Disney's theme park business competitor Universal Orlando unveils first detailed look at Universal Epic Universe

Jan 30, 2024 in "Universal Orlando Resort"

Universal Epic Universe concept art
Posted: Tuesday January 30, 2024 8:51am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its first official glimpse into its fourth Florida theme park - Universal Epic Universe, set to open in Summer 2025.

Today we get a first look at Celestial Park – the heart of Universal Epic Universe and the first world guests will encounter at the new theme park. More details about Universal Epic Universe – including the debut of an interactive preview center at Universal CityWalk later this year that will offer a sneak peek at the new theme park – will be revealed in the months ahead.

CELESTIAL PARK

As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they'll embark on a journey through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. Here, guests can relax while taking in the sights and sounds around them, board a shooting comet for a roller coaster adventure, dine, shop, and more.

PORTALS TO OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS

Plus, Celestial Park will be the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe. Through a set of portals that capture the imagination and creativity of each world, guests will embark on a transformative experience as they journey from Celestial Park to:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, where 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.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, 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, where guests can soar with dragons in a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.

Dark Universe, where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.

CELESTIAL PARK ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

 

Here are additional details about some of the other experiences at Celestial Park:

Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who's the fastest of them all. Reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track, Starfall Racers will be Epic Universe's most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers such as the "Celestial Spin," in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air – creating an "out-of-this-world" adrenaline rush.

Constellation Carousel – the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park. Here, explorers of all ages will take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.

Astronomica, an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests.

An array of unique dining experiences ranging from full-service restaurants to quick-service locations that offer something for every palate, including Atlantic – a full-service "surf and turf" restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium complete with captivating views of Celestial Park; and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – where diners take a culinary journey across Asia as they enjoy authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare in this full-service restaurant accented with neon dragons and ethereal lanterns. Additional "must-eat" locations within Celestial Park include The Oak & Star Tavern, where guests can enjoy savory barbecue, Pizza Moon, which will serve up a tasty menu featuring a variety of pizzas, and more.



Detailed retail locations, including the Nintendo Super Star Store, where guests can shop an assortment of merchandise themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD; Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, where guests can satisfy their cravings with a unique selection of sweet treats, and more.

Entertainment, including various fountain shows throughout Celestial Park's seven acres of water where a multitude of fountains sway, dance – and even reach heights up to 135 feet in the air – to music and interactive lighting from day to night.

And located inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, 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.

Stay tuned for more Universal Epic Universe details in the coming months.

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Rich Brownn7 hours ago

Not according to universal. They already stated before park opens

TalkToEthan9 hours ago

Hmmmmm??? ……….do you mean water proof tarps or actual netting……..I suppose an extra fine net(something like a fine mesh strainer) would greatly help but not completely protect bystanders.

Baloo12420 hours ago

We demand nothing but the finest of product, you silly person.

mkt23 hours ago

The key to winning is which park will have the greatest number of regulars at the bars. According to my wallet, it's currently a three-way tie between 1- Rose and Crown 2- Finegans 3- Baseline

Jrb19791 day ago

They did say they are going to be offering single day Epic tickets soon. My bet is after the park opens that will happen.

lazyboy97o1 day ago

You cannot own a concept, even with patents which only last 20 years. Universal Studios Moscow was supposed to have a non-coaster and fast Fast & Furious attraction.

TalkingHead1 day ago

Tbf everybody’s hating on the admission setup.

drkarcher221 day ago

I have to assume that Disney own the concept of Slot Car rides because it seems like the most obvious thing for a Fast & Furious ride. Other than the obvious budget restrictions of just taking a section of the Tram tour and dropping it in Orlando

Jrb19791 day ago

Is there anything you like about this new park? You hate on the theme, you hate on the ticket setup.

TalkingHead1 day ago

Looking at ticketing for this park is like a game of how many rakes can Comcast step on?

TheCoasterNerd1 day ago

It could also be because of the ride model. This is just a guess, but maybe they think the spinning system is more likely to knock stuff out of pockets etc. Click the spoiler for the (gross) other option Other option is they think the spinning model is more likely to make guests puke so they put the nets there to try and prevent those below from getting soaked in the stuff

DarkMetroid5671 day ago

But even with that in mind it’s quite bizarre. There are many rides that get closer to guests and don’t require the Alpine Coaster-esque nets that Werewolf is getting.

TheCoasterNerd1 day ago

I get your joke, but in case you weren't aware the netting is there to prevent items which fall off the ride from hitting guests below. Hence why they "overuse" nets - they have to. Just like Busch Gardens or Universal do when their rides cross guest areas. Of course, you're not supposed to bring on loose items, but if you do anyways, this is to catch them and prevent injury.

sedati1 day ago

I commented on the over-use of tarps and nets, but what has happened with Curse of the Werewolf? Was he cursed by gypsies who's main trade was netting?