Disney's theme park business competitor Universal Orlando unveils first detailed look at Universal Epic Universe

Jan 30, 2024 in "Universal Orlando Resort"

Universal Epic Universe concept art
Posted: Tuesday January 30, 2024 8:51am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its first official glimpse into its fourth Florida theme park - Universal Epic Universe, set to open in Summer 2025.

Today we get a first look at Celestial Park – the heart of Universal Epic Universe and the first world guests will encounter at the new theme park. More details about Universal Epic Universe – including the debut of an interactive preview center at Universal CityWalk later this year that will offer a sneak peek at the new theme park – will be revealed in the months ahead.

CELESTIAL PARK

As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they'll embark on a journey through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. Here, guests can relax while taking in the sights and sounds around them, board a shooting comet for a roller coaster adventure, dine, shop, and more.

PORTALS TO OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS

Plus, Celestial Park will be the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe. Through a set of portals that capture the imagination and creativity of each world, guests will embark on a transformative experience as they journey from Celestial Park to:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, where guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures' Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where guests will enter the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play as they step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where guests can soar with dragons in a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.

Dark Universe, where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.

CELESTIAL PARK ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

 

Here are additional details about some of the other experiences at Celestial Park:

Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who's the fastest of them all. Reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track, Starfall Racers will be Epic Universe's most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers such as the "Celestial Spin," in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air – creating an "out-of-this-world" adrenaline rush.

Constellation Carousel – the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park. Here, explorers of all ages will take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.

Astronomica, an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests.

An array of unique dining experiences ranging from full-service restaurants to quick-service locations that offer something for every palate, including Atlantic – a full-service "surf and turf" restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium complete with captivating views of Celestial Park; and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – where diners take a culinary journey across Asia as they enjoy authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare in this full-service restaurant accented with neon dragons and ethereal lanterns. Additional "must-eat" locations within Celestial Park include The Oak & Star Tavern, where guests can enjoy savory barbecue, Pizza Moon, which will serve up a tasty menu featuring a variety of pizzas, and more.



Detailed retail locations, including the Nintendo Super Star Store, where guests can shop an assortment of merchandise themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD; Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, where guests can satisfy their cravings with a unique selection of sweet treats, and more.

Entertainment, including various fountain shows throughout Celestial Park's seven acres of water where a multitude of fountains sway, dance – and even reach heights up to 135 feet in the air – to music and interactive lighting from day to night.

And located inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite – complete with 500 rooms, one-of-a-kind views and its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park.

Stay tuned for more Universal Epic Universe details in the coming months.

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trr13 days ago

Orlando Informer @OrlandoInformer PIC UPDATE A Universal Epic Universe Preview Center will open this June at Universal City Walk! The new space will feature a model of the park that can be brought to life through augmented reality on compatible devices, exclusive merchandise, and themed photo ops!

trr18 days ago

bioreconstruct @bioreconstruct In foreground of this aerial is site of Universal's electric bus depot near Epic Universe 1 Parking garages for Universal Studios Florida/Islands of Adventure 2 Sand Lake Rd/Kirkman Rd interchange 3 NBC Universal technology hub 4 Access road for Helios Grand Hotel from Kirkman Aerial overview of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe.(Roof frame is being added to the extended queue of Ministry of Magic. Bottom left.) Aerial overview of roads near Epic Universe. Arrow at Dr Doom's Fearfall in IOA.Electric buses will transport Universal Orlando guests in exclusive lanes in the median of Kirkman Rd. A raised traffic circle is under construction at center. Day guest parking out frame at right.

trr18 days ago

bioreconstruct @bioreconstruct Aerial photo of first beams placed for the raised traffic circle at Epic Universe. Aerial overview of Super Mario Land in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. Aerial overview of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. Aerial look at Terra Luna and Stella Nova resorts under construction near Epic Universe. Aerial look at what is believed to be fireworks launch site for Epic Universe. Behind Helios Grand Hotel. Aerial look at road construction near Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts. Guests will access these resorts from Epic Blvd, at left. Kirkman Rd runs between the resorts.A raised traffic circle in progress at left. Universal Blvd at right 787408 Aerial photo of first beams placed for the raised traffic circle at Epic Universe. 787409 Aerial overview of Helios Grand Hotel. The in-park hotel of Epic Universe.Access road for resort guests is top right, from Kirkman Rd. It's believed that the peninsula at right will be fireworks launch site. Projections on the hotel tower, and fountain show. 787410 Aerial photo of Epic Universe day guest parking. A section is being freshened. Eventually the construction staging area at left will be paved for more day guest parking 787411 Aerial photo of one of the tower cranes being removed at Helios Grand Hotel. In Epic Universe. 787412

trr18 days ago

bioreconstruct @bioreconstruct Aerial photo of colorful pavement and landscaping so far at the entrance of Epic Universe. Admission sales at top right. Security and admissions through the pair of curved buildings at top left. Aerial photo of landscaping and paving so far at front of Epic Universe. Aerial photo of the front of Starfall Racers in Epic Universe.Scaffolding has returned to the stylized comet theming. Supports are away from the green and yellow tracks, allowing testing to continue. Aerial overview of the front of Epic Universe. Large building is the Untrainable Dragon theater in The Isle of Berk. Aerial photo of Helios Grand Hotel and Celestial Park in Epic Universe. Arrow in this aerial photo at the extended queue under construction at Starfall Racers in Epic Universe. 787397 Aerial photo of the Super Nintendo World portal and Atlantic restaurant in Epic Universe. 787398 Aerial photo of Celestial Park landscaping so far at base of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe. 787399 Aerial photo showing that Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts are within walking distance of Epic Universe. Most guests will use shuttles.Clearing at top left is site of Catchlight Crossings. Affordable housing being developed by Universal. 787400 Aerial photo of the portal into Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. 787401

