In between watching the Philadelphia Eagles absolutely dominate the Chiefs and Kendrick Lamar take what feels like his 100th victory lap performing “Not Like Us,” you may have caught one of the night’s most exciting Super Bowl commercials — the official teaser for Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated theme park, Epic Universe.
After years of rumors, construction updates, and fan speculation, the new park finally has an opening date: May 22, 2025. Not only is it Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, but it’s also Orlando’s first brand-new theme park in over 25 years, and at 750 acres, it’s promising to be Universal’s most ambitious project yet.
Universal claims this park will “forever redefine theme park entertainment,” and with five immersive worlds, groundbreaking rides, and next-level food offerings, they might just be right. But with epic crowds expected and a lot of new territory to explore, you’ll want to be fully prepped.
When Does Epic Universe Open?
View this post on Instagram
Universal’s Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025. Tickets for general admission are now available online, including opening day, but only as part of single-day or multi-park packages.
As of now, Express Passes and VIP tours for Epic Universe are not yet available, though they’re expected to drop closer to opening.
How to Get Epic Universe Tickets Online
Getting into Epic Universe isn’t quite as wild as scoring Taylor Swift tickets — but close.
With demand expected to be sky-high, especially for the first few months, booking early is key. Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently available and what you can expect to pay:
General Admission (Updated Info)
Universal initially didn’t offer standalone tickets for Epic Universe, which stirred a bit of controversy, but it’s likely a move to better control crowd capacity in the early months.
Multi-Day Tickets
Universal is also offering three-, four-, and five-day park packages, which let you spend one day at Epic Universe, and the rest at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and/or Volcano Bay.
Here’s a sample of what pricing looks like (before taxes):
- Adult Tickets: Starting at $117/day
- Kids’ Tickets: Starting at $114/day
On peak dates, like opening weekend, prices can surge to $164/day, totaling nearly $500 for a full three-day experience.
Annual Passholders
Universal Orlando passholders can purchase single-day Epic Universe tickets ranging from $121–$173, depending on the date.
Florida Residents
Florida residents get access to special multi-day tickets and vacation packages, including:
- Single-day Epic Universe tickets
- Multi-park bundles
- Hotel + ticket packages
Where to Get Discount Epic Universe Tickets
Get 1st access to EPIC Universe* discount tickets when they go on sale + breaking news when released! 💫 Here’s how:
1️⃣ Click link https://t.co/3SQQwwUqGx
2️⃣ Sign up for email and text*Universal Epic Universe is a brand-new theme park coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2025 pic.twitter.com/zi3pwWgfP8
— Undercover Tourist (@ThemeParkFrog) October 3, 2024
Yes, there are legit ways to save money on Epic Universe tickets — but only if you know where to look. Here are your best bets:
Undercover Tourist
- Save up to $80 per ticket
- Offers gate-ready digital tickets
- Discounted multi-day Universal tickets are available now
Sam’s Club
- Save up to $60 per ticket
- Purchase requires Sam’s Club membership ($50/year)
- Plus members earn 2% back on purchases
Expedia
- Bundle tickets with flights and hotels
- Universal vacation packages start at $313 during peak season
- Ideal for those looking for off-site stays
AttractionTickets.com
- Instant ticket delivery
- QR code admission at park gate
- Option to book hotel and ticket bundles
Where to Stay Near Epic Universe
With the opening of Epic Universe, Universal is expanding its hotel lineup with three brand-new hotels, bringing the total to 11 resort hotels.
Staying on property is more convenient than ever — especially with free transportation, Early Park Admission, and, in some cases, Express Pass included.
Here’s what you need to know:
New Epic Universe Hotels (Opening May 22, 2025)
Hotel
Tier
Starting Rate
Highlights
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Signature
~$600+
Direct entrance to Epic Universe, rooftop bar
Universal Stella Nova Resort
Prime Value
~$220+
Outer space-themed, quick service dining
Universal Terra Luna Resort
Prime Value
~$220+
Sleek design, walkable to Epic Universe
Stella Nova and Terra Luna offer great value, while Helios Grand is the showstopper — think of it as Universal’s answer to Disney’s Grand Floridian or Tokyo DisneySea’s MiraCosta.
