Everything We Know About Epic Universe

Universal Orlando Resort’s newest park, Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025. Let’s recap everything we have learned about the park before the portals open.

Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury said Epic Universe would be the “most technologically advanced” theme park. It will use facial recognition and photo validation technology at the entrance. This system was introduced at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure in late 2023. Epic Universe will also utilize the “next generation of robotics drone technology.” The parking lot has a solar canopy.

The park’s lands are called “worlds,” with “portals” leading into each one. They may use virtual queues for entry. Universal has already teased expansions to Epic, and there is space between each of the worlds for more attractions or small worlds.

The Universal Orlando Resort app added an air quality feature, which raised questions about Epic Universe’s proximity to a sewage plant.

Tickets & Previews

The initial Epic Universe tickets available were only multi-day Universal Orlando Resort tickets including one day at the new park.

Only Annual Passholders could purchase single-day tickets. No details have been announced about Epic Universe being added to Annual Passes but that’s not expected for some time.

In the second release of tickets, Universal made Florida resident tickets and vacation packages, as well as a 1-day add-on military ticket, available. The Florida resident tickets are all 3-day. The 1-day military ticket can be added to a 2025 Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket.

Universal is holding phase one of Team Member previews from March 1 through March 14. Employees can visit up to three times during these previews. A second phase will extend to families and friends of Team Members.

Annual Passholder preview dates will be announced later.

Celestial Park

Celestial Park is a non-IP land that runs through the center of Epic Universe. It includes the main entrance, where guests walk through a portal under a tall green tower topped with the Chronos machine.

On the Discover Universal podcast, Universal Creative’s Catherynne Jean described Celestial Park as a “world between worlds” powered by the Chronos, a machine with “mysterious origins.” Jean and JC Cloward also referred to the Chronos as a “Celestial Cypher.” It draws power from the universe to sustain the enchantment of Celestial Park and open the portals to other worlds.

The “Celestians” who live in Celestial Park maintain the Chronos and built the entrance portals to the other lands. There will be original characters in the world’s lore and possibly in-person.

Plasma screens in each world’s portal will make guests feel like they are walking through swirling nebula gas as the theming shifts from Celestial Park to the specific world.

Celestial Park has several water features and 26 gardens, each with individual theming and different plants. The gardens will connect story-wise to the restaurants and attractions. At the front of the park is Luna Overlook, featuring a statue of the moon goddess. There’s also Chaos Overlook, another spot to enjoy the land’s water features. Universal emphasized that with Celestial Park, they wanted to “put the park back into theme parks.”

Celestial Park will transition from day to night when Apollo, the sun god, passes the baton to Luna during a light ceremony. Set to swelling music, the lights of the world will slowly illuminate, followed by a burst of light and a “dance of light throughout everything — the plants, the trees, the buildings.” Celestial Park is then lit for the evening.

Celestial Park will have a custom soundtrack — the most custom music Universal has ever commissioned.

A statue of Helios is at the opposite end of the park from Luna, outside the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.

The show lagoon in front of Helios Grand Hotel is called the Cosmos. It’s full of water jets that can shoot higher than the hotel itself if Universal wants but “we’re gonna probably try not to because we know how the winds get in Florida and if we did that, we would drench everyone in the park.” The lagoon is surrounded by tiered seating.

A lagoon behind Universal Helios Grand Hotel has a peninsula for fireworks launching. Universal tested fireworks in February.

Watch the Discover Universal Podcast episode about Celestial Park below.

Attractions in Celestial Park

Stardust Racers Rollercoaster

Stardust Racers (formerly Starfall Racers) is a dual-track coaster with speeds up to 62 miles per hour and heights up to 133 feet, traveling along nearly 5,000 feet of track. The roller coaster was originally to have no brake zones — however, trim brakes appeared to be added before opening.

In the story for the coaster, the citizens of Celestial Park — referred to as “Celestians” — have figured out a way to harness the energy of and capture comets, jump on them, and ride through the night sky. The track won’t be lit at night but the vehicles will have their own lights, making them look like shooting stars in the night sky.

The ride’s height minimum is 48″. It will offer single rider and child swap.

Check out the first look at Stardust Racers in the video below.

Constellation Carousel

Constellation Carousel is made up of celestial creatures inspired by different constellations. Each vehicle has its own independent pitch and yaw so they can turn, rotate, and go up or down — up to six feet in the air. They’re inspired by constellations like Ursa Major / Big Dipper, with creatures like lions, dragons, and peacocks.

