Universal Orlando Resort shows no sign of slowing down following the opening of its new theme park, Epic Universe. The theme park destination recently teased more developments coming to the resort, including the future of Epic Universe, which opens May 22.
From the video teaser, Universal Orlando President and Chief Operation Officer Karen Irwin hinted, “There are already so many things in the works now. We have a slate of new attractions that we are already in development on for every one of our parks. We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic [Universe].”
Universal Orlando’s plan for new rides reflects a pattern of ambitious expansion. The resort welcomed its first guests to Epic Universe during employee previews that began in early March. This milestone comes as Universal finishes the park’s five immersive worlds featuring all new state-of-the-art rides, dining, and shopping.
In addition to the main attractions found within the park, Epic Universe also brings brand-new overnight accommodations to the portfolio of hotels at Universal Orlando Resorts with an adjoining resort. Travel experts eager to explore Epic Universe for the first time share what excites them the most in the weeks leading up to the park’s grand opening.
For theme park enthusiasts, Epic Universe will represent a significant shift in how families plan their Orlando vacations. With three other parks — Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay — Universal Orlando wants travelers to see it as a full-week destination, not just a day-trip stop.
Five Immersive Lands Come To Life
Epic Universe will feature five lands with distinct theming, rides, dining, and shopping. As guests enter, they will find themselves in Celestial Park, an original concept that includes multiple dining options, including the park’s two sit-down restaurants: Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant.
Serving as the “hub” of the park, guests step through portals that break off from Celestial Park to enter the Epic Universe’s other lands. Universal took inspiration from its array of intellectual property for the remaining four areas. They include How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Jessica Gardner, The Theme Parkette on Instagram, looks forward to all that Epic Universe offers, but Dark Universe captures her interest the most. “Celebrating Universal’s iconic Monsters in this way is so thrilling. I love that Universal remembers its roots as a movie studio company.” Gardner points out the potential for Dark Universe to dial up the thrill factor during Halloween as a potential accompaniment to Universal Orlando’s mega-popular seasonal offering, Halloween Horror Nights.
Other theme park experts anticipate the third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlando Resort to wow guests the most. As Kimberly Fidler, Vice President of Marketing at Get Away Today, points out, “Universal has stated that the smallest building in this new land will be taller than the tallest building in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and that really blows my mind.”
Rides For Every Thrill Level
Guests of all ages will find a ride at Epic Universe fitting their personal thrill level. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Super Nintendo World feature the lion’s share of kid-friendly rides. Young guests might enjoy Fyre Drill, a competition-style boat battle ride, Yoshi’s Adventure, and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which uses augmented reality and projection mapping to simulate a real-life Mario Kart race.
Epic Universe includes multiple options for coaster enthusiasts. Gardner shares, “As host of the American Coaster Enthusiasts ‘Ride With Us’ podcast, I can’t help but also be excited for the new coasters coming to the park, including Stardust Racers, a dueling multi-launch coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family multi-launch, and, of course, Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness.”
Dark Universe holds the most highly anticipated attraction for many fans. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment promises state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics in a truly immersive environment, providing the ultimate thrill.
Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and best-selling author of Disneyland Secrets, notes that Epic Universe’s commitment to the latest ride technology will give guests a unique experience when visiting the park.
“Whether it’s the jaw-dropping, larger-than-life animatronics in Monsters Unchained or the unique dual-track engineering on Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness, Epic Universe will have numerous rides where this emerging technology is front and center,” Doyle says.
The number of things to do makes or breaks a theme park, but Doyle is hopeful that Epic Universe will rise to the occasion. “Universal Epic Universe is the next evolution of the theme park in Orlando,” he adds. “If it lives up to the hype, Epic Universe will be popular with families and push Disney to further invest and expand their theme parks.”
New Hotel Provides Convenience And Elegance
Alongside Epic Universe’s grand opening this May, Universal Orlando will debut a new resort option called Helios Grand Hotel. Helios Grand Hotel offers the ultimate convenience for families visiting Universal Orlando Resort, connecting directly to Epic Universe with a designated theme park entrance for overnight guests.
“Epic Universe wants to be an all-encompassing destination with Helios Grand Hotel,” Doyle notes. “Universal Orlando is not just expanding its portfolio of accommodations with the opening of Helios Grand Hotel, it is also making Epic Universe a place you can explore during the day and return to your room in minutes. I generally love how close the Universal Orlando hotels are to the theme parks.”
Helios Grand Hotel features an elegant Mediterranean-inspired design, family suites inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon film franchise, and multiple dining options, including Bar Helios, which boasts sweeping views of Epic Universe.
Epic Universe opens to the public on Thursday, May 22.
