Complete Guide to Universal Epic Universe

**Updated April 1, 2024*

Universal’s newest and perhaps its most anticipated theme park will be opening in Orlando in 2025, and we can’t wait!

It’ll have been nearly 25 years since a new theme park opened in Orlando, and Universal’s Epic Universe promises to be packed with thrills, new experiences, and creative new vistas!

For years, the company stayed tight-lipped about what was coming to the new park. However, they’ve recently begun divulging new and exciting details about Epic Universe and its lands that have us even more excited!

Below we’ve covered everything we know officially about Epic Universe… and some of the rumors that have yet to be confirmed by Universal.  As we get closer and closer to the opening and NBCUniversal releases more details, we’ll be sure to update you so you know exactly how to plan for your day in this new theme park and experience all it has to offer!

So, let’s jump into what we know!

UNIVERSAL APP

New technology is being developed all the time, meaning your next park experience could be bigger and better than the last. Universal Orlando has taken things a step further by building an entirely new park, and new documents might hint at what rides may be coming to Epic Universe! Because we anticipate that there will be many interactive elements in the park, as well as the trend of how parks, in general, are requiring a smartphone planning app, we encourage you to download the Universal Orlando Resort App to your mobile device well in advance of your trip and get familiar with it.

When Epic Universe opens, we anticipate a few attractions may require a Virtual Queue, and many of the restaurants will likely have Mobile Order as well as other enhanced interactive aspects of the Epic experience.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

It’s no secret that Universal has kept much about the new park under wraps for years. However, arguably the most anticipated element was also the first officially announced: Super Nintendo World.

Universal Studios Japan opened the first Super Nintendo World in 2021, and shortly after that, in 2023, Universal Hollywood opened its own version of Super Nintendo World. Both locations have received rave reviews from fans and guests (even of the non-gamer variety). After much speculation, Universal Destinations & Experiences finally confirmed in February 2023 that Super Nintendo World would be included in Epic Universe, referring to it as the “worst-kept secret in history.” 

Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will be quite similar to the Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood versions, which provide essentially a blueprint for comparison.

We recently had a PERFECT DAY at Super Nintendo World in California, and you can watch our video about it right here!

Super Nintendo Land in Epic Universe will feature the same self-contained, dual-level footprint, featuring architecture straight out of the Super Mario games and interactive elements that allow guests to collect coins, unlock special areas, and compete in various other mini-games featuring Nintendo and Mario characters including Koopa Troopa, a Piranha Plant, a Goomba, Thwomp, Bob-Omb, and  Bowser Jr. All of this is accessible with the use of a Power-Band accessory. 

POWER UP BANDS

If you want to take your Super Nintendo World experience to the next level, you’ll be able to pick up a Power-Up Band. These cost $40.

The bands come in a variety of designs so you can rep your favorite character.

Check out all the different Power-Up Bands! Which one’s your favorite? pic.twitter.com/Q007HHorpg

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) February 17, 2023

Throughout the land, look for touchpoints where you can tap your Power-Up Band. They might just make special effects appear!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh hi, Bowser! Didn’t see ya there! pic.twitter.com/KfnRRmta5C

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) February 17, 2023

You’ll find these bands at “retail locations in Universal Studios Orlando and Universal CityWalk as well as inside the land.”

ATTRACTIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARIO KART: BOWSER’S CHALLENGE

This AR dark ride currently headlines both the Japanese and Hollywood versions of Super Nintendo World, and is coming to Orlando. The attraction uses practical sets and augmented reality images shown using specialty glasses to bring guests directly into the world of the popular spin-off video game series.

YOSHI’S ADVENTURE

This slow-moving family omnimover ride brings guests around the land’s second level in ride vehicles shaped like the iconic character Yoshi. This attraction is not present at the Hollywood Super Nintendo World.

DONKEY KONG MINE CART COASTER

This attraction is currently  under construction in Japan with a scheduled 2024 opening, as well as at Epic Universe. This “boom coaster” style ride will allegedly feature the illusion of jumping over sections of missing and broken track. Like Yoshi’s Adventure, this attraction is also absent from the Universal Studios Hollywood version of the land, though rumors have suggested it could be added at some point. 

Character Meet-and-Greets

You’ll have the chance to meet characters and snap pictures with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. The lines for some of these could get long, so just prepare for that!

Still, the lines might be worth it to snap a photo with that iconic duo.

Click here for more details about the character meet-and-greets!

Other Experiences

Another “attraction” or experience you can visit in Super Nintendo World is Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. Basically, this is an interactive experience where you can swing your arms, jump, and do other actions to interact with the things shown on the screens around you.

FOOD

A theme park land wouldn’t be complete without some food. and Super Nintendo Land has — Toadstool Cafe. 

The restaurant has dishes from “Chef Toad” along with BEAUTIFUL seating inside and magical windows that showcase scenes from the Mushroom Kingdom.

Dishes here include the Piranha Plant Caprese…

…Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots…

…a Mario Burger…

…Super Star Lemon Squash…

…and much more.

Of course, we had to try a bunch of dishes to give you our thoughts!

Click here to see our FULL REVIEW of Toadstool Cafe

Shopping

Within the land, you’ll find a store called the 1-UP Factory store.

This is your go-to for all things Mario including plush characters…

Here’s a look at some of the merch at Super Nintendo World! pic.twitter.com/KQoJKBwUKx

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) February 17, 2023

…shirts…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…headbands…

…and more!

