Universal Orlando's latest announcement has potential parkgoers excited for multiple reasons.
With the details of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic finally released, the amusem*nt park has revealed everything about all five themed lands coming to Epic Universe.
From meet-and-greets with iconic characters to experiencing a real-life Mario Kart game, fans have been pleased with all the latest news surrounding the 750-acre park. However, there is still one important question many are wondering — when does it actually open?
Here's what we know so far and a refresh on all the themed lands coming to Epic Universe.
When will Epic Universe open?
As of August 2024, Universal hasn’t yet announced an opening date for Epic Universe, only that it will open in 2025.
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What are all the themed lands within Epic Universe?
In total, there will be five lands within the new Epic Universe theme park. Altogether, these lands will have “more than 50 awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences,” according to the resort.
Celestial Park
The first world guests enter at the park is Celestial Park, featuring relaxing gardens, a “wet play area,” a grand carousel and Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. It will also serve as the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other worlds, which will be accessed by themed portals.
Dark Universe
Take a trip to dark side — Dark Universe allows parkgoers to get face to face with legendary monsters from Universal’s silver screen as well as new characters. The resort said it will offer “family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity.”
Dark Universe will feature two rides:
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experimentis set inside Frankenstein Manor where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein works on “twisted experiments,” just like her great-great-grandfather, “but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters,” according to Universal.
- Curse of the Werewolfis a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” The attraction begins on the edge of Darkmoor, where guests meet a mystic seer who “warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves,” Universal said.
Isle of Berk
Epic Universe's Isle of Berk is inspired by the mythical land from the popular“How to Train Your Dragon” franchise. It will host three rides:
- Hiccup’s Wing Glidersis a family thrill coaster where guests will fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless and reach speeds up to 45 mph as they soar around the perimeter of Berk.
- Fyre Drillwill see mischievous viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut invite teams of Vikings to compete to outscore and out-soak each other on this wet-and-wild boat battle
- Dragon Racer’s Rallyhas guests practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet in the air
The Isle of Berk will have a variety of themed eateries and stores for guests to check out. There are also meet-and-greet opportunities with Toothless and Hiccup.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World was described as a “multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way." It will feature two rides:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challengewill feel like a real-life Mario Kart game with a mix of physical sets, projection mapping and augmented reality.
- Yoshi Adventurewill give guests “breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way,” according to Universal.
USA TODAY previously reported that fans of the video game will find themed foods atToadstool Cafe, like the one in Hollywood, and two different walk-up dining venues,Yoshi’s Snack IslandandTurbo Boost Treats.
There will be souvenir shops, where guests can purchase a wearable Power-Up Band for additional interactivity across Super Nintendo World. Additionally, there will be meet-and-greet opportunities with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter − Ministry of Magic
The new Ministry of Magic realm takes from Warner Bros. PicturesFantastic Beastsfilms and the British Ministry of Magic from theHarry Potterfilm series.
In wizarding Paris, guests can cast spells and interact with fantastic beasts, dine on French-inspired cuisine, take in a show, and shop for wands and souvenirs in the wizarding shopping district Place Cachée, which translates to Hidden Place in English.
From Paris, guests take the Floo Network-inspired Métro-Floo across space and time to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic, where the new "Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry" attraction follows Dolores Umbridge as she faces trial.
Where is Epic Universe being built?
Those who have been to Universal Orlando might be wondering where this new theme park will be going. It will actually be housed a bit further away from the other two parks, across Interstate 4.
Epic Universe will be located in Universal's new south campus, located about 15 minutes down the road. The official address is4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando.
Will Epic Universe be a separate ticket?
Ticketing details for Epic Universe have not yet been revealed.
Contributing reporting:Eve Chen, USA TODAY
