You didn’t grab your coffee and start your day thinking this was going to be a quiet morning in theme park world, did you? Good, because Universal Orlando dropped major details about Celestial Park and confirmed the five new lands coming to Universal Epic Universe. Let’s’ dive in and discover the new lands of Universal Epic Universe.

Universal EPIC Universe Background

Universal EPIC Universe is the third theme park (or, “third gate,” in theme park fan parlance) coming to Universal Orlando. (Sure, Volcano Bay is also a Universal water park in Orlando, but I am sticking to theme parks here!) Announced in 2019, the new theme park is the first to be geographically separate from the two existing two parks—Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure, which sit together, with separate entrances, on the same plot of land. (To get a better feel of where exactly Universal Epic Universe will be located in proximity to the existing parks, check out this article by the Orlando Informer.) Universal EPIC Universe is scheduled to open in 2025.

Universal EPIC Universe Lands, Explained

The best thing about a new theme park? Brand new lands to explore—and Universal is aiming to impress. Here is an explainer of the now-confirmed lands and the associated attractions and experiences.

Celestial Park

Described as the heart of Universal EPIC Universe, Celestial Park is a cosmically themed gateway to the rest of the theme park. Based on the renderings, expect a mix of futuristic, space-inspired ride designs mixed with palatial, wide open spaces that nod to Grecian architecture. Celestial Park both welcomes guests into the park and gets them to the other lands, with portals to said lands punctuating this area.

A study of the park rendering shows an interesting concept: Celestial Park extends through the entire middle section of theme park, which is a twist on the hub and spoke model of other theme parks. It appears that the main entrance to the park opens to one end of Celestial Park, which extends forward, featuring its own attractions and dining, while the portals to other lands flank in either direction. The Universal Helios Grand Hotel (more on that below) bookends the other side of the park.

Here is a quick rundown of what to expect at Celestial Park.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is an ornate-looking resort with an exclusive entrance into Universal Epic Universe. Not many details are available about the resort, but expect heavily-themed restaurants, rooms, and dining options. Based on its tower-like design and entrance to the park, it’s reminding me of the Disneyland Paris Hotel—which is not a bad thing.

Starfall Racers

This dual-launch coaster is themed to look like two comets racing across the galaxy, reaching speeds up to 63 mph. The top height is 122 feet and the track extends across 5,000 feet. The description online boasts a “Celestial Spin,” a dazzling display of colors and music. The height requirement is 48 inches.

Constellation Carousel

This appears to be an interesting, interstellar take on the traditional carousel. It may seem simple, but Universal theme parks are often docked for not catering to families with toddlers, so this makes sense. While there is no height requirement, children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a “supervising companion,” and hand-held infants are not permitted.

Atlantic

Atlantic looks to take undersea theming to a new dimension, offering views of Neptune Pool and an immersive experience intended to place guests under the sea as they dine. A planned Aquaria Bar will offer cocktails.

Nintendo Super Star Store

Though there will be a separate Super Nintendo World land (more on that below), this Super Mario-themed souvenir shop will feature in Celestial Park.

The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant

Enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine under the flow of lanterns and neon lighting. The Tiger Bar will complement the Asian-themed restaurant.

What We Know About Other Lands

In what has proved to be the ultimate tease, Universal confirmed the other four lands coming to Universal Epic Universe, but kept mum on the details. Here is what we know so far:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

The third land in the Wizarding World franchise (the other two, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, are located at Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando, respectively), will be a mix of 1920s Paris and the 1990s British Ministry. I am keeping an open mind to the extent I can, but I am not sure about the mixture of styles across the decades, much less the stories (Fantastic Beasts versus Harry Potter). The planned attraction is rumored to be good, however, and based on Universal’s track record with Escape from Gringotts, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, expectations are about as high as Buckbeak can fly. (I couldn’t resist that one…)

Super Nintendo World

Theme park fans are aware of the Super Nintendo World already open at Universal Studios – Hollywood (already a massive success). Fans can thus far expect a Mario Kart attraction and a Donkey Kong Country experience at the Orlando outpost. Let’s a-go!

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

As a parent, I am delighted to see this land be confirmed. My kids are just the right age to enjoy a land dedicated to Berk, the Viking village at the center of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. No other details about the land or attractions were revealed so watch this space.

Dark Universe

Expect classic monsters that exist within the Universal content library in a land described as a shadowy place where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments roam free.

Final Thoughts (For Now…)

What a day! That is a lot of information. It’s clear that Universal isn’t simply building an attachment to its two existing parks in the Orlando area—the company is building a must-see destination in its own right. In recent years, particularly with the Wizarding World attractions, we’ve seen Universal keep its recognizable brand of amusement while stepping into new territory, from a theming perspective. The enduring popularity of the Harry Potter-themed lands shows how a well-executed concept can transform park attendance. The variation across several beloved film franchises selected for Universal Epic Universe sets Universal Orlando up for an exciting future ahead.

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