Epic Universe
Joining Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and
Volcano Bay is Epic Universe. This park has theming brand new to Universal and one-of-a-kind
rides, in addition to rides previously only available in Universal Hollywood
and Universal Japan. It opened May 2025, so we're still getting to know all this new park has to offer. Let’s break down all the different worlds within the
universe.
Celestial Park
The main hub of Epic Universe is Celestial Park, an
interdimensional gateway with an astronomy-meets-world’s fair aesthetic. A
large clock-like object called Kronos harnesses celestial energy to open
portals to the four other worlds.
Celestial Park looks like a futuristic park with plentiful crystal
blue waterways and rolling gardens. The three major attractions of that area
are a splash pad, a carousel and Stardust Racers, a dual-racing launch coaster
that can reach speeds up to 62 miles per hour.
Out of all the worlds, this one has the most restaurants
including Atlantic, an underwater full-service surf and turf restaurant; The Blue Dragon
Pan-Asian, a full-service trip through Asia; Oak and Star, a quick service BBQ
joint; Meteor Astropub, a quick service pub; The Plastered Owl bar with
specialty cocktails and mocktails; and Pizza Moon. Pizza Moon has been the
social media standout with dishes like the Brownie Eclipse and the purple Pizza
Lunare.
Other eateries include Star Sui Bao, with a plant-based Celestial Steamed Buns;
Frosty Moon with customizable ice cream in waffle cones and sparkly sprinkles;
and Comet Dogs, serving Bulgogi Dogs, a Korean-inspired hot dog.
This section of the park will have light shows, fireworks
displays and currently runs a nightly fountain show.
Dark Universe
The next land takes you to Darkmoor Village, a spooky
European village inhabited by some of Universal’s classic monsters like
Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein. Some
of the monsters are free roaming daily, but there are also two rides and a
monster makeup experience.
Curse of the Werewolf, the first ride, is a spinning family rollercoaster,
where you must escape the werewolves before becoming one and Monsters
Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, is a Kuka Arm dark ride with Universal
Monsters, similar in technology to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure.
The centerpiece of the world is a burning windmill and that
theming extends to the food as well with Burning Blade Tavern; Das Stakehaus, a
vampire-themed burger joint; and De Lacey’s Cottage, a cinnamon roll stand.
Burning Blade Tavern has been making news with the black, spicy Burning
Cheddar Bites, black cheesy bread with a sriracha dipping sauce.
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
One of the most immersive worlds is this rocky Viking and
dragons-themed land, based on the beloved movie series, "How to Train Your Dragon." Hop on Dragon Racer’s Rally, where you can fly through the
area like a dragon and test your barrel rolls. Prepare to get soaked on Fyre
Drill, interactive boat ride. Hiccup Wing Gliders is a family launch rollercoaster.
When you’ve had your thrill of rides, check out the stage show and Viking
Training Camp, where younger guests can explore and climb.
For grub, this land has hearty Viking-style restaurants like
Mead Hall, purveyor of meats, fish and cider; and Spitfyre Grill with fire-roasted
protein bowls and mac and cheese cones. There’s even more mac and cheese cones
at Hooligan’s Grog And Gruel, including the stand-out PB&J
Mac And Cheese Cone with BBQ pulled pork, peanut bacon jam and maple candy
bacon in a crispy bread cone.
Super Nintendo World
If you’ve ever wanted to be transported into a video game,
this world gives you a chance to enter some of your favorite Nintendo properties including Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Just walking around, there are life-sized games you can play with a purchased Power Up band and meet-and-greets with classic
characters.
In Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, race through an augmented
reality world, trying snag the Golden Cup before Bowser’s team does. Mine-Cart
Madness is a Donkey Kong-themed “boom” coaster that jumps broken tracks. Fun
for the whole family is Yoshi’s Adventure, an omnimover where guests search the Mushroom
Kingdom for glowing eggs.
The eats are well-themed too, with The Bubbly Barrel serving up the DK Crush Float with
banana cream Dole Whip, chocolate pieces, caramel popcorn and sprinkles
served in a waffle bowl that sits in asouvenir Donkey Kong barrel
filled with Pineapple Fanta. The Toadstool café features Bowser’s Challenge, a one
pound spicy meatball with cheese and mushroom marinara and a puffed
pastry-based Bowser head. Turbo Boost Treats has snacks while Yoshi’s Snack Island is known for their Red Shell Calzone.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
The last world is the third Harry Potter-based installment
in Florida. This world takes you to Paris in 1920s, and is based mostly on the “Fantastic Beasts” film
series.
The big ride is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, an
elevator-themed dark ride with everyone’s favorite villain, Dolores Umbridge.
Le Cirque Arcanus special effects show featuring fantastic beasts, and
the wand shop is a must-stop for young wizards in training. There are also
hidden Easter eggs around the world that can be activated by the magic from a
wand.
The food here has a Parisian leaning with Le Gobelet Noir focusing on soups, salads, handhelds and entrees like The Alchemists Platter, a sampler that includes smoked sausage, pierogies,
caramelized onions, pickled egg, beets, a warm pretzel, mustard and cheese
fondue. Cafe L’air De La Sirene has the drool-worthy Bièraubeurre™
Crêpe (translation: Butterbeer!), plus French baked goods and plats du jour.
Bar Moonshine has drinks for adult and little wizards alike.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Set on the edge of the park is the Universal Helios Grand
Hotel, where you can comfortably rest your head at the end of a long park day.
In addition to dinning options and a resort-style pool, guests can also enjoy a
dedicated entrance into the park, early park hours and shuttle buses to the
other Universal parks.
Phase Two
Nothing has been confirmed yet as far as expansion of this
park since it just opened this spring, but rumors are already swirling for what’s
next. One theory is that Super Nintendo World will get Luigi’s Mansion and
Harry Potter will get a coaster since it currently only has one ride. Some
theorize that another portal may appear beyond the original four, taking you
to a Zelda-themed land, a “Wicked” land or even the world of “Lord of the Rings.”