As the ride moves, the vehicles 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 and will have eight different music tracks.

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 and has its own soundtrack. It’s located across a water feature from Constellation Carousel.

Dining in Celestial Park

Atlantic Restaurant

Atlantic by Chef Martinez is surrounded by the waters of Neptune’s pool and has floor-to-ceiling Victorian glass walls. Chef Martinez says that the restaurant will give guests the illusion of dining in an out-of-this-world glass aquarium, with mechanical fish lanterns appearing to swim across the ceiling. Universal shared a preview video of the mechanical fish.

Atlantic will serve fresh seafood as well as surf-n-turf options. In a preview of Epic Universe food, Universal revealed the Atlantic’s Sea Bass, a “delectable” portion of buttery bass with carrot mochi, fresh sugar snap peas, aromatic lemongrass broth, and starfruit slices.

The Grand Atlantic Martini is dry gin, aperitif wine, and a gilded lemon twist for garnish.

The Landlubber’s Snickerdoodle Loot is for young guests, with snickerdoodle cake and cookie butter ganache served in a beach pail, surrounded by edible sand and gummy sharks.

The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant  

Blue Dragon features electric neon dragons decorating its dining room, as well as a giant dragon archway outside. Guests will have the chance to enjoy flavors from China, Southeast Asia, and Japan while dining under constellations at this location. Blue Dragon will also host the cozy Tiger Bar.

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is the Tonkotsu Ramen featuring delicate ramen noodles in a rich pork broth, topped with tender chashu pork, tare egg, shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant togarashi oil.

Blue Dragon will also serve Double Fried Korean Wings and Beef Xi’an Noodles. Dessert includes the Passion Fruit Mooncake, a small hand pie filled with passion fruit cheesecake with a signature dragon stamped on top.

The Khaosan Boba is a blend of Thai-inspired milk tea paired with coffee boba and frothy coffee foam.

The Oak & Star Tavern

The Oak & Star Tavern will serve smoky BBQ platters. Guests can choose from smoked brisket, smoked ribs, pulled pork, cheddar jalapeno sausage, or spit-roasted herb-infused chicken and pair with sides like braised greens, mac and cheese, and more. Platters include mango bread and pickles.

The tavern will also serve a variety of breakfast options.

Attached to The Oak & Star Tavern will be The Plastered Owl bar. Their titular drink, The Plastered Owl, is made with dark rye whiskey, simple syrup, cherry syrup, lemon juice, lemon wedges, and muddled cherries.

Pizza Moon

Pizza Moon offerings include A Trip to Vesuvio: pizza featuring a blend of fromage de lune, pepperoni, fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and caramelized onions. It’s topped with cherry peppers, Calabrian chili, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of hot honey.

More Dining

CelesTiki bar will serve drinks like the Waturi Punch, which has a refreshing blend of rum, bitters, and fruit juices.

Bar Zenith’s cocktails include the Meteor Strike with light rum, triple sec, zesty lime, and pineapple juices, topped with lemon-lime soda and a sprinkle of edible gold glitter. It’s finished with a flaming lemon extract-infused raw sugar cube meteor.

The quick-service Comet Dogs will serve unique filled hot dogs like the Bulgogi Dog, the Al Pastor Dog, and the vegan-friendly Smoky Carrot Dog. The latter is a smoked carrot seasoned to mimic the taste of a grilled hot dog.

Meteor Astropub will offer travelers a welcoming atmosphere, savory fare, and drinks. It will offer mobile order.

Near Stardust Racers is Star Sui Bao, an Asian food cart offering unique takes on the traditional bao bun.

Frosty Moon will be a quick-service ice cream stand near the Dark Universe entrance.

A Starbucks in Celestial Park opened ahead of time for Team Members.

Shopping in Celestial Park

Celestial Park shops include Sensorium Emporium at the front entrance. This and other adjacent shop locations are the converted workshop of explorer Vincent Various, an original character Universal trademarked. The other shops are Lens Flare (where guests can pick up photos), North Star Wintry Wonders (a holiday shop), and Other Worlds Mercantile (which sells merchandise from the park’s “other worlds”).

Next to these is Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, a confectionery of treats “discovered by young Maya of the Skies in her marvelous moonship.”

The Nintendo Super Star Store will offer Super Nintendo World merchandise, located just outside the Super Nintendo World portal.s

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Reservations are open for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel attached to the park. It is named after the personification of the sun (not to be confused with Apollo). It’s Universal Orlando’s 11th hotel but their first attached to a park, with theming that matches Celestial Park. The gold cartouche on the Helios Grand Hotel facade is directly on axis with the central tower of the Chronos gate.

Jessica Iaconis, assistant director of facility design for Universal, called Universal Helios Grand Hotel “a different book in the same series as Celestial Park.”

We took the same language and style and made an extension of the story, so it really is a seamless experience.

Helios Grand Hotel will also transition from day to night with lighting effects. One example is in the elevator lobby, which has a show element displaying the sky. When guests head out in the morning, they will see a daytime, sun-forward version. When they return at night, they’ll get a different, twilight experience.

Hotel Rooms

Universal Helios Grand Hotel will have 500 rooms and 35 suites. The majority will have two queen beds. Suites include King Suites, Hospitality Suites, and Presidential Suites. Theming will include nods to Helios.

There will also be How to Train Your Dragon-themed Kids’ Suites. A double-twin kids’ room lets little ones sleep in a dragon’s house with Toothless and the Light Fury on the wall.

All guest rooms have tablets to digitally control elements of the room like drapes, lights, the thermostat, and room service. There is a partition between the bathroom and vanity area.

Hotel Dining

The hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant is Bar Helios, featuring Mediterranean dishes like sliders, salads, lamb and chicken gyros, tapas, and antipasti. It will serve “sunny-type” cocktails like spritzes, bellinis, martinis, and negronis, in addition to typical cocktail, beer, and wine options.

Dishes at Bar Helios include the Charred Octopus. This charred octopus is served with crispy herb potatoes, briny olives, creamy salsa verde, and brassica leaves.

The Scallop Crudo features fresh raw scallops in a sour orange vin sauce, paired with crisp Persian cucumber slivers, zesty Aleppo pepper, crisp serrano peppers, and topped with crunchy pistachios.

Three-meal restaurant Flora Taverna offers dishes with authentic, high-quality, fresh ingredients. Leaning heavily into grilling, it will have simple flavors but exceptional ingredients complemented by olive oils, citrus, and herbs, emphasizing Greek and Italian styles of cooking. Dishes include fish, seafood, lamb, roasted chicken, steaks, flatbreads, and a burger.

Flora Taverna’s Heritage Tomato & Burrata Salad is a light and refreshing salad featuring fresh heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, agave walnuts, Reggiano pesto, delicate microgreens, and is topped with mostarda.

The Shish Kebabs include za’atar chicken, spicy harissa prawns, and pimento spiced beef served with a sauce trio of Moroccan herbs, rich garlic, and tangy daqoos.

The Whole Branzino is a whole butterflied Branzino grilled and served with tangy pickled tomato gribiche, fresh citrus, and vibrant chermoula (Moroccan herb sauce).

Mezzes & Spreads is an assortment of rich baba ghanoush, marinated olives, muhammara, hummus, tzatziki, whipped summer feta, and roasted red pepper dip, served with warm focaccia, pita, and lavash bread.

There’s also the grab-and-go station, Aurora Market. This spot will offer freshly roasted coffee, paninis, wraps, and salads. While it’s available throughout the day, it’s especially focused on breakfast options.

The pool bar is Lotus Lagoon, offering burgers, salads, cocktails, beer, and wine.

More Hotel Offerings

The pool is on the other side of Helios Grand Hotel from the theme park. It’s designed to be a “serene, tranquil place” surrounded by landscaping.

Hotel guests will have a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe, bus transportation to the other parks and CityWalk, and benefits like early park admission.

Watch Universal’s animated fly-through of the hotel:

Dark Universe (Universal Monsters)

The world’s name comes from a canceled series of Universal Monsters movies. Guests enter Dark Universe through a portal in a giant dead tree. On top is a coil crackling with purple energy. On the other side of the portal, guests find themselves in a foggy, derelict cemetery on the edge of a village named Darkmoor.

Darkmoor is “where misbegotten scientific experiments scar the land and unnatural creations lurk in the shadows.” Universal stated that in Dark Universe, guests “will encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam in this world of myth and mystery.”

The world’s music is composed by Danny Elfman.

Watch the Dark Universe teaser:

Attractions in Dark Universe

Dark Universe will host two attractions, as well as meet and greets with some of Universal’s most famous monsters. As Darkmoor exists in the present day, there is also a new Dr. Frankenstein to encounter.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

In Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate. A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more.

