Universal Orlando Resort has expanded in a monumental way with the debut of Universal Epic Universe, a game-changing new theme park that officially opened May 22, 2025. Comprised of five immersive worlds — Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and Dark Universe, each entered through a cinematic portal — Epic Universe blends storytelling, technology, and design on a scale that redefines the modern theme park.
Add three new hotels just steps from the action, and Universal has created not just another theme park, but a fully realized destination just a bus ride away from the resort’s other two theme parks — Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay Water Park.
Here’s a full guide to what to ride, see, eat, and where to stay.
Celestial Park: The Heart of Epic Universe
At the literal and thematic center of the park lies Celestial Park, an original land inspired by mythology and astronomy. There’s no Universal IP anchoring the world, but it still has plenty of “character,” with soaring statues, whimsical figures, and imaginative details establishing a clear sense of identity.
Acting as Epic Universe’s central hub, Celestial Park offers the widest range of dining, drinks, retail, and spaces to spread out and relax. Paths weave through gardens around tranquil pools dotted with fountains that periodically spring to life in sync with music, adding kinetic energy to the area.
The land’s flagship coaster, Stardust Racers, sends dual comet-themed trains through synchronized launches, sweeping curves, and the ride’s signature moment — a midair crisscross known as the “Celestial Spin.” With speeds reaching 62 mph, a surprisingly smooth ride profile, and only one inversion, it’s thrilling without being as intimidating as some of Universal’s other most popular behemoth coasters at the other theme parks.
Comparing the two color-coded sides — green and yellow — green is generally characterized as the more intense experience, though I found the yellow side to feel rougher and prefer green. Back to the Future fans, don’t miss the Flux Capacitor on the back of each train.
For a family-friendly option, Constellation Carousel is an unexpected delight, with glowing constellation-themed creatures that rise, fall, and orbit with graceful 360-degree motion. Astronomica, a splash pad shaped like a giant compass rose, adds interactive fun for younger guests.
Celestial Park is also home to the park’s table-service restaurants. Atlantic offers upscale seafood in a Victorian-style glasshouse while The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant blends vibrant décor with a modern Asian menu.
Among several quick-service spots serving crowd-pleasing staples like barbecue, burgers, and fish and chips, Pizza Moon is both the visual and culinary standout, serving inventive pizzas in an enchanting setting alive with animated overhead figures and celestial bodies in motion. Lively bars like CelesTiki provide signature cocktails with celestial flair, making this a lively option for an evening drink.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Viking Vibes and Soaring Through Skies
Few lands are as instantly full of life as Isle of Berk, where guests walk amongst the windswept cliffs and towering peaks of the beloved DreamWorks trilogy. From the moment the portal opens to reveal the expansive village vista, it’s clear this land is something special.
The centerpiece ride, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, is a family coaster that soars up to 45 mph through the rocky landscape. With music from the film and a layout that emphasizes sweeping views and airtime thrills, it’s a must-do that balances excitement and approachability — and is definitely one of Epic Universe’s can’t-miss attractions.
Younger guests can take to the skies on Dragon Racer’s Rally, an aerial ride that looks stomach churning but doesn’t have to be as you control how much — or not at all — you spin. Fyre Drill, a playful splash battle where teams face off in a dragon fire-fighting competition, is guaranteed to cool you off, but be warned — you will get drenched.
The land’s emotional anchor is The Untrainable Dragon, a stage show combining puppetry, music, and heartfelt storytelling. Drawing audible gasps and even tears from its audience, this production captures the heart of the films in live-action form.
And of course, all around the land, there are dragons — and the Vikings that love them — aplenty. At Haddock Paddock, meet Hiccup and Toothless, and keep an eye out for Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Astrid, and baby dragons roaming the village.
Dining highlights include the cavernous Mead Hall, with Viking-inspired cuisine and soaring architecture, and quick-servicer bites like the fan-favorite mac and cheese cones at Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel.
Super Nintendo World: Power-Ups and Warp Pipes IRL
Entered through an iconic green warp pipe, Super Nintendo World drops guests into a kinetic, colorful video game world. Coins spin, blocks beg to be punched, and familiar characters are in motion all around. A Power-Up band, while not essential, enhances the world’s interactivity.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the world’s most complex attraction, blending augmented reality and physical sets into a high-energy interactive race. There’s a learning curve, especially for first-timers, but fans of the franchise will find plenty to love.
Yoshi’s Adventure provides a gentler ride with panoramic views of the land, while Donkey Kong Country introduces a separate biome entirely. Mine-Cart Madness, its marquee attraction, uses an innovative “broken track” effect to simulate jumps over gaps, offering one of the park’s most unique thrills — but be warned, it’s definitely an on-theme rough ride.
Dining options include Toadstool Cafe — go for the immersive dishes and décor, stay for the AC (this world feels like the hottest at the park). For an on-the-go snack, red or green shell calzones from Yoshi’s Snack Island offer a filling hand-held option. Cool off at The Bubbly Barrel in Donkey Kong Country with frozen banana-themed treats.
