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.
Super Nintendo WorldTM: Level Up Your Adventure
Game on with your favorite Nintendo characters in this vibrant world, where video games spring to life. Enter through the iconic green pipe to discover two distinct realms: Super Mario Land™ and Donkey Kong Country™, each packed with experiences that put you in the game.
In Super Mario Land, the flagship attraction Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge combines augmented reality and projection mapping to create the ultimate competition. Guests join Team Mario, collecting coins and dodging obstacles while competing for the Golden Cup. The family-friendly Yoshi’s Adventure™ offers breathtaking views of the Mushroom Kingdom (look for the iconic Peach’s Castle) as riders search for glowing eggs alongside their favorite dinosaur companion.
Donkey Kong Country introduces Mine-Cart Madness™, a high-tech roller coaster that recreates the game’s signature mine cart sequences. Riders experience barrel blasts and seemingly impossible track jumps (a nod to the game’s beloved shenanigans) as you help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect their golden banana.
The interactive experience continues with Power-Up Bands, allowing guests to collect digital coins, earn stamps, and unlock special challenges. You can meet beloved characters such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, then refuel at themed-dining spots like Toadstool Cafe™, where virtual toads prepare game-inspired dishes.
Shopping destinations 1-UP Factory™ and Mario Motors™ offer exclusive merchandise, while Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats provide quick refreshments. The land’s attention to detail, from the soaring Mt. Beanpole to the giant Piranha Plants, creates an authentic Nintendo experience that brings gaming fantasies to life.
Dark Universe: Where Monsters Roam
Ready to dive into the eerie world of horror’s most iconic characters? Step into the shadows of Dark Universe, where classic monsters reemerge with a modern-day twist. The land’s centerpiece, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, takes guests on a suspense-filled journey through Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s — the great-great granddaughter of Frankenstein — laboratory. Using state-of-the-art ride technology similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, this spooky attraction brings you face-to-face with the doctor’s terrifying creations. Your heart will race as you creep through the lab’s dark corridors, encountering animatronics that blur the line between nightmare and reality.
For adrenaline junkies, Curse of the Werewolf offers its own twist on the traditional coaster experience. This family-friendly spinning coaster features a swing launch, sending riders howling through the moonlit landscape. Be prepared for the sudden drops and sharp turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
While exploring fog-shrouded streets, keep your eyes peeled for an incredibly lifelike Wolfman and other impressive animatronics. This landscape, conjuring a foreboding castle and winding pathways through a spooky forest, sets the stage for encounters with the undead. Get drawn into the eerie soundscapes and atmospheric lighting that amplify the chills, making every step feel like a scene from a horror movie.
Dining options enhance the macabre motif, with atmospheric restaurants and snack stands offering themed treats and monster-inspired cuisine.
Whether you’re a horror aficionado or just looking for a spine-tingling adventure, Dark Universe brings Universal’s monster legacy roaring into the 21st century.
The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM — Ministry of MagicTM
Potterheads, prepare for the ultimate magical experience! Universal’s third Wizarding World installment seamlessly blends the 1920s Wizarding Paris with the 1990s British Ministry of Magic.
Your adventure begins with the Métro-Floo transportation system — inspired by the Harry Potter films’ Floo Network — whisking you between two distinct magical worlds. The British Ministry section showcases an immersive design, featuring a grand entrance with a magical creatures fountain and a massive headquarters dominating the skyline. Look for the restored Fountain of Magical Brethren statue and the enchanted weather ceiling in the Ministry atrium, adding to the authenticity.
The crown jewel is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry — featuring an omnidirectional lift that seats 14 guests, moving side-to-side and up-and-down through iconic Ministry locations. You’ll chase Dolores Umbridge through the Magical Archives, Department of Magical Creatures, and mind-bending Time Room while dodging Death Eaters and other magical chaos. Ultimately, guests will physically step inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic, witnessing the trial of Dolores Umbridge in her office.
Don’t miss Le Cirque Arcanus, a stage spectacular in the Paris section, where magical creatures from the Fantastic Beasts world materialize before your eyes. The land also promises live wand demonstrations, character meet-and-greets, and immersive theatrical performances, among other interactive experiences.
Architectural details transport you directly into the wizarding world, with smaller buildings mimicking authentic London designs. So, don your robe, grab your wand, and prepare to explore these enchanting streets (with an iconic Butterbeer in hand) for a new spellbinding adventure.
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
Soar into adventure at How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons live in playful harmony amid a dramatic Nordic landscape. Towering 40-foot Viking statues overlooking a sparkling lagoon will help you step far back in time as you take in the bustling Village Plaza and its hand-carved architectural details.
The land’s signature attraction, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, launches riders alongside Hiccup and Toothless at speeds up to 45 mph, offering a dragon’s-eye view of Berk. For more thrills, swoop through the skies on Dragon Racer’s Rally, on which you control your own high-flying experience, reaching heights of 67 feet while performing barrel rolls and aerobatic maneuvers.
Families can battle it out on Fyre Drill, a wet-and-wild boat ride that allows teams to compete to hit flame-like targets with water cannons. The Untrainable Dragon live show presents captivating musical numbers and life-size dragons soaring overhead, while Viking Training Camp offers junior Vikings an interactive playground for climbing and exploring.
You can even feast like a Viking at the grand Mead Hall, where hearty fare is served alongside meads and ciders, or grab quick bites at Spit Fyre Grill, where an unseen dragon helper flame-sears the food. Meet beloved characters such as Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock, then browse Viking-themed merchandise at the How to Treat Your Dragon and Toothless’ Treasures shops.
Throughout this land, you will encounter active dragons in their natural habitats, mischievous sheep in dragon disguises, and sporadic bursts of fire, making you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Berk.
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.
