Epic Universe theme park opening date announced

Universal Orlando Resort's fourth theme park – the sprawling Universal Epic Universe – will officially open in Florida on May 22, 2025.

The new park, part of a 750-acre development, will be the largest of Universal Orlando's three theme parks. Universal Epic Universe offers more than 50 experiences across five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park and Dark Universe. (Below you will find images and details about the new worlds.) The park is anchored by the Loews Hotel's Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room property that offers “unparalleled views” and has a private entrance to the Epic Universe for hotel guests.

“This is a pivotal moment for our destination and we are excited to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will have an unforgettable vacation experience with a week of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our universe will never be the same.”

Tickets for Universal Epic Universe will go on sale next week. The initial packages include a variety of multi-day passes and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of entry to Universal's theme parks, including one day entry to Epic Universe (on sale Tuesday, October 22). Reservations for the Universal Helios Grand Hotel are also available starting October 22nd for stays starting May 22nd, 2025.

Universal Orlando provided a pricing example: A three-day ticket, which includes one day at Universal Epic Universe and one day each at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, starts at $118-$174 per day ($352 total). –$521) per adult guest.

Additionally, beginning October 24, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders will be able to purchase single-day Universal Epic Universe passes before they go on sale to the general public.

Here's an overview of the five new worlds:

Heavenly Park: Located in the center of the park, it includes “rolling gardens, waterways and walking paths” and serves as a gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds through a series of “majestic portals.”

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Combining the setting of “magical Paris” and the British Ministry of Magic, the world invites guests on a journey from a Muggle park in Paris to the “stunning spectacle” of the 1920s Place Cachée, described as a “hidden, bustling shopping district in…” becomes Wizard's Paris.” They can then travel through time and space to 1990s London on the “Métro-Floo” (a magical transport inspired by the Floo network in the Harry Potter films) and have an adventure in the Ministry of Magic. The marquee event of the world is “Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry,” where guests follow the trial of villain Dolores Umbridge – until Umbridge tries to escape. Universal says the ride will utilize “first-of-its-kind ride technology,” including “omnidirectional elevators.”

Super Nintendo World: It's me! Developed in collaboration with Nintendo, the land brings the video game company's iconic characters to life in a “multi-sensory environment” based on the Super Mario series and (for the first time in the U.S.) Donkey Kong Country. The new land is modeled after Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Viking adventures await in the world, based on the animated film trilogy “How to Train Your Dragon” from DreamWorks Animation. Special experiences include flying kites (of course), a rollercoaster ride through the Isle of Berk, a live stage show and a kite racing trainer attraction.

Dark Universe: Guests are welcomed to the shadowy village of Darkmoor, home to Universal monster legends such as Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster. Frankenstein Manor is the towering centerpiece of Dark Universe and includes “Universal Orlando’s scariest ride ever,” according to the company. In Darkmoor, guests can be made up like their favorite monsters, ride through the forest on a family rollercoaster, and dine at “one-of-a-kind” restaurants.

Here is the video announcement of Universal Epic Universe opening date:

(Image above: Artist's impression of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic in the Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort)