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2025 will be a year of celebration for Universal Orlando Resort, as it marks the opening of the much-anticipated new theme park,Universal Epic Universe. While it’s considered one big theme park, Epic Universe consists of five different worlds, each offering guests a unique immersive experience featuring rides, shows, character meet and greets, shopping, dining, and more.
AsUniversal Epic Universe officially opens on July 08, 2025, it will become a go-to destination for theme park enthusiasts and visitors of Orlando, Florida. Screen Rant was invited to the official media preview event before the grand opening, so if you’re looking to experience everything Universal’s newest park has to offer, or you want to craft a specific to-do list, here’s your complete guide to Epic Universe’s five immersive worlds.
Celestial Park
Epic Universe’s Celestial Park is the center of Universal’s new entertainment destination, or, as it’s described, “the cosmic heart of Universal Epic Universe.” When you enter Epic Universe, you step right into Celestial Park. Not only does it contain the portal entries to the four other immersive worlds that make up Epic Universe, butCelestial Park also features the Universal Grand Helios Hotel.Guests of the hotel are just steps away from an exclusive entrance into Epic Universe, with access to stellar views of the entire park and its giant fountain.
Rides
Celestial Park is home to two rides, including what I’d consider the most intense offering for thrill-seekers. First is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster featuring two tracks. The coasters reach speeds of 62 mph and take riders through moves like the “Celestial Spin” as the comets race each other to the finish line. To get the full experience, ride both of the tracks since they each offer a different riding experience.
The backs of both coasters on Stardust Racers are equipped with Flux Compacitors as a nod to theBack to the Futurefranchise, a Universal property.
The second ride option is Constellation Carousel, Celestial Park’s centerpiece attraction. This cosmic-infused ride uses celestial animals and creatures that guests can ride, which spin and reach heights of 6 feet. The ride also features special music and light visuals to fit the galactic theme.
Stardust Racers
Thrill Ride
The dual-launch roller coaster reaches speeds of 62 mph and reaches heights of 133 feet
A cosmic-themed carousel choreographed to musical and constellation visuals
Attractions
Unlike the other worlds in Epic Universe,Celestial Park isn’t based on Universal’s existing IP. Instead, the central location relies on astronomy and mythology to immerse visitors in the cosmic world. When entering the park, guests will walk under Chronos Tower, which features a special display each morning to activate and open the other four portals in the park. Celestial Park also has statues, gardens, and fountain shows.
Food Options
For those wondering about dining options, Celestial Park has the most to offer. The two full-service restaurants are Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant. Aside from that, there are nine other food options that range from quick service to snack areas and bars.
Seafood and steak restaurant located inside an aquarium
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant
Full Service
Chinese, Thai, and Japanese menu offerings in a restaurant “accented with neon dragons and ethereal lanterns”
The Oak & Star Tavern
Quick Service
Tavern that features a “starlight-filled oak tree” and a menu highlighted by barbecue options
A pizza shop converted from a 1900s Victorian theater
Pub fare with a meteor theme
Another tavern with beer and snack options
Asian food cart with Asian bao bun offerings
Celestial ice cream treats and other goodies
A hot dog snack stand
A tiki bar with galaxy-themed flare
Cosmic-themed beverages
How To Train Your Dragon - Isle Of Berk
Get ready to step right into the world ofHow to Train Your Dragonwhen entering Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk portal. You’ll first encounter the village’s large lagoon and giant Viking statues. Around the village, there are wooden structures, dragon habitats, and wandering figures that may be familiar to fans of the movie franchise. From Vikings in training to hopeful dragon riders, there’s plenty to do in Isle of Berk.
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk has several rides, including Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a roller coaster that incorporates Hiccup and Toothless. Then there’s Dragon Racer’s Rally, which isn’t a coaster, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Riders sit atop gliders while controlling their own acrobatics through the air for a more personalized experience.
For younger guests, Isle of Berk offers Fyre Drill, an interactive boat ridethat allows teams to soak each other with water cannons. Of course, there’s also the Viking Training Camp, a playground area for youngsters to learn what it would take to become a Viking.
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Food Options
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
A roller coaster that acts as a winged flying machine that encounters Hiccup and Toothless
Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that allow riders to control the maneuvers
Ruffnut and Tuffnut’s interactive boat battle ride with water cannons
Interactive play area for junior Vikings
Attractions & Shows
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk is the location of one of Epic Universe’s new live shows. The Untrainable Dragon allows guests to sit down in a theater for a story led by Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid. In addition to live performances and singing, the spectacle is highlighted by life-sized animatronic flying dragons.
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If you don’t catch the live show at Isle of Berk, you still have a chance to meet your favoriteHow to Train Your Dragoncharacters.Guests can have a meet and greet with Hiccup and Toothlessfor a special encounter and photo op. Other characters like Astrid, Stormfly, and siblings Ruffnut and Tuffnut can also be found roaming the area, among others who might make surprise appearances walking (or soaring) around the park.
Under the hill of Isle of Berk’s highest point, guests can gather at the Mead Hall for a meal fit for a Viking. There are meats, fish, ales, and plenty of other offerings, and if that’s not enough, there’s the Spit Fyre Grill and a fun spot for Hooligans.
