Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
Preview:
- What Is Common Orlando’s Epic Universe?
- A Look At “Isle of Berk,” “Darkish Universe,” “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic,” and “Tremendous Nintendo World”
- Model new Helios Grand Lodge
Get able to expertise a model new theme park in an epic means. For the primary time in over 25 years, a brand new theme park is opening in Orlando, Florida.
Universal Orlando‘s Epic Universe spans over 750 acres of land, and consists of 5 new lands inside. Visitors might be transported in to the worlds impressed by film franchises corresponding to ‘How To Train Your Dragon,’ ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them,’ Common’s traditional monsters, and Tremendous Nintendo.
The brand new opening additionally consists of the Helios Grand Lodge, a Loews Lodge. The Helios Grand has its personal devoted entrance into Epic Universe (theme park admission required), and affords visitors early entry into the park.
Moviefone had the pleasure of touring to Orlando, Florida, for a particular preview of Epic Universe forward of its grand opening on Could 22, 2025 to expertise all 5 lands and their sights, reveals, and extra.
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What Is Epic Universe?
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
Epic Universe is Common Orlando’s fourth theme park, not removed from Common Studios Orlando. It homes 5 model new lands, together with Celestial Park, How To Practice Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Darkish Universe, Tremendous Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Epic Universe’s theming is impressed by the heavens, stars, and constellations, and as soon as visitors step via the towering Emerald Gate and Chronos gadget, they’ll discover themselves in Celestial Park. From there, they’ll have the ability to entry the 4 different portals main them into numerous lands.
In the course of the media preview week, there was a gap ceremony for every of the portals. Because the Chrono gadget “powered up” to open the portal, the characters of the respective land would seem, together with music, pyro, fireplace, smoke, and typically confetti to welcome visitors. Whereas these portal opening ceremony will not be prone to occur as soon as Epic Universe is formally open, it was thrilling to see the efforts put in by Epic Universe to make getting into every portal a novel expertise through the media preview.
Epic Theme Park, Epic Lodge
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
The brand new Helios Grand Lodge sits on the Epic Universe property, and is alleged to be essentially the most distinctive resorts on the planet. In partnership with Lowes Lodge, the Helio Grand has 500 rooms together with 35 suites. The very best perk of staying right here could be its devoted entrance proper into Epic Universe.
Upon strolling into the Helio Grand Lodge, you’re met with the view of large home windows that lookout into the theme park. The resort’s theming is parallel to what you’d see in Celestial Park, making the transition from one place to the subsequent clean and flawless. Eating choices consists of the restaurant Flora Taverna on the primary flooring, Bar Helio that gives a surprising 360 diploma view, and the poolside Lotus Lagoon.
Throughout media preview, Govt Chairman of Loews Lodge & Co Jonathan Tisch proudly mentions that the Helio Grand Lodge makes the eleventh resort on Common Property, “On Common campus now, now we have 11 resorts, 11 thousand rooms, and with our companions at Comcast and NBCU, it truly is a outstanding partnership”
Jonathan Tisch talks about getting the cellphone name that began the Helios Grand Lodge mission
“We acquired a name to construct a resort however this time it’s a bit completely different. You’re taking a look at this superb amusement park, and this resort, the Helios is without doubt one of the most unusual resorts on the planet. Common Stella Nova Resort and Common Terra Luna Resort – It truly is only a a mission that we’ve been in discuss for a very long time. So we have been very busy at these resorts. We have opened up three resorts of three and a half miles right here, all in anticipation of this weekend within the superb opening that we’ll all see quickly. On Common campus now, now we have 11 resorts, 11 doves and rooms, and with our companions are Comcast and NBCU. It truly is a outstanding partnership.”
What Can You Discover In Celestial Park?
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
Celestial Park homes a beautiful and luxurious backyard, the Cosmos fountain, the Constellation Carousel, and the dual-track rollercoaster Stardust Racers. There are a number of eating and procuring choices positioned all through. This portion of Epic Universe serves because the crossroads that results in the 4 different lands inside. Utilizing a hub-and-spoke format, visitors can journey in a clockwise or counterclockwise path to their subsequent vacation spot. At instances, Celestial Park can really feel like a maze with its ever extending gardens and ponds.
Whereas Celestial Park isn’t themed to any explicit IP, the sights right here shouldn’t be neglected. The Constellation Carousel takes visitors on a unique carousel expertise, because the celestial creature journey automobiles additionally spin, making one really feel like they’re transferring in several instructions as a substitute of the standard 360 levels on a traditional merry-go-around.
The Stardust Racer rollercoaster is difficult to overlook. The retro-themed coaster stands tall at 133 ft and options twin tracks. The Stardust Racer will launch visitors from 0 to 62 MPH, taking riders excessive into the sky earlier than descending right into a sequence of drops and twists, whereas crisscrossing with the opposite observe. Each tracks provide a barely completely different expertise, with the Yellow observe providing extra twists whereas the Inexperienced observe has extra drops and dips. The journey is designed to seem like comets within the sky, and it actually takes on that feeling with an evening journey. The tracks aren’t lit, so the one lights are coming from the journey automobiles themselves.
