Universal
Epic Universe, officially opening May 22, 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort,
sets a new benchmark for immersive world-building and next-generation theme
park design.
Epic
Universe introduces guests to five intricately themed worlds, each accessed
through its own dramatic, story-driven portal. At the park’s center lies
Celestial Park, the only world not based on an existing intellectual property.
Instead, this original world draws inspiration from mythology and astronomy —
and acts as the gateway to the rest of the park, connecting to four additional
worlds: How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark
Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Guests
staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, also opening May 22, will have direct
access to Celestial Park and Epic Universe through the hotel’s dedicated
entrance.
I
got a whirlwind first look at Epic Universe during a media preview on April 5,
and the new park largely exceeded my already high expectations. Here’s a closer
look at Celestial Park, the central world that anchors the experience — and
what guests can expect when Epic Universe opens next month.
A Grand Entrance
The
first steps into Epic Universe are through the soaring Emerald Gate, also known
as the Chronos, which welcomes visitors with the inscription: “Beyond this gate find gardens green and
epic worlds to fill your dreams.” It’s here that the experience begins to
take shape, with sweeping sightlines, gliding coasters, and fountains that
dance to music.
A
broad walkway wraps around tranquil pools, sculptures, and lush gardens.
Throughout the day, fountains erupt in choreographed shows set to music, add
life and a burst of energy to the space. We weren’t able to experience
Celestial Park after dark, but Universal has emphasized that the world becomes
truly dazzling at night, as lights illuminate the water and nearby attractions,
creating a glowing kinetic display that illuminates the night.
Thrills, Whimsy, and
Water Play
Stardust
Racers, the land’s marquee attraction, delivers on both thrill and
theatricality. This dual-launch racing coaster sends two comet-shaped trains —
green and yellow — speeding side by side across more than 5,000 feet of track,
hitting 62 miles per hour and reaching heights of 133 feet. The two tracks
offer slightly different experiences, with the yellow side considered slightly
less intense, though both feature airtime hills, sweeping turns, and a
signature moment: the “Celestial Spin,” where both trains perform a midair
inverted crisscross.
The
coaster is designed to feel like a modern evolution of a classic wooden coaster
with less rattle, more silky glide. I rode the yellow side, described as the
milder of the two. It’s a fast, smooth experience, punctuated by sweeping
curves and tight airtime moments.
For
fans — or phobes — of Universal Islands of Adventure’s newest coaster, Jurassic
World VelociCoaster, know that this one feels more playful than intimidating —
still thrilling, but with a tone that favors fun over fear.
It
also further improves the double-sided lockers Universal debuted with
VelociCoaster, leveling up further with facial recognition access — no need to
hold onto your park ticket anymore.
There’s
also a seriously satisfying treat for longtime Universal fans: on the back of
each train, a glowing Flux Capacitor nods to Back to the Future — a perfectly placed Easter egg that had me
smiling before we even launched.
Constellation
Carousel elevates the traditional carousel into something more celestial.
Riders climb aboard glowing constellation creatures, each one rising, falling,
and even rotating 360 degrees in sync with the ride’s outer orbit. I didn’t get
to ride this one during my visit, but several fellow reporters returned
giggling over how fun and unexpectedly whimsical it was.
Little
ones can look forward to cooling off at Astronomica, a water play zone designed
as a giant compass rose that points toward the park’s portals. It’s a kinetic
splash pad during the day that will glow bright with lights in the evening.
Stardust Racers at Celestial Park. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
Dining, Drinks, and
After-Dark Energy
Celestial
Park is currently the only Epic Universe world to offer table-service dining,
and its two signature restaurants are promising to whet artistic and culinary
appetites.
Atlantic
is an airy, glass-enclosed space that evokes a Victorian-style aquarium and
serves a menu leaning into seafood and elevated surf-and-turf, but it’s the
setting that stands out — ideal for those looking for a quieter moment in the
heart of the park.
Colorful
dragons and floating lanterns adorn The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, which
serves a menu spanning Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cuisine. There’s
also a cozy Tiger Bar tucked off to the side for guests looking to take a break
from the bustle.
There’s
also Pizza Moon, The Oak & Star Tavern for barbecue, and CelesTiki for
constellation-fueled cocktails. As the sun sets and closing times move later,
I’d expect Celestial Park to up energy like Universal CityWalk. The world’s
combination of lighting, music, and fountains make this land feel like it could
become the social core of Epic Universe, perfect for lingering, sipping, and
people-watching after dark.
Celestial Park from Universal Helios Grand Hotel. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
Retail and Ready for
What’s Next
Several
shops line the paths around Celestial Park — including Moonship Chocolates
& Celestial Sweets, and the Nintendo Super Star Store, where guests can
stock up on gear before entering Super Nintendo World.
While
the other four lands may carry stronger IP pull, Celestial Park functions not
just as the hub of Epic Universe, but as its heartbeat — a beautifully open
space designed for both movement and moments, with just enough charm to keep
you exploring before or after each epic portal adventure.
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