Get a Glimpse Inside Epic Universe with These First-Look Photos (PICTURES)

After months of salivating over concept art for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe expansion, we finally have our first sneak peek at what all five lands — Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe — will look like in person ahead of their grand opening in late May.

“Sometimes they’re grouped in loosely-themed lands, but what we’ve done since 2010 when we opened up the Wizarding World of Harry Potter really has changed the model,” Steve Tatum, executive creative director of Universal’s Epic Universe said in late 2024. “So, all of a sudden, instead of going on a two, three, four-minute experience, you are immersed in a single story. We’ve really gone from a short storytelling business into the feature-length storytelling business, and in Epic Universe, this is the first theme park in the entire world that is going to be comprised of exclusively these feature-length stories.” 

With so much anticipation surrounding the opening of Epic Universe, one of the biggest developments in American theme parks in decades, getting a sneak peek at what it actually looks like when you’re inside the park is a big deal. So, without further ado, here’s what you can expect from all five worlds when you enter the park. 

The Chronos at Celestial Park – the icon of Universal Epic Universe

The Chronos is where your Epic Universe adventure officially begins. Upon entering the portal, park visitors will find themselves smack dab in the middle of Celestial Park, where they can board a shooting comet for an exhilarating roller coaster adventure, dine on delectable cuisine, shop exclusive merchandise, and more.

Beyond this gate, discover enchanting gardens and thrilling realms that will captivate your imagination. This is indicated by the inscription above: “Beyond this threshold lies landscapes of wonder to ignite your dreams.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

The latest expansion to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that joins Diagon Alley and Hogsmead Village takes inspiration from the Fantastic Beasts trilogy, with a trip to the bustling streets of 1920s Paris, but with a Wizarding spin. In particular, you’ll be able to wander freely around Place Cachée, the Parisian answer to London’s Diagon Alley. Within Place Cachée, guests will find numerous dining venues like Café L’air De La Sirène, chic shopping options like Les Galeries Mirifiques, a live, full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus, and more. From there, they can enter the Ministry of Magic and take part in the recapture of Dolores Umbridge.

Super Nintendo World

You can already hear the iconic theme music, can’t you? Enter the green pipe for an immersive experience inspired by some of the most famous video game characters ever created: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, and more. Within Universal Orlando’s most colorful and interactive experience yet, they’ll encounter familiar places inspired by Nintendo’s games, including Mt. Beanpole, and rides influenced by Mario Kart and Donkey Kong Country. It joins its counterpart in Los Angeles but with more and for a whole new audience. 

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Get hyped for the live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon with a visit to the island inhabited by Hiccup, Stoick the Vast, Astrid, and the rest of the beloved Viking clan. As they take in the vast sparkling lagoon, two 40-foot-tall Viking statues and an energetic village perched above churning seas, guests can embark on a variety of Viking adventures — including experiencing what it’s like to fly on a dragon on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, competing to outscore and out soak fellow guests on Fyre Drill, posing for a photo with Toothless, and so much more. 

Dark Universe

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

When does Epic Universe open at Universal Orlando?

On Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, the five realms of Epic Universe will commence operations! Discover how to secure your tickets right here.

Read More

2025-03-18 23:47