Five Worlds at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando
The first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years is built around portals. Here is what is on the other side of each one.
City Editor Jorge Figueroa of Orlando wrote in his own words, "I held Universal annual passes for almost a decade." He also wrote, "Our first visit to Epic Universe blew us away with how much visual impact the place makes."
In its May 22, 2025 press release, Universal Orlando Resort said it was celebrating the grand opening of its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe. Universal calls it the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. Here is a walk through it, one portal at a time.
How it is laid out
Universal says that through a set of majestic portals, guests are transported to five expansive worlds with a combined total of more than 50 experiences. WESH reports the five themed worlds span across 110 acres, on a property of 750 acres that leaves room for future potential expansions. Comcast's announcement said the park is just a few miles from the existing resort in Southwest Orange County.
The opening press release says the park "transports guests to five imaginative worlds filled with extraordinary adventures." A Destinations sign in the park points the way to the five worlds.
Celestial Park
Universal calls Celestial Park the heart of Universal Epic Universe and the first world guests will encounter at the new theme park. Universal's page says to begin your cosmic journey of discovery in a world between worlds, where the energy of the universe is harnessed to open portals to extraordinary realms of excitement. WDWNT reports the gardens change to match the nearby portal, with shifts in color choices and type of plants based on the portal you are walking toward.
Universal says fountain shows run throughout Celestial Park's seven acres of water, with fountains that reach heights up to 135 feet in the air. WDWNT reports the park's music is supported by 40 hours of musical content and 16 background music zones.
For Stardust Racers, Universal describes a dual launch coaster reaching speeds up to 62 mph, with an inverted crisscross known as the "Celestial Spin." The track loops around a planet sculpture in Celestial Park. Jorge wrote, "I swore I wasn't going on any rides, but after watching Stardust Racers I got on one, and I don't regret it."
On Constellation Carousel, Universal says you ride celestial lions, dragons, bears and more as the constellations themselves take physical form. The ceiling is a Star Tracker featuring rotating celestial star patterns.
Isle of Berk
Universal describes a vast sparkling lagoon with two 40-foot-tall Viking statues set against an energetic village perched above churning seas. A Viking statue stands over the lagoon on the Isle of Berk, and carved dragon details decorate the village.
Hiccup's Wing Gliders is a family thrill coaster that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the sky for a dragon's eye view of Berk. Dragon Racer's Rally features Viking made dragon riding trainers. The Untrainable Dragon is a live show: "The arrival of a dragon in Berk presents a challenge to Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid in this spectacular live show." Reuters reports, "Thirty-one animatronic dragons make their home on the Isle of Berk."
Ministry of Magic
Universal says this world blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures' Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. There, guests can encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus in the full scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus. Le Cirque Arcanus banners hang on the Paris street.
Reuters names Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry as the main attraction, where riders board an elevator lift.
Dark Universe
Universal says that as guests venture through the ravaged village of Darkmoor, they will encounter monstrous adventures. Reuters reports the village draws its ravaged look from classic films, such as a burning windmill depicted in the 1931 movie "Frankenstein."
The tower of Frankenstein Manor looms over Darkmoor. On Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Universal says guests journey deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor while trying to evade the grasps of Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy and others.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Universal Orlando said before opening that it all begins the moment guests enter the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which transports them through the iconic green pipe into the immersive land. It features Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country, which the press release says appears for the first time in the US.
On Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, Universal says the ride fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments. On Mine-Cart Madness, guests hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana on a first of its kind family coaster.
Dusk and the hotel
Universal Helios Grand Hotel sits inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park. Universal describes a majestic 500 room Mediterranean inspired escape overlooking the theme park, with a dedicated entrance to the park from the lobby for hotel guests. Valid theme park admission is required.
The Helios Grand Hotel rises behind the Celestial Park fountains at dusk. In his own caption, Jorge wrote, "Imagine staying here and having this park in your lobby!"
Check park hours before you go.
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