I am absolutely STOKED for Epic Universe to open in 2025. We have yet to get a specific opening date, but Universal continues to clue us in on the EPIC experiences that await!
Before you read any further, if you’re not familiar with Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe or if you missed Part 1 of this series, go here to read an overview of the park and the 3 new resorts!
Now, let’s dive into the 5 immersive lands that will make up Epic Universe!
Celestial Park
Entering the park will instantly transport you to this world between worlds, an EPIC space themed central hub. Not only does this area serve as the hub, but it is also home to some pretty amazing attractions of its own. Here you will find 2 rides, a water play area, 2 full service and 2 quick service dining options, as well as shopping. Experience these either before or after traveling through each of the 4 portals to magical lands!
Starfall Racers- I am super excited to see how many coasters we are going to see at Epic! Starfall Racers is a DUAL launch thrilling race through space experience on 5,000 feet of track. You will reach speeds up to 62mph and heights up to 133 ft! My favorite part? The Celestial Spin (reminds me of the Mosasaurus roll of Velocicoaster) will be an exciting inverted maneuver with the 2 trains criss-crossing through the air! Are you down for this?
Constellation Carousel– On the tamer side, this unique twist on the merry-go-round lets you ride celestial creatures surrounded by constellations. As you’re riding, your creature rotates 360 degrees and gently lifts you 6ft up! I can’t wait to see this one. The pictures are gorgeous, but I am sure they are not doing the artwork justice.
Astronomica- Beat the Florida heat in this water play area. Shaped like a compass rose, experience the dancing waters and let your kids run off some energy! I feel like this is going to be a spot I won’t be able to get my kids away from. (Until I tell them it is time to go meet Toothless!)
Full Service Dining:
Atlantic- Surf and turf type dishes served in a Victorian style aquarium, complete with the Aquaria Bar for some special cocktails.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant- Fairly self-explanatory in the name, right? Enjoy Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes surrounded by neon dragons and lanterns!
Quick Service Dining:
The Oak & Star Tavern- All we know so far…Barbecue cuisine. Enough said, I’m in.
Pizza Moon- Not many details yet, but one thing is clear…Pizza! My husband had a goal to try every pizza in Universal last year. He’s going to be excited to know he has more work to do. (It is hard work, but someone has to do i!)
Shopping: So far we know we will see the Nintendo Super Star Store (yes, in addition to a whole land) and a shop called Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets (definitely in for this too!).
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
YES! We are going to be able to finally visit the Isle of Berk! We are literally about to be amongst Vikings and dragons living a life of adventure! A whopping 15.5 acres of Viking land with 3 rides, an interactive play area, character entertainment, and themed dining and shopping, this land will definitely be an EPIC adventure.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders- A family coaster where you will get the experience of flying on a dragon, thanks to Hiccup’s creative invention. Reaching speeds of 45mph, you will get to fly alongside Toothless through the air!
Fyre Drill- Family friendly, join Ruffnut and Tuffnut in their competitive boat ride, aiming at flame targets and other boats with your on-board water cannons!
Dragon Racer’s Rally- As a favorite activity of the residents of Berk, dragon racing brings the thrills! This dragon riding trainer/simulator will take you through amazing aerobatics and up to 67 feet in the air! You’ll be able to tailor the intensity of your ride so this training can fit any level of experience with dragon racing.
Viking Training Camp- An interactive play area for our little Vikings where they can explore the dragon world with activities, climbing, music making, games, playground, and agility courses. I can see this is going to be a challenge to peel my kids away from as well!
The Untrainable Dragon- A live stage show bringing the latest chapter of the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life! Combining talented performers with advanced technology…How exciting will it be to see Toothless soar over the audience!?
Haddock Paddock- Here you’ll find Hiccup and Toothless ready to greet you! This is going to be so cool!
Characters- Chance encounters and dragon sightings will abound in this land! You could run into Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, Stormfly, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and the Night Lights Baby Dragon. (Have you ever seen the baby raptor or baby triceratops in Jurassic Park? I see this being similar, and adorable!). The land will feature 30 dragons and 17 species of dragons throughout. Gobber can also be found at his forge, and at night…look to the sky for sightings of Gronkles or Monstrous Nightmares!
Dining:
Mead Hall– a majestic central gathering place carved into the rock face where you can feast like a Viking! Meat, fish, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages, such as meads, ciders and ales will fill your belly here!
Spit Fyre Grill Quick Service- Flame-seared meals will make your mouth water here!
Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel Quick Service- Racing themed quick pit stop.
Shopping:
Our themed shops lineup here will include- Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Workshop, and Toothless’ Treasures. I can’t wait to see the merch!!
Super Nintendo World
Finally coming to Orlando, Super Nintendo World has existed in Japan and more recently in Hollywood while we have looked on with envy! We will enter the Mushroom Kingdom through a portal/warp pipe just like Mario and Luigi! Orlando’s version of the land will expand on the experience with more attractions! We’re even going to see additional Nintendo lands like Donkey Kong Country and Yoshi’s world.
