Universal Orlando Announces Opening Date for the ALL-NEW Epic Universe!
Universal Orlando is one of our favorite theme parks for kids and families. Today, they announced the opening date of their most EPIC theme park yet! Universal’s Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025, and will feature five immersive worlds:
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
- Celestial Park
- Dark Universe
While we’re eagerly anticipating the opening of this new park, we’re sharing the details and info we’re most excited about that we think kids will love!
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Super Nintendo World
Get ready to power up! This new world will give fans of all ages the chance to jump into the action and step right into the video game as they enter through the iconic green pipe. Encounter beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong in the most interactive, colorful world that Universal has ever created. New awesome rides are set to debut including the fast-moving Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and a slower ride featuring the beloved little green dinosaur, Yoshi.
You can also head to Donkey Kong Country to explore the lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, from its tall trees and waterfalls to iconic landmarks like The Golden Temple. Hop on the new Mine Cart Madness and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted gold banana. This first of its kind family coaster will feature an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology, and unique coaster design. Go on a thrilling adventure where you’ll experience jaw-dropping maneuvers just like Donkey Kong does in the video game. Get blasted out of a barrel, jump over gaps, speed along a rickety track, and more!
You can also level up your fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with Power Up Bands (sold separately). These wearable bands will allow you to enhance your play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Collect digital coins by punching “?” Blocks and playing interactive activities, collect digital stamps on attractions, earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr., and discover other amazing hidden surprises.
This is one area that we think parents will love just as much as the kids. Not just for the fun and thrills, but for the nostalgia of it as well. This world has already debuted at Universal Studios Hollywood and in Japan, and we can’t wait to experience it here.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
Universal has already wowed guests with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Now, wizards, witches, and muggles can discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and travel to 1990s British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
This world includes a unique live show, Le Cirque Arcanus, and an all-new dark ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, where you’ll board a lift and dive into the Ministry’s many departments. Plus, you’ll be able to sharpen up your spell-casting skills at interactive wand experiences throughout wizarding Paris.
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
Soar with dragons and go on a Viking adventure in this world that’s based on the How to Train Your Dragon franchise.
Upon entering the park, you’ll encounter the iconic sweeping vista straight from the films such as a 40-foot Viking ship and sparkling lagoon. There will be four attractions, one live show, and several character and dragon meet-and-greet experiences.
Attractions at The Isle of Berk Include:
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: Brave, new Vikings will have the chance to ride on Hiccup’s latest glider contraption on this family thrill coaster. Fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless on this winged flying machine for a dragon-eyed view of Berk!
- The Untrainable Dragon: Go on an unforgettable journey with Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid during this live spectacular with captivating musical numbers, breathtaking sets, and life-sized dragons!
- Dragon Racer’s Rally: Practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on two Viking-made dragon riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet in the air! Control how mild or wild your experience will be as you perform gravity-defying skills to find out if you can be a true dragon racer.
- Viking Training Camp: Junior Vikings can climb, slide, and explore their way through this interactive adventure play camp that features a Viking agility course, Toothless-themed teeter-totter, baby Gronckle dragon climbers, and more.
- Meet Hiccup and Toothless: Visit the Haddock Paddock for an incredible meet and greet experience with heroic Dragon Rider, Hiccup and Night Fury, Toothless. Throughout the day, you’ll also encounter other familiar Vikings and dragons while exploring around Berk.
There will also be two restaurants, Mead Hall and Spit Fyre Grill, and a quick-grab spot, Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel. Vikings can commemorate their trip with merchandise from shops like Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’s Treasures.
Celestial Park
From the colorful landscaping to the breathtaking waterfalls, this is where fans can come to seek the ultimate adventure. There will be three amazing attractions – StardustRacers, Constellation Carousel, and Astronomica – as well as several new restaurants and shopping experiences.
Stardust Racers will be a dual-launch racing coaster that will send guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the fastest of them all. This thrilling coaster will reach speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. Experience unique maneuvers such as the “Celestial Spin,” in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air.
The cosmo-inspired Constellation Carousel is the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park. Whirl around through constellations that glide forward and backward and even make 360-degree rotations along with magical music in a starlit atmosphere.
Astronomica is set to be an interactive wet-play area where you can play with crystal blue dancing fountains that spring to life.
You can also go on an undersea adventure in fine dining at Atlantic. Inside glass walls reminiscent of a Victorian aquarium, starfish and illuminated fish will swim above you as you indulge in seafood, steaks, and cocktails from the lively Aquaria bar.
Dark Universe
Universal’s monsters are some of the most legendary characters of all time. In Dark Universe, Universal’s classic monsters are reimagined for what promises to be an ominous and chilling experience. This will be a classic horror film fan’s dream, and maybe not as suitable for younger ones.
Face the rage of monsters unchained at the thrilling ride, The Frankenstein Experiment and step into fog-shrouded depths of the village of Darkmoor as your stumble through the streets and encounter classic horror film monsters. Travel through the depths of the woods on a thrilling new coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, and meet terrifying characters that once haunted your dreams.
New restaurants include the fast-casual Das Stakehaus and the unique Burning Blade Tavern, with a mill that erupts into flames every 20 minutes.
Feeling monstrous? Visit the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience to visit an old lab turned monster parlous where you can be made up into your very own monster.
NEW Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Located inside Epic Universe and at the end of Celestial Park, you’ll find the brand new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, also opening to guests on May 22, 2025. This 500-room hotel is designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite. It features one-of-a-kind views and has its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park.
How to plan your visit to Epic Universe
Staring October 22, guests can begin planning an epic 2025 vacation to Universal Orlando as the first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale. Specific products in this first phase include:
- A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of admission to Universal’s theme parks, including one day admission to Epic Universe.
- Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open for stays beginning May 22, 2025.
- Annual Passholders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-day tickets to Universal Epic Universe before they go on sale to the general public. Passholders can take advantage of this priority opportunity beginning Thursday, October 24.
All renderings courtesy of Universal Studios.
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