Epic Universe Guide: The Complete Overview of Universal Orlando’s Newest Theme Park

This Universal Epic Universe guide covers every land, ride, restaurant, and hotel at the theme park/ Additionally, we suggest some touring strategies to help you plan the perfect visit to Universal Orlando’s newest theme park.

Universal Orlando Resort is entering a bold new era with Universal Epic Universe, the most ambitious theme park project the company has ever undertaken. This Universal Epic Universe guide covers everything you need to know about the park, from its lands and attractions to its dining, hotels, and strategies for the perfect visit. Whether you’re planning your first trip or researching every detail, this guide serves as your reference point. Epic Universe is more than a new theme park. It represents a massive expansion of Universal Orlando. This new theme park doubles the resort’s footprint. It also adds to the overall elevating immersive storytelling, technological innovation, and themed design.

This Universal Epic Universe guide covers the entire theme park. In previous articles, we have covered aspects of Universal Epic Universe such as:

• Best Dining
• Things to Know Before You Go
• Epic Universe Hotels
• Ride Height Requirements

This Universal Epic Universe guide serves as a primer for guests looking to visit for the first time. Additionally, it provides all the basic information about this theme park in one place. This allows guests to use it as a reference for planning.

Epic Universe Guide: Overview 

According to Universal Orlando Resort’s marketing, Universal Epic Universe is the resort’s fourth theme park, joining Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay. You will notice that Universal Orlando Resort includes its highly themed water park in this list of theme parks. This Universal Epic Universe guide will walk you through its hub-and-spoke layout, cutting-edge attractions, and its four major immersive lands, each entered through themed portals. This new theme park takes immersion to a level rarely seen, separating each world visually and acoustically while still maintaining smooth, intuitive navigation.

The history of Universal Epic Universe began years before its official launch. Universal initially acquired a massive 750-acre plot of land near the Orange County Convention Center, paving the way for a major expansion. The park was officially announced on August 1, 2019, promising a new level of immersive theme park experience.

Delay

Construction halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in March 2021. Throughout 2023 and early 2024, Universal systematically unveiled the park’s five themed worlds: Celestial Park (the central hub), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe (home to the Classic Monsters).

In October 2024, Universal officially confirmed the grand opening date: May 22, 2025. Previews for employees and passholders began in the spring, leading up to the highly anticipated debut of the resort’s third theme park, featuring over 50 attractions, entertainment, and dining experiences, and marking one of the largest theme park expansions in Orlando’s history.

Park Layout & Design Philosophy

Epic Universe is designed around Celestial Park, the central hub where guests enter each themed world. This hub-and-spoke system makes touring easier and gives the park an open, airy sense of space. This Universal Epic Universe guide wouldn’t be complete without noting this key design difference: unlike traditional parks, where guests push through congested pathways, Epic Universe encourages exploration and lingering, especially at night when Celestial Park transforms into a visual showpiece.

In fairness, entering the portals to the four primary worlds of Universal Epic Universe can feel congested at times. Additionally, entering the theme park often feels very congested. However, Celestial Park offers ample space to relax, dine, and ponder experiencing more of this new theme park.

Key design principles:

• Total world separation via portals

• Simplified navigation from one central hub

• Wide walkways, scenic gardens, and water features

• High-tech integration (lighting, AR, animatronics, soundscapes)

Celestial Park

Celestial Park is the emotional heart of the park. Guests enter it when they first venture into Universal Epic Universe. They also enter Celestial Park anytime they change worlds. For example, guests leaving Super Nintendo World must reenter Celestial Park to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area.

Major Attractions

Stardust Racers

The thrilling Stardust Racers is a dual-track, launched racing roller coaster and the flagship attraction of Celestial Park in Universal’s Epic Universe. Manufactured by Mack Rides, this steel coaster features two trains—Pulsar and Photon—that race side-by-side, reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights of 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. The ride’s signature element is the “Celestial Spin,” where the two tracks execute an inverted crisscross at the peak. At night, the fully illuminated ride vehicles, designed to look like comets, streak across the skyline with no external track lighting, enhancing the park’s cosmic theme.

