Epic Universe is set to open in Summer of 2025. Although previews for annual pass holders and team members have been slowly unfolding, the park and all of its rides, shows, and intricacies are still unfolding. So, I’ve put together an ultimate guide to Epic Universe as a way to help navigate this wonderful new park!
Keep reading for tips on rides, insight on portals, food notes, and more. Or if you would like quick version, refer to the 10 things to know before visiting Epic Universe. Be prepared for each portal. There is only one word for this park: EPIC!
About Epic Universe
Epic will be Universal Orlando’s fourth park. We’ve now upgraded from Islands and Universal Studios to Volcano Bay, and now Epic! This park is huge. Innovative. Stunning. It is a 750-ace expansion. This means it is the largest Universal Theme Park in the United States.
Location of Epic Universe
Since Epic is not located on the same campus as Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, we can now refer to the different campuses as the north and south campus. North Campus features Universal Studios, Islands, Volcano Bay and City Walk. This also includes Universal’s first resort hotels, like Portofino and Cabana Bay.
The South Campus, on the other hand, is about 15 minutes south of the North Campus. It is right by the Orange Country Convention Center! This will feature Epic as a theme park as well as Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort are also close by, but not on the same “campus.” Transportation between campuses will be offered, as well as free shuttles form resorts to parks as well!
When Does Epic Open and How Much Is It?
Part of ultimate guide to Epic Universe has to talk about tickets. Now, tickets are already available. Multi-day tickets went on sale back in October of 2024. The park is projected to open May 22nd, 2025 to the public, but preview for team members and Universal Passholders have been open for a moment. These multi-day tickets require a minimum of two other days at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and/or Volcano Bay. They start at about $117 per day before tax. This will vary with high-demand days.
Annual pass holders can purchase single-day tickets for Epic currently. Again, the price depends on the date, but they’re projected to be between $121 and $173. And if you’re a Florida resident, you can purchase multi-day, multi-park tickets and other vacation packages along with single-day epic tickets that don’t require tickets to other theme parks. Either way, book early! Book with hotels for early entry and/or express pass benefits!
Layout of Epic Universe
Universal has finally adopted the hub-and-spoke design! This was originally made popular by Disneyland. And even Magic Kingdom has it! But now this hub-and-spoke layout is perfect for the format of the portals that radiate out of Celestial Park.
There is the central hub: Celestial Park. Long corridors lead to each land, and through the corridors are different stands for food and merch. And don’t forget the rides in Celestial too! There are four distinct portals that are connected by the central hub. This ultimate guide to Epic Universe will ensure that you understandable of them! So keep an eye out for: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Drag: Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
Celestial Park
The main entrance to the park is Celestial Park! This is the hub of all the other portals, but that doesn’t mean you have to rush through this one. Celestial has stunning designs: lush greenery and waterfront areas are only the start. And you can see the giant round gateways of each world in this hub.
Attractions in Celestial Park
- Stardust Racers: a dual-launch coaster! Over 5,000 feet of track that goes up to 62 mph. The track has no lights, so at night, the cars are literally racing.
- Constellation Carrousel: Animals inspired by constellations whirl around up to 6 feet in the air
- Astronomica: Dancing fountains play area
Dining in Celestial Park
- Atlantic: A full-service restaurant that features a surf and turf vibe: seafood and steak is perfect for this fine dining experience.
- Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant: (not open yet) neon dragons and lanterns set the tone for this sushi joint!
- Pizza Moon: quick service pizza location, but the pizza is to die for!
Dark Universe (Universal Classic Monsters)
Horror cinema shaped Universal from the early 1920s. This portal takes you into a themed land devoted to Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein, and even some original characters like Ygor! Roam the streets of Darkmoor Village and love the castles, cemeteries, catacombs, and more.
Attractions in Dark Universe
- Monsters Unchained: Frankenstien Experiment: Dr. Victoria Frankenstein is bringing honor to her ancestors name in this dark ride. Hair-rising jump scares and turns follow her and her monsters throughout a castle.
- Curse of the Werewolf: Escape a pack of werewolves! This spinning, family-friendly coaster twirls you through the forest. Watch out!
- Monsters Meet and Greet: There is always a change happening in Dark Universe: feel free to meet Frankenstein’s monster, the bride of Frankenstein, Ygor, the Invisible Man and more.
- Darkmoor Monster & Makeup Experience: Make up artists will transform guests into mummies, werewolves, vampires and more! Fees apply, of course, but the special effects are to die for.
Dining in Dark Universe
- Das Steakhouse: This hall is built above the ancient catacombs, so dine as you dare. Familiars (the servants of vampires) aim to please as they fill your stomach with kebabs, burgers and sandwiches.
- Burning Blade Tavern: As if the burning windmill isn’t cool enough, this tavern is where the monsters hang out! Quick service dining offers wings, bratwursts, burgers, pretzels and more.
