Disney’s ongoing competition against Universal just got a whole lot more competitive with the opening of Universal’s epic new park. Literally, Universal’s Epic Universe is already completely changing tourism in Orlando, and the crazy thing is; It hasn’t even opened yet!
Universal has been famous for years for it’s three parks; Universal Studies Florida, which focuses on movie and television-themed attractions and experiences, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, focusing on thrilling rides and fantasy-themed lands such as the Harry Potter franchise, and Universal’s Volcano Bay, a waterpark perfect for cooling off from the Florida heat.
Now, Epic Universe is opening this spring and it’s coming to change the game! Last year at Universal Studios Hollywood in California, a Nintendo themed world was opened and it was all the buzz! People loved it, and Universal came through with plans to bring that world to the Orlando park that everybody knows and loves, along with other exciting new rides and concepts! The new parks introduces a brand new Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts themed world, a monsters themed world, as well as a How To Train Your Dragon section!
There are such unique attractions at every space in the park, with the coolest architecture, new places to eat, new shopping areas as well as new merch, and even a new hotel! The park consists of five immersive worlds with a portal to enter each one, allowing each visitor to completely engage with the experience and feel like they’re really there.
Dark Universe
This section of Epic Universe takes inspiration from the experiments of Victoria Frankenstein, creating a mystic and mysterious landscape where monsters roam. This area is based on all of the Universal Classic Monsters people know and love, including a brand new attraction; Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, featuring fourteen animatronic monster figures of monsters such as Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and of course Frankenstein’s Monster.
The ride uses technology to create an immersive experience that makes the riders feel like they’re actually traveling through a world of monsters. A combination of screens, animatronics, lights, and movement is used throughout the ride, creating a breathtaking journey.
Dark Universe also includes a family-friendly spinning coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, featuring even more spooky fun, this time in the company of werewolves making their home in the forest!
There are so many dining experiences available that of course, completely match the eerie aesthetic of the rest of Dark Universe. Guests have the option to eat at “Das Stakehouse,” completely themed with vampire artworks and artifacts.
One of the most unique offers of Dark Universe is the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where visitors can get made up to look like their favorite monster! Guests have the option to go all out, or just stick to a simple temporary tattoo. Either way, it’s a great way to make the experience even more immersive!
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
The second of the five epic sections of epic universe is Isle of Berk, based on the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. This world features a real life viking village themed just like the famous movies, and is surrounded by five attractions. After stepping through the portal, guests are met with an iconic dragon statue and a beautiful blue sea view.
The world includes fire-breathing dragons and guests get to experience iconic locations from the movies such as Gobber’s Forge, Hiccup’s House, and the Dragon racing bleachers. Some of the rides include Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a winged flying rollercoaster that provides guests with a beautiful view of the Berk, and Dragon Racer’s Rally, where guests can practice becoming a dragon racer themselves.
Other attractions include Fyre Drill, a water ride that puts guests against each other in a boat battle, allowing teams of Vikings to compete to soak each other and get a higher score, aiming to hit targets. Viking Training Camp is also offered for younger kids as an opportunity to explore and climb on a dragon themed playground.
One of the most exciting parts of this section of the park by far is getting to meet Toothless and Hiccup. Yes, the dragons! This is an experience unlike any other universal experience, allowing guests to pet the dragons they all know and love, and of course, get a picture.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
Harry Potter fans have even more of a reason to visit Universal. On top of Island of Adventure’s Harry Potter section, Ministry of Magic offers a whole new world of fun! Set in 1920’s Paris from the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” franchise, there are so many new things to explore.
The most highly anticipating attraction is Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry, featuring a ride that takes guests on a journey with Harry, Ron, Hermoine, and an elf named Higgledy on a ride to fight Umbridge and make sure she pays for her crimes.
The queue of the ride is supposed to be fascinating as so much detail was put into making this world immersive. Battle at the Ministry is not something to miss out on!
There are so many other exciting things to do in the all new Harry Potter-themed world, with shops that offer wands for guests to purchase and use among the park, as well as a show that features the beasts! Of course, there are plenty of dining options as well, including Cafe L’iar De La Sirene.
Super Nintendo World
The new Nintendo themed world features fun-filled and family-friendly attractions that completely immerse visitors into the colorful and animated world of Nintendo. After entering another portal, this timed themed as a green warp pipe, guests are met with all of their favorite characters.
There are so many photo ops and opportunities to engage with the world of Mario, including real-life mystery blocks and coins. Guests can meet Mario and Luigi and take pictures before dining at the “Toadstool Cafe,” where Chef Toad himself offers combinations of salads, burgers, desserts, and more.
There are so many fun attractions available in this land, such as “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” in which riders can sit in the drivers seat and experience racing themselves. “Mine-Cart Madness,” a Donkey-Kong themed ride is also available as a family friendly coaster, taking guests on a high-speed mission through Donkey-Kong Country.
Celestial Park
Last but not least, the center of all of the fun, Celestial Park. Filled with beautiful walkways, fountains, and greenery, Celestial Park is the true heart of Epic Universe as it brings all of the lands together.
Celestial Park features a man attraction, “Stardust Racers,” an action-packed rollercoaster that puts two tracks against each other, giving guests the opportunity to try out two separate rides, while feeling like they’re competing in a race. A classic merry-go-round is also included in the park known as “Constellation Carousel,” adding epic magic to a ride everyone knows and loves.
Celestial Park is also home to Universal’s newest hotel, Helios Grand Hotel, that provides an overlook of the park for guests who stay there. Of course, there are countless dining and shopping opportunities as well!
Epic Universe is already on the rise to becoming one of the most popular theme-parks, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Orlando isn’t ready for Epic Universe!