A meeting hall that offers a Vikings' feast
Dragon-seared meats on a bed of greens or rice
Quick bite stand for race-themed snacks
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter - Ministry Of Magic
If you’ve been patiently waiting for more from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Ministry of Magic park might be your first stop in Epic Universe. After journeying through a portal that takes you to the Muggle version of Paris, visitors will be transported to Place Caché, the Wizarding World’s version of 1920s Paris. From there, you can walk the city streets full of various shops, cafés, and enchanting attractions.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic features one ride, and it shouldn’t be missed. Whereas the Epic Universe world primarily highlightsFantastic Beastselements,Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride brings a big piece of the mainHarry Potterseries to life.To get to the ride, guests will enter the Métro-Floo, which will take them to the British Ministry of Magic, where they will witness Dolores Umbridge’s trial.
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As one of the biggest attractions in Epic Universe, the queue line is settled inside a giant atrium building and is followed by plenty of smaller rooms for visitors to enjoy while waiting to board the ride. Groups of guests then board omnidirectional lifts before joining Harry, Ron, and Hermione to capture the escaped Umbridge while fighting against Death Eaters.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic Ride
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Thrill Ride, Motion Simulated
After arriving at the Ministry of Magic for Umbridge’s trial, visitors will board magical lifts that travel across different departments as a battle ensues
Aside from Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, the newest Wizarding World park offers Le Cirque Arcanus, a live show with aerial performers, puppets, and special effects. A circus employee named Gwen attempts to save fantastic beasts after a Ringmaster steals Newt Scamander’s suitcase with the hope of using the mystical creatures inside to revive his failing circus.
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Those looking for merchandise will have no shortage of opportunities for souvenirs, especially when stopping in Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, the official location to buy interactive wands. After buying the special wands, guests can wander the streets to cast spells and activate special storefronts and interactive elements, like summoning hidden Nifflers around town.
While The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic doesn’t offer full-service dining locations, there are plenty of options to grab food and beverages. In addition to a classic French café, there’s a quick service spot in a small inn and a bar. Of course,it wouldn’t be a Harry Potter park without Butterbeer, and there are several locations for sweets.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic Food Options
French-inspired cafe items
Le Gobelet Noir
A spot for Dark witches and wizards to find a “hearty meal”
Offerings for American witches and wizards
A cart dedicated to Butterbeer beverages
Dark Universe
For the horror lovers making a visit to Universal’s new park, Dark Universe will be like a dream (or nightmare?) come true. Entering the portal takes visitors into Darkmoor Village, the home of haunting structures like Frankenstein Manor. If not checking out one of the many attractions or dining options, you may also walk around the eerie town where you might encounter some iconic figures.
The main highlight in Dark Universe is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment,a thrill ride located within the walls of Frankenstein Manor. It follows Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments after they’ve gone wrong, with appearances by characters like The Wolf Man, Dracula, The Mummy, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Speaking of The Wolf Man, there’s also a werewolf-themed ride set in the haunted woods.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Universal Monsters revolt after experiments in Frankenstein Manor don’t go as planned
Curse of the Werewolf
Board wagons while being chased by a pack of werewolves
If you don’t catch Dark Universe’s rides, there’s still an opportunity to encounter some of your favorite Universal Monsters characters, like Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, and others, as they will often be interacting with guests around the village.
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And if that’s not enough,you can get yourself transformed into a monster at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.Depending on which option you choose, you can also add accessories aside from makeup.
Dark Universe offers three main quick option food locations throughout the area. Vampire fans would want to check out Das Stakehaus due to the “familiars” and storied artifacts housed at the location. Otherwise, The Burning Blade Tavern includes monster head trophies and a windmill on top of the building that bursts into flames throughout the day.
Ancient dining hall run by vampires' “familiars”
The Burning Blade Tavern
A tavern housed in an old mill frequented by monster hunters
Darkmoor Village’s spot for quick bites and cool treats
Super Nintendo World
Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World is broken into two mini parks: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. After entering the franchise’s familiar green pipe, guests will first enter Super Mario Land, andit will feel like you’ve been transported right into Mushroom Kingdomas every detail from the ground up is Super Mario-themed. Across the way, you’ll head into the tropical island of Donkey Kong Country, which is just as immersive and detailed.
After entering Bowser’s Castle, you’ll put on interactive goggles and board Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, where you can ride with Super Mario characters on courses to gather coins in the hopes of winning the Golden Cup against Team Boswer. The younger visitors in Super Mario Land have the opportunity to explore the park on Yoshi ride for a special adventure. Then, in Donkey Kong Country, there’s another thrilling roller coaster that involves mining carts and the Golden Temple.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
3D/4D, Motion Simulated Ride
Join Team Mario to win the Golden Cup in the interactive racing ride
Yoshi’s Adventure
Kid-Friendly Ride
Help Yoshi characters to find glowing eggs while traveling around Super Nintendo World
Mine-Cart Madness
The mine cart coaster travels around the Golden Temple to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana
Like the other parks in Epic Universe, there will be meet and greets with notable Super Mario characters. However,the other cool aspect inside Super Nintendo World is the interactive games that can be played with official Power-Up bands.After purchasing a band, users can go around the park to punch blocks, earn coins, find special keys, and collect attraction stamps, all of which can be tracked on Universal’s app.
Once you collect three keys with your Power-Up band, you can unlock Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, a final game to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom.
There will be so much to see and do inside Super Nintendo World, but there are several quick-service food options for visitors who need a fuel break. Inspired by beloved characters, menu items include themed burgers, mushroom soup, spaghetti, and an array of snacks and drinks.
Café options made by Chef Toad
Walk-up location for quick snacks
Various fruit beverages and juice options
