First Look: Universal’s $7 Billion Epic Universe Delivers on Its Name
The $7 billion Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort is set to be the most ambitious expansion yet. As one might expect from its moniker, this immersive entertainment venue is epic.
Epic Universe, which will join Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay as the fourth major attraction at the resort, is slated to open in less than two months. In a park-wide hub-and-spoke model, Celestial Park will serve as a central nexus — connecting the four themed worlds of the Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon), a magical-1930s Paris (from Harry Potter), “”Darkmoor Village,”” filled with monsters, and an expanded Super Nintendo World.
Each domain is entered via unique gateways that provide immaculate transitions between worlds. At a recent media preview, guests tried out the park’s signature rides, which include fierce roller coasters, gravity-defying dark rides, and elaborate themed environments.
The level of detail throughout the Epic Universe is unreal. The Evere section is lovingly designed to envelop guests into those realms with architecture, flora, special effects, live entertainment, and character interactions.
A GuidedTour of Epic Universe’s Lands
It starts at the park’s massive entrance to Celestial Park: The Chronos. This central hub has a tranquil expanse of gardens and fountains where you can catch your breath between adventures. Don’t miss Stardust Racers, a pair of dueling roller coasters that some visitors have found even more exciting than Islands of Adventure’s VelociCoaster.
The shining attraction of the park is the Isle of Berk, inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The level of detail is impressive, from dragon-carved benches to smoldering tinder lampposts. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders sends riders flying 45 mph, while Fyre Drill promises a splashy journey through the lagoon.
Broadway caliber with live drummers and life-sized dragon puppetry, The Untrainable Dragon show. A click will rebound a barrel while you start controlling how crazy your ride gets, from a soft flight to barrel rolls all the way around, wholly controlled by you with Dragon Racer’s Rally.
Step through another portal and land in magical Paris in the 1920s. This Harry Potter-themed world is home to the incredible Battle at the Ministry ride, tucked away under a Parisian Metro entrance.
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After traversing the Metrofloo Network in a swirl of green fire, you’ll navigate a four-story atrium lined with ministry offices before you board a 14-seat elevator that moves horizontally through magical skirmishes.
Dark Universe as the classic monsters roam the murky(brooding) Darkmoor Village. The Burning Blade Tavern is under a windmill that periodically bursts into flame every 20 minutes. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment relies on leaps of a different sort — employing state-of-the-art robotic-arm technology and sophisticated effects to engage without the crutch of jump scares.
Super Nintendo World rounds out the offerings at the park with the largest version of this highly popular land to date. You’ll enter via a warp pipe into a candy-colored world of coins, question blocks, and mushrooms. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge addresses the ride with AR headsets to create an interactive gaming experience.
A dedicated portal in this zone opens to Donkey Kong Country — complete with stunning waterfalls and the thrilling Mine-Cart Madness ride, which recreates the mine cart level from the classic video game.
FAQs
Q. When will Epic Universe open?
A. Epic Universe will debut less than two months from now at Universal Orlando Resort.
Q. What was the cost of building Epic Universe?
A. The estimated cost is more than $7 billion, making it perhaps the most expensive new theme park ever built.
Q. What themes will Epic Universe have?
A. The park is divided into five sections: Celestial Park (the central hub), Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon), The Ministry of Magic (the 1920s era of Harry Potter), Dark Universe (Universal Monsters) and Super Nintendo World.
Q. What is the most exciting ride at Epic Universe?
A. Many early-goers identify Stardust Racers, the dueling roller coasters in Celestial Park, as the most intense ride.
Q. What is Epic Universe like compared to other Universal parks?
A. Epic Universe will have more immersive theming and ride technology than previous Universal parks. Its unusual hub-and-spoke design creates more distinct and separated themed experiences.
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