Universal Orlando's Epic new addition
🎢 Third theme park coming in 2025!
Monsters, Dragons, Donkey Kong, and the Ministry of Magic
Fair warning: This is going to be one of the newsletters where I get all Fan-Girl about it. Universal Orlando is building a new park and it looks amazing.
The park is called Epic Universe, and it will be Universal Orlando’s third theme park (fourth, if you also count the Volcano Bay water park). With this addition, Universal is really giving Disney a run for its money. If you thought Universal Orlando was just a side-trip from Disney World, think again.
The park is set to open in early 2025, so here’s a few details to help you start thinking about next year’s summer vacation plans.
Epic Universe: Completely new theme park at Universal Orlando, opening 2025
This is a BIG expansion, taking UO closer to the Disney World experience. For instance, you won’t be able to walk from Islands of Adventure, or Universal Studios Florida, to Epic Universe.
The new park is located about 15 minutes south of all the existing Universal Orlando action. Guests can connect via Universal buses, or stay closer to Epic Universe in one of three new hotels.
Five full-featured lands
With five immersive lands, Epic Universe looks to be at least a full-day park. These are the lands, along with a link to Universal’s teaser video for each.
Dark Universe
Remember all those classic monster movies from the 1950’s? Now you can embrace your inner goth as you wander through Darkmoor Village, escape from Frankenstein’s granddaughter, and maybe stop for a bite at Das Stakehaus.
Check out the Dark Universe video here
Super Nintendo World
Similar to Hollywood’s Nintendo World, you’ll be part of the action with Mario and friends. Unique to Orlando will be the Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness coaster, which features a disappearing track!
This one doesn’t have a video yet, but you can see more here.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic
Details are yet to be revealed about this latest addition to Universal’s Wizarding World. But rumor has it, the flagship ride will be the crazy every-direction elevator inside the Ministry of Magic.
This will be the third location for the Wizarding World in Orlando, adding to Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley and Islands of Adventure’s Hogsmeade Village.
As soon as Universal releases details, I will share them to my Facebook page. Follow me here.
How to Train Your Dragon
Have you ever wanted to roam in a land of dragons? The Isle of Berk brings them up close, with encounters including a 27-foot flying wonder. This land has a family-friendly coaster, a “dragon-rider trainer”, and what looks like an absolutely delightful playground.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is kind of the Main Street USA of Epic Universe. Featuring a couple of upscale themed restaurants, shops, and a beautiful steampunk park vibe, this is the central core of the entire park. Plus it includes a headliner roller coaster with two dueling trains.
Besides portals to all the other lands, Celestial Park is also connected to the new Helios Grand hotel.
Three new hotels
Helios Grand Hotel
No details yet, except the huge fact that this hotel will be connected to Epic Universe! Much like Disneyland’s Grand Californian, there will be an entrance directly into the park. Many rooms will have park views too.
This is going to be a luxury hotel and almost certainly will include Express Pass.
The opening date is yet to be announced, but it will probably open at the same time as the Epic Universe park. So watch for that date!
Stella Nova Resort
The Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts are brand-new value hotels situated near Epic Universe. Both will have quick-service restaurants, bars, and big pools.
These will not be Express Pass hotels, but will have early admission perks. Rates should be around $200 per night.
Opens January 21, 2025
Terra Luna Resort
These resorts are already available to book via the Universal Orlando website.
Opens February 25, 2025
💰 How to save a bundle on your Universal Orlando vacation
So, should you wait until 2025?
There are pros and cons to planning a Universal Orlando visit in 2025.
Since we don’t know the exact opening date yet, you can’t plan way in advance. And odds are the new park will be super crowded.
Then again, it seems like guests have started avoiding big openings. This is what happened when Disney opened Galaxy’s Edge in both California and Florida.
The new park looks amazing and I am definitely considering a 2025 trip.
How about you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Omg - this looks amazing!! Don’t know if I will go next year, but definitely going!
Here's the video for the new Wizarding World, Ministry of Magic land. Absolutely astounding. https://youtu.be/hH_Jxcd_ODs