ORLANDO, FL — Universal Studios has officially opened the gates to its long-anticipated theme park, Epic Universe, a sprawling 110-acre entertainment destination that introduces five distinct, immersive worlds designed to captivate fans of fantasy, adventure, and gaming.
The $6–$7 billion development—among the most ambitious in theme park history—features four primary themed lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. At its heart lies Celestial Park, the central hub that not only connects the four lands but offers its own attractions and dining options, effectively functioning as a fifth land.
The economic implications are as large as the park itself. According to Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, Epic Universe is expected to generate $2 billion for Florida’s economy in its first year and create over 17,500 jobs. The park’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Comcast, parent company of NBCUniversal, which saw a downturn in its theme park revenue earlier this year due to wildfires in California.
Ticket pricing is in line with major competitors: a single-day adult admission is priced at $139, with children’s tickets set at $135. No discounts for Florida residents have been announced.
Despite its grandeur, visitors to Epic Universe should be prepared for substantial wait times. During preview events, queues stretched beyond five hours for popular attractions, a trend likely to continue in the opening months. Express passes are available for an additional $140, though even without one, the park offers subtle rewards for observant guests.
Scattered throughout the park are numerous “Easter eggs”—hidden secrets and details that enhance the experience. In Dark Universe, for instance, patrons visiting the Dr. H. Jekyll Apotheker in the village of Darkmoor may overhear an argument between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, revealing the name of a secret off-menu drink available at the nearby Burning Blade Tavern.
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, fans who purchase an $85 interactive wand can perform spells to reveal special effects. One hidden spell near the Le Gobelet Noir restaurant reveals the Sorcerer’s Stone, a deep-cut reference to the Fantastic Beasts timeline.
Rides also offer re-playable features. On Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, dialogue and music vary depending on track choice. Elsewhere, Stardust Racers, located in Celestial Park, pays homage to Universal’s Back to the Future franchise with a flux capacitor installed on the coaster’s rear—possibly the source of its triple-speed boost. The Curse of the Werewolf nods to An American Werewolf in London, featuring a replica of the protagonist’s iconic red jacket in its barn scene.
Even restrooms have been thematically integrated. In Dark Universe, mirrors are absent in reference to Dracula’s lack of reflection, while Super Nintendo World incorporates exposed pipes reminiscent of Mario’s trademark warp travel.
As Epic Universe opens to the public, Universal Studios has redefined what it means to merge entertainment with storytelling on a grand scale, offering visitors a multilayered experience that extends far beyond its rides.