For eating, there are two full-service eating places and some quick-service choices. The complete service eating places are the Atlantic and the Blue Dragon. The Atlantic affords a wide range of seafood fare and is themed to its aquatic identify, with giant floor-to-ceiling home windows that overlook Neptune’s Pool. The Blue Dragon serves up Asian-inspired dishes, and the decor options neon mild signage and motifs impressed by East and Southeast Asia. There’s additionally a wide range of fast service choices which are unfold all through.
What Can You Discover In Isle of Berk?
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
The Isle of Berk immerse visitors into the world of Dreamwork’s ‘How To Practice Your Dragon’. Upon getting into via the portal, you’re met with towering stone statues of a Viking and a dragon. On this land, you’ll discover 30 animatronic dragons, in addition to three rides and a dwell stage present. Additionally, you will meet characters from the movie, together with Hiccup, Astrid, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Gobber, and naturally, Toothless himself. Don’t overlook to maintain an eye fixed out for lovely child dragons who will play a sport of “Toothless Says”.
The three rides in Isle of Berk encompass Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer’s Rally, and Fyre Drill. There’s additionally the dwell stage present “The Untrainable Dragon”, which is in contrast to any theme park stage present. In “The Untrainable Dragon”, the Vikings encounter a brand new troublesome dragon that’s inflicting mayhem within the village. Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid should discover a option to calm the dragon earlier than it causes extra destruction. The present options dance and musical numbers, however better of all, Hiccup and Toothless will soar over the viewers through the present. It is a must-see!
Eating choices in Isle of Berk consists of the Mead Corridor, which additionally occurs to be the tallest constructing within the land. Mead Corridor affords fast service and has a spread meats, fish, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks. Different eating choices embody Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel the place you’ll find the Instagramable Dragon Hearth Hen Spire mac-and-cheese cone.
What Can You Discover In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic?
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
Whereas Common Orlando and Islands of Journey already home each Diagon Alley and Hogsmead, there may be nonetheless a lot to discover within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe. As you stroll via the towering wand-topped portal, you immediately end up in Twenties Paris. This land is linked to the “Improbable Beasts and The place To Discover Them” franchise, the place magical creatures from the movie could be present in numerous store home windows and leisure.
The principle attraction on this land is the “Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry” journey. For the primary time, visitors will have the ability to expertise the Métro-Floo as they stroll via the inexperienced tunnel. Stepping via the mist, you’ll end up on the British Ministry of Magic.
The official synopsis for “Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry” is:
Journey by Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic™ the place Dolores Umbridge™ is about to face trial. Board a raise and be part of Harry, Ron, and Hermione as you journey deep into the Ministry’s many departments. Thrilling journey, incredible beasts, and unexplored thriller await in Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry™.
This journey queue is essentially the most spectacular of all lands at Epic Universe. As you come out of the Métro-Floo tunnels, you’re met with the large atrium of the British Ministry of Magic and its many flooring of workplaces. On the heart stands the Fountain of Magical Brethren. The sight is actually spectacular. Continuing via the road queue, you’ll stroll via the Magical Archives library, the Aurors’ locker room, and Dolores Umbridge’s workplace.
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
For the journey itself, visitors will board the magical omnidirectional raise because it makes its option to Umbridge’s trial. As she makes an attempt to flee, the raise, together with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, give chase all through the Ministry. The journey has a mix of screens and observe units, much like “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”. What units this journey aside is the seamless stream from display to set and the detailed animatronics discovered all through. The immersive storytelling mixed with the applied sciences used for Battle on the Ministry make this attraction a should for Harry Potter followers.
Inside this land, you’ll find “Cirque de Arcanus”, a dwell present that includes cirque acts and incredible beasts in giant puppetry type. With particular results and complicated set designs, visitors will really feel surrounded by the magic of the Wizarding World.
There’s a lot to discover throughout the wizarding metropolis of Paris. Arm your self with an interactive wand and put your expertise to the check with the various spell-casting spots in entrance of the storefronts all through this land. Cease by Café L’air De La Sirène for a butterbeer crepe
What Can You Discover In Darkish Universe?
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
It’s Alive! As visitors step via the portal for Darkish Universe, they’re transported to the village of Darkmoor, a haunting village the place the traditional Common Monsters roam. The gothic decor and fog results units the temper. The crackles and hum of electrical energy from Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments could be heard all through. As you journey additional into the land, you’ll come throughout Frankenstein Manor, a darkish fort looming over Darkmoor. The manor homes the primary attraction of Darkish Universe, “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment”.
The official synopsis for “Monsters Unchained” is:
Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors deep beneath the household property. An indication of her experiments to manage monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters together with The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and extra.
Monsters Unchained has two pre-shows, with the latter exhibiting off the unimaginable animatronics of Victoria Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s Monster 2.0. Their actions are fluid and lifelike, giving a visitor only a style of what they’ll encounter on the journey.