Constellation Carousel

The Constellation Carousel is the enchanting centerpiece of Celestial Park in Universal’s Epic Universe. Far beyond a traditional merry-go-round, this attraction offers a unique, complex motion system.

Guests climb aboard beautifully designed, celestial creatures—like lions, dragons, and peacocks—that represent star constellations. Each carriage can independently rotate 360 degrees while simultaneously lifting riders up to six feet in the air. The ride platform itself is comprised of multiple rotating sections. The surrounding dome features a stunning “Star Tracker” with rotating star patterns, creating a mesmerizing, cosmic experience that truly comes alive at night.

Astronomica

Astronomica is an interactive water-play area located in the heart of Celestial Park at Universal’s Epic Universe. Designed as a giant, cosmic compass rose, it helps guide guests toward the four majestic portals leading to the park’s other immersive worlds. The attraction features playful, dancing fountains and water jets that spring up and swirl around guests, offering a perfect spot for children and adults to cool off. The area is particularly beautiful at night when the fountains are illuminated with vibrant, synchronized lighting.

Dining in Celestial Park

Celestial Park offers some of the best dining at Universal Epic Universe. Additionally, the two table service restaurants at this theme park are located in Celestial Park. All other dining is quick-service. The most popular dining in Celestial Park includes:

Dining Options in Celestial Park

• Blue Dragon Pan-Asian – The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant offers an “explorer-style” dining experience with a diverse menu of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai classics. The setting is a vibrant, perpetual night market illuminated by glowing lanterns, neon signs, and a starry sky motif. Dishes are designed for sharing and include items like Double Fried “Korean” Wings, Tonkotsu Ramen, and different varieties of dumplings and potstickers. A separate Tiger Bar offers specialty cocktails.

• Atlantic (Seafood dining over water) – Atlantic is an upscale, full-service restaurant themed like a grand, Victorian-era aquarium, offering sweeping views of Celestial Park’s fountains. Its menu focuses on high-end American “surf and turf” cuisine, specializing in fresh seafood, including oysters, sea bass, and a famous lobster roll, alongside prime steaks. Intricate details like fish-shaped lanterns that appear to “swim” overhead enhance the immersive aquatic experience. A robust cocktail menu is available at the adjacent Aquaria Bar.

• Oak & Star Tavern – Located in Celestial Park, The Oak & Star Tavern is a quick-service location specializing in savory barbecue. Guests can feast on hearty BBQ Platters featuring choices like 14-hour Smoked Brisket, ribs, and Huli Huli Pulled Pork, paired with sides like Three Cheese Mac and Cheese. The Tavern also serves breakfast and features the adjacent Plastered Owl Bar. Its setting is rustic and cozy, designed around a fictional, starlight-filled ancient oak tree.

• Frosty Moon – This dessert spot serves a variety of ice creams, including flavors like Cookie Butter, Cheesecake, and a Vegan Vanilla. Guests can customize their cones or cups with unique, celestial-themed toppings like Gold Star Sprinkles and other delightful candy add-ons, offering a refreshing break from the Florida heat.

• Pizza Moon -A unique, quick-service dining experience in Celestial Park, themed as an early 1900s Victorian theater transformed into a cosmic pizzeria. The ambiance is whimsical and retro-futuristic, inspired by the 1902 silent film A Trip to the Moon. The menu features artisan 12-inch pizzas, baked in a visible, rocket-ship-shaped oven, alongside baked pasta and salads. Notable pies include the Pizza Lunare with a purple ube crust and the Space Cowboy topped with BBQ chips. It offers fun, adventurous flavors, making it a standout option for a fast, quality meal.
• Meteor Astropub – A vibrant, quick-service gastropub situated near the portal to the Ministry of Magic. The theme is a subtle, meteor-inspired hangout, offering a celestial twist on familiar comfort foods. The menu features elevated pub fare like the Big Bang Burger (with whiskey bacon jam), Fish and Chips (served with kimchee remoulade and wasabi fries), and Chicken and Waffles. It’s also a key destination for unique, specialty cocktails (like the Meteorita) and a wide selection of draft and canned beers, alongside fun mocktails.