There’s a lot to check out here so be sure to take your time to explore it all.

Click here for our full post about the merchandise in Super Nintendo World!

OTHER LANDS & EXPERIENCES

Beyond, Super Nintendo World, Universal confirmed in early 2024 – following years of speculation – what other lands would make up the park. These include a new expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that merges elements of the original and Fantastic Beasts films, and lands based on How to Train Your Dragon and Universal’s Dark Universe of  famous monsters, all surrounding the central Celestial Park land.

Celestial Park

The second Epic Universe land to have the majority of its details revealed is Celestial Park, the massive and lush literal parkland that will make up the entrance place and centerpiece hub of the park.

While Celestial Park itself is themed to any specific IP, that doesn’t mean the land will be devoid of attractions. In fact, it’s going to be home to two of Epic Universe’s main rides. 

The first, and arguably the main attraction of the entire park, is the Starfall Racers roller coaster.  The massive, 133 foot tall dueling coaster themed to traveling through space is going to feature several thrilling elements including a 62-mile-per-hour launch and a maneuver known as the “Celestial Spin” which will “Celestial Spin,” which will see the two dueling coaster vehicles perform an “inverted crisscross” around each other. 

The area will also feature the massive Constellation Carousel, which will allow riders the opportunity to “whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.”

In addition to these attractions, Celestial Park will also feature a massive water play area, several restaurants – including the Atlantic and Blue Dragon, and a Super Nintendo Store amongst its lush gardens. 

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

In March of 2024, Universal released official details on Epic Universe’s How to Train Your Dragon land, Isle of Berk

Take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. #EpicUniverse pic.twitter.com/ZAFTxYd3an

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) March 28, 2024

Universal’s official description of the land describes it in-part as an authentic re-creation of the rugged, rocky world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons live together in hilarious harmony. Guests visiting Berk will encounter one of the most breathtaking environments Universal has ever created – complete with immense architecture featuring hand-carved details, lush landscaping, and extraordinary heights of rolling hills surrounding vibrant dragon houses and local establishments. And everywhere guests look within the bustling village, they’ll find endless activity – from active dragons in their natural habitats and sheep attempting to disguise themselves as Terrible Terror dragons to sporadic bouts of fire – making Isle of Berk an attraction unto itself.”

Attractions for the land include Hiccup’s Wing Glider, a family launch coaster that Universal proclaimed, “launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the air, swooping and soaring and encountering Hiccup and Toothless along the way. Get ready to board Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a fun coaster that invites Vikings to prove they’re brave enough to speed through the sky with dragons.”

Next up is the Fire Drill boat ride, which Universal says sends riders into a “watery, interactive boat battle at sea. Board your ship in Fyre Drill and blast your water cannons at flame-like targets – and the occupants of every other boat – to out-soak other Vikings.”

Finally there’s Dragon Racer’s Rally, a spinner attraction that will allow “new Vikings can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on a Viking-made dragonriding trainer. You’ll need these high-flying, gravity-defying, swooping and soaring skills if you hope to become a champion dragon racer.”

Beyond these rides, the land will also feature a massive stage show – similar to one already in Universal Studios Singapore, meet and greets with numerous characters (including life size dragons), a water play area, and several restaurants including the massive Mead Hall, which universal describes as “Berk’s main gathering place, a grand chamber hewn from mountain rock where Vikings feast on a hearty menu including meat, fish, sandwiches and desserts. Beverages include assorted meads, ciders and ales.”

Dark Universe

Arguably the second-most-anticipated land coming to Epic Universe – arguably tied with Super Nintendo World to many – is one die hard Universal fans have been salivating over for decades.

The Dark Universe land will feature a cavalcade of the famous Universal Monsters, including Dracula, and Wolf Man, and Frankenstein.

Universal’s current official synopsis of the land reads “From the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam, Dark Universe is a world of myth and mystery.” However, when looking over concept art and construction photos, we can piece together many details about the upcoming land.

Dark Universe will be made up of a European village – similar to those seen in many of Universal’s monster films. The land’s premiere attraction will be a massive drag ride rumored to be titled Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

Set within facade of the manor of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – an original character created for the land – the attraction is rumored to be a technological powerhouse on-par with some of the best in world, and feature close encounters with many of the company’s aforementioned most famous monsters.

The land will also feature a secondary attraction, a family-style Mack spinning coaster known as Curse of the Werewolf. Allegedly, the ride will be themed as a way of allowing riders to experience what the titular character experiences when transforming.

Aerial photo of scaffolding at the windmill tower of The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe. pic.twitter.com/R0OmmTVITB

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 30, 2024

In addition to these two attractions, the land will feature the expected themed shops and restaurants,  including The Burning Blade Tavern, which is themed to one of the most famous scenes from Universal’s version. of Frankenstein.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

According to Universal, this latest Potter themed land will blend “1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.”

Aerial overview of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Helios Grand Hotel and the Epic Universe show fountain at left. pic.twitter.com/vk88zpCBPj

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 31, 2024

The land’s centerpiece will be a massive dark ride – Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – which will allow guests to travel via the “floo network” from Paris to London and plunge them into a battle raging through the British Ministry offices. The land will also feature the Le Cirque Arcanus, a stage show based around the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Once we know more  about what’s coming to these sections, we’ll update this guide with everything you need to know and how to plan your day to experience all that Epic Universe has to offer! We’ll dive into attractions, dining, characters and MORE!

When Will Universal’s Epic Universe Open?

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