Universal Orlando announces opening date for Epic Universe – Here’s everything you need to know!

Epic Universe

Universal Orlando announces opening date for Epic Universe – Here’s everything you need to know!

What's going on in Orlando?
Get ready for an adventure that’s out of this world—Universal Orlando Resort has officially revealed the opening date for its highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park: May 22, 2025. Located just a short drive from Casiola Orlando’s vacation rentals, this brand-new park is set to redefine theme park experiences, offering a new level of immersion, excitement, and innovation. With its groundbreaking attractions, stunning themed worlds, and advanced technology, Epic Universe is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

What is Epic Universe?

casiola orlando opening epic universe what is
Epic Universe

Epic Universe is not just another addition to Universal Orlando™ Resort—it’s an entirely new theme park that promises to push the boundaries of what guests have come to expect from theme parks. The park will be Universal’s largest and most immersive yet, designed to take visitors on a journey through multiple themed lands, each offering unique stories, attractions, and environments. Universal’s goal with Epic Universe is to transport visitors into fantastical worlds where they can truly feel like they are part of the action.

Located just a few miles south of the existing Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park, Epic Universe will be easily accessible for guests staying in Orlando, especially those at Casiola vacation homes. The layout of the park is designed to provide more immersive experiences, with each land acting as a self-contained world where guests can escape reality.

Expect cutting-edge rides, jaw-dropping attractions, and immersive storytelling like never before. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a fan of fantasy worlds, or someone looking to explore the latest in theme park technology, Epic Universe has something to offer everyone.

Worlds to explore at Epic Universe

Epic Universe will feature several themed lands, each based on popular stories, characters, and franchises. While the park’s full lineup has yet to be revealed, here are the highlights of what you can expect when the gates open in May 2025.

1. Super Nintendo World – A gamer’s dream come to life

casiola orlando opening epic universe nintendo world
Epic Universe - Nintendo World™

Fans of Nintendo and video games will be thrilled to visit Super Nintendo World, a fully immersive land that brings your favorite video game characters and worlds to life. Whether you’re a longtime Mario fan or just love the idea of interactive gaming experiences, this land will blow your mind.

Super Nintendo World will feature some of the most high-tech rides Universal has ever created. One of the marquee attractions is Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, an interactive ride that uses augmented reality (AR) to put you right in the middle of a Mario Kart race. You’ll zip through colorful courses, face off against familiar characters like Bowser, and collect power-ups as you try to cross the finish line first. It’s a thrilling, competitive experience for both casual players and hardcore gamers alike.

But it’s not just about the rides—Super Nintendo World is designed to be an interactive playground. Using Power-Up Bands, you can collect virtual coins, unlock hidden secrets, and take on challenges throughout the land. Fans can also visit Princess Peach’s castle, explore the Mushroom Kingdom, and meet their favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi.

This is a must-see world for anyone who has ever played a Nintendo game. Whether you’re racing through the Mushroom Kingdom or taking part in real-life video game adventures, this land is perfect for gamers of all ages.

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

casiola orlando opening epic universe wizarding world
Epic Universe - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™

At Epic Universe, fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts can step into the heart of magical history when entering The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, offering a brand-new way to completely immerse yourself in your favorite stories. This immersive experience takes visitors on an unprecedented journey through the Wizarding World, spanning key moments from both the rise of Grindelwald and the fall of Voldemort.

For the first time ever, guests will be able to traverse decades of wizarding history in a single adventure. Start your journey in 1920s Paris, a key location from the Fantastic Beasts saga, before stepping into the British Ministry of Magic circa the late 1990s, where the battle against Voldemort rages on. The detailed environments bring to life both eras, offering a rich and thrilling exploration of the Wizarding World.

As you navigate the grand atrium of the Ministry, you’ll be surrounded by towering golden statues, enchanted fireplaces, and magical creatures, all while taking part in interactive experiences that let you uncover mysteries, solve magical puzzles, and come face-to-face with iconic characters from both series. This is your chance to explore the magical government firsthand and participate in a journey that bridges both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts.

In true Wizarding World fashion, there will be magical shops where you can purchase wands, robes, and other authentic wizarding gear to fully immerse yourself in the experience. And of course, no trip to the Ministry of Magic would be complete without savoring a glass of Butterbeer, the classic wizarding beverage.

Whether you’re solving magical mysteries or soaking in the rich details of these historic locations, this new addition to Epic Universe offers fans an unprecedented and deeply immersive journey through the magical events that shaped the Wizarding World.

3. Dark Universe – Thrills and chills await

casiola orlando opening epic universe dark universe
Epic Universe - Dark Universe

For those who love classic horror and adventure, Dark Universe will be an exciting addition to Epic Universe. This land will bring some of Universal’s most iconic monsters to life, from Dracula to Frankenstein and beyond.

