It feels like it was just yesterday that we received the news about Universal Studios’ newest theme park, Epic Universe, coming to Orlando, Florida. As an Orlando native for almost 29 years, you can imagine the excitement for not only myself but for many others who are fans of the franchises we will be seeing within the park. After a few years of diligent construction work, along with the dedication of the creative minds behind the park design and ride mechanics, we have our opening date of May 22nd, 2025.

Epic Universe immerses you in five different highly themed “universes” that are entered through a portal. Celestial Park is the main gateway into the park; along with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and last but not least, the universe we just might be most excited for… Dark Universe.

Along with the parks grand opening, three all new (and might I say stunning) hotels will also be available on property to enhance and immerse your stay at Epic Universe even further. Our first hotels are the unique galaxy-themed Universal Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts. Stella Nova actually opened back in January and has been welcoming guests for a little over a month now.

In just a few weeks, Terra Luna will be opening on March 25th, 2025. Coinciding with the May 22nd opening date, our last hotel is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Directly on sight, this will offer a dedicated and exclusive entrance into Epic Universe.

Enter the Portals

Dark Universe

Once you enter through the portal of Dark Universe, you find yourself in the crumbling streets of the gothic village of Darkmoor. Where Universal Pictures’ classic Monsters and their nightmarish experiments reside. Alongside villagers, monster makers, and monster hunters who roam the streets.

This universe will consist of two attractions: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a dark ride located underneath the Frankenstein manor, and featuring the likes of Frankenstein himself, The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, and Gill-man (Creature from the Black Lagoon).

I think I can speak for all horror fanatics out there when I say that I cannot wait to step into the Dark Universe. It’s refreshing to see more horror representation within the parks, let alone a whole park dedicated to our favorite monsters. Our second attraction is Curse of the Werewolf, a family-friendly spinning coaster that takes you through the Guild of Mystics encampment. Spinning coasters are definitely becoming more prevalent in the theme park world and we’re just as equally excited for this one.

Along with these attractions, there will also be a Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience and three dining locations: The Burning Blade Tavern, Das Stakehaus, and De Lacey’s Cottage.

First off, Das Stakehaus will be a casual/quick-service dining experience where “familiars” (vampire servants) will serve your meals inside an “old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs.” Some food items you can expect to see are delicious meat on a stake (how fitting), vegan stuffed cabbage for our veggie-loving vampires, a “blood” orange chicken sandwich, and carved “stakes.”

The Burning Blade Tavern will take you on a trip down memory lane to discover stories from some of Darkmoor Village’s most prominent creature captures. While serving specialty-themed beverages, and food items ranging from wings, bratwurst, burgers, and pretzels. Our last dining location is De Lacey’s Cottage: located near Frankenstein’s Manor, De Lacey’s will feature chilling snacks and drinks, “where visitors can refresh themselves with cinnamon bites, pretzels, and more.”

Up next we have another fan-favorite, and sure to be one of the most joyous universes in all of Epic! Get ready to experience your video game idols like you’ve never seen them before.

Super Nintendo World

The iconic green pipe (portal) awaits you. Guests are welcomed by their most beloved Nintendo characters in Super Nintendo World: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Yoshi, and making his U.S. debut… Donkey Kong! With the success of Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan, the Orlando parks are finally receiving this colorful and nostalgic-themed land.

Attractions include Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge where you can experience the thrill of getting behind the wheel in a one-of-a-kind ride system that blends augmented reality with elaborate design and projection mapping technology. Yoshi’s Adventure is a family-friendly ride that takes you through the Mushroom Kingdom in search of golden eggs while visiting Yoshi and all his pals. This will be the attraction’s U.S. debut as well!

Located at the edge of Super Nintendo World, we will also join the one and only DK in Donkey Kong Country. As previously mentioned, this will be Donkey Kong’s debut at the U.S. theme parks; with the original location of the themed land being in Universal Studios Japan. Board your mine cart and explore the Golden Temple in Mine-Cart Madness, the main attraction in Donkey Kong Country. Help DK protect the golden banana in this thrilling “jumping” coaster.

An interactive power band can be purchased in Super Nintendo World for several different games throughout the land. Collect coins and stamps with friends, complete challenges, and track your score on Mario Kart with these adorably themed bands. Now, we can’t forget about the food options. With some of the most notable dining locations in all of Epic Universe, you can check out Toadstool Café, run by the one and only Chef Toad, The Bubbly Barrel, Turbo-Boost Treats, and Yoshi’s Snack Island. Meet and Greets will also be available in Super Nintendo World, featuring Mario and Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong.

Grab your wands and get ready for some magic…

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - The Ministry of Magic

Walk amongst the streets of 1920s Paris and find yourself immersed along the way into the 1990s British Ministry of Magic by means of the Metro Floo. Join Newt Scamander and encounter the “Fantastic Beasts” that bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - The Ministry of Magic to life. This will be the Harry Potter franchise’s third installment in a Universal Studios park, and the first time with this awe-inspiring theming.

This lands main attraction is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. A thrilling motion simulator hybrid ride that takes guests into the unexplored depths of the many departments at the Ministry. Join Harry, Ron, and Hermoine aboard the lift and experience one of the most technologically ground-breaking rides of a lifetime.

Three exquisite dining locations make up that of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - The Ministry of Magic. Indulge at Café L’air De La Sirène™ with decadent French-inspired cuisine and enjoy the breathtaking views at any time of the day. Grab a cocktail at Bar Moonshine™ inspired by Wizarding Americana, or stop into Le Gobelet Noir™ and tap into your Dark wizardry with the Alchemist’s Platter: consisting of smoked sausage, potato and cheese pierogies, tangy pickled eggs, marinated beets, and caramelized onions, and a hearty German-style pretzel.

A whimsical retreat resides inside The Tent of Le Cirque Arcanus™, where you can come face-to-face with Fantastic Beasts and enjoy a mixture of live performers, puppetry, and special effects. New wands will be available to purchase inside the luxurious Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique™, along with more interactive areas for us Muggles to brush up on our magic.

Join Toothless and Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as they soar the skies over the breathtaking Isle of Berk.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

Notably the largest land in all of Epic Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, takes you on a journey through a world where dragons roam and Viking villagers reside. On Isle of Berk, you can find several attractions, an interactive playground area for kids, and an all-new live show: The Untrainable Dragon.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders launches aspiring dragon trainers high above the sky, soaring over the ethereal landscape, and even encountering Hiccup and Toothless along the way. Defy gravity in the high-flying thrill ride, Dragon Racer’s Rally. One of the first attractions of its kind at a Universal theme park.

Hop aboard your ship and prepare to douse fire-breathing dragons (flame-like targets) on Fyre Drill, the land’s only family-friendly water ride. Which will be perfect for those hot summer days in Orlando. If you’re traveling with little ones, take a break at the Viking Training Camp where they can “climb, slide, and play” in this interactive adventure play camp.

Dining locations for How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk include Mead Hall, where you too can eat like a Viking, Spit Fyre Grill which will be offering flame-grilled meats and treats prepared by none other than a dragon fry cook, and Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel housing one of our most must-try foods, the Mac and Cheese cone!

Prepare to be transported into Epic Universe through its main portal.

Celestial Park

Last but certainly not least, we explore what is known as the “cosmic heart” of Epic Universe, Celestial Park. Filled with lush greenery and fountains adorning the glistening walkways, this gateway to the brand-new theme park is truly out of this world. Featuring a dueling coaster called Stardust Racers that zooms you through the cosmos.

We haven’t seen an attraction of this kind since Dueling Dragons at Universal’s Islands of Adventure; which sadly was removed in 2017 to make room for what is now Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Our other attraction is Constellation Carousel, which is not your ordinary horse-themed carousel, but one that is filled with mythical dragons, lions, bears, and more.

Within Celestial Park, you can also find the Nintendo Super Star Store. Guests can purchase all of their Super Nintendo World-themed souvenirs and more. Housing the largest array of dining locations in all of Epic Universe, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy on this culinary journey.

Maybe you’re craving a slice from Pizza Moon, or want to have a sit-down dining experience amongst the neon glow of The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian restaurant. In the mood for a sweet frozen treat? Frosty Moon has got you covered. Dive into the undersea adventure that is Atlantic, or try some home-cooked BBQ from The Oak & Star Tavern.

We are absolutely THRILLED for Epic Universe to open in May, and we hope you are too! Now the real questions is, where do you even begin? By the looks of it, I think we’ll be heading straight for Dark Universe and spending the day with the Monsters.

Happy haunting!

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Mar 30, 2023

Jamie Dickson

Mar 30, 2023

B-Grade horror enthusiast residing in Orlando, Florida. Co-host of Fear and Beer podcast: specializing in Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights related content. I love the movies you hate!

Which Portal Will You Enter First This Summer? A Complete Guide To Universal Studios Epic Universe