ORLANDO, Fla. — For the first time in more than 25 years, a brand-new theme park is opening in Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort has officially launched Epic Universe, a groundbreaking expansion that introduces five immersive lands, a state-of-the-art hotel, and a reimagined approach to theme park entertainment.
Spanning over 750 acres, Epic Universe features themed areas inspired by major franchises such as Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, How to Train Your Dragon, Universal’s classic monsters, and Super Nintendo. The park marks Universal Orlando’s fourth major theme park and is located near Universal Studios Orlando.
A Celestial Gateway to Adventure
Visitors first encounter Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe. Designed with a celestial theme, the park showcases lush gardens, reflective ponds, and interactive experiences. It includes the Constellation Carousel, which offers a unique spinning experience, and Stardust Racers, a 133-foot-tall dual-track rollercoaster reaching speeds up to 62 mph.
Celestial Park also houses full-service dining locations such as The Atlantic, offering seafood with views of Neptune’s Pool, and The Blue Dragon, an Asian-inspired eatery with vibrant neon décor.
Immersive Storytelling Across Five Lands
Isle of Berk invites guests into the world of DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon. Visitors encounter over 30 animatronic dragons, three rides, and a live stage show titled The Untrainable Dragon, where characters like Hiccup and Toothless soar above the audience. Dining options include the towering Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill, and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is set in 1920s Paris and ties closely with the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Guests are transported via the “Métro-Floo” to the British Ministry of Magic in the headline attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The ride blends screen and physical set technology, taking guests on a magical journey alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Dark Universe, inspired by Universal’s classic monsters, immerses visitors in the eerie village of Darkmoor. The land’s marquee attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, features advanced animatronics and a dark, atmospheric storyline. Guests can also experience Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster. Dining is available at The Burning Blade Tavern, a windmill-themed eatery that lights up dramatically throughout the day.
Super Nintendo World builds upon its initial debut in Universal Studios Hollywood with new features exclusive to Orlando. In addition to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, the Florida park introduces Donkey Kong Country, where Mine-Cart Madness simulates the illusion of leaping over broken tracks. Yoshi’s Adventure offers a gentler, interactive ride suited for all ages. Guests can track in-park achievements using Power-Up Bands. Dining is highlighted by Toadstool Cafe and specialty snacks like the DK Crush Float.
The Helios Grand Hotel: Luxury Meets Imagination
Adjacent to the park stands the Helios Grand Hotel, developed in partnership with Loews Hotels. Boasting 500 rooms and 35 suites, the hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows with views into Epic Universe and exclusive access to the park through a private entrance.
Helios Grand draws design inspiration from Celestial Park, ensuring a cohesive guest experience. Dining options include Flora Taverna, Bar Helio with a 360-degree view, and Lotus Lagoon by the pool. During the media preview, Loews Hotels Executive Chairman Jonathan Tisch praised the project as one of the most unique in the world, noting that it marks the 11th hotel on Universal Orlando’s campus.
A New Era in Themed Entertainment
Epic Universe redefines the theme park experience with its immersive storytelling, cutting-edge attractions, and architectural detail. Each land is designed to be self-contained, creating an illusion of being transported into entirely different worlds. Guests are enveloped in each environment, with interactive elements, live shows, and sensory-rich experiences contributing to a level of immersion previously unseen.
With Epic Universe and the Helios Grand Hotel now open, Universal Orlando has not only expanded its footprint but also raised the bar for the future of themed entertainment.
