An Overview of Orlando’s Newest Theme Park

Mark your calendars: May 22, 2025, is a game-changer for Orlando theme parks. Universal’s Epic Universe is set to open, and if you’re even a little bit of a theme park fan (hi, fellow thrill seekers), this is the one you’ve been waiting for. As a Disney adult turned full-blown theme park enthusiast, I can tell you this is HUGE.

Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando Resort’s third dry park (fourth overall when you count Volcano Bay, their water park), joining Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. With exclusive hotel options, brand-new lands to explore, and rides that are pushing theme park innovation to a whole new level, Epic Universe isn’t just another addition. It’s a full-on vacation experience. And if you’re planning a trip to Orlando in 2025, this park is already topping the must-visit list. 

Explore Five Immersive Lands

Epic Universe features five fully immersive lands, each designed to make you feel like you’ve actually stepped inside the worlds of your favorite characters. This isn’t just theming. It’s full-on transformation.

Celestial Park

Your adventure begins the moment you walk through the Emerald Gate and pass through the Chronos Portal into Celestial Park, the heart of Epic Universe. This is the central hub of the park and your launching point into each land.

At the center of it all is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the first-ever Universal hotel located inside a theme park. With luxury accommodations and incredible views, staying here places you right in the middle of the action.

Super Nintendo World

From there, walk through a giant green warp pipe and step into Super Nintendo World. This land drops you straight into the middle of your favorite Nintendo game, complete with bright colors, interactive challenges, and character moments with icons like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Next, journey into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. This land combines elements from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises. You’ll explore the streets of wizarding Paris before entering the British Ministry of Magic via the floo network.

The centerpiece attraction here is a massive ride set inside the Ministry itself. Some of our agents have had a sneak peek into Epic Universe and have had a chance to see this in person and it is actually mind-blowing.

Dark Universe

After that, enter the dark and mysterious world of Dark Universe. Inspired by classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula, this land is moody, gothic, and full of thrilling surprises. You’ll find a major attraction based on Frankenstein’s Monster, rumored to be one of the most intense rides Universal has ever created.

Isle of Berk – How to Train Your Dragon

Finally, escape to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. This land is perfect for families and fans of the DreamWorks franchise. The design brings the Viking village of Berk to life in incredible detail. You can meet dragons, enjoy interactive play zones, and take flight on a high-speed coaster themed to dragon riding.

Each land at Epic Universe offers something totally unique, whether you’re chasing thrills, nostalgia, or pure movie magic. The attention to detail is unmatched, and it’s easy to spend hours exploring every corner. No matter your age or favorite fandom, there’s a world here that will absolutely blow you away.

New Hotels

With the opening of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando has also expanded its hotel lineup. Three new resorts have launched to meet the demand of guests wanting to stay close to the magic.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel is the most exclusive of the three, located inside Epic Universe itself. That’s right, you’ll stay in the heart of the park, with direct access to Celestial Park and unforgettable views from your room. This hotel is designed for guests who want a premium experience with unbeatable convenience and immersion.

Just outside the new theme park, you’ll find Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. These sister properties offer modern, space-themed design, and are a great value for travelers who want stylish accommodations at a more moderate price.

Want more information on Universal’s Hotel options? Check out our blog on the hotels here.

Tickets

When it comes to visiting Epic Universe, there are a few different ways to get your ticket. The best option depends on how many days you plan to explore and how much of the Universal Orlando Resort you want to experience.

One Day Epic Universe Tickets

If you’re only planning to visit Epic Universe for a single day, you can purchase a date-based one-day ticket. These tickets are limited and already in high demand, so buying early is key. Prices can vary depending on the day, and once they sell out, they’re gone.

Multi-Day Tickets with Epic Access

If you’re planning to see more than one park, your best value will come from multi-day, park-to-park tickets. Right now, Universal offers a popular ticket option that includes multiple days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, with 1 day at Epic Universe included. That gives you your choice of three or more full days of theme park fun, plus the ability to ride the Hogwarts Express between the original two parks. Want to build your own combo? That’s where working with a travel agent really comes in handy.

Early Park Admission Perk

Here’s a big bonus: If you book a multi-day ticket through a travel agent, even if you’re staying off property, you’ll get early park admission. That means you can enter the park up to an hour before the general public giving you a head start.

Express Pass

If you’re not into waiting in long lines (who is?), the Universal Express Pass is your best friend. It lets you skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions. This can save you hours of time, especially during peak season.

Universal Express Pass

This option lets you skip the standby line at each ride that accepts Express Pass once. It’s available for all three parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. You can purchase Express Passes that are good for one park per day, or choose a multi-park version if you plan to hop between them.

Universal Express Pass Unlimited

This version gives you unlimited express access, meaning you can skip the line as many times as you want on eligible rides. It’s perfect for thrill seekers who want to ride their favorites again and again. Do note, that this does not include some rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. At the moment, Express Unlimited is not available for Epic Universe. You can still purchase Express Unlimited for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Express Passes are separate from park tickets. That means you’ll need both a valid park ticket and an Express Pass to use the benefit. They can sell out, so plan to buy them when you purchase your theme park admission.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to add Express Passes to your tickets, consider booking a deluxe Universal hotel. These stays include Universal Express Unlimited for both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure just by being a guest. Depending on how many people are in your group and how many days you’re visiting, this can actually save you money. Express access for deluxe hotels does not include Epic Universe at this time.

Conclusion

With its immersive lands, thrilling rides, and brand-new hotel options, Epic Universe is set to be a game-changer in Orlando. Whether you’re a theme park pro or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone. From express pass perks to the best ways to book your tickets, we’ve got you covered to make your visit smooth and unforgettable.

Planning your trip? Let’s get you there. As travel advisors, Love of the Magic Vacations can help you with everything from tickets to hotel bookings, and even snag you some exclusive perks like early park admission. Contact your favorite advisor today, and let’s create the ultimate Universal Orlando experience!