Universal Destinations and Experiences has officially revealed more information about Universal Epic Universe, the brand-new theme park coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2025. Universal confirmed five immersive, themed worlds with over 50 unique attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences within Epic Universe. FIVE. THEMED. WORLDS! Celestial Park will serve as the gateway to these worlds, with portals to transport you to "extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests' wildest imaginations," including:
- How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk: Soar with dragons and set off on Viking adventures based on the adorable "How to Train Your Dragon" film franchise
- Dark Universe: Encounter Universal monsters — including the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic: Experience different eras of the Wizarding World, from 1920s Paris from the "Fantastic Beasts" films, to the British Ministry of Magic from the "Harry Potter" series
- Super Nintendo World: Enter the iconic green warp pipe and step into the world of your favorite Nintendo characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong
Aug. 22, 2024: Universal Helios Grand Hotel
As the "crown jewel of Epic Universe," Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel is the first Universal hotel inside a theme park, located at the end of Celestial Park. With Celestial Park being a world between worlds, Helios Grand Hotel is the palace for its namesake, the Greek god of the sun. While planning, Universal Creative teams wanted to ensure the theming blended seamlessly between the theme park and hotel.
Lodging
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel will have 500 rooms and 35 suites, so the majority of the rooms will be two-queen-bed rooms. For suites, there will be King Suites, Hospitality Suites, Presidential Suites and "How to Train Your Dragon"-themed Kids' Suites.
- All guest rooms will have tablets for guests to control elements of the room such as the drapes, lights, thermostat and room service. The standard partition between the bathroom and vanity area will allow multiple people to get ready at once.
Dining
- Bar Helios: This rooftop bar will serve Mediterranean bites including sliders, salads, gyros, tapas and antipasti and "sunny-type" cocktails such as spritzes, bellinis, martinis and negronis alongside typical cocktails, beer and wine options.
- Flora Taverna: Flora Taverna will offer breakfast (a full buffet, in fact!), lunch and dinner. Featuring an open kitchen, live cooking, pizza oven, open grills and a gyro station, this restaurant will also serve up amazing views of Epic Universe.
- Lotus Lagoon: Fuel up at this casual poolside bar with snacks and appetizers or a refreshing drink.
- Aurora Market: For frogs on the go, Aurora Market offers artisanal grab-and-go coffee, sandwiches, salads and more.
Amenities and Benefits
- With Epic Universe in the hotel's backyard, the pool at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be in the front.
- The hotel will have a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe (separate theme park admission required).
- Guests can take advantage of theme park benefits such as Early Park Admission and more.
- Bus transportation will be offered to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk.
July 31, 2024: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic
Last but certainly not least, Universal released details on the fifth and final Epic Universe world on Harry Potter's birthday (happee birthdae, Harry!). The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic brings wizarding 1920s Paris from the "Fantastic Beasts" films to life ... as well as the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s from the "Harry Potter" films. That's right — we'll get to take the Metro-Floo to travel between timelines and countries! (Mind. Blown!) The buildings in wizarding Paris are to scale — which means even the shortest building in the Ministry of Magic world is taller than the tallest building in Diagon Alley. You'll find new couture wands, come face to face with some fantastic beasts AND get to experience an all-new, groundbreaking attraction. Get ready for grandeur, new creatures and of course, magique.
Here is a peek at what you'll encounter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: Featuring first-of-its-kind ride technology, this attraction technically begins with the Metro-Floo we mentioned earlier, a mode of transport inspired by (what else?) the Floo Network to get you from Paris to London, where the trial of Dolores Umbridge is about to take place at the Ministry of Magic. That is, until Umbridge tries to escape. That's when you'll join Harry, Ron, Hermoine and a house-elf named Higgledy to try to capture her. The only catch? You're in an omnidirectional lift, which means your chase will take you up, down, forward, backward and sideways, all while dodging Death Eaters and other creatures along the way.
