It’s time. After years of pure hype, Epic Universe is finally here.
This is the first major theme park to open in Orlando since Islands of Adventure welcomed guests more than 25 years ago, back in 1999. The pure feeling of walking through the gates of Epic Universe for the very first time is just like being a kid on Christmas morning, opening a present to find a brand-new video game. It fills us with joy and that thrilling sense of exploring the unknown.
In theory, Epic Universe isn’t all that different from a traditional theme park. You’ve got amazing rides that range from roller coasters to carousels, some restaurants scattered around, and a few themed lands that really amp up the atmosphere. But the fact that everything is brand new and packed with top-notch technology definitely makes it stand out. Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan, a Nintendo gamer, or someone who just loves dragons (hint: that’s basically the entire planet), there’s something here for everyone.
Also don't forget... if you have any questions about Epic Universe or just want to chat, click that Request a Quote button. We can help you plan your next incredible vacation, from hotels and tickets to making sure you have an amazing time alongside Mario, Toothless, and Dracula. Okay, maybe not Dracula, that sounds like a bad idea, but you get what we mean.
Let’s dive deep into Epic Universe and explore topics like:
- What is Epic Universe
- Tickets for Epic Universe
- The New Universal Hotels
- Epic Universe Lands & Rides
- When is the best time to visit Epic Universe?
- Final Tips from the Famvia Crew
What is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new theme park, located about 15 minutes south of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This isn’t just a park expansion - it’s a completely new resort area, complete with hotels, shops, restaurants, and yes, dozens of brand-new rides.
It’s important to know that you can’t simply walk from the existing theme parks or Universal CityWalk to Epic Universe. The hotels you might be used to, like Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls, aren’t nearby either. Instead, three new hotels are within walking distance of Epic Universe: Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the Grand Helios Hotel, which is actually located inside the theme park.
Universal is calling this their most immersive and technologically advanced park ever. Think massive themed lands that feel like their own mini-worlds, all-new shows, and rides powered by next-gen tech like trackless systems, augmented reality, and some of the most advanced animatronics in the world.
So, what makes Epic Universe actually Epic?
- It’s a theme park with five fully themed lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
- Each land is really, really immersive. It feels like you’re walking through a medieval village in the Harry Potter area, and Super Nintendo World truly looks like you’ve stepped inside the Mushroom Kingdom. They even have Shy Guys, Goombas, and Thwomps!
- Epic Universe is massive, and almost as big as Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure combined.
- There is a brand new Universal hotel right inside the theme park, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
- The rides here use cutting-edge technology. We’re talking augmented reality on some attractions, unique twists on traditional roller coasters, some of the most advanced animatronics you’ll find anywhere, and more.
- Brand-new meet & greets! Ever wanted to snap a photo with Mario, Donkey Kong, Toothless, or Frankenstein? Well, you’re in luck!
- There are also new shows, including a massive nighttime spectacular over a giant fountain lagoon and an adorable How to Train Your Dragon live show.
- And of course... brand-new restaurants!
Tickets for Epic Universe
As of now, Epic Universe has its own ticketing structure. You can’t park-hop into Epic Universe like you can between Studios and Islands (at least not yet). If you want to visit Epic Universe, you’ll need to buy a ticket specifically for that park.
Ticket Types
Universal is offering:
- Single-Day Epic Universe Tickets: starts at $150.
- 2-Day Universal Ticket for Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios PLUS one day at Epic Universe: starts at $370
- 3-Day Universal Ticket for Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios PLUS one day at Epic Universe: starts at $500
- Vacation Packages (with hotel + park tickets bundled together)
Will Epic Universe offer an Express Pass?
Yes! You’ll be able to purchase a Universal Express Pass for Epic Universe. Prices start at $129.99 per guest, depending on whether you choose the regular Express Pass or the Express Pass Unlimited. Keep in mind that prices are higher during the park’s early days - it can cost up to $250 per guest. Yep, everyone wants to check out the new rides with minimal wait times.
Does my Premier Hotel Express Pass work at Epic Universe?
No. The complimentary Express Passes you receive when staying at Universal’s Premier Hotels do not work at Epic Universe.
Will Epic Universe offer VIP Tours?
