I’m on the bottom inside Epic Universe for the primary few days of paid previews of the brand new theme park at Common Orlando Resort. This third gate options groundbreaking points of interest and lands based mostly on Nintendo, Harry Potter, Find out how to Prepare Your Dragon, Monsters & extra. Comply with alongside right here for the experience, with day and night time pictures & video to introduce every space of the brand new park.
Epic Universe joins the Common Orlando Resort lineup alongside its two established theme parks, Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey. There’s additionally Volcano Bay Water Park and 11 resort inns–nearly all of which have been constructed within the final decade in anticipation of this new park turning Common Orlando right into a vacation spot resort.
For its half, Epic Universe options 5 themed lands: Celestial Park, Darkish Universe, Find out how to Prepare Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Tremendous Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. The park is located on a 750-acre web site with ample enlargement pads, making it the Common web site with the most important footprint in the USA. At opening, it options 11 rides and two main exhibits, plus all kinds of atmospheric leisure, play areas, and extra.
Forward of Epic Universe’s official opening on Could 22, 2025, the park has been in previews for the final month-plus. This began with Group Member previews that ran for over a month, by means of mid-April 2025. For the primary a number of weeks of those, there was a strict ban of pictures and video. Mercifully so, for followers like me who prefer to keep away from spoilers. That ban was lifted a pair weeks in the past, and there’s been a surge of protection since.
The dam will break and that’ll flip right into a deluge going ahead, as paid previews are actually underway. These invite Annual Passholders, 2025 Navy Freedom Go Ticket Holders, Common VISA Card members. and company staying at any Common Orlando lodge can buy tickets to entry Epic Universe throughout its preview interval.
In the event you’re feeling omitted, don’t fear! Extra audiences will be capable of buy tickets to preview the groundbreaking new theme park within the weeks forward. (That in all probability means Florida residents. I one way or the other doubt they’re going to increase previews to company staying on-site at Walt Disney World.)
Talking of staying on-site, to get the complete expertise, I additionally booked a room at Common Helios Grand Lodge. This in-park resort overlooks Epic Universe and is a good place to remain when visiting the brand new theme park. I felt like a child on Christmas Eve my first night time right here, making an attempt to get peeks of the park that I couldn’t but go to. It was a enjoyable tease!
See We’re Stay from Common Helios Grand Lodge, Epic Universe’s In-Park Resort (Pictures & Video) for extra.
To say theme park followers are anxiously awaiting Epic Universe can be an enormous understatement. It’s the primary new theme park opened by Disney or Common in Central Florida within the 2000s (Islands of Journey and Animal Kingdom debuted within the late Nineteen Nineties), and in the complete United States since Disney California Journey debuted again in 2001. Suffice to say, theme park followers are hopeful this can go a bit higher than the boondoggle that was DCA 1.0!
Relaxation assured, Epic Universe is best than the OG Disney’s California Journey. Or at the very least, it’s higher than the model of DCA that we first skilled in 2010, which was already an enchancment over the opening day iteration of the park. However this isn’t precisely breaking information. Anybody who has taken a cursory take a look at Epic Universe protection up to now already knew it was higher than that much-maligned park.
Each Disney and Common realized quite a lot of classes from the underbuilt parks of the early aughts, making the actual query if Epic Universe lives as much as its personal hype and is best than the more moderen parks which have opened in Asia. Particularly, whether or not Epic Universe is pretty much as good or higher than Common Studios Beijing, Shanghai Disneyland, and even Tokyo DisneySea?
Truthful warning: I can’t be answering any of these questions simply but. Extra precisely, I can not reply them. Whereas my first impression of Epic Universe is sort of unequivocally optimistic, and that is the perfect Common park I’ve ever skilled, I’m not even near 100% assured in the place I’d rank it among the many world’s finest theme parks.
Past that, a brand new theme park is a uncommon beast that’s finest loved, not nitpicked. If I noticed a Woolly Mammoth and Dodo Chook within the wild, I wouldn’t instantly assume: “take a look at that dumb chicken, no surprise it’s extinct. It has X, Y, and Z evolutionary faults! I hope that huge furry elephant with mouth-horns eats it. And talking of which, that pachyderm design appears woefully antiquated!”
Level being, I’m a theme park fan before everything, versus a themed design critic. I’m solely in hype mode for the primary couple of days at Epic Universe, savoring this majestic beast and understanding the ‘new main theme park’ phenomenon is a rarity–one thing unlikely to repeat itself in Central Florida in my lifetime. I’ve been excited for this since 2019, thought it was useless in 2020, and have one way or the other managed to principally significant keep away from spoilers for the final couple weeks.