- Le Cirque Arcanus: For the first time ever in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can experience a full-scale theatrical production! Watch as live performers and aerialists, puppetry and yes, fantastic beasts, take the stage.
- Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique: Would it be Paris without the latest fashion? That goes for interactive wands, too! In addition to popular imports from Ollivanders, you'll find exquisite wands that can interact throughout the world. In fact, you may be able to interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise.
- Café L'Air De La Sirène: Enter a charming cafe serving up French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts, with hidden details throughout the architecture.
- Le Gobelet Noir: This little dining establishment is known for serving those who would rather go unnoticed — international Dark witches and wizards. On the menu are soups, salads, entrées and desserts.
- Bar Moonshine: American witches and wizards can get a taste of home, featuring exclusive beers, wines and cocktails, served alongside U.S. Quidditch team pennants.
- Bièraubeurre Cart: Would it be a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without Butterbeer? You can get your frosty mugs here.
June 20, 2024: Dark Universe
It's alive! Universal is unleashing its classic monsters to the present day in the village of Darkmoor within the mysterious Dark Universe. This foreboding world will feature legendary monsters including Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein — as well as introduce a new generation of characters, such as Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein. Guests can step into the portal and explore — if they dare — attractions, dining and entertainment experiences.
Here's the gist of the thrilling experiences you'll find in Dark Universe:
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: As Universal's most terrifying attraction yet, this dark ride will take you deep into Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankeinstein performs her evil experiments. When her plan goes awry, a horde of monsters becomes uncontrollable and you must escape The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.
- Curse of the Werewolf: Sitting at the edge of Darkmoor, this spinning family coaster inspired by "The Wolf Man" will send you into the dark forest. Upon finding The Guild of Mystics, the Maleva, the guild's seer and leader, warns you about the mark of the werewolf. But it's too late — you must escape the werewolves before they get a chance to welcome you into their pack.
- Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience: Guests of all ages can don face paint and temporary tattoos and transform into monsters themselves.
- Meet and Greets: There's always someone lurking in the shadows ... the monsters are eager to meet their next victims. Come face-to-fang with Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Ygor (Dr. Victoria Frankeinstein's servant), the Invisible Man, a monster hunter, a haunting musician and more.
- Das Stakehaus: The most ominous restaurant is overrun by vampire "familiars" who prey upon unsuspecting patrons and make them a part of the feast. If you survive, enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
- The Burning Blade Tavern: Monster hunters have turned this old mill, despite its fiery blades, into an escape. While devouring burgers, wings, bratwurst and more, you can listen to the stories from the "Hounds" (monster hunters) as they boast about their most prized "trophies."
- De Lacey's Cottage: Find a variety of snacks at this stand where the original Frankenstein monster once received sustenance. Year-round twisted taters — yes, please!
May 2, 2024: Super Nintendo World
Here we go! Super Nintendo World is finally coming to Orlando, after making its debut at Universal Studios Japan in 2021 and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. We're so frogcited to jump in the green warp pipe and enter not only the Mushroom Kingdom but also Donkey Kong Country! In this immersive world, you'll find three adventurous attractions, interactive challenges, character greetings and plenty of dining and shopping experiences.
Here's everything you can explore in Super Mario Land:
- Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge: Join Team Mario in a battle against Team Bowser to win the Golden Cup. The ride uses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and more to bring the video game series to life. (Want to know a little more about what to expect? Check out the Mario Kart at Universal Studios Hollywood!)
- Yoshi's Adventure: Making its U.S. debut, travel with Yoshis through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs and take in a bird's eye view of Super Mario Land.
- Toadstool Cafe: The Toads are cookin' up tasty eats, such as Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom soup, Piranha Plant Caprese and more! Keep an eye on the virtual windows — you never know what you might see. (Read up on the Hollywood version here.)
- Yoshi's Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats: Find more treats, snacks and beverages at these walk-up locations.
- 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors: Don't leave without a souvenir from these retail locations.