The journey car operates very equally to “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” however the car’s motion is extra excessive and intense than Forbidden Journey. Compared, Monsters Unchain boasts extra observe units and animatronics than screenings. Because the journey automobiles, operated by Igor, navigates via the catacombs deep beneath the manor, visitors will come face-to-face with Dracula and his brides, the Mummy, and Creature from the Black Lagoon. These larger-than-life animatronics are extraordinarily detailed and actually scary because the journey car brings you inside inches of them.
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
There’s a lot occurring on this journey, and every seat affords a barely completely different view as sure animatronic figures come out at a unique timing. Monsters Unchained is one of the best journey in Epic Universe, and value experiencing a number of instances as you’ll undoubtedly discover one thing you completely different than the earlier journey.
Apart from Monsters Unchained, there’s additionally the spinning rollercoaster “Curse of the Werewolf”. The journey car travels at 37 MPH on forwards and backwards movement whereas the seat automobiles spin. The spinning movement can differ relying on the burden distribution of every journey car. The coaster is thrilling however nowhere as intense as Stardust Racers and even Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
Official synopsis for “Curse of the Werewolf”:
Maleva, chief of The Guild of Mystics, welcomes you to a secluded wagon camp. Right here you are warned of the creatures who prowl the deep woods. Earlier than lengthy you are using Curse of the Werewolf – surrounded by glowing eyes and gnashing tooth, you may spin and weave via the forest as you try to flee a pack of werewolves.
Visitors can encounter characters corresponding to Igor as he roams round Darkmoor, or meet Frankenstein and the Bride of their designated meet and greet space.
Eating choices embody the Burning Blade Tavern, which has a rotating windmill that’s lit ablaze seversal instances a day. The Tavern serves up a wide range of burgers, rooster, small bites, and beverage.
“The story of the strangest ardour the world has ever identified!”
72
1 hr 14 minFeb 14th, 1931
What Can You Discover in Tremendous Nintendo World?
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
Tremendous Nintendo World first made its option to Common Studios Hollywood in 2023. That is the place you’ll find “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem”. What units the Tremendous Nintendo World aside in Epic Universe is a model new space that includes Donkey Kong. This marks the debut of Donkey Kong Nation in the US.
Donkey Kong Nation transports visitors into the jungle the place you’ll find “Mine-Cart Insanity”. Board the mine cart and enter the Golden Temple to guard the Golden Banana, however be careful for the rickety tracks.
Official synopsis for Mine-Cart Insanity:
It is as much as you to assist Donkey Kong shield the Golden Banana on Mine-Cart Insanity™. Enter the majestic Golden Temple, board your mine cart and take off on this thrilling household coaster. Dashing via the mine, you may seem to leap throughout gaps within the observe and carry out different eye-popping feats from the Donkey Kong Nation video video games.
Because the mine carts rushes via the Golden Temple, you’ll discover a number of the tracks have collapsed however there isn’t a stopping. The mine cart makes leaps over the lacking tracks, and makes this journey thrilling and typically a bit scary. The journey won’t solely take you thru the temple, but additionally over water and thru the jungle. For these visiting the park with a Energy-Up band or monitoring your progress via Common Orlando app, that is how one can purchase the Golden Banana stamp.
Whilst you’re in Donkey Kong Nation, cease by The Bubbly Barrel stall to attempt the DK Crush Float, which is served with a pineapple banana mushy serve with a waffle cone. It sounds extraordinarily sugary nevertheless it’s simply the appropriate stage of sweetness and really refreshing. You will have the choice to get it with or with out the memento DK barrel mug.
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.
The opposite new attraction at Tremendous Nintendo World is Yoshi’s Journey. It is a a lot slower paced journey than Mine-Cart Insanity, excellent for all-ages. The observe additionally provides you a scenic aerial view of Tremendous Nintendo World. Visitors will board a Yoshi journey car because it takes you thru numerous scenes seeking all three Yoshi Eggs. Every car is provided with three egg-shaped buttons. While you spot a blue, pink, or inexperienced Yoshi Egg, press the corresponding coloration button. That is how one can purchase the Golden Egg stamp.
The rides at Tremendous Nintendo World are enjoyable however not as detailed or thrilling as the opposite lands. Nonetheless, this land is extraordinarily interactive, particularly if in case you have a Energy-Up Band to gather stamps and play mini-games.
You could find a number of meals choices together with Toadstool Cafe, which boasts wide range from pasta to soups to sandwiches. There are a ton of seating and an ideal option to escape the warmth on a sizzling day.
“Not all heroes put on capes. Some put on overalls.”
76
1 hr 33 minApr fifth, 2023
Epic Universe is altering the sport in the case of theme parks. The eye to element in every land has elevated the expertise. While you’re in any particular land, you overlook that you simply’re part of a bigger theme park. Whether or not you step into the Isle of Berk or Darkish Universe, you’re instantly enveloped by the theming and decor. You received’t even discover the opposite portals towers from the opposite lands regardless that they stand tall. For essentially the most half, every land is full of interactive experiences so if there are lots to do other than the rides and reveals.
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe and Helio Grand Lodge is now formally open to the general public.
Common Orlando’s Epic Universe Grand Opening. Picture: Wendy Lee Szany.