Since I’m in hype mode, I shouldn’t offer commentary simply but. I’ve made that mistake previously and, virtually with out fail, have gotten carried away by the thrill of the shiny new factor. That doesn’t do anybody any favors.
It may possibly set unrealistic expectations that the factor can not presumably reside as much as, resulting in disproportionate disappointment (versus zero expectations in any way). So all I’ll say at this level is that Common Orlando’s third gate is best than DCA was in 2010 and that I’m fairly happy with Epic Universe up to now. I’ll undoubtedly have barely extra complete critique within the weeks to come back, so keep tuned.
Talking of spoilers, this submit might be spoiler-free in relation to the points of interest themselves. That means no on-ride pictures or video. Given how meticulously Epic Universe has in any other case been documented and promoted, every thing else besides on-ride Epic Universe content material is honest sport. (You’ve been warned.)
I’m not basing this determination on reader suggestions; the overwhelming majority of followers couldn’t care much less about seeing spoilers. However, spoiler-free is how I prefer to expertise new lands, parks, and points of interest. There’s additionally the egocentric facet of it, as I prefer to expertise my first ride-through (or few) not by means of a viewfinder or display. (It additionally helps that pictures aren’t allowed on the overwhelming majority of Epic Universe rides.)
The purpose of all that is to offer you an concept of what to anticipate from Epic Universe, get a lay of the lands, and–frankly–assist the hype prepare achieve extra steam for Epic Universe. Perhaps persuade just a few of you fence-sitters to do previews too, as I consider this can be a incredible and uncommon alternative. No less than, as long as you go in with life like expectations, understanding it’s nonetheless a technical rehearsal topic to delays and downtime, and know there’s an excellent likelihood you received’t get to expertise Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry.
Oh and it additionally provides you an opportunity to ask questions on Epic Universe, let me know what you’d prefer to study in regards to the park, and so on., whereas I’m nonetheless there so I can tailor my plans (at the very least to some extent) round that. I have already got a reasonably good concept of what readers seemingly need to study (separate lists rating the perfect bogs in every land), but it surely’s all the time good to solicit suggestions. There are already just a few feedback on the Helios Grand lodge submit asking about issues I wouldn’t have thought to examine or handle. So I’m positive the identical might be true with the park itself.
Sufficient with the preface, let’s head inside Common Epic Universe! (A lot of the textual content that follows is the official descriptions of those lands and points of interest for the sake of expediency since time is restricted.)
Celestial Park
On the coronary heart of the park and the primary world company will encounter is Celestial Park, which has been dubbed the “Cosmic Nexus of Common Epic Universe.” With acres of rolling gardens, chasing waterways and strolling pathways, Celestial Park goals to place the “park” again in “theme park.”
As quickly as company enter the imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey of discovery, thrills and pleasure as they wander by means of lush residing gardens nestled alongside shimmering waters surrounded by gorgeous structure impressed by astronomical and mythological parts. Right here, company can loosen up whereas taking within the sights and sounds round them, board a taking pictures comet for an exhilarating curler coaster journey, dine on delectable delicacies, store unique merchandise to commemorate their go to and extra.
Celestial Park would be the gateway to discover the 4 extra worlds of Epic Universe – every bringing to life extraordinary adventures that transcend company’ wildest imaginations. By way of a set of majestic portals that seize the creativeness and creativity of every world, company will embark on a transformative expertise as they journey from Celestial Park to the remainder of Epic Universe’s themed lands.
Listed below are extra particulars about among the different wonders company can take pleasure in whereas exploring Celestial Park:
Starfall Racers – a dual-launch racing coaster that sends company rocketing by means of the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the quickest of all of them. Reaching speeds as much as 62 mph and heights as much as 133 toes alongside 5,000 toes of observe, Starfall Racers might be Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster expertise with distinctive maneuvers such because the “Celestial Spin,” by which the 2 coaster automobiles carry out an inverted crisscross whereas dashing by means of the air, creating an otherworldly adrenaline rush.
Constellation Carousel – the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park. Right here, explorers of all ages will take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide ahead, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – by means of the milky method in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.
Astronomica – an interactive wet-play space that additionally doubles as a large compass rose to the numerous wonders of Epic Universe, that includes crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance round company.
Tremendous Nintendo World
The portal to Tremendous Nintendo World transports company by means of the long-lasting inexperienced pipe into the immersive land. As company emerge from the pipe, vibrant surroundings and thrilling kinetic power encompass them as they’re greeted by the acquainted sights and sounds that they’ve skilled on their Nintendo sport consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Citadel to swaying Piranha Crops, pacing Goombas, spinning cash, ? Blocks and extra.
