Blog
How do you make the most of the Disney Dining Plan in 2027?
Read all about the ins and outs of the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World in Orlando!
Universal Epic Universe will finally open its doors on May 22, 2025! In this blog Tari tells how she experienced the preview days, prior to the opening. But what is Universal Epic Universe exactly? This is the newest theme park of Universal Orlando Resort and promises to revolutionize the theme park experience. This third park in addition to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure takes visitors to completely new worlds filled with iconic films, innovative attractions and immersive sets.
With Epic Universe, Universal is taking the next step in technology, storytelling and theming. If you are a lover of theme parks, then Universal Epic Universe is the reason to go (again) to Orlando to travel!
Epic Universe consists of five themed worlds, all of which can be entered from the bustling heart of the resort, Celestial Park. From here you step through ‘portals’ into a new world each time, each with its own atmosphere and spectacular attractions.
Welcome to Celestial Park: a world between worlds, where the energy of the universe comes alive. This is the central area of Epic Universe, from which you enter the other themed areas through mysterious portals!
But Celestial Park is much more than a walk-through area. It is an oasis of calm and a perfect area to retreat from the other areas. You'll find several restaurants (such as Pizza Moon), bars and other opportunities to relax for a while. But you're sure to find attractions, such as a giant dueling roller coaster: Stardust Racers. If you're looking for a more relaxing ride, opt for the Constellation Carousel. Celestial Park is beautiful area with fountains, impressive gardens, soothing elements and let's not forget the beautiful stores as well.
Enter Berk, a rugged and rocky island where vikings and dragons live together in harmony. In this world, inspired by the popular film series ‘How to Tame a Dragon,’ there are plenty of adventures for the whole family.
No less than 4 different attractions can be found in this area! For example, you fly like a dragon over the island in ‘Hiccup's Wing Gliders‘, engage in a water fight in ‘Fyre Drill’ and the kids can become a real Viking at the ‘Viking Training Camp’. Want to unwind? Then you can visit the impressive show ‘The Untrainable Dragon’ or meet movie characters such as Hiccup and Toothless.
After Osaka and Hollywood, it's now Orlando's turn! Mario, Luigi and Donkey Kong can now also be met in Orlando, Florida. Just like in the game, in this area you have the opportunity to collect digital coins and race your favorite Super Nintendo characters! Step into Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge for a ride through the video game. For a more tranquil experience, step into Yoshi's Adventure for a ride through Mushroom Kingdom. Donkey Kong Roller Coaster is a wild ride, but even here where you are in the game.
Everything is interactive in this area, from the scenery to the games you play along the way. With 3 different attractions, there is something for every age. Need a bite to eat? Then choose Toadstool Cafe, where even the food is completely themed.
Magic is never far away at any of the Universal Orlando parks. Not even in Universal Epic Universe, because here you will discover a new chapter of the Harry Potter world! Here you begin your adventure in the magical Paris of the 1920s, inspired by Fantastic Beasts. Stroll through atmospheric streets full of wizard stores and cafes, and then board the extraordinary Métro-Floo towards London.
There you will end up in the Ministry of Magic, where an exciting new attraction awaits you: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™. During this ride, you get in an elevator and travel through the Ministry on a blood-curdling mission!
In this area, darkness comes alive. You wander the foggy streets of Darkmoor, where a secret lurks on every corner. In the distance you hear the howls of werewolves, and before you know it you are face to face with a new generation of monsters.
Classic horror characters such as Dracula, The Wolf Man and Frankenstein take center stage here. The heart of the area is Frankenstein Manor, where the impressive dark ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment takes place. During this blood-curdling adventure, an experiment gets completely out of hand and you are suddenly part of the story....
Universal Epic Universe is packed with spectacular attractions scattered throughout its 5 unique areas. There are interactive darkrides, lightning-fast roller coasters & attractions for kids. So what are the attractions you really shouldn't miss while visiting?
To visit Universal Epic Universe, it is possible to buy individual tickets, but often a combination ticket is a better choice. This is because Universal Orlando Resort offers different types of tickets that give access to the different parks. This way you have more freedom and the price per day ticket is cheaper!
At Florivida, you will receive at a trip to Universal Orlando Resort by default a 14-day Universal Explorer ticket. This gives you access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & 1 day to Epic Universe. Starting in 2026, this ticket gets even better, when you'll even have 14 days of unlimited access to all parks including Epic Universe!