Riders will see all sorts of monsters who have become the subjects of Victoria’s experiments, including the Brides of Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Phantom of the Opera, and — of course — Frankenstein’s Monster. Monsters Unchained asks the question: who is the real monster?

We see a maniacal side of [Victoria] even though she’s our hero. The monsters are released and it’s up to her, Frankenstein and Ygor to help save the day while we’re stuck in the middle of this chaos.

Greg Hall, creative director of Dark Universe

The queue, which guests enter through Frankenstein Manor, will feature jumpscares like a haunted house.

The height requirement is 48 inches / 122 centimeters. It will offer single rider and child swap.

Curse of the Werewolf

In the woods that border Darkmoor lies the family coaster Curse of the Werewolf. This is set in a colorful encampment named The Guild of Mystics, where guild seer and leader Maleva warns visitors that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Maleva appears in the 1941 film “The Wolf Man,” but this version of the character has been updated to reflect the fictional culture of the Guild of Mystics.

Following Maleva’s warning, riders will set out on an adventure under the light of the full moon. They’ll speed through the forest, pursued by werewolves, before coming face-to-face with the beasts, spinning out to avoid their teeth and claws in the Darkmoor armory.

Check out early ride testing footage here.

The height requirement is 40 inches / 102 centimeters. It will offer single rider and child swap.

Meet & Greets in Dark Universe

Guests will also be able to encounter characters in Dark Universe, including Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Ygor, the Invisible Man, the Wolf Man, Dracula, the Phantom of the Opera, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

In addition, guests may also run into one of The Hounds — monster hunters who have set up shop in The Burning Blade Tavern and attempt to defend Darkmoor and its villagers.

A roaming musician can also be spotted wandering through the village performing songs of old. Aerial photographer Bioreconstruct caught a violinist practicing in the world.

Dining in Dark Universe

Das Stakehaus

Das Stakehaus is located “deep under Darkmoor” in the ancient catacombs that vampires call home. It is said that the familiars of said vampires oversee the fast-casual restaurant, which offers kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and ribs.

The kebabs options are Bird on a Stake (grilled chicken), Fish on a Stake, and Bits and Pieces (wild mushroom and brisket meatloaf). Each protein is served with roasted veggies and charred green onion mashed potatoes.

The “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich features flash-fried, marinated chicken breast in a blood orange sauce, served in a black bun with tangy pickles and coleslaw, and a side of crispy fries.

The Darkmoor Black Wings are spicy, chili-dusted fried wings with smoky cheddar, charred scallions, and soy chili garlic sauce. It comes with a pimento cornbread skull and coleslaw.

Our Favorite Vegan Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage is vegan meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and nestled in a rich bell pepper tomato sauce, accompanied by a vibrant beet bucatini.

Dessert includes the Red Velvet Death: red velvet cake cut into a coffin shape, made with beets to give it a blood-red hue.

Burning Blade Tavern

The exterior of Burning Blade Tavern is inspired by a scene in the 1931 “Frankenstein” film when an angry mob of villagers sets the old mill aflame. The mill will actually erupt into flames every 20 minutes.

Watch video of the fire testing below.

Darkmoor’s monster hunters lurk at Burning Blade Tavern, where guests can enjoy tavern fare, peruse hunters’ trophies, and hear tales from the villagers. The menu includes burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels, and beverages.

The Hunter’s Garlic Stake is a crispy, cheesy garlic soft pretzel. Burning Cheddar Bites are crispy fried poppers. The signature Burning Blade Burger is a hearty beef patty with a spicy tomato jam spread and jalapeño bacon that mimics the criss-cross shape of the windmill, between two jet-black brioche buns.

De Lacey’s Cottage

The quick-service location next to Frankenstein Manor will offer snacks and Coca-Cola Freestyle options.

Shopping in Dark Universe

Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience is in Dr. Septimus Pretorius’ former lab. “Monster makers” will transform guests into monsters, similar to the temporary Monster Makeover experience offered at Universal Studios Florida in 2024.

The rest of the lab will be Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, a “wondrous emporium where his macabre items are on display (and for sale).

There will also be The Guild of Mystics wagon offering merchandise like t-shirts, magical charms, and hand-crafted jewelry.

Watch the world’s reveal video:

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

The How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk portal is below a tower topped with a dragon figure. The world is set between the second and third “How to Train Your Dragon” movies. It has four attractions, plus shopping and dining.

This will be the second largest world in Epic Universe after Celestial Park. It’s modeled after the eighth-century Viking village on the Isle of Berk. Upon entering the world, guests will be immersed in a “rugged, massive, and wildly colorful Viking village perched above the sea.”