trr18 days ago

bioreconstruct @bioreconstruct Aerial look at the front of Epic Universe. Portal of the park at center.As guests enter there will be a view across Central Park. Including through the meandering lines of fountains in the ponds at top right. Aerial photo of work so far on Chronos, the tower and portal of Epic Universe.Similar ornamentation is on both sides. Celestial bursts.Additional arched park accesses will be at left and right. Aerial photo of work so far at the entrance areas of Epic Universe. Aerial look across the entrance areas of Epic Universe. At center is current height of Chronos, the tower at the park portal.In foreground is Luna Overlook, which will have a view across the length of Celestial Park to the Helios Grand Hotel. Aerial photo of the entry plaza of Epic Universe. Chronos is the name of the tower rising above the park's portal. Aerial photo of Luna Overlook and the current height of Chronos tower. At entrance of Epic Universe. 787388 Aerial photo of a spiral staircase under construction at the entrance of Epic Universe. It's believed that the second floor here is the park's VIP room. Seems like painting has started at nearby rockwork. 787387 Aerial look at the front of Epic Universe.At center is a half circle, Luna Overlook. There will be a view across Central Park, including through the meandering lines of fountains in the ponds at top center. 787389 Aerial overview of the front of Epic Universe. 787390 Aerial overview of the security and admissions buildings at Epic Universe. 787391

JoeCamel11 days ago

I wasn't aware they were putting Hello Kitty in this park too....

trr112 days ago

bioreconstruct @bioreconstruct Aerial photos of work so far on the portal and entrance plaza of Epic Universe. Aerial photo of sections of a tower crane lowered today at Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe. Aerial photo of the raised traffic circle in the extension of Kirkman Rd. Eases left turn traffic flow. Epic Universe day guest parking is at left. Aerial photo of Epic Universe May 18, 2024• Chronos tower continuing to rise, with celestial burst theming• One of the tower cranes being removed at Helios Grand Hotel• Peek at the carriages of Curse of the Werewolf• Service building behind Dark Universe has exterior 786638 Aerial photo of construction of the portal into Epic Universe, called Chronos.At bottom is Luna Overlook, which will have a view spanning across all of Celestial Park to Helios Grand Hotel. 786639

trr112 days ago

bioreconstruct @bioreconstruct Aerial photo of construction of the portal and tower at entrance of Epic Universe. Called Chronos. There are celestial bursts on the tower frame. Aerial photo of the park side of the portal into Epic Universe. Look close, and celestial burst theming can be seen.The horizontal yellow poles are likely temporary. Stabilizing Chronos during construction. Aerial photo above Epic Universe, looking toward the entrance plazas. Aerial photo of the Epic Universe entrance plaza. Aerial photo of domes on top of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe. Underlayment recently completed on the large dome. Sunburst theming recently added. Aerial photo of construction so far on Chronos. The tower and portal at entrance of Epic Universe.At top is Luna Overlook, and a cascading water feature. 786622 Aerial photo of the most recently placed dome on top of Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe. 786623 Aerial overview of the in-park hotel of Epic Universe. Helios Grand Hotel. 786624 Aerial photo of one of the tower cranes being removed at Helios Grand Hotel. In Epic Universe. 786625

rd80516 days ago

It may be for a bit, so they don't have to DELAY anything. Although having reservations made for end of 2025 or beyond seems like it would be pretty safe of them to start backloading. Helios has a ways to go though still.

Andrew2516 days ago

I think Epic should open with AP-access, but certainly w/ additional blockouts and a temporary reservation system for APs. Would be silly (IMO) to complicate the ticketing structure next year with various types of APs. As a current AP, I'm not expecting any sort of admission to AP preview with just the current APs offered... but I would like to upgrade instead of playing this game of whether or not I have to purchase individual tickets before an AP is offered w/ Epic. It's one of those questionable decisions the parks make that don't take into account operations. (I'm hoping I'm wrong).

Jon81uk16 days ago

In a way they shouldn’t have the same issue as the Star Warst at Disneyland one, there people already had an AP giving access to the park. Whereas at Universal Orlando existing AP holders have only paid for access to two or three parks, they currently have no right to admission for Epic Universe. Therefore I expect it will be an additional ticket purchase anyway and Uni can adjust that AP ticket upgrade price depending on how busy regular sales are. I don’t get why they didn’t just install two tracks for DK, yes sightlines might have been harder to ensure riders on the second track don’t see the “real” track of the other coaster, but it would make it a lot more fun seeing other carts flying past you as well as increasing capacity.

ToTBellHop17 days ago

How much longer can it possibly be before they release 2025 resort packages?!

trr117 days ago

cheezbat18 days ago

Yes they want people to add to their stays, but they do not mind the idea of an attendance dip at Studios. They expect it. There is a major plan for redos and expansions over the next handful of years at the park. They know they have a few duds and will need all the capacity and headlining attractions Uni Studios can take to really make guests stay for a week.