By Lisa A. Beach
Theme park enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the grand opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s Universal Epic Universe in May 2025, but if you simply can’t wait — and happen to be in town — you can grab a sneak peek at its official Preview Center now.
Open (for free!) to the public at Universal CityWalk in Orlando, the Preview Center showcases the immersive environments, imaginative storytelling, and cutting-edge rides and attractions this new park offers at five distinct lands. And it’s all laid out in a massive 3D model with an augmented reality app to enhance the experience — highlighting what you can expect when this much-anticipated attraction is completed.
Whether you check out the preview or wait for the real deal, it’s time to start making plans for your next epic trip to Orlando. Here’s what to expect when the park opens:
Universal Epic Universe features a modern take on the classic hub-and-spoke design, with the expansive Celestial Park serving as a central connector to four themed lands. Unlike traditional theme parks, each land stands as a completely distinct environment, delivering a fully encompassing experience.
With that in mind, let Celestial Park serve as your launching point for your own explorations. Since theme park goers often turn right once inside the gates, consider taking “the road less traveled” by going left (toward Super Nintendo World) and proceeding clockwise around the park. This might help avoid early morning congestion.
Epic Universe Facts to Know Before You Go
- Opening Date: May 22, 2025.
- Location: 1001 Epic Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819. Universal Epic Universe is located roughly 3 miles south of the existing Universal Orlando Resort. The South Campus expands the theme park complex beyond its original North Campus, which includes Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.
- Park Hours: TBA.
- Ticket Information:
- Initially, only multiday ticket options (3, 4, or 5 days) and vacation packages (which include 1 day at Epic Universe) will be available.
- Universal Orlando annual Passholders get exclusive access to single-day tickets to Epic Universe before the general public.
- Transportation: Universal will provide complimentary shuttle service between Universal Epic Universe and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort.
- Number of Worlds: 5.
- Number of Attractions: 50+ attractions, shows, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences.
Celestial Park: The Grand Entrance
Welcome to Celestial Park, the breathtaking heart of Universal Epic Universe. The grand Chronos Tower is your Epic Universe portal — a convenient central meeting point. This sprawling hub reimagines the traditional theme park entrance as an immersive celestial garden, boasting acres of rolling landscapes, dancing waterways, and winding paths.
The park’s centerpiece — the Constellation Carousel — elevates the classic carnival ride with carriages that rotate 360 degrees and glide through a choreographed dance of starlight and music. For thrill-seekers, Stardust Racers claims to offer the world’s only “Celestial Spin,” in which two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross, reaching speeds up to 62 mph.
Families can cool off at Astronomica, an interactive fountain plaza that serves as a wet-play area and a grand compass rose to the park’s lands. At night, the 7 acres of fountains dance to music and lights, soaring up to 135 feet.
Dining options will range from the Victorian-inspired Atlantic restaurant, offering sweeping views of the surrounding domain, to Pan-Asian-themed The Blue Dragon, providing an ethereal experience with neon dragons and lanterns. The Oak & Star Tavern serves savory barbecue, while Pizza Moon offers quick-service Italian fare.
Beyond its role as a connecting hub, Celestial Park stands as its own destination, putting the “park” back in theme park with its blend of thrilling attractions, sophisticated dining, and serene gardens. For stunning park views and cascading water features, head to the Luna statue overlook.
Your Epic Universe Adventure Awaits
With its blend of cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, and diverse experiences for all ages, Universal Epic Universe is set to redefine the Orlando theme park landscape. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a fantasy enthusiast, or a family looking for unforgettable memories, Epic Universe promises an adventure of cosmic proportions.
Lisa Beach is an Orlando-based freelance writer whose work has been published in The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Islands, USA Today Go Escape, Good Housekeeping, and Orlando Magazine.