Inside Tremendous Nintendo World, company will be capable of discover Tremendous Mario Land – the place they’ll take pleasure in adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and different characters; and Donkey Kong Nation – the place they’ll encounter thrills that includes Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and different members of the Kong household.
The colourful landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom come to life in Tremendous Mario Land, the place company can expertise:
Yoshi’s Journey: The pleasant Yoshi’s Journey attraction will make its U.S. debut when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens at Common Epic Universe. On this family-friendly experience, company of all ages will take pleasure in breathtaking views of Tremendous Mario Land as they be part of Yoshis and journey by means of Mushroom Kingdom landscapes looking for glowing eggs – encountering many acquainted characters alongside the best way.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem: Company are invited to affix Group Mario and battle Group Bowser for the Golden Cup on this groundbreaking attraction that fuses augmented actuality, projection mapping know-how and elaborate environments to carry the enjoyable of the Mario Kart online game sequence to life in a compelling ride-through expertise.
Company up for the problem will enter by means of Bowser’s Citadel – the place they’ll wind its corridors and get a glimpse of Bowser’s misleading plans to stack the chances in his favor – earlier than boarding their kart and heading to the beginning line. Then, company steer by means of quite a lot of Mario Kart programs – accumulating cash, tossing shells at Group Bowser, dodging obstacles, and extra – as they be part of their favourite characters and compete to assist Group Mario win the race.
Mine-Cart Insanity: Company will hop right into a mine cart and careen by means of the jungle to assist Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong defend the coveted golden banana on this first-of-its-kind household coaster.
Using an unprecedented experience system, progressive know-how and a novel coaster design, Mine-Cart Insanity will ship riders on an exciting journey the place they’ll expertise the jaw-dropping maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts carry out within the video video games – together with getting blasted out of a barrel, seemingly leaping over gaps as they pace alongside a rickety observe, and a lot extra.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Company will first journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the breathtaking spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling purchasing district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, outlets, sidewalk cafés, and historic Parisian domes rising within the distance.
Right here, wizards and non-magiques alike might be enamored with the majestic grandeur and enchanting ambiance of the town as they forged dazzling spells all through the magical streets utilizing interactive wands, encounter incredible beasts at a touring circus, and – for the primary time ever inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – journey throughout nations and time to Nineteen Nineties London utilizing the Métro-Floo for an exciting journey set inside the long-lasting British Ministry of Magic.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will function the unequalled ranges of immersion and a spotlight to element followers have come to anticipate from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Listed below are the thrilling new wonders ready to be found in Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic:
Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry – With its distinctive mixture of huge environments, highly effective storytelling and first-of-its-kind experience know-how, Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry builds upon the historic theme park innovation Common is understood for – and might be considered one of its most spectacular points of interest thus far.
The journey begins when company journey by Métro-Floo – a novel mode of wizarding transit impressed by the long-lasting Floo Community seen within the movies – to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the notorious Dolores Umbridge. Upon arrival, company will enter the Ministry’s jaw-dropping grand atrium and enterprise by means of different departments earlier than boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to observe the trial happen…till Umbridge makes an attempt to flee.
Company then be part of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy in an exciting chase that may propel them up, down, ahead, backward, sideways and extra all through the Ministry as they attempt to seize Umbridge – all whereas dodging assaults from Demise Eaters, rampaging creatures and extra alongside the best way.
Le Cirque Arcanus – For the primary time ever in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, company will take pleasure in a reside, full-scale theatre expertise within the coronary heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus. This spectacular present options reside performers and aerialists, wonderful puppetry, good particular results and extra to take company on a whirlwind journey the place they’ll encounter incredible beasts like by no means earlier than.
The present follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – the place Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves and extra reside – to try to carry the failing Le Cirque Arcanus again to its former glory. It’s then as much as circus worker Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures earlier than they find yourself in Skender’s grasping fingers without end.
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique – Company can store among the world’s best wands designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor, within the premier Parisian wand store, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique.
Along with fashionable imports from Ollivanders, guests will discover a choice of beautiful wands packaged in distinctive three-sided containers – every containing a listing of areas all through the wizarding world the place company can follow casting spells.
Inspiring Wand Magic – As company discover the streets of wizarding Paris, they will use their interactive wands to create magical experiences as they forged spells at varied areas, work together with incredible beasts resembling Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise, and have interaction with enchanted objects in most of the storefront home windows plus different areas all through the marvelous Place Cachée.
Charming Leisure – Whereas exploring the streets of Place Cachée, company may even encounter different guests, officers and residents from the wizarding world, together with change college students from the Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Faculties of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France who roams inquiring of suspicious characters, speaking portraits of pleasant wizards who have interaction with locals in regards to the happenings in Place Cachée, and extra.