Yes! Epic Universe will offer VIP Tours. Just keep in mind that you’ll still need a standard theme park ticket in addition to the VIP experience. Prices start at $380 per guest, but expect that to be higher during the park’s opening months. The tour lasts around 4 hours and includes priority access to select rides, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the park, and a few extra perks.
The New Universal Hotels
The theme park isn’t the only new thing Universal is bringing in 2025. There are also three brand-new hotels located near, or even inside, Epic Universe. We’re talking about Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Universal Stella Nova Resort & Universal Terra Luna Resort
These two hotels are located right next to each other and offer a convenient 15-minute walking path to Epic Universe. They’re pretty standard for a Universal resort: both have a swimming pool, a food court, and rooms that get the job done. Prices start at around $250 per night.
We actually have a full review of Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, so have fun reading!
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
If you want the ultimate Epic Universe experience, you’ve gotta stay at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. This 500-room luxury hotel is built right inside Epic Universe, which means you can literally wake up and walk straight into the park. No shuttles, no trams… just a little bit of Themus Parkus Harry Potter magic.
If you book in advance, you might snag a room in 2026 for as low as $400 per night. Prices in 2025 are definitely on the higher side - even in September, rates start at around $750. Yeah… people are very hyped for Epic Universe.
Epic Universe Lands & Rides
Epic Universe is massive, but it’s surprisingly easy to get around. That’s because Celestial Park acts as a central hub in the middle of the park, with portals that lead to each of the different lands.
Let’s take a look at all the lands and what they have in store for us!
Celestial Park
The main hub of Epic Universe. It also acts as a full-themed land packed with gardens, fountains, restaurants and rides.
Celestial Park Attractions
- Stardust Racers: A dual-launch coaster that sends you flying through space at 62 mph. It’s big, bold, and similar to VelociCoaster. Many also see it as the spiritual successor to Islands of Adventure’s Dueling Dragons!
- Constellation Carousel: A dreamy carousel featuring floating, cosmic-themed animals. Yes, it’s great for kids… but also yes, it’s perfect for bringing that special date.
- Astronomica Lagoon Show: A nighttime water, light, and projection show over a massive fountain.
Celestial Park Restaurants
- Atlantic: Upscale seafood dining with pretty views of the park.
- The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant: Sushi, noodles and dumplings.
- Pizza Moon: top tier atmosphere and pizzas of all kinds.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Every Universal theme park has to have a Harry Potter area, so… here it is! This land is inspired by the Parisian Ministry of Magic seen in Fantastic Beasts, but it also ties into the original Harry Potter universe. Think Art Deco magic meets old-world Paris meets a certain sorcerer with a lightning-bolt scar.
Ministry of Magic Attractions
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: A high-tech dark ride where you’ll travel through the magical ministry during a high-stakes escape. It’s a big mix of Forbidden Journey and Tower of Terror, and also THE blockbuster ride at Epic Universe.
Ministry of Magic Restaurants
- Café L’air De La Sirène: A quick-service spot serving French specialties and desserts. And yes, it also features everyone’s favorite… Butterbeer!
- Le Gobelet Noir: A dark, edgy restaurant serving up dishes inspired by classic English cuisine.
Super Nintendo World
After debuting in Japan and Hollywood, Mario and friends are finally making their way to Orlando! This area feels like stepping straight into the Mushroom Kingdom, complete with tons of characters from the Mario games. We’re talking Shy Guys, Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and more.
This is also where you can grab a Power-Up Band - a wristband that lets you punch blocks, collect coins, and interact with the land just like you're inside a video game.
Super Nintendo World Attractions
- Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge: AR racing meets dark ride. Put on your visor, pick a team, and fire green shells at anything and anyone in your way.
- Yoshi’s Adventure: A chill dark ride perfect for toddlers exploring Super Nintendo World.
- Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness: An innovative coaster that simulates mine cart jumps with a brand-new ride system. Nope, it doesn’t have the DK Rap :(.
