Universal Studios Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort is expanding its theme park with five new worlds. Opening May 22, 2025, the new parks include portals to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Mario World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
Each portal offers themed rides, food, shows and merchandise. The five portals are expected to be an immersive experience for people of all ages.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Orlando’s Universal Studios theme park has two existing areas for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The original park included Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley previously opened in 2010.
The new expansion combines the world of Fantastic Beasts with the Harry Potter series. The portal entrance welcomes everyone to Paris, France in the 1920s and transports attendees to London, England in the 1990s.
One themed ride is featured and it is centered around the Ministry of Magic. The ride uses technology to resemble the Floo Network, transporting theme park attendees from Paris to the Ministry of Magic in London to follow the trial of Dolores Umbridge.
The architecture used throughout the new universe creates an immersive feel. Universal Studios also included themed shows and an interactive wand experience to bring the land to life. The wand experience allows attendees to use purchased wands that cause magical reactions at various locations throughout the park.
Each portal includes themed foods. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic has three new eateries. Café L’air De La Sirène (authentic French cuisine), Le Gobelet Noir (hearty food with a dark wizard theme) and Bar Moonshine (themed cocktails emphasizing Quidditch paraphernalia).
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World includes Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Each area brings Nintendo to life by utilizing life-sized figures including Piranha Plants, coins, Goombas and more.
Each area has a roller-coaster-styled ride. Yoshi’s Adventure located in Super Mario Land brings attendees through the Mushroom Kingdom, showcasing famous characters from the Nintendo world.
Mine-Cart Madness is located in Donkey Kong Country. The roller coaster uses technology to mimic the actions in the original video game, including a moment where it seems like the mine-cart jumps over the track.
Each area offers an immersive challenge using Nintendo Power Bands that allow attendees to collect coins and stamps. The interactive activity also includes a member rank that can be viewed after the completion of each challenge.
There are four new restaurants including Toadstool Cafe, The Bubbly Barrel, Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats. Each eatery features snacks and meals themed to match the Nintendo characters.
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
The Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon is a land that brings Vikings and dragons to life. The layout of the land utilizes scenes and characters from the motion picture to create an immersive experience including the opportunity for meet and greets with the main characters, Toothless and Hiccup.
The new land has three rides. The main attraction features a fast-paced experience that allows attendees to fly alongside dragons from the film.
The land offers three new restaurants. Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill, and Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel allow people to dine like Vikings with hearty meals and warm cocktails.
Dark Universe
Dark Universe is a land entirely focused on the classic Universal monsters including Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman and others. Each character has their own merchandise that can be purchased throughout the park.
The universe offers one ride called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The ride utilizes advanced animatronics to create a “terrifying” experience for riders.
There are three monstrously themed restaurants including Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern and De Lacey’s Cottage. Each eatery offers a mix of food genres including Asian fusion and American bar foods.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is an original concept that utilizes the cosmos for its theme and it is connected to the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, also opening May 22, 2025. The new land has multiple locations to shop, eat, and play.
With one roller coaster, the fast-paced ride, Stardust Racers, takes attendees through the cosmos.
Celestial Park has 11 different eateries with a range of appetizing items including ice cream, pizza, cocktails and more.
Each park offers unique and immersive experiences for individuals and families. Park and hotel tickets for Epic Universe can be purchased on the Universal Orlando Resort website for admittance starting May 22, 2025.
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