In addition to confirming the five lands of Epic Universe, Universal has announced the full details for the main hub: Celestial Park.
Celestial Park Overview
Celestial Park is not based on an IP, unlike the other four lands, and is the central “world” of Epic Universe. Guests will enter it through the Chronos at the front of Epic Universe. It then holds the portals to the other four immersive areas. Celestial Park “was created as a space for people to (re)connect with each other and with nature.”
We’ve made a conscious effort to put the park back into theme park, and made sure not to design it with lots of concrete and asphalt streets.
Adam Rivest, executive producer for Celestial Park
Celestial Park transforms from night to day. During the day, it is a lush living garden with spectacular fountains. At night, the area will light up and transform into a “completely different environment.” The fountains will dance to music with interactive lighting and water reaching up to 135 feet in the air.
Within the lore of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is “the center of an ever-evolving universe that, throughout centuries, people — artists, musicians, explorers, adventurers, inventors — have visited for inspiration and connection, and maybe left a little piece of them behind.”
And I think that’s what’s really at the emotional core of it: our desire to belong, to connect, to meet new people, to discover new places, to have experiences. That’s what sets off great explorers, why people climb mountains, why they go on adventures. And also why they go through these portals.
Steve Tatham, executive creative director for Universal Epic Universe
Celestial Park Attractions
Constellation Carousel
Constellation Carousel is made up of celestial creatures and as it goes around, they each turn 360 degrees “making you feel like you’re caught within the Milky Way, riding on constellations through the galaxy.” It’s covered in hundreds of points of starlight.
Starfall Racers
Starfall Racers is the physical “embodiment of a comet.” It’s a dual-launch coaster that goes 62 mph, reaches a maximum height of 133 feet, and has 5,000 feet of track. The coaster includes the “Celestial Spin,” during which the two vehicles will perform an inverted crisscross.
While it’s giant and looks really intimidating at first, it’s designed to feel like an old wooden coaster, but smooth as a button. So, you’ll rise up in your seat and get those zero G feels. Although there are a couple signature moves in there, most of the 1.8 mile track is a side-by-side race between two comets to see who gets to the end first.
Adam Rivest, executive producer for Celestial Park
It has no brake zones. The coaster is also covered in lights, making the vehicles look like shooting comets at night.
Universal Orlando Resort also hinted the coaster may include a “Back to the Future” reference.
And although I can’t give this easter egg away just yet, just know that there’s a gift for true Universal fans on the back of each coaster vehicle. Truly outatime!
“Outatime” is on the license plate of the famous time-traveling DeLorean in the “Back to the Future” films.
Astronomica
Astronomica is Celestial Park’s third “attraction.” It’s an interactive wet-play area resembling a compass rose that points to the portals and attractions of the park. It also comes alive with light and color at night.
Dining
Atlantic Restaurant
Atlantic by Chef Martinez is surrounded by the waters of Neptune’s pool and has floor-to-ceiling Victorian glass walls.
It gives our guests the illusion of dining in an ‘out of this world’ glass aquarium.
Chef Martinez
It will serve fresh seafood and surf and turf options.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant
Blue Dragon features electric neon dragons decorating its dining room, as well as a giant dragon archway outside.
Our guests will have the chance to enjoy flavors from China, Southeast Asia and Japan, all while dining under the constellations, as lanterns dance overhead in this beautiful indoor courtyard.
Chef Martinez
Blue Dragon will also have the cozy Tiger Bar.
More Dining
Other dining locations within Celestial Park will include:
- The Oak & Star Tavern: a barbecue restaurant
- Pizza Moon: featuring a variety of pizzas and more
- Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets
Shopping
Nintendo Super Star Store
Outside Super Nintendo World will be the Nintendo Super Star Store. Within the park’s lore, this shop is founded by Super Nintendo World explorers.
Helios Grand Hotel
Attached to Epic Universe is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel with its own dedicated park entrance. It’s named after the Greek god of the sun, Helios, and is adorned with celestial patterns and constellation details with an elegant Mediterranean-inspired feel.
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