As is seen in the films, our first view of the Isle of Berk is through the Viking and dragon sentry statues with a view of rocky cliffs, dragon houses and mountains in the background.

You will be struck by the scale of the world and the vibrancy. We consider the world an attraction itself; the goal was always to make Berk alive and create a very vibrant and lively land where Vikings and dragons live in harmony.

Katy Pacitti, Executive Producer of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

There will be fire-breathing and flying dragons throughout the world.

Watch the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk teaser:

Attractions in Isle of Berk

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

This family coaster has guests boarding a winged flying machine invented by Hiccup. It turns out Toothless doesn’t like the invention, however. He sets off the vehicles before their wings are attached.

This leads to a careening flight over and around the lagoon, instead of the peaceful dragon flight Hiccup imagined.

The height requirement is 40 inches / 102 centimeters. Children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion, and hand-held infants and not permitted to ride. It will offer single rider and child swap.

Dragon Racer’s Rally

Dragon Racer’s Rally is actually two attractions side by side. These aerial spinners appear to be controlled by dragons. Guests will practice various maneuvers and barrel rolls to train for dragon riding.

The two rides are themed after the best and worst dragon racers of “How to Train Your Dragon”: Astrid and Snotlout. Guests will be able to control elements of the ride, including how much they spin.

We’ve previously seen this ride testing. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches / 122 centimeters. It will offer child swap.

Fyre Drill

Fyre Drill is a water boat ride. When living with dragons, it’s important to know how to put out fires, so Ruffnut and Tuffnut have put together this training simulator. Guests will shoot water at dragon cutouts to put out fires.

This ride has no minimum height requirement, but children under 48 inches will have to be accompanied by a supervising companion. Like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, hand-held infants are not permitted. It will offer child swap.

Viking Training Camp

Viking Training Camp is a playground where little Vikings can learn about classes of dragons as they climb, slide, and explore. It’s hosted by Fishlegs, the Isle of Berk’s resident dragon expert.

The Untrainable Dragon

“The Untrainable Dragon” is a live “Broadway-level production.” It’s similar to “Untrainable,” a “How to Train Your Dragon” show from Universal Studios Beijing — Universal actually used clips from “Untrainable” to represent “The Untrainable Dragon.” However, the Florida show will be set in a different time period.

“The Untrainable Dragon” features advanced costuming, sets, and technology. Dragons will appear alongside various human “How to Train Your Dragon” characters, including Hiccup, Gobber, and Astrid.

WESH 2 caught video of the impressive Dart dragon figure backstage. Dart is Toothless’ daughter and will likely appear in “The Untrainable Dragon.”

It’s a family show for all ages but there is a parental advisory warning that it includes “sudden and intense sound effects, theatrical lighting effects, and performers in close proximity to the audience.”

Team Member Costumes

Universal shared a photo of some How to Train Your Dragon attractions Team Members in costume.

Meet & Greets in Isle of Berk

In addition to various dragons appearing throughout the world, there will be a dedicated meet and greet for Hiccup and Toothless. This is at the Haddock Paddock, outside the theater for “The Untrainable Dragon.”

Other meet and greets will include:

• Astrid and her Deadly Nadder, Stormfly
• Ruffnut and Tuffnut
• Gobber and his Hotburple, Grump, at Gobber’s Forge

Universal Orlando notes on their website that the “appearance of characters listed is subject to change without notice, and not all characters listed are guaranteed to appear at the same time, or on the same day.”

Dining in Isle of Berk

Mead Hall

Mead Hall is inspired by the grand hall of the Isle of Berk as seen in “How to Train Your Dragon.” It’s topped by a spire of rock featuring Gothi’s house.

The fast-casual restaurant will serve hearty meals and unique beers and mead, including Yaknog. This is a creamy, chilled malted beverage with a sweet vanilla flavor.

The Thawfest Platter features tender chicken drumsticks glazed in a wild berry BBQ glaze, grilled salmon, and succulent sausage served with a medley of roasted carrots, cipollini onions, Nordic fries, and side sauces.

The Sullen Sea Sandwich features salmon with pickled cucumbers and zesty horseradish dill crème on a pumpernickel Kaiser bun and a side of ancient grains with sundried berries.

The Nordic Harvest Salad has kale and arugula greens, crisp red cabbage, radishes, hearty ancient grains, blueberries, and crisp apples. On top is a sprinkle of trail mix and raspberry vinaigrette.

