Universal Unveils Epic Universe Lands
Four years ago, Universal announced plans for Epic Universe, their newest Orlando theme park. Since then, they’ve shared little information. Thank goodness Alicia Stella from Orlando Park Stop has kept us all informed about the park’s progress. And the progress has been… epic. Sorry, but it has.
Universal’s silent treatment ended today when they released details and artist concepts from Epic Universe. The park will have five unique lands. Guests will enter Epic and find themselves in Celestial Park, the center hub of the park. It’s framed by portals connecting guests to different lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe. The Universal Helios Grand Hotel stands at the far end of Celestial Park. This 500-room hotel will have stunning views of all five lands.
This park is a significant upgrade to Universal Orlando, as it will double the size of the resort. Mark Woodbury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, states that he believes it makes Universal Orlando a week-long destination.
Epic Universe Lands
Celestial Park
Today’s announcement focused on Celestial Park, so let’s start there. This land will feature three attractions. Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster that will reach speeds up to 62 mph and soar up to 133 feet. If you like the top hat on Velocicoaster, you should love this one.
The Constellation Carousel is the centerpiece of Celestial Park. Guests will ride the constellations as they rotate 360 degrees on this enormous, one-of-a-kind carousel. I mean, it’s huge.
Astronomica is an interactive wet-play area built on top of a compass rose that points to Epic’s various lands.
Retail locations include Nintendo Super Star Store and Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.
Aerial overview of Epic Universe.
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 28, 2024
Night time show to include the show fountain, projections on the in-park resort tower, and fireworks launched from the peninsula in the lake. pic.twitter.com/RVfU1TFXIl
Epic Universe has foodies covered, too. First up is the Atlantic. This surf-and-turf restaurant is set inside a Victorian Aquarium and promises great views of the hub.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant is a full-service restaurant offering Chinese, Japanese, and Thai specialties.
Finally, Celestial Park features over 7 acres of water features. The fountains outside the Helios Grand Hotel promise to be a highlight for hotel and park guests. These fountains will rise over 130 feet.
Today’s update focused on Celestial Park, but Universal did release artwork of the portals leading to the other four lands. I love the portal concept.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Once guests enter this land, they’ll be able to enjoy two different Wizard World eras: 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts series and the modern-day British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Update: Universal has released new Isle of Berk details and concept art.
I’ve watched How to Train Your Dragon at least 50 times (my son was 5 when it came out), so this is the land I’m looking forward to the most. The main Isle of Berk attraction is a dragon-themed coaster. Check out the theming already showing up in this land. Thanks to @bioreconstruct for his amazing aerial photography.
Aerial photo of the boardwalk around the front bay in How To Train Your Dragon land. Portal in lower right. pic.twitter.com/z2N6MacwKh
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 27, 2024
Super Nintendo World
The most playful portal has to be for Super Nintendo World. The Universal team nailed it! This land features a ride I’ve thought about ever since Donkey Kong Country came out decades ago – a coaster based on the mine levels in that game.
Aerial look at theming at the Donkey Kong roller coaster. Scaffolding recently removed in this area of Super Nintendo World. pic.twitter.com/plpwJ3TS6e
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 27, 2024
Dark Universe
Dark Universe is bringing back characters from Universal’s early days. This monster-filled land will feature an attraction based on Dr. Victoria Frankenstein.
This massive indoor attraction is expected to be named “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.” It is rumored to be a KUKA arm style tracked dark ride featuring all of the Universal Monsters characters.
Alicia Stella
Want more Epic Universe?
Check out Universal’s official Epic Universe announcement. Watch until the end to hear what Steven Speilberg thinks about this park.
Univeral also released an animated fly-through of Celestial Park.
Epic Universe will open in 2025.
Now that you’ve read about the biggest Universal theme park, why not learn about the smallest? Universal Kids Resort is under construction in Frisco, Texas.