Single tickets are released bit by bit, but are limited in availability and relatively pricey compared to tickets at Florivida. Want to enjoy all that Universal has to offer carefree? Then a combo ticket through Florivida is the most complete and economical option. These are available in combination with booking a package tour.
Although you could visit Universal Epic Universe in one day, we recommend at least two days for this park. With five themed areas, multiple top attractions and an unprecedented level of detail, there is an awful lot to see and experience. We will tell you more about this in the podcast From Oorlando!
All of the attractions are new and popular, so because of this you should expect longer wait times, especially in the first few months after opening. Moreover, Epic Universe is designed as a true experience world. Each area is full of details, interactive elements, shows and unique hospitality points. So to get everything out of your visit, if possible, we recommend a 2-day visit!
Want to make the most of your day? Then we have some tips to make your visit a little more efficient and perhaps more fun!
Universal Epic Universe will open its doors on May 22, 2025! This long-awaited park will have groundbreaking attractions and be a perfect complement to the 2 existing theme parks and water park.
The answer is yes! In Epic Universe opens Super Nintendo World, the first-ever Mario world in Orlando. Based entirely on the iconic worlds from Nintendo games, this colorful themed area is full of interactive elements, recognizable sounds and vibrant scenery.
You'll find three attractions here: the interactive dark ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, a family-friendly Yoshi's Adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom, AND the brand-new roller coaster Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness, in which you literally jump the rails just like in the game.
Yes, there will be three brand new Universal hotels in and around Epic Universe. Each with a unique theme and plenty of benefits for park visitors.
1. Located right on the park, Helios Grand Hotel offers exclusive access to Epic Universe, with a luxurious feel and panoramic rooftop views.
2. Modern and universe-inspired, Stella Nova Resort is a short walk from the park.
3. Terra Luna Resort offers a quiet, earthy atmosphere and is located right next to Stella Nova.
Even more fun, Florivida offers all of these hotels! So you can stay worry-free and enjoy your days in Epic Universe to the max.
Yes, Epic Universe is definitely suitable for kids! Designed with families in mind, the park offers plenty of kid-friendly attractions. Think the cheerful world of Super Nintendo World, with interactive games and the tranquil ride Yoshi's Adventure, or the dragon village Isle of Berk where kids can join a boat ride or experience their first roller coaster.
Celestial Park also has plenty for younger visitors, including the unique carousel Constellation Carousel and an interactive water play area. Even in the more exciting Dark Universe there is an accessible family coaster! The attractions that (small) children are not allowed to enter or dare not enter, Child Swap is available. Ask at Florivida how this works.
Yes, Epic Universe is getting another Harry Potter world: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. After Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, this is the third themed area within Universal Orlando Resort set in the wizarding world.
In this new area, you will travel from the magical Paris from Fantastic Beasts to the British Ministry of Magic, where the spectacular attraction Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ will take you on an exciting adventure with Harry, Ron and Hermione.
The expected opening hours of Epic Universe are from 09:00 to 22:00. On some days it is from 10:00 to 10:00, the easiest way is to keep an eye on this in the Universal Orlando App.
Guests staying at a Universal hotel will receive one-hour admission to select attractions through Early Park Admission.
Want to be among the first to experience Epic Universe? Florivida is hosting an exclusive group tour completely dedicated to Universal Orlando Resort with unlimited access to Epic Universe. Our Universal expert is traveling with us and has already had the opportunity to visit the park during the official preview, so you are guaranteed the best tips and on-site guidance!
Prefer to hit the road earlier? In September 2025, we are organizing a fun group trip in which you will visit Epic Universe for one day, combined with Walt Disney World as well as the other Universal parks. Traveling by yourself in 2026? Then book a package deal with only Universal Or choose a combination with Walt Disney World.
Prefer something different? We'd love to think with you! Plan feel free to schedule an appointment or request a quote directly through our website.
Read all about the ins and outs of the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World in Orlando!
Read all about the new 2027 Disney Dining Plan and take advantage of all the perks on your Walt Disney World vacation!
Find out all about this delicious promotion! Enjoy free food, cheaper tickets & discounts.
English
Nederlands Nederlands English