Dark Universe: Monsters and Mayhem
A fog-drenched cemetery sets the mood in Dark Universe, where Universal’s classic monsters haunt the village of Darkmoor. Tension builds gradually in this land, where characters like the Invisible Man and Ygor lurk just around the corner.
The standout attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, is arguably the best ride at Epic Universe — a cinematic dark ride with practical sets, high-intensity thrills, and a compelling story starring Universal’s most iconic monsters as impossibly lifelike animatronics. It’s bold, ambitious, and not to be missed.
For something tamer, Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster with just enough bite. Younger or more sensitive guests may prefer this lower-scare option.
The Burning Blade Tavern is both a monster-hunter’s hangout and a quick-service dining spot, with the added drama of a windmill that bursts into flames throughout the day. Das Stakehaus, run by Dracula’s familiars, offers eerie ambiance and hearty fare — just don’t ask for garlic. Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities and the Monster Makeup Experience offer unique shopping and makeover opportunities.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Magic in the Shadows of Paris
The third Wizarding World land at Universal Orlando trades Hogwarts for the shadowy allure of 1920s Paris, inspired by Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Elegant yet moody, the streets of Place Cachée are lined with magical façades where magical creatures lurk behind shop windows, wizards and witches sell enchanting wands and fashions, and Butterbeer vendors entice.
The land’s crowning achievement is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, which begins in a tiled Paris Métro station and transitions — through stunning illusion — into the soaring atrium of the British Ministry of Magic. The ride blends massive physical sets with digital effects in ways that feel new, seamless, and deeply cinematic.
Live entertainment comes in the form of Le Cirque Arcanus, a show featuring magical creatures and jaw-dropping visual storytelling. It’s a great way to deepen your connection to the world and spot creatures you might otherwise miss. Keep your eyes peeled for roaming wizards from the French MInistry of Magic, keen to trade intel.
For a magical meal, Café L’Air de la Sirène is a classic Parisian brasserie with a wizarding spin — the Butterbeer crepes are the Instagram darling dish here. Le Gobelet Noir is a shadowy tavern with a mysterious backstory where you can enjoy heartier fare in dark corners frequented by dark wizards. Bar Moonshine adds an American twist, serving cocktails like shimmering Giggle Water.
Where to Stay: Three New Hotels Offer Options for Every Budget
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Universal calls this Mediterranean-meets-celestial hotel its new crown jewel amongst Universal Orlando Resort’s broad range of on-property hotels. Part of Universal Orlando’s highest-tier “Signature Collection” of hotels, it offers a dedicated entrance into Epic Universe via Celestial Park — perfectly positioned between the portals to Dark Universe and the Wizarding World.
The hotel’s drinking and dining highlights include rooftop Bar Helios, with panoramic views across the park. Guest rooms are serene and elegant, themed suites immerse kids in the world of How to Train Your Dragon, and the pool area, Lotus Lagoon, includes cabanas, underwater speakers, regular entertainment, and an open-air bar for dining and drinking.
Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort
If your family is all in on the open-to-close theme park day, you can save some money without sacrificing much proximity by staying at one of two new Epic Universe-adjacent hotels in Universal’s “Prime Value” category. Universal Stella Nova and sister hotel Universal Terra Luna are essentially mirror images of each other with primarily cosmetic differences. Both offer great value without skimping on style.
Both hotels offer 315-square-foot rooms with two queen beds, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and split bathrooms with separate vanity and shower/toilet areas. Connecting rooms are available for families or groups.
A space-themed hotel with cosmic flair, Stella Nova features retro-futuristic design, planetary art from the James Webb Telescope, and a bright, airy lobby with a welcoming central Nova Bar. Cosmos Cafe offers elevated quick-service meals, and the pool deck features a hot tub, fire pit, and Galaxy Bar and Grill for poolside dining.
Across from Stella Nova, Terra Luna brings guests back down to the surface. With a lunar landscape theme, warm golden hues, and nearly as prime access to Epic Universe via shuttle or walking path, Terra Luna feels tranquil and grounded. Omega Cafe and Luna Bar offer inventive dining, and the pool deck is a relaxing retreat with food and drinks served at poolside Moonrise Bar and Grill.
Perks for Universal Hotel Guests
Guests at all Universal Orlando Resort hotels enjoy exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission (up to one hour before regular opening) to select attractions at Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Perks also include complimentary shuttle service to the theme parks and CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, free merchandise delivery to your hotel, and more.
Giving Back
Universal Orlando and parent company NBCUniversal showcase their commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community through charitable giving, inclusive programming, and team member service initiatives.
The Universal Orlando Foundation, active since 1998, has granted over $35 million to local nonprofits — awarding $3 million in 2024 alone to causes including education, hunger relief, accessible services, and support for critically ill children.
As part of NBCUniversal’s NBCUnites, the company’s social impact initiative, thousands of Universal Orlando team members joined in during International Volunteer Month in April 2025 to support local nonprofits, logging nearly 10,000 hours across more than 100 service events.
Universal also champions inclusivity through its Love Is Universal Pride program — during Pride Month (and through August), 100% of profits from themed merchandise go directly to local LGBTQIA+ nonprofits.