Stormfly’s Catch of the Day is a dessert featuring a chocolate mousse fish atop a bed of colorful crispy rice cereal.

Spit Fyre Grill

This quick-service restaurant overlooks Fyre Drill. It will serve “hearty meals flame-seared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook.” Bowls include Stoick’s Steak Bowl, Hiccup’s Salmon Bowl, Meatlug’s Chicken Bowl, Astrid’s Shrimp Bowl, and Valka’s Vegan Bowl.

Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel

Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel is a racing-themed food stand in the Viking Camp. It will serve a variety of Mac and Cheese Cones featuring half loaves of bread with the insides carved out and filled with mac and cheese.

Shopping in Isle of Berk

Guests can purchase merchandise from various themed shops including Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures.

Watch the animated fly-over of Isle of Berk below.

Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World is the third version of Super Nintendo World, following similar lands built in Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood. The Epic Universe Super Nintendo World includes nearly all of the same attractions at the Universal Studios Japan version, including the recently-opened Donkey Kong Country expansion.

As with the other worlds, guests enter Super Nintendo World through a portal from Celestial Park. The portal combines a new golden entrance gate for Epic Universe with the classic green warp pipe found in Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan. Also unique to this portal is that guests take an escalator up into Super Nintendo World and arrive on what is essentially the world’s second story.

Watch the Super Nintendo World teaser:

Attractions in Super Nintendo World

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is considered one of two main attractions in Super Nintendo World. Located in the Super Mario Land section, guests travel through the entrance of Bowser’s Castle and join Mario’s crew as a new racer. Designed to feel like you are actually playing a video game, the ride involves collecting coins and throwing shells at opponents using specially designed AR goggles shaped like Mario’s hat. The AR images augment real sets modeled after classic Mario Kart tracks, including floating underwater and bouncing on clouds.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches, and guests under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion. It will offer single rider and child swap.

We have a full ride POV video of the attraction in Universal Studios Hollywood, which you can watch below.

Yoshi’s Adventure

Yoshi’s Adventure is a slow-moving omnimover attraction. Guest board into their own Yoshi and help him on a search for three glowing eggs. The attraction takes guests on a unique path looking over the rest of Super Mario Land from above. We previously reviewed the attraction located in Universal Studios Japan, as Universal Studios Hollywood does not have Yoshi’s Adventure due to space constraints.

Yoshi’s Adventure has a minimum height requirement of 34 inches. Guests under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion. It will offer child swap.

Watch our ride POV video below.

Mine-Cart Madness

Mine-Cart Madness is part of the Donkey Kong Country expansion that opened in December of 2024 in Universal Studios Japan. Guests jump into a mine-cart vehicle to help Donkey Kong and his friends protect the Golden Banana. Due to the rollercoaster’s unique construction, the carts appear to jump over missing sections of track, jump between tracks, and skim over water.

Just like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Mine-Cart Madness has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches, and guests under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion. It will offer single rider and child swap.

Power-Up Bands & Key Challenges

As with both of the Super Nintendo Worlds in Japan and Hollywood, the Epic Universe world includes interactive Key Challenges. These are a minigame-style attraction with components hidden throughout Super Nintendo World that interact with guests’ Power-Up Bands. The announced Key Challenges include:

• Bob-Omb Kaboom Room (Not present in Hollywood, making it the first in North America)
• Thwomp Panel Panic
• Goomba Crazy Crank
• Piranha Plant Nap Mishap
• Koopa Troopa POWer Punch

Every time a guest successfully completes one of the challenges, they are awarded a digital key that links to their Power-Up Band. Once a guest collects three keys, they can battle with Bowser Jr. in the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown to retrieve the Golden Mushroom.

Read our spoiler-free guide to Power-Up Bands and our guide to Key Challenges at Universal Studios Hollywood for more information.

Meet & Greets in Super Nintendo World

Super Mario Land includes several meet-and-greet opportunities. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad all have meeting locations in the Super Mario Land section. Additionally, Donkey Kong has a meeting location in Donkey Kong Country. Guests who have a Power-Up band will get an “enhanced experience” when meeting these characters.

Dining in Super Nintendo World

Toadstool Cafe

Super Nintendo Land’s main restaurant is Toadstool Cafe, where all of the dishes take inspiration from Super Mario icons. The menu will include the Mario Burger, grilled chicken Luigi Burger, and Bowser’s Fireball Challenge.

