Orlando, renowned for its world-class theme parks, is set to elevate its entertainment landscape with the introduction of Universal’s Epic Universe. Scheduled to open on May 22, 2025, this new addition is poised to redefine the theme park experience and intensify the friendly rivalry with Walt Disney World. Here’s what visitors can anticipate from this exciting development.
Epic Universe: A New Contender
Universal’s Epic Universe spans a sprawling 750 acres, nearly doubling the size of the existing Universal Orlando Resort. The park is designed to immerse guests in five distinct themed lands:
- Celestial Park: Serving as the central hub, Celestial Park welcomes visitors with lush gardens, galactic theming, and the iconic Cronos, a monumental clock structure.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: This area transports guests to a fusion of 1920s wizarding Paris from the “Fantastic Beasts” series and the British Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” films. Highlights include an advanced attraction based on the Ministry of Magic, with stars like Eddie Redmayne and Imelda Staunton reprising their roles.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Fans of the iconic gaming franchise can step into vibrant worlds inspired by Super Mario and Donkey Kong, featuring interactive environments and attractions that bring beloved games to life.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: This land invites guests to explore the Viking village of Berk, offering attractions, dining, and interactive experiences alongside characters from the popular animated series.
- Dark Universe: A homage to Universal’s classic monsters, this area provides thrilling attractions and immersive experiences centered around iconic figures like Frankenstein and Dracula.
In addition to these lands, Epic Universe will feature the luxurious Universal Helios Grand Hotel, offering guests premium accommodations with exclusive park access.
Impact on Walt Disney World
The debut of Epic Universe is expected to influence the dynamics of Orlando’s theme park industry significantly. Walt Disney World, encompassing Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has long been the cornerstone of Orlando’s tourism. To maintain its competitive edge, Disney has been enhancing its offerings, including the recent revamp of Epcot and the introduction of attractions like “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.”
According to Forbes, industry analysts suggest that the arrival of Epic Universe may prompt Disney to further innovate and expand its attractions to retain visitor interest. The increased competition could lead to more diverse and enhanced experiences for guests at both resorts.
Planning Your Visit
For those eager to experience Epic Universe, ticket sales commenced on October 22, 2024. Universal offers multi-day passes that include access to its existing parks—Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure—along with a dedicated day at Epic Universe. Notably, park-hopping to or from Epic Universe is currently not permitted.
Visitors planning to explore both Universal and Disney parks should consider allocating sufficient time to fully experience the diverse attractions each resort offers. Early booking is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure accommodations and preferred park entry dates.
The introduction of Universal’s Epic Universe marks a thrilling chapter in Orlando’s theme park narrative. With its expansive themed lands and innovative attractions, it promises to offer fresh experiences for both newcomers and seasoned park enthusiasts. As competition between Universal and Disney intensifies, visitors can look forward to a dynamic and continually evolving entertainment landscape in Orlando.