Celestial Park also hosts nightly entertainment, making it the perfect spot to return to after dark.

Super Nintendo World

Perhaps the most anticipated land in the entire park, Super Nintendo World is an energetic, interactive environment pulling guests directly into the Mushroom Kingdom. This Epic Universe guide highlights the attractions, games, and dining that have made this land a global sensation.

Attractions

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the anchor attraction of Super Nintendo World in Epic Universe, located within the towering Bowser’s Castle. This technologically advanced interactive dark ride uses a combination of physical sets, projection mapping, and cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) headsets. Riders don Mario-style visors to join Team Mario, steering their four-seat karts along iconic courses. The goal is to collect digital coins and fire Koopa Shells at Team Bowser to win the Golden Cup. The multi-sensory experience offers multiple outcomes, making it highly replayable.

• Yoshi’s Adventure – Yoshi’s Adventure is the gentle, family-friendly Omnimover-style ride in the Super Mario Land section of Super Nintendo World. Guests board their own colorful Yoshi for a slow-moving, elevated journey that winds through the iconic Mushroom Kingdom landscapes, offering fantastic views of Mount Beanpole and Princess Peach’s Castle. The ride features a light, interactive element where riders help Captain Toad search for glowing colored eggs by pressing corresponding buttons on their vehicle’s dashboard. It is a visually charming experience filled with familiar characters and detailed animatronics, making it perfect for younger guests.

• Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness – Mine-Cart Madness is the exhilarating, one-of-a-kind roller coaster in Donkey Kong Country, the expansion area of Super Nintendo World. This ride uses a revolutionary, patented “Boom Coaster” system to simulate the chaotic experience of a mine cart careening off the track, just like in the classic video games. The secret lies in the ride vehicle being attached to a hidden robotic arm that moves the passenger portion vertically and laterally. This technology creates the illusion of the mine cart leaping across broken gaps in the track and soaring over obstacles, including a waterfall. The ride features both indoor and outdoor portions and is an immersive, thrilling family coaster.

Interactivity

Power-Up Bands allow guests to:

• Participate in interactive mini-games

• Collect keys

• Trigger environmental effects

• Track Mario Kart scores

Dining

• Toadstool Café – A menu crafted by Chef Toad himself. The immersive restaurant features windows that are actually screens, providing playful, animated glimpses of Chef Toad and his staff bustling in the Mushroom Kingdom kitchen. The menu is fully themed to the Super Mario universe, with whimsical dishes like the Mario Burger (with a character hat pick), Piranha Plant Caprese, and the massive Bowser’s Fireball Challenge meatball. Desserts, such as the ? Block Tiramisu and Mt. Beanpole Cake, complete the edible experience, making dining feel like part of the game.

Super Nintendo World will likely see the highest crowds daily, especially in the morning. Guests with early park admission can enter this land one hour earlier than other guests.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

This land blends 1920s Paris from Fantastic Beasts with the modern wizarding Ministry of Magic. This functions as Universal’s most architecturally intricate Wizarding World of Harry Potter land yet.

Key Attraction: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is the thrilling new anchor attraction for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic area at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. The adventure begins by transporting guests via the Métro-Floo from the streets of 1920s wizarding Paris to the massive, iconic atrium of the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s.

Guests enter the Ministry, meticulously recreated in stunning scale and detail, to witness a significant moment: the trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge. However, the courtroom drama quickly erupts into chaos when Umbridge stages a daring escape. Guests board a magical, omnidirectional lift, a groundbreaking ride vehicle. They join Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a high-stakes, action-packed pursuit to recapture the villain.

