Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for a major expansion as it prepares to open its fourth theme park, Epic Universe, in May 2025. This state-of-the-art attraction promises to take the theme park experience to new heights, offering visitors an immersive journey through five distinct lands—from the wizarding world of Harry Potter to the fantastical realm of How to Train Your Dragon.
Universal officials announced on Thursday that Epic Universe will officially open its doors on May 22, 2025, just in time for the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Tickets and vacation packages for the new park will go on sale next week, with initial access limited to visitors holding multi-day passes.
“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort.
The opening of Epic Universe marks a significant milestone for the resort, as it looks to further cement its position as a premier theme park destination, upping the competition against its longtime rival, Walt Disney World.
Universal’s new park will feature five immersive themed areas, including the highly anticipated Super Nintendo World, which will join the existing locations in Los Angeles and Japan. Fans of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise will also be able to explore the Isle of Berk, while the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expands with a new Ministry of Magic area.
But Epic Universe isn’t just about classic IP-based lands; it also promises to introduce new, original concepts like the Dark Universe, which will draw inspiration from classic monster movies, and the whimsical Celestial Park, complete with space-themed roller coasters and other celestial-inspired attractions.
Complementing the theme park experience, Universal is also opening a brand-new hotel, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will offer 500 rooms and stunning views of Epic Universe. Conveniently located within the park’s Celestial Park area, the hotel will provide guests with exclusive access to a dedicated entrance, ensuring a seamless experience.
“This hotel is themed after the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with celestial patterns, constellations, and Mediterranean-inspired design,” the company said in a statement. “What makes this hotel stand out is its prime location within Celestial Park—right inside Epic Universe. The best part? Guests staying here will have exclusive access to a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe, offering unparalleled convenience.”
The announcement of Epic Universe’s opening date and the Helios Grand Hotel’s debut coincides with Universal’s phased approach to ticket sales. Starting next week, visitors with multi-day passes will be able to book their visits, but with a limit of one day at the new theme park. The overwhelming demand during the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure in 2010 likely informed this crowd-control strategy.
“I think all of that historical information has come into play in how they’re positioning this,” said Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services. “It’s going to have a major turnout when it opens. At this early stage, they manage the spigot, regulating the amount of water and the timing of people’s arrival.
The May opening date also means that Epic Universe will debut during the shoulder season, potentially avoiding the scorching summer heat that often plagues Central Florida. This move could further bolster the park’s appeal, as Matt Roseboom, editor and publisher of Attractions Magazine, points out.
“I was pleased to learn that the opening is scheduled for spring, rather than summer.” Roseboom expressed her surprise at the late spring opening.
As the countdown to Epic Universe’s grand opening begins, Universal Orlando’s ambitious expansion plans underscore the ongoing competition within the theme park capital of the United States. With Disney World also hinting at potential investments of up to $17 billion for its own expansion, the battle for theme park supremacy in Orlando is heating up.
Ultimately, the success of Epic Universe will hinge on its ability to offer visitors a truly immersive and innovative experience—one that can captivate the imagination of both casual theme parkgoers and die-hard enthusiasts alike. With its diverse array of themed lands, cutting-edge attractions, and world-class accommodations, Universal’s newest addition to the Orlando landscape promises to be a game-changer in the ever-evolving world of theme park entertainment.