Super Nintendo World Restaurants
- Toadstool Café: Meals and desserts with that special Nintendo touch.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Welcome to Berk, where dragons are your best friends and Vikings love to throw parties. This land is perfect for families and fans of the How to Train Your Dragon films, and it's often considered the most immersive area in all of Epic Universe. You'll also find amazing meet & greets with Toothless and a brand-new family-friendly show.
Isle of Berk Attractions
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A family-friendly roller coaster where you glide alongside dragons.
- Fyre Drill: A water battle game where guests hope on viking ships and can blast each other.
- Dragon Racer’s Rally: Imagine a giant mechanical arm swinging you through the air, with seats that let you choose whether to stay steady or spin like crazy. Yeah… that sounds pretty fun.
- The Untrainable Dragon: A live-action stunt show with huge dragon puppets and surprise effects.
Isle of Berk Restaurants
- Mead Hall: A quick-service restaurant serving up Viking favorites… and by that, we mean lots and lots of meat and drinks.
- Spit Fyre Grill: A quick-service spot offering hearty options like steak, chicken, salmon, shrimp, and even vegan bowls.
- Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel: Serving up mac ’n’ cheese cones in a variety of delicious styles. This quirky spot has quickly become a guest favorite.
Dark Universe
This land is all about celebrating the classic Universal Monsters - we’re talking Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and more. Can you imagine what this place will look like during Halloween? It’s going to be incredible. You’ll also spot several characters roaming the streets, including Dracula and Frankenstein himself.
Dark Universe Attractions
- Monsters Unchained The Frankenstein Experiment: This is the park’s big horror-style dark ride where you’re trapped inside a lab with Universal’s most infamous monsters. It’s like an improved Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and has some of the most advanced animatronics you’ll ever see.
- Curse of the Werewolf: A family-friendly spinning coaster.
Dark Universe Restaurants
- The Burning Blade Tavern: A fun restaurant with monster trophies lining the walls. This spot is all about juicy burgers and a wide variety of drinks.
- Das Stakehaus: burgers, steaks, chicken wings and more.
When is the best time to visit Epic Universe?
Here’s the thing… Epic Universe is going to be packed for the next few… uh, years? We’re talking about a brand-new theme park in Orlando, which just happens to be the theme park capital of the world. It’s hard to imagine a day that won’t be busy, but you can definitely minimize wait times by picking the right months and dates.
If you want to dodge the biggest crowds, I’d recommend avoiding May through August. Not only will Epic Universe be super crowded, but the Florida heat during those months is no joke.
The best months to visit, in my opinion, are September, early October, and then January and February. Even then, don’t expect empty walkways - the park just opened, after all!
The best way to beat the lines? Stay at a Universal Resort and take advantage of Early Park Admission. This perk lets you enter the park one hour before the general public, which gives you a solid shot at jumping on something like Stardust Racers before the crowds arrive.
Final Tips from the Famvia Crew
Here are a few tips that can make your day at Epic Universe better:
- Stay close to Epic Universe. Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Grand Helios are all awesome options, and being able to walk straight to the gates? That’s seriously clutch.
- Make use of Early Entry. Getting into the park one hour before everyone else is a game-changer. It can be a lifesaver for hitting the most popular rides with minimal wait.
- Wake up early! Especially during the first weeks and months, expect the park to be packed. Remember, patience is key. If Early Entry starts at 8:00am, plan to arrive by at least 6:30 am to get ahead of the crowds.
- Download the App! The Universal Orlando Resort app might be used for virtual queues to enter certain lands or rides, so it’s a good idea to get comfortable with it before your visit.
- Buy Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World, especially if you’re visiting with kids. The mini-games are a ton of fun and add an extra layer of magic to your day.
- Bring water and wear a hat. Epic Universe doesn’t have a ton of shade, so protecting yourself from the hot Florida sun is a must.
- Buy an Express Pass if you can. These will be super important during Epic Universe’s early days to help you skip those long lines.
Ready for an Epic Adventure?
We hope you have an amazing time at Epic Universe! New secrets and strategies will unfold over time, but in these early years of a brand-new theme park, the real fun is all about exploring and discovering your favorite rides and snacks.
If you have any questions, don’t be shy - send us a message! We’re always happy to chat and help you plan your next epic vacation. So grab your wand, put on your Mario hat, and let’s go make some unforgettable memories!
