frankenstein’s castle, a medium-intensity roller coaster, and a tavern with rotating blades that activate at intervals.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is based on the Ministry of Magic from the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Its main attraction features an omnidirectional transportation system within a tiled atrium resembling New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk includes a roller coaster, a boat ride, and animatronic devices that simulate interactions with creatures from the franchise. The structures are arranged around a central body of water with Norse-inspired sculptures.
What attractions will operate in each zone?
Celestial Park will feature the Stardust Racers roller coaster and a large-scale carousel. Both are located within the park’s pathways and fountains.
In Super Nintendo World, visitors will find an attraction with augmented reality technology, an additional roller coaster, and a slow-speed ride. The experiences also include interactive zones with characters from Nintendo’s universe.
In Dark Universe, the main ride takes place inside Frankenstein’s castle. A secondary roller coaster is designed for families. A tavern in this section features a windmill with mechanisms that produce fire at intervals.
In the Ministry of Magic, the Battle at the Ministry attraction simulates an elevator system that moves in multiple directions. The setting aims to recreate the Ministry building during the 1920s, based on the narrative of the Fantastic Beasts series.
On Isle of Berk, attractions include a roller coaster, a boat ride, and areas with animatronics designed to move in sync with sound and proximity. The technology allows for more precise movements than traditional models.
What other facilities are planned for Epic Universe?
The park will also include the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room building located across from Celestial Park. Published photos show the hotel’s facade and its proximity to the central attractions. No details have been released yet about nightly rates or the reservation system.
The park’s overall design features a radial layout, with Celestial Park as the central hub directing visitors to the five themed zones. This model aims to organize foot traffic and segment experiences in each area, preventing visual or auditory overlap between different worlds.
Data from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) indicates that in 2023, the Orlando metropolitan area welcomed over 74 million visitors. The opening of Epic Universe is part of Universal’s expansion strategy to compete in the tourism market against other operators like Walt Disney World.
Image: Infobae
