On May 22, 2025, Universal Orlando Resort celebrated the grand opening of its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe – marking the official debut of the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. The new theme park transports guests to five imaginative worlds filled with adventures: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Thousands of enthusiastic guests filled the theme park as early as 6 a.m. At approximately 8 a.m., Universal Epic Universe officially opened with a celebratory moment that featured special character appearances at each of the world’s portals, fireworks, a fountain display and more.
“This is an incredibly exciting day as we officially unveil Universal Epic Universe to the world,” says Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Orlando Resort. “Epic Universe is the culmination of what we’ve been working on for nearly a decade. Our teams have poured so much passion, vision and dedication into this new park and there is truly nothing like it in our universe.”
Through a set of majestic portals, guests are transported to five expansive worlds featuring a combined total of more than 50 experiences – ranging from attractions and entertainment to dining, themed shopping and more.
The five imaginative worlds of Epic Universe include:
Celestial Park
With rolling gardens, chasing waterways and strolling pathways, Celestial Park – the heart of Epic Universe – is the first world guests encounter at the new theme park. Here, guests can find dozens of dining and shopping venues and three attractions:
- Stardust Racers – a dual-racing launch coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies at speeds up to 62 mph;
- Constellation Carousel – a carousel that glides forward, backward – and even makes 360-degree rotations – in a choreographed dance of music and starlight;
- Astronomica – an interactive wet play area that doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The destination’s third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set in 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series. Guests visiting this spectacular new world can:
- cast spells throughout the magical streets of wizarding Paris using interactive wands;
- encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus in the full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus;
- enjoy cuisine, including the Butterbeer crepe at Café L’Air De La Sirène;
- embark on an adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry;
- and so much more.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Guests can jump into the action of video game worlds in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – featuring Super Mario Land and – for the first time in the U.S. – Donkey Kong Country. In this colorful and kinetic world, guests can:
- join Team Mario to battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge;
- travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs on Yoshi’s Adventure, which also makes its U.S. debut at Epic Universe;
- careen through the jungle aboard mine carts on an adventure inspired by the world of Donkey Kong Country video games in Mine-Cart Madness;
- enjoy culinary creations crafted by Chef Toad in Toadstool Cafe;
- meet and greet Mario, Luigi, Toad and Princess Peach in Super Mario Land, and Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Country;
- and so much more.
Guests can also level up their fun and enhance their play in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with a Power-Up Band, which allows them to collect digital coins by punching ? Blocks and play interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This world captures the heart, humor and scale of the How to Train Your Dragon films and is a re-creation of the rugged, rocky world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons live together in harmony. Guests will see what it’s like to live amongst dragons as they enjoy Viking-sized adventures like:
- launching into the sky for a dragon’s eye view of Berk on the family-friendly thrill coaster, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders;
- practicing aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that reach heights up to 67 feet in the air on Dragon Racer’s Rally;
- embarking on an unforgettable journey with beloved characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid in the dragon-filled live show, The Untrainable Dragon;
- savoring Mac & Cheese cones at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel;
- and so much more.
Guests can also meet heroic Dragon Rider, Hiccup, and pose for a photo with his friendly Night Fury, Toothless; and encounter other familiar Vikings while exploring Berk.
Dark Universe
Iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more come to life alongside a new generation of monsters and characters in this ominous world. As guests venture through the ravaged village of Darkmoor, they’ll encounter monstrous adventures that include:
- journeying deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor while trying to evade the grasps of Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy and others in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment;
- racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves on the spinning family coaster, Curse of the Werewolf;
- becoming fashionably monstrous with face paint and temporary tattoos in Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience;
- enjoying a meal while surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts in Das Stakehaus;
- meeting monsters like the Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Ygor and even Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster;
- and so much more.
And at the edge of Epic Universe is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, a 500-room Mediterranean-inspired escape that features a variety of dining options, a resort-style pool with cabanas, a rooftop bar overlooking Epic Universe, and a dedicated entrance to the theme park from the lobby for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required).