- Meet and Greets: Meet the one-and-only Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad throughout Super Mario Land.
At the edge of Super Mario Land, enter the tropical Donkey Kong Country where you'll discover tall trees, waterfalls, The Golden Temple and more:
- Mine-Cart Madness: Hop in a mine cart and race through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the golden banana. This family coaster features a one-of-a-kind track system that seemingly jumps over gaps or blasts out of a barrel.
- Dining and Shopping: More will be revealed later, but a selection of menu and merchandise offerings will be available in the middle of the jungle.
Throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country, you can level up the fun with Power-Up Bands that interact with the world. Complete challenges and collect coins and digital keys so you can unlock a showdown with Bowser Jr.
March 28, 2024: How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
In the latest update, Universal shared a first look at How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk. Guests will be immersed in an eighth-century Viking village, complete with iconic locations from the films such as Gobber's Forge, Hiccup's House and the Dragon racing bleachers. The world's storyline takes place between the second and third "How to Train Your Dragon" films. After Celestial Park, it will be the largest world in Epic Universe and features five attractions along with character greetings, shopping and dining.
Here's what you can expect in this massive and vibrant 15.5-acre world of Vikings and dragons:
- Hiccup's Wing Gliders: Take a ride on Hiccup's new glider contraption for a dragon's eye view of Berk (aka a roller coaster!).
- The Untrainable Dragon: Similar to the show at Universal Beijing Resort but set in a different time period, this live show features Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid, along with a new dragon who shows up on the Isle of Berk, pushing the limits for the mystery of the untrainable dragon. A highlight includes Toothless flying directly above the audience.
- Dragon Racer's Rally: Riders can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on this high-thrill flying attraction, which introduces a toadally new ride system and themed after the worst dragon racer (Snotlout) and the best dragon racer (Astrid).
- Fyre Drill: Compete in an epic boat battle where teams try to outscore and outsoak each other while attempting to hit 130 moving targets throughout the attraction.
- Viking Training Camp: Young Vikings can explore this sprawling play area with multiple towers to climb and Viking drums and chimes to play — plus an agility course and an interactive sheep launcher game.
- Meet and Greets: Meet Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock. You may also spot Astrid with Stormfly, Ruffnut and Tuffnut and other Vikings and dragons throughout the Isle of Berk.
- Dining and Shopping: Feast like a Viking at Mead Hall, the village's main gathering hall. You can also grab quick bites at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel or the quick-service Spit Fyre Grill. Take home a piece of Isle of Berk with a souvenir from Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup's Work Shop and Toothless' Treasures.
Jan. 30, 2024: Celestial Park
Today, Universal gave us an in-depth look at the first world, Celestial Park. Starting with the Emerald Gate and the Chronos device at the park entrance, guests will step inside Celestial Park, which features "rolling gardens, chasing waterways and strolling pathways" and "stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements." We'll have more details in our main Epic Universe guide and a new Celestial Park guide, but here's the quick gist!
Celestial Park serves as the gateway, featuring themed portals to the other four worlds, as well as Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which is located inside Epic Universe. The hotel will have 500 guest rooms, incredible views and its own dedicated entrance into the park.
Among the experiences in Celestial Park, you'll find:
- Stardust Racers: A duel-launch racing coaster, Epic Universe's most thrilling ride, topping speeds of 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet
- Constellation Carousel: The grand centerpiece of Celestial Park, moving forward, backward, and even making 360-degree rotations
- Astronomica: An interactive wet-play area, including dancing fountains
- Unique Dining Experiences: Ranging from quick-service to table-service locations, including barbecue, pizza and Asian cuisine — plus a restaurant inside of an aquarium, called Atlantic
- Shopping: Including Nintendo Super Star Store and Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets
- Entertainment: Featuring varied fountain shows over seven acres of water, music and interactive lighting
What are you most excited about Universal Epic Universe? Which world are you heading to first?
Related: Everything We Know So Far About Universal Epic Universe
Hoppy planning!