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Universal Epic Universe: The Future of Theme Parks Arrives in 2025
Universal’s Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025, and if early details are any indication, this park is poised to revolutionize the theme park industry. In a recent deep dive from The Hollywood Reporter, ten women from Universal Creative shared exciting insights into the park’s massive scope, cutting-edge technology, and immersive storytelling. Spanning 750 acres, Epic Universe features five intricately designed lands—The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and Celestial Park—each pushing the boundaries of innovation and theming.
According to Gabriela Lander, Director of Architecture and Engineering Design at Universal Creative, the scale of Epic Universe is unprecedented. “To put it in perspective, this is pretty much a small city,” Lander said. “There are over 100 venues. I can tell you there are small towns that don’t have 100 houses.” The attention to detail in each land is evident, with Universal Creative blending elements from film with new, original concepts designed to fully immerse guests.
Related: New Harry Potter Wands and Magical Experiences Coming to Universal Orlando
Soaring with Dragons, Running from Monsters, and Racing Through Space
Among the standout lands is How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, which brings the Viking world of DreamWorks’ beloved franchise to life. “Out of the four [major IP] worlds, we’re the largest,” said Katy Pacitti, Assistant Director and Executive Producer for Isle of Berk. The land is designed to feel “lived in, active, and kinetic,” featuring dragon encounters, Viking-themed entertainment, and six attractions. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a thrilling coaster, skims the lagoon and cuts through Berk’s cliffs, while static and animated dragon figures—such as a full-scale Grump breathing fire in the Forge—bring the world to life.
Dark Universe, meanwhile, taps into Universal’s Classic Monsters legacy with Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a ride centered around Victoria Frankenstein, a new original character. “We’re going to bring to life one of the first original lead female characters with this iconic [Classic Monsters] IP,” said Frances Franceschi, Production Designer. The ride will blend animatronics, projection effects, and an innovative ride system that reacts to guests in real-time. Outside the attraction, visitors will find macabre dining locations, including Das Stakehaus, a vampire-themed restaurant where “the cutlery in our universe is black, the plateware is very dark and very worn, and the napkins are not your typical white. They’re red,” according to Sueann Cotanche, Vice President of Food and Beverage.
Magic, Mayhem, and Celestial Wonders
For Harry Potter fans, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will transport guests from 1920s Paris to the British Ministry of Magic via the Metro-Floo system, which uses fireplaces and immersive effects to “transport” guests between locations. The headline attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, features a new ride system and cutting-edge show elements. “Typically, we try to do one or two cool new things to always push the envelope,” said Anisha Vyas, Assistant Director of Projects. “This attraction has taken it to another level where literally every system has something new.”
Related: Universal Orlando Resort Releases New Video Highlighting Transformation Into a Four-Park Destination
At the heart of Epic Universe is Celestial Park, a lush, futuristic landscape that connects all the lands through grand portals. Featuring over 200 fountain jets, synchronized lighting, and cosmic architecture, it creates a constantly evolving experience from day to night. “Celestial Park is going to be one of the most technically advanced theme parks of all time,” said Gina Scheraldi, Show Director, explaining how synchronized lighting and water effects shift as the day progresses. Guests can take in the spectacle from The Atlantic, a Victorian aquarium-inspired restaurant, or experience high-tech thrills on Stardust Racers, a dueling coaster that emulates the flight of comets.
With Epic Universe, Universal isn’t just opening a new theme park—it’s creating an entirely new level of immersive storytelling and innovation. Will you be visiting on opening day? Let us know which land you’re most excited to explore!
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