Other On-Site Hotels Worth Considering
- Hard Rock Hotel – Signature, includes Express Pass
- Loews Sapphire Falls – Gorgeous Caribbean vibes
- Aventura Hotel – Modern, sleek, and budget-friendly
All Universal hotels include complimentary transportation (buses, boats, and shuttles), plus Early Park Admission — crucial for hitting popular rides before crowds arrive.
What Worlds and Attractions Are at Epic Universe?
Universal’s Epic Universe is built on a hub-and-spoke layout, meaning all five themed “worlds” branch out from a central zone called Celestial Park.
Unlike Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, the lands in Epic Universe aren’t interconnected in a loop — if you want to go from one world to another, you’ll need to return to the central hub.
This unique park design allows each world to feel immersive and self-contained, like stepping through a portal into a different universe. Let’s break down what you’ll discover in each of these richly themed lands.
Celestial Park (The Hub)
Celestial Park is the beating heart of Epic Universe — a sprawling central area inspired by cosmic mythology, celestial architecture, and astronomical gardens.
Think of it as a star-themed plaza where serenity meets spectacle.
It’s designed to be more than just a transportation hub — this is a fully realized land with major attractions, immersive dining, and beautiful visuals.
Attractions
- Stardust Racers: A dual-launch coaster reaching speeds of up to 62 mph. Riders race across the park’s skyline in sleek rocket-themed vehicles, offering adrenaline and fantastic views.
- Constellation Carousel: A more tranquil, artistic take on the classic carousel. This ride features ethereal, celestial creatures and spins under an animated night sky.
Dining & Retail
Restaurant
Description
Atlantic
A seafood-focused restaurant themed like an underwater observatory. The menu features sustainable ocean fare, with both pescatarian and plant-based options.
Blue Dragon Pan-Asian
A dramatic dining space under glowing neon dragons, serving a fusion of Asian-inspired dishes including potstickers, spicy cucumber salads, and Szechuan-style plates.
Nintendo Super Star Store
A merchandise hub offering apparel, collectibles, and interactive gear from Super Nintendo World.
Super Nintendo World
@elizabetheverywhere Inside Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe!! So fun!! More to come. #epicuniverse #universal #universalorlando #universalorlandoresort #themepark #nintendo #supernintendoworld #themeparks #hosted ♬ Super Mario Bros Main Theme – Geek Music
Step into the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond in this vibrant, action-packed world based on Nintendo’s iconic franchises. Modeled after the Japanese and Hollywood versions — but even bigger — this land immerses you in pixel-perfect nostalgia and high-tech interactivity.
You’ll walk past Peach’s Castle, meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, and collect digital coins through real-world challenges using Power-Up Bands (optional wearable wristbands).
Attractions
Ride
Description
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
A thrilling, augmented-reality dark ride that puts you inside a real-life Mario Kart race. Riders wear AR visors and collect coins while navigating through Bowser’s Castle.
Mine-Cart Madness
A brand-new Donkey Kong roller coaster that uses a groundbreaking “boom track” system to simulate leaping over gaps in the track. A kinetic thrill for coaster lovers.
Yoshi’s Adventure
A family-friendly ride that takes guests on a scenic journey atop Yoshi’s back, featuring light storytelling and colorful views of the land.
Dining
At the center of the land is Toadstool Cafe, a whimsical restaurant run (in spirit) by Chef Toad himself.
Expect playfully plated, mushroom-heavy meals like the Mario Burger, and Bowser’s Fireball Challenge — a massive meatball in puff pastry.
Yoshi’s Snack Island serves quick bites and themed drinks like Yoshi’s Smoothie (now apple-melon flavored).
Dark Universe
Possibly the park’s most atmospheric and creatively daring land, Dark Universe is a gothic horror realm set in a crumbling, misty village inspired by Universal’s classic monsters.
Here, you’ll encounter the likes of Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Mummy, and The Wolf Man — all reimagined in rich detail.
Attractions
Ride
Description
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
A dark ride set inside a haunted Victorian manor. You’ll be caught in the chaos of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments as her monstrous creations escape. Cutting-edge animatronics and intense storytelling make this one of Universal’s scariest rides to date.
Curse of the Werewolf
A high-speed, family coaster through fog-shrouded forests. You’re on the run from a pack of werewolves in this thrilling, thematic ride experience.
Dining & Experiences
Location
Highlights
Das Stakehaus
A vampire-themed steakhouse where your waiters play the role of “familiars” — serving up bloody rare steaks and haunting desserts like Labotocotta (a brain-shaped panna cotta with popping candy veins).
