Three panels: left panel shows "Epic Universe Preview Center" on a starry background with a "loading" bar; middle panel features a Park Model of a roller coaster from Universal Orlando's "Celestial Park"; right panel has a gate illustration with a disclaimer.

Epic Universe Preview Center to Showcase Park Model with Augmented Reality at Universal Orlando

Annie Wilson

The Epic Universe Preview Center is preparing to open in Universal CityWalk Orlando and will feature a theme park model with augmented reality. A new app is now available, which will give guests the ability to see the park model come to life.

Epic Universe Preview Center App

Loading screen for the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal CityWalk Orlando, stating that the Augmented Reality feature only works at the Preview Center. Background shows a starry night sky.

The app is free to download, and a QR code is on a sign for the preview center. As soon as you open the app, you’ll be greeted by a starry blue screen with the Epic Universe logo. The AR feature only works in the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center, though.

Illustrated entrance gate with a notice: "BEYOND THIS GATE FIND GARDENS GREEN AND EPIC WORLDS TO FILL YOUR DREAMS" and a visual disclaimer about artistic enhancements. Discover the magic of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando's Preview Center. "Enter" button at the bottom.

The first screen shows the Chronos at the entrance to the park. The text reads, “Beyond this gate find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams.” A disclaimer reminds guests that artistic enhancements have been made to the visual experience which may differ from the in-park experience.

Poster promoting the Epic Universe Preview Center with augmented reality (AR). Instructions to direct the camera at the park model to bring it to life. The center is located at Universal CityWalk Orlando.

The next screen opens your camera and displays the concept art for the Chronos. When you’re in the Epic Universe Preview Center, you will be able to point your camera at the theme park model to see it brought to life with augmented reality. For another unique look at the model, take a look back at our post on the making of the Epic Universe model.

A detailed 3D model of the Epic Universe theme park hub "Celestial Park," with an augmented reality feature to preview the winding roller coaster surrounded by trees and other attractions.

The Epic Universe Preview Center is not open yet, but a preview in the app shows Stardust Racers with what appears to be augmented reality comets or ride vehicles on the tracks.

A tutorial screen instructing users to direct their device camera at a model to view an enhancement, capture photos, tap on a map, favorite locations, and access more details about Universal Orlando's Epic Universe.

A tutorial page explains how to use the app. You can take photos, favorite a location, and also get names and descriptions for different locations.

Screenshot of a favorites list in an app showing two items: "Hiccup's Wing Gliders" from "How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk" and "Mine-Cart Madness™" from "Super Nintendo World™". Get a taste of the adventures at Epic Universe with this augmented reality preview center.

The app will also have more details on the attractions. At this point, announcements have only been made for Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park. The other lands will be Dark Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

Construction walls are down around the Epic Universe Preview Center, so we expect it will open very soon. Stay tuned for more details and a full tour when it opens.

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