A trip to Orlando is about to get more “epic” for your family.
Universal Epic Universe is set to open May 22, and it’s already generating buzz that it’ll more than live up to its name. Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park will lead you into five different worlds that play into your imagination.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Potterheads will head straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, which also showcases nods to the Fantastic Beasts films.
The ultimate attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, begins when you travel by Metro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the trial of Dolores Umbridge. You will join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Higgledy on a chase to capture Umbridge.
Le Cirque Arcanus is a live, full-scale theater experience with live performers and aerialists, puppetry and special effects.
Shop for wands at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, or use your interactive wand to create magic at Inspiring Wand Magic.
Eat at Café L’Air De La Sirene, Le Gobelet Noir, Bar Moonshine and Bieraubeurre Cart (for butter beer).
Dark Universe
We’re talking monsters here, and scary ones at that: Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Creature From the Black Lagoon, the Bride of Frankenstein and other mysterious creatures will provide lots of frights.
Start by walking through the portal for Darkmoor. First up is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, considered Universal’s most terrifying attraction ever. The dark ride travels to the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein is hard at work on her experiments. She unleashes enraged monsters, which chase you along the way.
If looking like a monster – rather than being chased by one – is more your speed, head to the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where you can get face paint or temporary tattoos. Then meet your favorite monsters and show off your looks, such as Frankenstein’s servant Ygor or The Invisible Man.
Food options include Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern and De Lacey’s Cottage.
Super Nintendo World
Talk about our childhood come to life! You’ll literally get to go through the iconic green pipe from your favorite Mario Bros. games and see everything you remember – Mt. Beanpole, Peach’s Castle, Piranha Plants, Goombas, spinning coins, question blocks and more – including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge has you join Team Mario to battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in a cool augmented reality ride that uses projection mapping technology to bring the video games to life as you ride through Bowser’s Castle.
Yoshi’s Adventure will make its U.S. debut, giving more of a family-friendly ride through Mushroom Kingdom to search for glowing eggs.
Keep your eyes open for Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad, who will be waiting to take pictures with your little gamers throughout the land.
Snacks will be super cute at Toadstool Café, Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying on the back of a dragon, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a family thrill coaster aboard a winged flying machine.
Another attraction to test your bravery is Dragon Racer’s Rally, with racers that include barrel rolls and acrobatic maneuvers on Viking-made dragon-riding trainers. You’ll go up to 67 feet in the air, swooping and soaring.
To beat the Florida heat, jump on a boat at Frye Drill, where you will blast water cannons at flame-like targets that mimic battling a dragon’s breath.
Your little ones can join Viking Training Camp, learning everything they need to know about dragons while climbing through an adventure play area with an agility course, teeter-totter and baby dragon climbers.
The Untrainable Dragon is inspired by Universal Beijing, a dragon-filled show with music, amazing sets and life-sized dragons soaring overhead. Keep your camera ready for meet-and-greets with Hiccup and Toothless throughout the park.
Dining options include Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill, and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel.
Celestial Park
The purpose of this area is to put “park” back into theme park. This section has a beautiful vibe, with gardens, dancing fountains and attractions that are based on astronomy and mythology.
But don’t let the name fool you – there are still heart-pounding adventures here. Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster that speeds up to 62 miles per hour and reaches heights of 133 feet. It’s considered to be Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster, with its Celestial Spin inverted crisscross of the two coasters at the same time.
Constellation Carousel is for the less faint of heart, a more traditional yet beautiful carousel ride.
Astronomica has an interactive wet-play area that’s also a giant compass rose to each of the worlds; watch as the fountains dance water around you.
There are several quick-service areas, plus The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, The Oak & Star Tavern, Pizza Moon, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, and the full-service Atlantic restaurant that’s set inside a Victorian aquarium.
Where to Stay
There will be three new hotels opening in the area of Epic Universe. Universal Stella Nova Resort is up first, with 750 guest rooms based on outer galaxies and unnamed stars. The expected opening date is January 21.
Universal Terra Luna Resort, which has 750 guest rooms themed with terrestrial tones and new worlds, will open on March 25.
The 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel, decorated with celestial patterns and constellations overlooking the parks, is located inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park and will open on May 22 along with the park.
Universal Orlando Resort currently has Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and the Volcano Bay waterpark; plus several Universal-owned, Loew’s and Hard Rock hotels in the area.
All artist conceptual renderings are courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort.
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