Universal Orlando Resort is set to open its newest and largest theme park, the Universal Epic Universe, on May 22, 2025. This multibillion-dollar project boasts five uniquely themed sections and a 500-room hotel, making it an essential addition to Orlando's attractions. It is the first significant traditional theme park to debut in Florida since Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 1999, although a water park called Volcano Bay was opened in 2017. With Epic Universe, Universal Orlando now comprises four parks, including Universal Studios, amplifying its rivalry with Walt Disney World for a larger share of Orlando's estimated 74 million annual tourists.
Epic Universe is touted by Universal officials as the company’s most technologically advanced theme park to date, incorporating innovative features such as a facial recognition system designed to expedite access to ride express lines. Additionally, Comcast NBCUniversal, Universal's parent company, has ambitious plans for international expansion, including the first Universal-branded park and resort in Europe, and a family-friendly park planned for a Dallas suburb.
As excitement builds for the Epic Universe opening, single-day ticket prices are set to start at $139 for adults, rising to $199 during peak times. However, economic uncertainty, primarily stemming from recent U.S. tariff announcements and challenges faced by international tourists, is raising concerns about overall visitor spending habits. Despite these worries, records indicated a flourishing tourist economy in Orlando, with Orange County collecting an impressive $359 million in tourist taxes last year.
The park's layout comprises five distinct thematic sections, including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. Each area is designed to create an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing both original characters and beloved franchises from popular culture.
Celestial Park serves as the central hub of Epic Universe, connecting the various themed areas. This section, themed around space and astronomy, features original characters and is designed to be aesthetically tranquil amidst the excitement of the other areas. The park includes a stunning 133-foot high dual-launch roller coaster named Stardust Racers and a grand carousel, ensuring a balance of thrill and serenity.
In contrast, Super Nintendo World offers a vibrant and immersive experience, characterized by its bright colors and energetic steel-drum music. Unique elements of this section include two levels, making it a rare design choice for theme parks. Visitors will find attractions such as an augmented reality dark ride, a kid-friendly omni-mover, and a Donkey Kong-themed coaster. The iconic characters of Mario and Luigi will also be present to interact with guests.
Dark Universe pays homage to Universal’s horror heritage, featuring attractions based on classic monsters like Frankenstein’s monster and Dracula. Guests will enter through a recreated Central European village, leading to a dark ride through Frankenstein’s castle and a family-friendly roller coaster inspired by werewolf lore, complete with a tavern featuring a windmill that bursts into flames at intervals.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic is the third iteration of Harry Potter attractions in Florida, immersing guests in the intricate architecture reminiscent of 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films. The standout experience in this land is the omnidirectional lift ride titled Battle at the Ministry, set in a grand atrium recalling the scale of New York's Grand Central Terminal.
Lastly, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk is inspired by the beloved franchise and features next-generation animatronic dragons. This area includes a central lagoon, Viking statues, a coaster, and a boat ride, offering kids and families the chance for interactive experiences with these stunning new dragon characters.
As the excitement for Epic Universe builds, it promises to be a significant player in Orlando's theme park landscape, attracting both local guests and international tourists while pushing the boundaries of themed entertainment.