- De Lacey’s Cottage: Food stands offer tasty treats like cinnamon bread, twisted taters, ice cream and more.
How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk
This ultimate guide to Epic Universe needs to talk about Isle of Berk! A part of the famous Dreamwork’s franchise from “How to Train Your Dragon,” this is a kid-friendly portal. The fantasy explores rocky caves and dragons and vikings within rides, a theatre, low-intensity rides, and meet and greets.
Attractions in Isle of Berk
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A family-focused roller coaster. Full of story telling as you fly with Hiccup and Toothless!
- The Untrainable Dragon: A broadway-like production! This was inspired by the Beijing show, and features famous How to Train Your Dragon characters as they solve a mystery.
- Fyre Drill: The only water ride! A boot competition has you blasting water cannons to practice putting out fires.
- Dragon’s Racer Rally: A ride anchor that allows you to practice high-speed barrel rolls with dragons and their riders! You can control your experience too: wild or mild are options.
- Viking Training Camp: Interactive play areas are prefect for kids. Climb, slide and explore Toothless themed areas!
- Hiccup & Toothless Meet & Greet: Meet the two icons themselves!
Dining In Isle of Berk
- Mead Hall: A form of a quick service: this village gathering all allows you to stock up on meads and meats!
- Spit Fyre Grill: Another quick service setting that offers views of the boat ride! Most food is flame seared here.
- Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel: A quick food stand: you MUST have their Mac and cheese cones.
Super Nintendo World
This was the first of the four worlds to be confirmed, and is probably one of the most immersive portals! This Mario-themed land is inspired by the beloved video game series. Find meet and greets with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and more, just like at the Japan and Hollywood parks! You’re divided into Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country here.
Attractions in Nintendo World
- Mario Kart: Boswer’s Challenge: A kart-racing game. With projection mapping, sets, and more, you can launch shells ada banana peels at your competition.
- Yoshi’s Adventure: Truly family-friendly. Search for glowing eggs on this one!
- Mine Cart-Madness: A ground breaking rollers-coaster! Avoid all teh bananas!
- Power-Up Bands: Make sure to get Mario-themed wristbands to unlock stamps, battle enemies, collect coins and more in all the interactive areas of the park.
- Meet and Greets: Like mentioned, you can say hello to Mario, peach, and Toad!
Dining in Nintendo World
- Toadstool Cafe: All the food is themed here! Try themed meals, like burgers, Fire Flower Spaghetti & Meatballs, and more. You may see Toad nearby too!
- Yoshi’s Snack Island: Similar to toadstool, there are themed treats and beverages here.
- Turbo Treats: Snack stops are important! And there are similar things like this in Donkey Kong too!
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
Harry Potter is back with all the magic! This portal alludes to 1920s Paris, which takes us back to Fantastic Beasts. IT also pairs London’s Ministry of Magic, connected by the Metro-Floo. There are shows, rides, shops and more here!
Attractions in Ministry of Magic
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: Walk through and travel by Metro Floo to the British Ministry and follow Dolores Umbridge during her trial!
- Le Cirque Arcanus: A true theatre experience: with performers, puppets and more, enjoy the animals of New Scamander’s suitcase!
- Wand Magic: With new wands and a ton of interaction opportunities, you’ll be visiting with Nifflers and bring enchanted objects to life! And make sure to visit Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique too!
- Students, Aurors, Wizards, and More: Visitors walk around Paris waiting to interact! Engage with them, as they’ll tell you all about their own adventures.
Dining in the Ministry of Magic
- Cafe L’Air De La Sirene: This charming cafe is all things French! Sandwiches and butter beer crepes are top choice here!
- Le Gobelet Noir: Dark arts gather here, so keep your eyes peeled as you order starters, entrees and dessert amongst a timeworn auberge.
- Bar Moonshine: We love a good bar! Wines, cocktails and beers admits the Paris world.
- Bieraubeurre Cart: Butterberg anyone?
- K. Rammelle: A French confectionery filled with candy and sweets to last your whole visit!
Gift Shops to Explore and Were They are Located
- Nintendo Super Star Store (Celestial Park)
- 1-Up Factory (Nintendo)
- Mario Motors (Nintendo)
- Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique (Ministry)
- Les Galeries Mirifiques (Ministry)
- Tour En Floo (Ministry)
- Viking Traders (Berk)
- How to Treat Your Dragon (Berk)
- Hiccup’s Work Shop (Berk)
- Toothless’ Treasures (Berk)
- Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities (Monsters)
Final Thoughts on Epic Universe
While the park is new, we hope this is the ultimate guide for Epic Universe. Not only does this park offer different worlds for everyone, but it will literally transport you into five worlds that will leave you speechless. Shop, eat, enjoy the magic and the monsters, and just have a wonderful time being in something new! It will leave you speechless.
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