The centerpiece of Dark Universe is expected to be Dracula’s Castle, a dark and foreboding attraction that invites you to step inside the world of the legendary vampire. This immersive experience will likely be a walkthrough attraction or dark ride, where you’ll encounter live actors, special effects, and plenty of spine-tingling scares. Fans of horror will also love experiencing Frankenstein’s Laboratory, where you can witness the creation of Frankenstein’s Monster in an intense, cinematic experience.

But the chills won’t stop there—rumors suggest that you’ll also encounter the Creature from the Black Lagoon in a water-based attraction that will put you face-to-face with this terrifying creature. Expect plenty of thrills and scares in this world, making it a perfect destination for those who love horror and adventure.

Dark Universe will combine classic horror with modern thrills, making it an exciting and unique land within Epic Universe.

4. How to Train Your Dragon – Fly with the vikings

casiola orlando opening epic universe how to train your dragon
Epic Universe - How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk

Fans of the How to Train Your Dragon movies will love this family-friendly world that brings the Isle of Berk to life. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, How to Train Your Dragon promises fun, interactive rides, and attractions that let you soar with dragons.

One of the key attractions is rumored to be a dragon-themed ride that lets you take to the skies and fly alongside your favorite characters like Toothless. Combining virtual reality with a roller-coaster experience, this attraction will let you experience the thrill of dragon flight.

The land will also feature a Viking village, where guests can explore interactive exhibits, learn about Viking culture, and even meet characters from the movie series, including Hiccup, Astrid, and Toothless himself. Whether you’re looking to train your dragon or explore the Viking world, this land is perfect for families and younger adventurers.

5. Celestial Park – A futuristic, cosmic experience

casiola orlando opening epic universe celestial park
Epic Universe - Celestial Park

At the heart of Epic Universe lies Celestial Park, a futuristic, cosmic-themed area that will serve as the park’s main gateway. Unlike typical theme park hubs, this one is designed to be an attraction in itself, offering a range of futuristic rides, dining, and entertainment options.

Expect cutting-edge technology, with attractions that take you on space-age adventures or allow you to explore alien worlds. Celestial Park will likely feature a signature attraction that offers a unique experience, unlike anything seen at other theme parks.

In addition to rides, the Celestial Park will be home to high-tech dining experiences and live shows that use holograms, light displays, and special effects to create otherworldly entertainment. This area will be a perfect spot to relax, dine, and take in the futuristic vibes before exploring the other worlds of Epic Universe.

Ticket information

casiola orlando opening epic universe tickets
Universal Orlando™

Planning a visit to Epic Universe? You’ll want to mark your calendars—tickets for the park go on sale starting October 22, 2024, and they can be purchased directly through Universal Orlando’s website or the Casiola ticket website. There will be a variety of ticketing options, including single-day tickets, multi-day passes, and park-to-park tickets that allow guests to explore all of Universal Orlando’s parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.

If you’re an Annual Passholder, you’ll have an exclusive opportunity to purchase single-day tickets for Epic Universe before they go on sale to the general public, starting on October 24, 2024. Passholders can purchase up to six tickets per transaction, with some blockout dates and restrictions applying. Additionally, soft-opening opportunities for Passholders will be announced in the months leading up to the park’s grand opening.

Ticket availability will vary by day, and if you’re hoping to visit during Grand Opening week, make sure to secure your tickets early as demand is expected to be high.

Plan your stay with Casiola Orlando for Epic Universe adventures

casiola orlando opening epic universe themed bedrooms
Casiola vacation homes - 781 Sticks Street

If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe when it opens in May 2025, there’s no better place to stay than at one of Casiola Orlando’s vacation rentals. Our homes are conveniently located just a short drive away from Universal Orlando, making it easy to experience the magic of Epic Universe while enjoying the comfort and privacy of your own vacation rental.

Why choose Casiola Orlando?

Close proximity to Universal Orlando – Our vacation rentals are located just minutes away from Universal’s theme parks, so you can maximize your time exploring the new Epic Universe.

Spacious, fully-equipped homes – Enjoy the convenience of staying in a fully furnished home, complete with amenities like private pools, game rooms, and luxury accommodations.

Family-friendly options – Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, we offer homes of all sizes to suit your group’s needs.

Staying with Casiola Orlando ensures that your trip to Epic Universe is as relaxing and enjoyable as it is adventurous. Book your stay today, and get ready to experience the ultimate theme park vacation when Epic Universe opens in May 2025.

Whether you’re a fan of Nintendo, Harry Potter, classic monsters, or dragons, there’s something for everyone at Epic Universe. With its cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, and incredible worlds, it’s sure to be the next must-visit destination in Orlando. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to experience this new chapter in theme park history—mark your calendars for May 22, 2025, and start planning your Epic Universe adventure today!

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