In a move that’s poised to transform Orlando’s entertainment landscape, Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced the opening date of its long-anticipated Epic Universe theme park: May 22, 2025. This sprawling 750-acre addition marks the fourth gate for Universal, joining the ranks of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. It’s not just a new park — it’s an immersive leap into cinematic worlds, mythological storytelling, and digital playgrounds, all stitched together with a level of detail and ambition never seen before in the theme park industry.
Five worlds, one universe: An epic journey awaits
Epic Universe will debut with five immersive themed worlds, each offering a unique journey into the realms of fantasy, film, and play. Among the headline lands is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, a first-of-its-kind environment that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts franchise with the iconic British Ministry of Magic seen in Harry Potter. Visitors will step into a magical mashup of period elegance and magical chaos, promising brand-new attractions and cinematic storytelling.
Next is Super Nintendo World, a fan-favorite already launched in Japan and California, but now arriving in Florida with expanded experiences. From stepping into green pipes to joining Mario Kart races and exploring Donkey Kong’s jungle realm, this land blurs the line between video game interactivity and real-world excitement. It’s not just for gamers — it’s a nostalgic thrill ride for generations of Nintendo fans.
For younger guests and families, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk brings the beloved DreamWorks universe to life. Set against a lush Viking backdrop, this vibrant land allows guests to soar with dragons, engage in interactive adventures, and explore a colorful island where every corner brims with animated charm and fiery surprises.
Dark universe and celestial park: where myth meets monsters
Perhaps the most daring addition is Dark Universe, a moody, myth-laden land that taps into Universal’s classic monster legacy. This isn’t your grandmother’s Dracula — the reimagined world invites guests into the gothic experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, eerie landscapes where creatures lurk, and attractions that delve into humanity’s fascination with the monstrous and unknown. It’s a cinematic, genre-bending experience that merges horror, science fiction, and myth.
Meanwhile, Celestial Park, located at the entrance of Epic Universe, serves as both a welcome portal and a stand-alone land. Universal describes it as a place of “rolling gardens, chasing waterways, and stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.” With three attractions, including a new roller coaster, Celestial Park promises a tranquil yet thrilling prelude to the more intensive worlds beyond. It acts as a connective tissue — blending beauty, serenity, and excitement in equal measure.
This artfully designed entrance area sets the tone for the park’s overarching vision: a universe where imagination, technology, and storytelling orbit in harmony.
A grand stay: Universal helios grand hotel
At the heart of Epic Universe lies more than just attractions — it also boasts its very own luxury accommodation. The Universal Helios Grand Hotel, operated in partnership with Loews, will house 500 rooms and feature direct, exclusive access to the park for hotel guests. With architecture inspired by celestial motifs and Greek mythology, the hotel is expected to become a destination in itself.
Beyond convenience, the Helios Grand aims to offer a curated experience that mirrors the elegance and grandeur of the park. From premium amenities to immersive in-room details, Universal is clearly extending its storytelling approach beyond the park gates. The result? A fully integrated escape that begins the moment guests check in.
With the opening of this hotel, Universal is signaling its desire to compete not just on the attraction front, but also in the realm of themed luxury stays — an area historically dominated by Disney.
Ticketing the future: New multi-day options
In preparation for the Epic Universe launch, Universal Orlando has also rolled out new multi-day ticket options that reflect its goal of turning vacations into extended, immersive getaways. Tickets will officially go on sale October 22, and will include bundled access across all parks.
Among the offerings are:
3-Day Ticket: Two days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, plus one day at Epic Universe.
4-Day Ticket: Three days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, plus one day at Epic Universe.
5-Day Ticket: Four days across the existing parks, plus one day at Epic Universe.
Each package also comes with an optional add-on for Universal Volcano Bay, the resort’s tropical-themed water park. Pricing details have not yet been announced, but the tiered structure offers flexibility for families, gamers, and fantasy fans looking to tailor their own journey through Universal’s ever-expanding universe.
A transformative moment for universal Orlando:
As the resort enters this bold new era, the launch of Epic Universe stands as a landmark moment in the evolution of theme parks. “This is such a pivotal moment for our destination,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.”
Epic Universe is not just a response to the growing demand for immersive entertainment — it’s a redefinition of it. By weaving together blockbuster properties, architectural wonder, and innovative ride design, Universal is positioning itself as the creative force behind the next generation of global tourism.
Whether you’re a wizarding world aficionado, a thrill-seeking adventurer, or a nostalgic gamer at heart, Epic Universe promises a universe where every visitor can find their own epic — and live it.
The gates of Epic Universe swing open on May 22, 2025. From dragons and monsters to magical ministries and pixel-perfect adventures, the future of theme parks isn’t just coming — it’s arriving in epic style.