Using virtual windows inside the restaurant, guests can look inside the “kitchen” to watch Chef Toad and several of his Toad friends cooking new items.

Check out our review of every item on the Toadstool Cafe menu at Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as our full restaurant tour.

Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats

These two locations are walk-up windows serving snacks, specialty treats, and themed beverages. Yoshi’s Snack Island will offer Apple Melon or Mango Yoshi’s Smoothies, a vegan Green Shell Calzone, and an Italian meat Red Shell Calzone.

Bubbly Barrel

In Donkey Kong Country, the Bubbly Barrel offers refreshments like the DK Crush Float in Tropical Banana flavor.

Shopping in Super Nintendo World

1-UP Factory and Mario Motors

Super Mario Land will include two main merchandise locations specializing in souvenirs, apparel, and toys inspired by their favorite Super Mario characters 1-Up Factory is the world’s largest retail location, while Mario Motors is the exit gift shop for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.

Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy

Shaped like a cartoon airplane crashed in the jungle, this store located in Donkey Kong Country sells Donkey Kong-specific merchandise. We previously toured the location In Universal Studios Japan.

Nintendo Super Star Store

Just outside Super Nintendo World is the Nintendo Super Star Store. Technically located in Celestial Park, it will offer Super Nintendo World merchandise.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic takes place in two time periods. The main outdoor space of the world is themed to the streets of magical Paris in the 1920s, while the main attraction is located in the British Ministry of Magic during the 1990s. Appropriate to the theme of time travel, this portal’s central icon features a golden Time-Turner and a wand pointing toward the sky. Names for the world’s ride, shops, and more were revealed via trademarks in late 2023.

Guests enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic from Celestial Park through a round portal and then walk under the large Phoenix Arch. The arch is supposed to represent the barrier between the muggle world out front and the magical world inside.

After passing under the Phoenix Arch, guests arrive at Place Cachée, as seen in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” The street is meant to be the French equivalent of a magical road like Diagon Alley, lined with shops, restaurants, and banners advertising Le Cirque Arcanus. While guests are still inside a theme park, Scott Verble, executive producer of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, promises the area will offer a “refined, Parisian take” on Harry Potter.

Associate producer Cara Pfost Brown shared that immersion was so important to the creators, that they even prerecorded French stories and vignettes to play in the world.

Watch The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic teaser:

Attractions at Wizarding World

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

The newest Harry Potter ride will place guests in the center of a battle at the British Ministry of Magic alongside Harry Potter, Hermione, and Ron.

Like with previous Harry Potter attractions, the queue is massive and is meant to serve as an attraction by itself. Guests begin by entering the green and white building at the end of one street, where they will travel by Métro-Floo from Paris to London. The Métro-Floo alone has over 80,000 subway tiles.

Guests enter the Ministry of Magic atrium through the iconic green fireplaces. In the center of the giant room is the Fountain of Magical Brethren. The rest of the queue winds through the Ministry’s various offices and departments. Signage in the area informs guests they have arrived shortly after the Battle of Hogwarts, and the notorious Dolores Umbridge is now standing trial for her crimes.

Some of the areas, such as Umbridge’s pink office, are replicated exactly like the films. Other areas, such as the Auror locker room and the Hall of Ministers, are being created for the first time. The world’s creators have promised the attraction’s queue is full of special props and Easter Eggs for eagle-eyed fans.

Higgledy, Umbridge’s former house elf and a new character created for the attraction, is in the process of packing Umbridge’s items for removal.

Once guests reach the loading area, they are seated in one of several Ministry of Magic elevators. The elevators act as the ride vehicles for the attraction.

When Umbridge escapes from her trial, guests need to help Harry and his friends defeat the Death Eaters.

Dame Imelda Staunton, the actress who played Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies, has returned to film several new scenes for the attraction. Universal shared footage of her performing in front of a green screen in Azkaban rags as well as her iconic pink dress. Characters Yaxley, Macnair, and Kingsley Shacklebolt have also been confirmed to appear.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches. It will offer single rider and child swap.

Le Cirque Arcanus

The world’s second attraction is Le Cirque Arcanus, based on the circus seen in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” The entrance to the stage show is in the center of Place Cachée. The technically complex show features live performers, puppets, and special effects.

For the show, Ringmaster Skender has obtained magizoologist Newt Scamander’s suitcase full of magical beasts. The show’s protagonist is Gwenlyn, a squib and assistant to Skender. Newt will appear, as will several of his beasts, including a Demiguise, Zouwu, Kelpie, and Mooncalves.