The ride plunges through various departments, including the chaotic Department of Magical Creatures and the time-turning Time Room, as riders dodge attacks from Death Eaters and rampaging beasts like an Erumpent. The attraction seamlessly blends massive, detailed physical sets, advanced ride technology, and high-definition screens to create an immersive, dynamic thrill ride that puts guests right in the center of a new, post-Voldemort chapter of the Harry Potter saga.

Atmosphere & Dining

• Parisian magical eateries like Le Gobelet Noir and Café L’air De La Sirène

• Spell-casting locations

• Ministry-themed shops

• High-end Wizarding merchandise

This land is rich in theming, detail, and environmental storytelling.

Le Cirque Arcanus: A Spectacle of Fantastic Beasts

The featured stage show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe is Le Cirque Arcanus (The Circus of Secrets), a spectacular, immersive theatrical experience based on the Fantastic Beasts film series. It is located in the land’s 1920s wizarding Paris section, known as Place Cachée. 

The show’s storyline is inspired by Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. It focuses on the infamous ringmaster Skender, who, desperate to restore the failing circus to its former glory, steals famed magizoologist Newt Scamander’s magical suitcase containing several rare creatures. The narrative follows Gwenlyn, a non-magical circus employee, as she bravely attempts a daring rescue of the fantastic beasts.

Housed in a purpose-built theater disguised behind a circus tent facade, the performance is a dazzling mix of live performers, aerialists, incredible puppetry, and spectacular special effects. Audiences will come face-to-face with beloved creatures from the Fantastic Beasts universe, including the mischievous Niffler, the loyalty-bound Zouwu, the elegant Demiguise, and others. Adding a connection to the main films, the show is expected to feature exclusive filmed segments of Eddie Redmayne reprising his role as Newt Scamander. Le Cirque Arcanus is Universal’s most technically ambitious live show yet, drawing guests into a hidden corner of 1920s magical Parisian life.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

This land recreates the Viking village from the hit DreamWorks franchise. Families, in this section of the Epic Universe guide, we examine the award winning world of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, especially helpful, as Berk offers a strong lineup of accessible attractions.

Attractions in the Isle of Berk World

• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is the family-friendly, high-speed launch coaster and main attraction of the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe. The ride’s theme centers on aspiring Dragon Riders testing out Hiccup’s latest invention: a winged, wooden contraption designed to replicate the sensation of soaring with a dragon. The adventure begins in Hiccup’s workshop, where riders board the unique, carved vehicles. Before the winged attachments are fully secured, Toothless unexpectedly activates the glider, sending guests launching into the sky! The coaster features two smooth launches and reaches a top speed of 45 mph while soaring up to 50 feet in the air.

  Guests glide, sweep, and dive around the entire perimeter of the immersive Isle of Berk, offering a thrilling, dragon’s-eye view of the Viking village. The ride experience is enhanced with audio, animatronics—including a surprise cameo by Toothless—and scenic views, making it one of Universal’s most charming and accessible coasters for the whole family (minimum height: 40 inches).

• Dragon Racer’s Rally is a thrilling, interactive flat ride located in the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe. The premise is that guests are new Vikings practicing high-flying, aerobatic maneuvers on Viking-made dragon-riding trainers to prepare for the island’s celebrated sport of dragon racing. The attraction consists of two towering, spinning arms, each holding six unique Viking-themed ride vehicles. This ride is highly interactive: instead of simply spinning, riders use two hinged wooden “wings” as handles to control the vehicle’s motion. By manipulating the wings, guests can pitch their vehicle up, down, or even attempt a complete barrel roll and inversion, making the experience as wild or as mild as they choose.

