Everything You Need to Know About Universal’s Epic Universe Including Opening date

©Universal

Universal's Epic Universe is set to open in 2025, promising to be one of the most anticipated theme park experiences. In this blog, we’ll cover everything from the opening date to the rides and attractions that await visitors. Our family is so excited for Epic Universe, as this is the first major theme park opening in the US in over 20 years. Epic Universe is also unique since we have been able to watch each step of the way thanks to Youtube and Social media. 

What is Universal's Epic Universe?

Epic Universe is a new Universal theme park under construction in Orlando Florida right down the road from the current three Universal Orlando resort parks. Universal released last week (October 16, 2024) on their socials the opening date of the new Epic Universe as May 22, 2025. As the fourth park at Universal Orlando Resort, it will be the largest, covering over 750 acres. This expansive size will allow for multiple immersive lands, each with unique rides, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for theme park fans.

Why It's Significant:

Universal has stated that Epic Universe will "redefine theme park entertainment" by using cutting-edge technology to create attractions and experiences that are more immersive than ever. This new park will feature worlds based on popular franchises, as well as new and original creations, expanding Universal’s ability to compete with other major destinations like Walt Disney World.

Opening Date & Key Milestones

Universal Epic Universe is set to be on track for the 2025 opening. Construction has been ongoing since 2019, and despite some delays, significant progress has been made. From aerial construction photos to insider reports, excitement is building as Universal continues to share updates on what fans can expect.

Construction Updates:

  • The park is expected to feature multiple themed lands, each with unique attractions, restaurants, and entertainment.
  • Recent construction photos show major landmarks beginning to take shape, such as a massive central hub area and the different themed sections surrounding it.

What Fans Are Saying:

Universal fans are particularly excited about Super Nintendo World, which will be one of the park's main draws. This highly interactive land will bring characters like Mario and Donkey Kong to life in ways never seen before in a theme park. We are divided in our house on what we are most excited about. Christina can’t wait to walk through the Ministry of Magic in the new Wizarding World. Stephen is excited about How to train your dragon - Isle of Berk and meeting Toothless. Surprising all of us, Penelope is so excited about the Dark Universe because she wants to meet Dracula. 

Rides & Attractions

So many new Epic Universe rides have now been announced in each land. We are going to break them down by land below:

©Universal

Celestial park - Central hub to the park

Constellation Carousel - This is going to be a carousel ride but is said to have a unique figure eight path instead of your normal circle. No height requirement. 
Starfall Racers - A dueling multi-launch coaster, is anticipated to be the highlight of the park. Lots of excitement for coaster enthusiasts to ride this exciting new dueling coaster. 48” Minimum Height requirement.

Dark Universe - Universal Monsters 

Curse of the Werewolf - A family friendly spinning roller coaster with a 40” height requirement. 
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment - This dark ride will utilize a KUKA-arm system (like Forbidden Journey in Islands of Adventure)  and is listed with a 48” height requirement. 

How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk

Dragon Racer’s Rally - This flat ride is a dueling sky fly where guests can experience “riding with the dragons”. Guests are rumored to be able to contract how wild or tame they would like their experience to be. 48” Minimum Height requirement. 
Fyre Drill - an interactive splash battle ride, encouraging guests to participate. Universal’s website describes it as “Board your Viking ship and blast water at flame-like targets – as well as the occupants of other boats.” No Height requirement. 
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders - A family friendly multi- launch coaster with a minimum height requirement of 40”. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic

Battle of the Ministry of Magic - This dark ride it's considered a highly immersive, multi-directional ride with unique "magical lifts" and has a 40” minimum height requirement. 

Super Nintendo World

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge - In this interactive dark ride, jump in a Kart and race your friends, collect coins and try to win the cup. Minimum height requirement of 40”
Mine Cart Madness - Thrilling family friendly coaster with tech that gives the illusion of jumping over holes in the track like in the video game. Has a 36” minimum height requirement. 
Yoshi’s Adventure - This slow moving omnimover will show you around the Mushroom Kingdom on Yoshi’s back and has a 34” minimum height requirement. 

