Aerial photo of Epic Universe under construction in Orlando, Florida; opening Summer 2025 — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Felix Mizioznikov
The initial information about Universal Epic Universe, a portal-connected theme park that will transport guests to the worlds of Nintendo, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, the terrifying Dark Universe, and Celestial Park, was released by Universal Orlando Resort.
Touted as Universal’s “most ambitious theme park yet,” Universal Epic Universe is expected to have more than 50 attractions, events, food options, and retail stores. These experiences will be scattered throughout Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.
Putting the “park back in theme park” with acres of “rolling gardens, chasing waterways, and strolling pathways” alongside “architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements,” Celestial Park—which is, incidentally, the first world fans will explore when they first enter Universal Epic Universe—will also serve as the entrance to all the other worlds.
A Doorway to Our Favorite Universes
In a moment, we’ll discuss the exciting events that Celestial Park has in store, but first, let’s talk about the “portals” that will transport visitors to their favorite properties’ alternate realities. Celestial Park is being constructed to be the focal point of a greater story, which is important to the Universal Epic Universe’s emphasis on immersion.
After Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is Universal Orlando’s third Harry Potter zone that can be accessed through the first gateway.
According to the official description, “Guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.”
Next up is Super Nintendo World, Orlando’s much-awaited take on the Mario-themed theme park that has previously debuted in California and Japan. According to Universal, this will be a land “where guests will enter the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play as they step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong.”
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will be a portal not to be missed for dragon lovers. When guests enter this land, they’ll be able to “soar with dragons in a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.”
Last on the list is the eerie Dark Universe, a place where guests are brave enough to enter will “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.” Indeed, this is the same name as the shared monster universe from Universal.
Celestial Park Is Far More Than Just An Entry Point
Though the main attractions will be these worlds based on well-loved titles, Celestial Park is much more than a portal to other places. The news that Starfall Racers will be one of the world’s top attractions will excite thrill-seekers. Two groups of riders will race along 5,000 feet of track at up to 62 mph and heights of up to 133 feet on this dual-launch racing coaster.
The “Celestial Spin” is another move that Starfall Racers will offer. It involves “two coaster vehicles performing an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air.”
All visitors will be able to enjoy the Constellation Carousel, dubbed the “grand centerpiece of Celestial Park.” This carousel is not like any other; instead, it will transport riders “aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the Milky Way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.”
The Astronomica interactive wet-play area is another great way for kids to cool off in the Florida heat. It’s a fountain-filled area that doubles as a compass to other realms.
Numerous amazing dining options will also be available at Celestial Park, such as Atlantic, a “full-service surf and turf restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium complete with captivating views of Celestial Park.” In addition, The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant will be open. It features a cuisine featuring actual food from China, Japan, and Thailand as well as neon dragons and ethereal lanterns for its design.
In addition, The Oak & Star Tavern, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, the Nintendo Super Store, and a pizza place named Pizza Moon will be there, among many other things.
Not only that, but Universal Epic Universe will also have the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which is “designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite – complete with 500 rooms, one-of-a-kind views, and its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park.” The Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort are two other new Universal hotels that will be located close to the park.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.