Dining in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Café L’air de la Sirène

Café L’air De La Sirène is a quick-service restaurant offering French-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It will serve baked goods, sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts.

Breakfast dishes include the Quiche Lorraine, a savory dish with egg custard baked in a flaky pie crust filled with crispy bacon, gruyère cheese, and caramelized onions with mornay sauce. It comes with a side of fresh berries topped with a lavender honey drizzle.

At lunch and dinner, guests can get the Baguette de Dinde featuring sliced cracked black pepper turkey piled with arugula, crisp apples, and creamy brie. It’s wrapped in a warm crusty baguette with zesty mustard butter and apple butter.

Also at lunch and dinner is Poulet à la Provençal, a juicy roasted half chicken finished with a tomato olive vinaigrette and served with a side of roasted potatoes and haricots verts (French green beans).

Dessert items include the Butterbeer Crepe filled with a shortbread cookie butter Bavarian cream and Butterbeer cream, and topped with fresh strawberries, Butterbeer drizzle, and a Butterbeer shortbread cookie.

The café will also serve Butterbeer, and a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks including beer, cocktails, and French wines.

The indoor architecture features art nouveau mosaics and carved marble. There are also two outdoor seating areas.

Bièraubuerre

On the street is a Butterbeer cart that will also serve the fan-favorite beverage.

Le Gobelet Noir

Le Gobelet Noir is a fast causal tavern and gathering place for Dark witches and wizards. Menu offerings include starters like soup and salad, and a variety of entrées and desserts.

The Alchemist’s Platter is a spread of smoked sausage, potato and cheese pierogies, tangy pickled eggs, vibrant marinated beets, savory caramelized onions, and a warm pretzel, served with zesty German mustard and cheese fondue.

The vegetarian Lentil Stew is a flavorful blend of tender lentils, savory vegan bacon, and vibrant root vegetables. It’s served with artisan bread.

Bar Moonshine

Bar Moonshine is an American sports bar decorated with U.S. Quidditch team pennants. It serves exclusive beers, wines, and cocktails.

Shopping in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique

No, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique doesn’t serve magical bread. “Baguettes Magique” means magic wands. The shop will sell exclusive wands as well as British wand imports. The concept art shows a classy interior and wands will come in triangular boxes.

Universal shared a preview of the new, exclusive wands.

Tour En Floo

Tour En Floo is the Métro-Floo gift shop, selling Ministry of Magic-inspired items. This is presumably the exit gift shop for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Some Métro-Floo and Ministry of Magic merchandise was released with the opening of Universal Stella Nova Resort.

Les Galeries Mirifiques

Les Galeries Mirifiques will sell more general wizarding gear and memorabilia.

K. Rammelle

K. Rammelle is a French confectionary shop.

More The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Experiences

Character Interactions

Like the other Wizarding Worlds, there won’t be traditional character meet and greets with the likes of Harry Potter. But guests can interact with witches and wizards on the streets of the world. Guests can talk to moving portraits and receive personalized replies. And similar to the dragons in Isle of Berk, magical beasts will appear in shop windows, nooks, and crannies. These are some of the largest and smallest animated figures ever created by Universal Creative.

Interactive Wands

Some of the magical beasts will appear as interactive wand displays.

Universal released Second Generation Interactive Wands at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Second Generation Interactive Wands include haptics and light effects, and connect to the Universal Orlando Resort app so guests can earn achievements, customize their Patronus, and more.

With the release of Second Generation Interactive Wands at the other Wizarding Worlds, interactive wand spells and locations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic were revealed.

Watch Universal’s CGI flyover of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic below.

Guest Amenities

The Universal Orlando Resort app lists various guest amenities for Epic Universe. Family care and first aid will be near the front gate of Celestial Park.

There will be service animal relief stations at the front gate, near Stardust Racers, and in Dark Universe.

Wheelchair rentals and lockers are available at the front of the park. There will be two locker sizes, both 12 inches tall and 16.9 inches long. One is 13 inches wide and the other is 16.25 inches wide.

Guest services locations will be in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Lost and found will be at the park entrance.

Universal Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts

In addition to the in-park Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Orlando Resort is opening two more new resorts near Epic Universe.

Universal Stella Nova Resort is now open. Tour the resort and a standard room. Check out the Stella Nova dining menus.

Stella Nova’s sister resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, will open on March 25, a one-month delay from its original opening date. Reservations are available.

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Jamie Rowland