ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up to unveil its latest and most expansive theme park, Universal Epic Universe, in Florida, dipping heavily into popular culture for inspiration. Opening on May 22, just before summer’s influx of school-leavers, this multibillion-dollar park aims to captivate visitors with its five diverse themed areas and a 500-room hotel.
This marks a significant development in Florida’s theme park scene, being the first traditional park launch in the state since Universal opened Islands of Adventure in 1999, though a water-themed park, Volcano Bay, made its debut in 2017. With Epic Universe, the total number of Universal parks in Florida totals four, making it part of a strategic expansion to compete with Walt Disney World for the attention of the 74 million tourists descending upon Orlando each year.
Epic Universe is touted as Universal’s most technologically sophisticated park, featuring innovations such as facial recognition in express ride lines. Moreover, the park’s owner, Comcast NBCUniversal, has shared plans to introduce a Universal-branded theme park in Europe, north of London, and a family theme park in a Dallas suburb, with a year-round horror experience set to open this year in Las Vegas.
However, the grand launch of Epic Universe unfolds against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, spurred by recent U.S. tariff announcements which may dampen some American’s vacation plans. Additionally, international visitation might suffer due to grievances about treatment at U.S. borders and a Canadian boycott. Yet, Orange County’s tax receipts, which totaled a record $359 million last year, depict an otherwise bustling tourist economy in Orlando.
Epic Universe divides into several intriguing sections. Celestial Park serves as the central hub within the park’s design, featuring a football field-sized water fountain and lush surroundings of colorful flowers, offering a serene atmosphere amidst the excitement. Set against an astronomical theme with original characters, it also boasts exhilarating attractions like Stardust Racers, a dual launching roller coaster.
In stark contrast, Super Nintendo World offers an overload of vivid colors and loud music, fashioned to completely immerse visitors as if stepping directly into a video game, bordered by towering walls of Peach’s Castle and Mt. Beanpole. This realm includes various rides, including an augmented reality dark ride and a Donkey Kong-themed coaster, all under the watchful eye of costumed icons Mario and Luigi.
Dark Universe takes a nostalgic turn with a nod to classic horror figures like Frankenstein’s monster and Dracula. Visitors stroll through a European village that tells tales of lurking vampires and offers rides through Frankenstein’s castle, among other themed attractions.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter welcomes guests to the grand doors of the Ministry of Magic, offering a journey into the fantastical realms of 1920s Paris as experienced in the Fantastic Beasts films. Among several magical experiences, the main attraction includes the omnidirectional lift ride, reminiscent of New York’s Grand Central Terminal’s scale and grandeur.
Lastly, the Isle of Berke, inspired by the “How to Train Your Dragon” series, presents next-generation animatronic dragons alongside Viking-themed adventures. This area features a lagoon, a spirited coaster, and a chance to engage with surprisingly agile dragon figures, adding additional excitement to the park’s offerings.