This week, Orlando experienced a historic event with the opening of Universal Epic Universe, the first major theme park to be inaugurated in the city in the last 25 years.
With an expanse of 750 acres, cutting-edge immersive technology, and five themed worlds inspired by iconic franchises, the park promises to become a new global benchmark for family entertainment.
A precedent-setting milestone for the city of parks
Orlando, regarded as the world capital of theme parks, had not opened a park of this magnitude since the 1990s.
Universal Epic Universe marks a significant turning point in the city's tourist offerings, and for its creator, Universal Orlando Resort, it represents their most ambitious project to date.
"Universal seeks to redefine the entertainment industry with the opening this Thursday in Orlando (Florida) of Epic Universe", the company stated at the inaugural event.
This is the fourth park in the Universal complex, which joins Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.
Although it is located 6.5 kilometers from the main hub, transportation is easy and free using official buses.
The Universal Helios Grand Hotel, on the other hand, offers direct access to the park.
Celestial Park: The Heart of the Epic Universe
Everything revolves around Celestial Park, a vibrant central garden filled with dancing fountains, dining areas, and evening shows. This space is also the entry point to the other four themed worlds of the park.
The main attraction in this area is Starfall Racers, the longest roller coaster at Universal to date, with nearly 1,500 meters of track.
The attraction consists of two trains that simulate a high-speed race, crossing just centimeters apart on multiple occasions thanks to a dual-launch structure.
In Celestial Park, you will also find the sophisticated Helios Grand Hotel, which offers not only premium accommodation but also exclusive access to night events featuring light displays and water shows.
Five worlds, five fantastic realities
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
In this new proposal of the Harry Potter universe, Universal has chosen to explore lesser-seen corners, such as the British Ministry of Magic and the magical Paris of the 1920s.
The gem of this section is "Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry", a state-of-the-art attraction that combines practical effects, 3D projections, omnidirectional vehicles, and hyper-realistic animatronics.
Visitors can also explore Place Cachée, the French version of Diagon Alley, featuring shops like Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques and the show Le Cirque Arcanu, where magical creatures come to life through puppetry and special effects.
2. Super Nintendo World
For the first time in Florida, the universe of Mario Bros and Nintendo is arriving in a big way. Super Nintendo World offers interactive and colorful attractions such as:
-Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which blends augmented reality and real driving.
-Yoshi's Adventure, a family-friendly and visually engaging attraction.
-The new area of Donkey Kong Country, where the roller coaster Mine-Cart Madness surprises with hidden tracks that simulate jumps in the air.
3. Berk Island – How to Train Your Dragon
Inspired by the successful saga from DreamWorks Animation, this world faithfully recreates the legendary Island of Berk, home to dragons and Vikings.
Among its proposals, standout features include: roller coasters for the whole family; themed water games; encounters with animatronic dragons; and a live show that captures the adventurous spirit of the films.
4. Dark Universe
With a gothic and dark aesthetic, this world pays tribute to the legacy of Universal's classic horror films, featuring figures such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman.
The star attraction is "Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment", an immersive experience featuring animatronics over 2.7 meters tall and weighing 360 kilos, capable of moving with precision thanks to state-of-the-art robotic mechanisms.
It also includes Curse of the Werewolf, a roller coaster that spins while telling the story of a cursed village, perfectly blending adrenaline and storytelling.
Technology, immersion, and comfort
Although the park features 11 main attractions, the experience goes far beyond that: daytime and nighttime themed shows; character meet-and-greets; cuisine tailored to each universe; and an innovative locker system with facial recognition to enhance visitor mobility and security.
Despite its vast size, the park's design is intended to be accessible and comfortable, allowing for a complete journey without the need for extensive movements or transfers.
Dates, times, and ticket prices
Although Universal Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, general public access will be available starting June 1, with tickets starting at $139. Guests staying at Universal hotels can enter from 8 a.m. with early access.
For more updated details on prices, packages, and schedules, it is advisable to consult the official site of Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Epic Universe not only represents a new attraction but also a paradigm shift. Its offering, which intertwines the best of storytelling, film, video games, and technology, positions Orlando once again at the center of the global tourism map.
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