The Burning Blade Tavern
Styled like a monster hunter’s hideout inside a windmill that literally catches fire several times an hour. Expect toasted meat skewers and garlic-heavy fare — a nod to the vampire lore.
De Lacey’s Cottage
Home to sweet treats like cinnamon sugar donut holes — a monster-friendly twist on theme park classics.
Monster Makeup Experience
Get turned into a werewolf, vampire, or mummy with professional-level monster transformations.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The third Wizarding World location at Universal Orlando introduces fans to two magical destinations: 1920s Wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts, and the British Ministry of Magic from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix era.
Attractions & Shows
- Battle at the Ministry: A new dark ride that puts you in an elevator racing through the Ministry of Magic alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle Dolores Umbridge. From early concept art, it’s a mix of practical sets, motion-based vehicles, and screen-based effects.
- Le Cirque Arcanus: A live stage show inspired by the magical circus from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, featuring creatures, illusions, and circus performers.
Dining
Restaurant
Description
Café L’air De La Sirène
A Parisian-style brasserie serving authentic French fare — baguette sandwiches, Niçoise salads, and elegant pastries. Vegan and vegetarian options available.
Le Goblet Noir
A moody tavern for dark wizards with heavier Eastern European fare — think schnitzel, stews, and goulash.
Must-Try Dessert: Bièreaubeurre Crêpe — A warm crepe filled with shortbread cookie butter, Bavarian cream, strawberries, and a Butterbeer drizzle. A top-tier dessert with glowing reviews.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
@thedavidvaughn How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is one of the epic new worlds at Universal’s Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025! Hosted by Universal Orlando 🐲 Fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless in a high-speed family coaster, train like a Viking, and explore a colorful seaside village filled with interactive fun. From fiery dragon stunts to splash zones and sky-high thrills, this land brings the magic of the How to Train Your Dragon films to life like never before. ⚔️ You can also meet dragons like Toothless #howtotrainyourdragon #epicuniverse #UniversalOrlando #toothless ♬ Epic Music(838874) – Pavel
Fans of the How to Train Your Dragon film series will be thrilled with this fully realized Viking village.
You’ll encounter Toothless, Hiccup, Astrid, and Gobber as you explore seaside cliffs, wooden walkways, and roaring campfires in this scenic, family-friendly land.
Attractions
Ride
Description
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
A family coaster that lets you “fly” on the back of a dragon. Soar above Berk’s rooftops and into the clouds on a smooth, thrilling journey.
Fyre Drill
A splash battle ride where you board Viking longboats and blast water cannons at both enemies and fellow riders.
Dragon Racer’s Rally
An intense spinning ride that mimics the experience of dragon racing. Riders are flipped upside-down and around in a pendulum-like motion.
Live Entertainment
Dining
Location
Highlights
Mead Hall
A centerpiece restaurant styled like a grand Viking dining room. Their signature Thawfest Platter feeds up to four and includes sausages, BBQ-glazed chicken, baked potatoes, and grilled salmon.
Beverages: Try Gobber’s Mead (a honey-based, custom-brewed drink with boysenberry and cardamom) or Yaknog — a thick, malted chocolate and cinnamon drink similar to a frozen Mexican hot chocolate.
Final Tips for Visiting Epic Universe in 2025
- Book early — both tickets and hotel stays are filling fast, especially around opening day
- Stay on-property — Early Park Admission is a huge time-saver
- Bring a portable charger — you’ll be using your phone for photos, mobile orders, and app navigation
- Consider Power-Up Bands — especially if you’re going to Super Nintendo World
Bottom Line – Is It Worth the Hype?
Universal’s Epic Universe isn’t just another theme park — it’s a game-changer. From the sprawling, story-rich lands like Super Nintendo World and the Ministry of Magic, to the jaw-dropping attention to detail in Dark Universe and Isle of Berk, this park is designed to fully transport you into new worlds, not just entertain you.
Add in over 50 new attractions, immersive dining, and on-site hotels that put you steps from the magic — and you’re looking at a destination that could easily rival (and maybe even outshine) its Disney neighbors.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, film nerd, or family traveler, Epic Universe has something to blow your mind. And with its May 22, 2025 opening approaching fast, there’s no better time to start planning.
