A Year of Innovation at Universal Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, is celebrating its first anniversary on May 22. Since its opening, the park has been a hub of creativity and experimentation, continuously evolving to provide unique experiences for visitors.
One of the latest developments involves welcoming attendees of the Premiere Orlando beauty convention to Celestial Park, the gateway world of the park, on May 30 and June 1. This marks a significant shift in how the park engages with corporate events, as these attendees will have access to part of the park for free. This move aligns with speculation that Universal is testing an open-hub concept, which could allow broader access to Celestial Park while maintaining restrictions on other areas of the park.
Jeff Polk, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Orlando, shared insights into the park’s future during its anniversary. “We will always be testing things to try to figure out what the best way is to leverage the experience for all guests,” he said. Over the next year and a half, the team plans to experiment with various ideas to see what works best without disrupting the daytime guest experience or other activities.
Exploring the Worlds of Epic Universe
Epic Universe invites guests to step into five intricately detailed, immersive worlds. Each area offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to feel like they are part of the story.
Celestial Park
As the heart of the park, Celestial Park serves as both a gateway to the other worlds and a central hub. Its theme revolves around exploration and discovery. At night, the original concept world comes alive with dazzling lights, especially during its fountain show.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
This world immerses guests in the vibrant universe of the DreamWorks Animation franchise. Fans can meet characters like Toothless and enjoy the live show “The Untrainable Dragon.” Young children will also enjoy the multi-level Viking Training Camp play area.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Set in 1920s Wizarding Paris, this world features the must-see live show “Le Cirque Arcanus.” Guests can experience the life-size British Ministry of Magic through the popular ride, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.”
Super Nintendo World
Home to two smaller lands, Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country, this area brings favorite video games to life with interactive challenges and rides.
Dark Universe
This world features monsters from Universal’s classic horror films, such as Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Invisible Man. While family-friendly, the attraction “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” may be scary for some guests.
Changes and Enhancements
Although visible changes may not be apparent, guests may notice subtle differences. Team members have been fine-tuning operations and increasing capacity. Polk emphasized the continuous effort to improve the guest experience, making it smoother, faster, and more available.
Universal is also focusing on enhancing popular experiences, such as adjusting operating hours to accommodate the illuminated park after dark. They are also ramping up production of high-demand items like mac-and-cheese cones and leaning into live entertainment.
New Characters and Experiences
Starting May 22, Captain Cacao, an original Epic Universe character with a cult following, will begin making appearances in the park. Described as a chocolate bear brought to life by the cosmic energy of Celestial Park, Captain Cacao and his friend Maya of the Skies travel the universe looking for treats for her shop, Moonship Chocolates and Celestial Sweets.
Previously available only as merchandise, Captain Cacao will now be a fully realized character that guests can interact with and hug.
Future Plans and Developments
Speculation about new attractions and worlds continues, but Polk acknowledged that finding the next exciting story will take time. “We’ve got a lot of space here, but a lot of time to grow into it,” he said. The resort’s next big addition will be the new “Fast & Furious” roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida next year.
Rides and Attractions
Epic Universe boasts 11 rides across its five worlds:
- Celestial Park:
- Constellation Carousel
Stardust Racers
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk:
- Dragon Racer’s Rally
- Fyre Drill
Hiccups’ Wing Gliders
Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Ministry of Magic: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Super Nintendo World:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Mine-Cart Madness
Yoshi’s Adventure
Dark Universe:
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Can You Experience Everything in One Day?
It’s nearly impossible to experience everything at Epic Universe in one day. Many guests spend a day at the park and return later in the same trip after falling in love with its nighttime atmosphere. The park has helped solidify Universal Orlando as a multi-day destination, which was the goal from the start.
Ticket Prices and Passes
A single-day adult ticket (ages 10 and up) to Epic Universe starts at $139, while tickets for children ages 3 to 9 start at $134. Prices vary by date and demand. Annual passholders and Military Freedom Pass holders are eligible for specially priced tickets.
Polk mentioned that integrating Epic Universe into annual passes is a process that will take time. “All in good time, all good things will come,” he said, emphasizing the importance of balancing the guest experience.
Accommodation Options
While there is no hotel inside Epic Universe, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel is adjacent to the park and has its own entrance at the back of Celestial Park. Nearby, the twin resorts, Universal Stella Nova and Terra Luna, offer additional accommodation options.
Universal Orlando has 11 resort hotels in partnership with Loews, each offering perks like early park entry and free delivery of in-park purchases to hotels. However, guests should note that Epic Universe is not included in the free Universal Express Unlimited passes given with stays at select Universal hotels.
