Universal Orlando Resort is set to debut its newest and largest theme park in Florida, featuring a wide array of pop culture attractions. Universal Epic Universe, a multibillion-dollar project, will officially open to the public on May 22. This significant launch coincides with the start of summer, a period when Orlando’s theme parks typically see a surge of visitors, especially families and young adventurers on summer break.
This marks Florida’s first major, traditional theme park opening since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure made its debut. Although Universal introduced the themed water park Volcano Bay in 2017, Epic Universe is the third park at the Universal Orlando Resort. It joins Universal Studios in providing guests with a diverse range of entertainment options.
The new park’s opening intensifies the ongoing competition between Universal and Walt Disney World, as both aim to capture a larger share of the 74 million tourists visiting Orlando annually. Epic Universe is described as Universal’s most technologically advanced theme park, incorporating cutting-edge features like facial recognition systems for ride express lines.
Further expanding its global presence, Universal’s owner, Comcast NBCUniversal, recently announced plans for its first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe, located north of London. Additionally, a year-round horror entertainment experience is set to launch in Las Vegas later this year, while a family-oriented theme park is planned for a suburb of Dallas next year.
Despite the innovative offerings, Epic Universe’s launch comes amid economic uncertainties stirred by the Trump administration’s tariff policies, which may affect vacation spending. There are also concerns about international tourism due to issues faced by some U.S. visitors and a Canadian boycott of the United States. However, Orlando’s tourism economy showed strong performance last year, with Orange County collecting a record $359 million in tourist taxes.
Single-day tickets for Epic Universe begin at $139 for adults, with prices rising to $199 during peak periods. The park features five uniquely themed sections:
- Celestial Park: Serving as the hub of Epic Universe, this astronomically-themed area features original characters and a tranquil setting centered around a large water fountain. Guests can experience thrills with a 133-foot high dual launching roller coaster, Stardust Racers, and an expansive carousel.
- Super Nintendo World: This vibrant section boasts bold colors and lively calypso music, creating an immersive experience. With two levels, visitors enjoy an augmented reality dark ride, a kid-friendly omni-mover ride, and a Donkey Kong-themed coaster, all while interacting with characters like Mario and Luigi.
- Dark Universe: A nostalgic journey through Universal’s classic horror franchises, guests enter a recreated European village to explore attractions inspired by Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, and the Invisible Man. Highlights include a dark ride at Frankenstein’s castle and a coaster themed after the werewolf legend.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: The third installment of the Harry Potter attractions transports visitors to a 1920s Parisian setting with arched doorways and cobblestoned streets. The main attraction, Battle at the Ministry, offers an immersive ride experience in a setting reminiscent of New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
- How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berke: Featuring next-generation animatronic dragons, this Viking-inspired land includes a lagoon, statues, a coaster, and a boat ride, providing visitors with dynamic dragon encounters.