How Epic Universe Compares to Other Parks

When it comes to Universal's Epic Universe, one of the biggest questions fans are asking is how this new park will stack up against Universal's existing parks, especially Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Let’s break it down by key areas:

Size & Layout

Epic Universe will be Universal's largest park, spanning over 750 acres. In comparison, Islands of Adventure covers around 110 acres, and Universal Studios Florida is about 107 acres. This massive size means Epic Universe will have more room for themed lands, new attractions, and even future expansions.

Themed Lands

Epic Universe promises to bring brand-new themed lands that rival those in Islands of Adventure. While Islands of Adventure has beloved areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, Epic Universe will introduce lands like Super Nintendo World and Universal Monsters. Each land is expected to be more immersive than ever, with cutting-edge technology to enhance guest experiences.

Attractions

Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are known for their mix of thrill rides and family attractions. Islands of Adventure features standout rides like Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Universal Studios has Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Revenge of the Mummy.
Epic Universe, however, is expected to go beyond with entirely new ride technology. Rumors suggest the park will feature a combination of groundbreaking dark rides and coasters, with themed attractions based on popular franchises like Nintendo and Universal Monsters.

Dining & Entertainment

Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida offer plenty of themed dining, such as The Three Broomsticks and Mythos Restaurant. Epic Universe will follow suit, but with even more dining options that are deeply integrated into the themes of each land. Expect themed restaurants in Super Nintendo World and other new areas.

Ticket Prices & Vacation Planning Tips

Epic Universe tickets went on sale this week on Tuesday October 22, 2024. Universal is releasing ticket types in phases to help with crowd control. In the first phase, Universal is offering multi-day tickets for 3-Days or longer that include one-day admission to Universal Epic Universe. Additional product offerings -- including single-day and two-day tickets for Universal Epic Universe -- will be launched at a later date before the park opens. Passholders can purchase single day tickets as of October 24, 2024. As we receive more information we will update our post to reflect the most recent updated information. At this time, it will be hard to tell when is the best time to visit Epic Universe as this is a brand new park and we expect the park to be very busy. 

FAQs about Universal’s Epic Universe

When is Universal’s Epic Universe opening?

Epic Universe is set to open May 22, 2025. 

What are the main lands in Epic Universe?

Universal has confirmed Epic Universe themed lands, Including  Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe (Universal Monsters), How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -  Ministry of Magic, and Celestial Park.. Each land will have its own attractions, dining, and immersive experiences.

Will Epic Universe have a hotel?

Yes! Universal is adding to their signature collection by building an on-site Epic Universe hotel, Universal's Helios Grand Hotel, integrated within the park for a truly immersive stay. Universal is also building 2 brand new hotels adding to their prime value level. Universal Stella Nova Resort is set to open January 21, 2025 and Universal Terra Luna Resort is planning to open February 25, 2025. Universal Orlando also has several other amazing hotels on property at the current Universal Orlando resort which will be right down the road. 

©Universal

How do I get tickets for Epic Universe?

Universal is offering multi-day tickets for 3-Days or longer that include one-day admission to Universal Epic Universe. You can purchase these tickets by themselves or include them in Epic Universe vacation packages. Both the Epic Universe tickets and vacation packages are available for purchase on Universal website. We would also be happy to help you book your tickets and/or vacation package. 

Is Epic Universe for families or thrill-seekers?

Like Universal’s other parks, Epic Universe will have a mix of attractions for both families and thrill-seekers. Expect thrilling coasters alongside family-friendly dark rides and interactive experiences.
We would love to help you book your stay at Epic Universe. Please reach out to us here at Let’s Make Memories travel. We would also like to invite you to follow our travels on our Youtube channel @Letsmakememories. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updated travel information. 





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