• Fyre Drill is the interactive splash battle attraction, offering an exciting, family-friendly water fight. The Viking twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, have repurposed Berk’s “Fyre Skööl” (Fire School) into a playful competition. Guests board colorful, dragon-headed Viking ships equipped with powerful water cannons. The objective is to navigate the slow-moving course and blast the many flame-like targets—a critical skill for Vikings living alongside fire-breathing dragons. However, the real fun comes from aiming your cannon at the occupants of the other boats in a joyous, high-energy sea battle. Be warned: hitting specific targets (like the blue ‘X’ marks) can trigger geysers or water effects that soak nearby boats, meaning everyone is fair game! You will get wet, making it the perfect cool-down on a hot day.

Show

• The Untrainable Dragon is the signature, large-scale stage show offering a spectacular live mini-sequel to the beloved film series. The story centers on a new, seemingly wild dragon that appears in the village, mystifying the locals. The townspeople, led by Gobber and Astrid, turn to Hiccup and Toothless to solve the mystery of this “untrainable” beast and help it find its place on the Isle of Berk. The show ultimately delivers a heartwarming message about trust and not judging others. The 20-22 minute production is a must-see for its incredible technical artistry. It features an impressive mix of live actors, powerful songs, dynamic set pieces, and jaw-dropping puppetry—including a massive, nearly 27-foot-wingspan Toothless that soars dramatically over the audience. It’s housed in an air-conditioned theatre and is a great experience for all ages.

Dining

• Mead Hall is the grand, quick-service dining experience and main gathering spot within the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe. Designed to look like a massive, rustic chamber hewn from mountain rock, the hall invites guests to feast like true Vikings under soaring, themed architecture. The menu is inspired by Scandinavian and Viking cuisine, offering hearty, savory meals. Signature dishes include Berserker’s Meatballs (Swedish meatballs with gravy and lingonberry jam), Gobber the Belch’s Turkey Wings, and Hiccup’s Grilled Salmon. For large groups, there is the massive Thawfest Platter. The hall is also known for its beverages, serving various beers, ciders, and, of course, the signature Gobber’s Mead (a boysenberry-blackcurrant mead). It’s a must-visit for its detailed theming, air-conditioned seating, and filling food options.

• Spit Fyre Grill is a quick-service dining location themed as a bustling trader’s market where meals are “flame-seared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook.” It specializes in delicious, customizable bowls featuring healthier options than typical theme park fare. The menu includes signature bowls like Stoick’s Steak Bowl (with sticky rice and roasted vegetables), Hiccup’s Salmon Bowl (with ancient grains and slaw), and Valka’s Vegan Bowl (a spicy kale mix). It’s also one of the locations that offers the popular, savory Mac and Cheese Cones, featuring unique flavors like the Dragon Fire Chicken Spire. Located near the Fyre Drill attraction, it’s a quick and efficient spot to refuel, offering a blend of fresh ingredients and exciting flavors, along with various draft beers, ciders, and themed ICEE drinks.

• Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel is a popular quick-service food stand. It’s themed around the exhilarating sport of dragon racing, offering quick, hearty bites for “Vikings on the go.” The signature items at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel are the Mac and Cheese Cones, which are creamy mac and cheese served inside a crunchy, savory bread cone.  The cones are a highly praised, walk-up option that became a viral sensation after the park’s opening. Note that seating is limited to nearby benches and ledges, as it is a walk-up window.

Viking Training Camp Kids Area

The Viking Training Camp is a massive, highly-themed interactive play area specifically designed for junior Vikings to climb, explore, and let off steam. This sprawling, multi-level playground resembles a training ground from the movies and features a variety of activities for all ages and abilities. Kids can navigate an agility course, scramble up climbable towers, cross net bridges and balance beams, and zoom down slides.

Interactive elements include Viking drums and chimes to play, and a popular interactive sheep launcher game where kids can practice capturing runaway sheep. For the littlest Vikings, there are smaller, dedicated play areas, including a Toothless-themed teeter-totter and baby Gronckle dragon climbers. Parents will appreciate that the area is partially shaded and offers seating. The entire camp is themed with meticulous detail, encouraging kids to discover all types of dragons while getting an impressive, dragon’s-eye view of the entire Isle of Berk land.