Theme parks carry a unique kind of magic, attracting guests from all over the world to come ride thrilling rides and see their favorite characters come to life. However, of the two major themed amusement park giants, Disney and Universal Studios, there hasn’t been a new on-land park opening in 24 years. People around the world have been highly anticipating a new park from one company or the other, and finally, one has arrived in the form of Universal Epic Universe!

Universal Orlando Resort is one of America’s most popular theme parks, popular enough to go head-to-head with arguably the most popular theme park in the world: Walt Disney World Resort. Universal Orlando has 3 parks currently open, and their 4th, Epic Universe, is finally available to the general public starting May 22nd, 2025.

Since its announcement in August of 2019, Universal fans all around the world could hardly wait. The construction of the park took about 5 years, which was longer than expected because construction had to stop briefly during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was only in early 2023 that details about what was to come were released.

Universal Epic Universe will feature 5 “universes” in the park: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and lastly, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. 

Celestial Park will act as the central area connecting all the other lands in the park. This area is planned to be filled with many interactive things, such as a carousel, fountains, waterways, gardens, and architecture inspired by the study of astronomy. This area is planned to be a place of peace and relaxation for guests during their trip.

Super Nintendo World is already featured in Universal Studios Japan and has been open and running since 2021. However, for people here in America who cannot visit Japan, the opening of the new park is incredibly exciting. As far as rides go, Universal

Orlando will have Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure, both of which are featured at Universal Studios Japan, as well as Mine-Cart Madness, a Donkey Kong-themed family coaster.

The Super Nintendo World will include two areas—Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. In Super Mario Land, visitors can expect an interactive world featuring rides, mini-games, and a setting that feels like being in the actual game. Along with the attractions already listed, there will be places to eat, such as Toadstools Cafe—a fun, whimsical diner made to look like Toad’s house in the Mario games.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is planned to feature a fun Viking world. This will include several places fitting to the theme of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. Some of these places include eateries, such as Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill, or Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel, giving Dragon Trainers many options to score a true viking feast and refuel for more adventures.

Along with restaurants and refill stations, there will be three rides: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer’s Rally and Fyre Drill. The most anticipated ride seems to be Hiccup’s Wing Gliders,  a thrilling roller coaster where passengers get a chance to fly on Hiccup’s latest invention, a winged dragon flying machine alongside the beloved fan-favorite, Toothless.

In addition to these areas, Epic Universe is opening their Dark Universe land. This area plans to showcase Universal’s classic movie monsters such as Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and Dracula. Dark Universe will have rides and restaurants just like the rest, only with a grim and dark touch. Planned rides include Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning roller coaster meant only for those brave enough to ride.

This land will also offer the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, a place that will allow guests to receive a frightening monster makeover. Along with this, there will be a street show, fittingly titled Monsters in the Street! which features some of these iconic monsters. Dark Universe offers a chilling and immersive setting, making it one of the most anticipated areas of the park.

Last but certainly not least, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will also be a part of this grand opening. This world will follow the themes and aesthetics of the Harry Potter world, with aspects taken from the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs. This part of the park looks almost like it could be from the movie set itself. 

Within this world, wizards and witches alike can visit Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique—a uniquely designed wand shop, similar to the shops found in the Harry Potter books and movies. Going along with this, interactive wand experiences are scattered around the land, allowing guests to feel like they actually are casting spells. The Ministry of Magic is only planned to have one ride, Battle of the Ministry of Magic, a dark ride using motion stimulation.

With five amazing lands, all with captivating attractions and experiences, Universal’s Epic Universe is set to truly showcase what a theme park can be. Thrillseekers, lifelong fans of iconic franchises, or even people just looking to make unforgettable memories, Epic Universe offers something truly magical for everyone. Opening May 22, 2025, Universal Epic Universe is not just worth the wait—it is a must visit destination for people of all sorts.