Find out how to Prepare Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Company’ first sight of Berk might be harking back to the long-lasting sweeping vista straight from the Find out how to Dragon Your Dragon movies – that includes an unlimited glowing lagoon that boasts two 40-foot-tall Viking statues set towards an brisk village perched above churning seas.
Company will uncover 4 points of interest, one reside present, and several other character and dragon meet-and-greet experiences that provide one thing for each member of the household, together with:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – On this household thrill coaster, Hiccup invitations courageous new Vikings to take a experience in his newest glider contraption – a winged flying machine that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the sky for a dragon’s eye view of Berk. Company will fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless and attain speeds as much as 45 mph as they soar across the perimeter of Berk – and even by means of the lagoon – whereas experiencing firsthand what it’s prefer to fly on a dragon.
The Untrainable Dragon – Impressed by Common Beijing Resort’s wildly profitable “Untrainable” present, this dragon-filled reside spectacular takes company on an unforgettable journey with beloved characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid as they work collectively to resolve the thriller of The Untrainable Dragon.
This heartwarming story involves life with charming musical numbers, breathtaking units and life-sized dragons hovering overhead. (The above video is not of the present–it’s in-land leisure close to the theater and meet & greet.)
Dragon Racer’s Rally – Berk’s new Vikings racers can follow aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that attain heights of as much as 67 toes within the air. Company can management how “wild” or “gentle” their expertise might be as they carry out high-flying, gravity-defying, swooping and hovering expertise which might be essential to earn the accolades worthy of a real champion dragon racer.
Fyre Drill – Mischievous Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut invite groups of Vikings to compete to outscore and out-soak one another on this wet-and-wild boat battle. Company will board a colourful dragon-headed boat and blast water cannons at flame-like targets to follow placing out fires – a vital talent to grasp when residing with dragons.
Viking Coaching Camp – Junior Vikings will study every thing they should find out about dragons as they climb, slide and discover their method by means of this sprawling interactive journey play camp – that includes a Viking agility course, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, child Gronckle dragon climbers and a lot extra.
Meet Hiccup and Toothless – Company can go to the Haddock Paddock for an unimaginable meet-and-greet expertise with heroic Dragon Rider, Hiccup, and pose for a photograph along with his pleasant Evening Fury, Toothless. Plus, all through the day, company may encounter different acquainted Vikings and dragons whereas exploring Berk.
Darkish Universe
The journey to Darkish Universe begins the second company enter its electrifying portal, which harnesses the darkish power of Darkmoor. As company step foot inside, that very same power will pulsate all through the complete village and join on the high of Frankenstein Manor – the towering point of interest of Darkish Universe.
Nestled inside the blackened stone partitions of the city, company will embark on distinctive adventures the place they will get made as much as seem like their favourite monsters, spin by means of the woods aboard an exciting household coaster, take pleasure in distinctive eating institutions, enter Frankenstein Manor to courageous Common Orlando’s most chilling experience ever, and extra.
Right here’s extra details about the thrilling but unsettling points of interest and leisure experiences that await guests to Darkish Universe:
Curse of the Werewolf – Deep within the woods that sit on the sting of Darkmoor, company will discover Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning household coaster impressed by “The Wolf Man.”
Company will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics the place they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and chief, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Company then board a wagon and enterprise into the forest – racing to flee the werewolves earlier than they develop into one themselves.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Saving the second-best for final, now we have Common Orlando’s most terrifying attraction ever, like a everlasting Halloween Horror Nights with a monster funds. The Frankenstein Experiment is a state-of-the-art darkish experience that takes company deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, the place Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments.
In a useless show of her genius, she invitations company into her laboratory to witness an indication of her skill to manage monsters – however her plans go awry when her makes an attempt to manage probably the most harmful of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters. Company are then thrust into an intense experience by means of the darkness as they attempt to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation on your go to to Central Florida? Make certain to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for every thing about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally take a look at our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for every thing about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and way more, join our FREE e mail e-newsletter!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider Common’s Epic Universe? Which attraction are you most wanting ahead to experiencing? Excited for Tremendous Nintendo World, Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, Darkish Universe/Traditional Monsters, or the Find out how to Prepare Your Dragon lands and/or points of interest? Suppose Epic Universe might be a 3rd gate that’s a worthy addition to Common Orlando Resort…and doubtlessly on par with Disney’s finest lands? Any questions? Protection you’d prefer to see from us concerning Epic Universe? Must know technique or data? We love listening to from readers, so please share another ideas or questions you may have within the feedback under!