Mario Kart- Bowser’s Challenge: This ride is going to take us into the Mario Kart world where we will join Mario’s team against Bowser and his team to battle to the finish. My favorite part of the ride is the VR Goggle system that allows you to throw shells and banana peels, collect coins, and interact with the other characters!
Yoshi’s Adventure: For the first time in North America, we will get to join Yoshi (literally, you’ll be riding on a Yoshi) to hunt for glowing eggs on a family friendly track ride.
Key Challenges: These are also over on the West Coast, but Orlando is going to get the first Bob-Omb Kaboom Room in North America! You get to interact with the world in these mini-games to earn keys with your Power-Up Band. Once you collect 3 keys you get to challenge Bowser Jr. in a Shadow Showdown to win the Golden Mushroom! This truly makes me feel like I am IN the game.
Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness: Another true coaster, but with a cutting edge technology twist! Have you seen the videos on this track? I am so fascinated by this, truly. So, the coaster operates on a hidden track which allows you to experience the amazing “track-jumping” maneuvers as it APPEARS that the track is broken! This is looking to be family-friendly-ish with a hint of thrill ride as we protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe.
Characters: Meet and Greets will be available for Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad! If you have your Power-Up Band, some meet & greets will have an “enhanced experience.”
Dining:
Toadstool Cafe: Chef Toad makes some delicious food! While we don’t have menu details just yet, I imagine it will be similar to Hollywood’s version. I have tried some of the dishes, which were good…but the atmosphere is the best part. Be sure to look out the windows to see the happenings in Toad Village.
Shopping:
The 1-UP Factory will be our one stop shop for all things Super Nintendo! Don’t forget to snag your Power-Up Bands to play and compete in the mini-games! (Fun Fact: The Power-Up Bands are going to be able to act as Amiibo, which is a way to bring your real world experience into your Nintendo Switch at home! We haven’t seen much more for details on this yet, but it sounds pretty cool!)
Dark Universe
I gotta be honest…besides the Wizarding World, this is the land I have been anticipating the MOST! The classic Universal monsters are long overdue for their moment in the spotlight. I mean, the monsters literally SCREAM Universal and the attraction possibilities are endless. Universal did not disappoint! This is the most recent land to have details announced, and I am so excited to visit Darkmoor Village, the home of Victoria Frankenstein.
Monsters Unchained- The Frankenstein Experiment: I mean, come on! This just sounds so cool. In this dark ride, we actually get to explore Frankenstein Manor and bear witness to what happens when Victoria takes an experiment too far and loses control while attempting to harness the power of monsters…hopefully, we make it out…
Curse of the Werewolf: ANOTHER Coaster. Yes, I am loving this, But, here’s the thing…This coaster will be an experience as you travel through the dark forest, enhanced by rotating cars that will direct you right towards the action. Will we escape? Or are we all doomed to howl at the moon after this ride? This one will certainly be for the thrill seekers.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience: Remember a little while ago, when there was a pop-up Monster Makeup Experience? Well, they seemed to be testing out the concept and it will become a permanent fixture over at Epic! We will get to choose which monster to transform into and feel right at home in Darkmoor.
Character Experiences: It will be great to interact with the monsters on their own turf. Throughout the village we will find Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Monster, Bride of Frankenstein, Ygor, and The Invisible Man (wait…how will we see him?). You could also meet some local residents of Darkmoor, including a monster hunter and a musician telling the tales of Monster Lore.(Our interaction with Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride is still one of my all time favorite character interactions.)
Dining:
Das Stakehaus: If you didn’t pick up what they’re putting down, it is vampire themed! This immersive experience is run entirely by vampire “familiars” and will feature dishes like kabobs, wings, burgers, and bratwurst.
The Burning Blade Tavern: A clever reference to the fiery windmill scene from the Classic Frankenstein Film. Serving as a spot for monster hunters these days, you’ll see similar fare to Das Stakehaus.
De Lacey’s Cottage: A quick-service spot for snacks and cold treats named after the family from the original Frankenstein novel by Mary Shelley.
Shopping:
Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities is your source for all your merch, monster hunting supplies, and reminders of your visit to Darkmoor Village.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Ahhh!! I am dying waiting for this one! As the most highly anticipated announcement, of course Universal is saving this one for last.. (grrr). As of this writing we have hints at the 1920’s Paris setting a la Fantastic Beasts and a journey to the British Ministry of Magic in the land’s main attraction. However, everything else is just rumor.
Keep an eye on this article, as I will be sure to update all of you as soon as we can. Wands at the ready!
What part of Epic Universe are you most excited to see next year??
All in all, the stage is set for this park to be the MOST immersive theme park we have ever experienced, and I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it!
While we don’t yet have the ability to book your Epic Universe trip, we can definitely start chatting about what that vacation might look like for you. If you want to talk about securing a room-only booking at one of the brand new resorts or just get on my list to be the first to know when ticket packages drop, chat with your Smart Moms Agent. If you have yet to get with an agent- Hi!! I would love to help you! Fill out my quick form here so I can reach out to you:
