Universal’s $6 billion Epic Universe theme park opens in less than 100 days. Here’s what to expect

The theme park wars will shift into an even higher gear right before Memorial Day. On May 22, Universal Orlando is scheduled to open Epic Universe, it’s $6 billion expansion that’s meant to lure more visitors away from the Magic Kingdom and other assets of Walt Disney World and make the company’s theme-park hub a seven-day visit for tourists.

Announced in 2019, Epic Universe will be the first new Central Florida theme park in more than 25 years. Divided into five lands, it’s a park that hopes to have something that appeals to all types of family members. And it’s a serious enough threat that Disney has announced a major upgrade to its Orlando parks, part of a 10-year, $60 billion investment in parks and experiences.

For a park that’s so close to its opening day, there are still a lot of questions. Tickets went on sale last October, but unless you’re a hardcore theme-park junkie, you might not know what to expect from Epic Universe. Here’s what you can look forward to, if you’re planning (or thinking about planning) a vacation.

Universal Epic Universe front gate [Rendering: Universal]

Where is Epic Universe located?

While it’s a part of Universal Orlando, the physical location of Epic Universe will be set about 2.5 miles southeast of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as Universal Volcano Bay water park and Universal CityWalk.

To transport visitors back and forth, Universal will run buses between the parks and will have a separate parking area for Epic Universe visitors.

What are the five lands of Epic Universe?

The park’s layout is designed to let visitors enter a “portal,” which takes them to five different lands.

Celestial Park

This is the entry into Universal Epic Universe, with dining, shopping, and three attractions: a carousel, a dual-launch coaster, and interactive dancing fountains. The Helios Grand Hotel (more details below) will also be located in this area.

Celestial Park [Rendering: Universal]

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic

Universal has two other Harry Potter Wizarding Worlds: Daigon Alley at Universal Orlando and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. Those are connected via the Hogwarts Express, but the Ministry of Magic will be a stand-alone park. The new park will include elements from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, and this area will let fans explore several international wizarding communities, from Paris in the 1920s to the U.K. in the 1990s.

Food choices will include Café L’air De La Sirène and Le Goblet Noir. And yes, of course, you’ll be able to get a Butterbeer. 

Super Nintendo World

Already a hit in Universal Studios’s California park, this interactive Nintendo-themed world is loaded with familiar characters from Mario to Bowser. It includes a big coaster (more on that below) and a live-action Mario Kart ride. It’s a larger park than its California cousin and has additional rides (such as Yoshi’s Adventure and Mine-Cart Madness) and interactive activities. 

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Super Nintendo World [Rendering: Universal]

Foodwise, Chef Toad is serving things up at the Toadstool Café—like the Mario Burger complete with a bun branded with Mario’s moustache and tiny red cap. There’s also the Bubbly Barrel in Donkey Kong Country. 

How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk

On the Isle of Berk, you’ll be able to ride a dragon. You’ll also be able to explore the Viking village at the heart of the animated Dreamworks franchise.

Dark Universe

Universal embraces its monster-based roots, with reimagined classic creatures, including Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and Dracula.

What will be the big rides?

Epic Universe will have several big roller coasters, the standout of which will seemingly be Mine-Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World. This Donkey Kong-themed ride features an effect where the car will appear to jump over a gap in the tracks.

The Wizarding World’s big draw will be Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, which features the return of Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge. Dark Universe’s big draw will be the animatronic-heavy Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, set under Frankenstein Manor.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry [Rendering: Universal]

At Isle of Berk, you can ride Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a coaster that simulates a ride on a dragon’s back. And the Stardust Racers coaster will send visitors in Celestial Park zooming at 62 mph to heights of 133 feet.

Will there be hotels?

Three hotels are being built in the general area around Epic Universe, but the crown jewel will be the Grand Helios, which has a dedicated entrance to the park, along with a rooftop bar overlooking the park.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel [Rendering: Universal]

The others, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, are not within walking distance and will require some travel time to reach Epic Universe.

How much will Epic Universe tickets cost?

Right now, if you want to visit Epic Universe, you’ll need to buy either a three-, four- or five-day pass. And regardless of which one you choose, that will only get you into Epic Universe for a single day. The other days must be spent at the other Universal theme parks. For adults, those start at $117 per day. Kids are just a couple dollars less.

If you’re already an annual passholder at Universal, you can buy one-day tickets, but those are already sold out for at least the first 17 days that Epic Universe will be open. Prices to add a ticket for the Epic Universe add-ons start at $122 a day.

Individual tickets for Epic Universe will go on sale at a later date, which hasn’t been announced yet.

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