Aerial photographer Bioreconstruct flew over Epic Universe twice recently — once during the day on March 7 and again in the evening on March 8 — capturing progress on construction of the park as well as a test of the nighttime lighting.
Epic Universe Construction
The new Universal Orlando Resort sign near Epic Universe is active, with images from various IPs appearing on the screens. These new digital signs were installed throughout Universal Orlando Resort. This sign is located at the corner of Epic Blvd. and Destination Pkwy.
Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolfman, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon remain in this staging area outside the park. These three figures were originally atop the Monsters Cafe Bone Chillin’ stand in Universal Studios Florida. They arrived at the Epic Universe staging area last summer, potentially to be used in a backstage area, but haven’t been used yet.
The toll plaza for Epic Universe parking has a teal green roof and “Welcome” lettering across the top. Cars were arriving for team member previews.
In the upper right of the above photo is a plant nursery that has served the park since construction began. Trees and shrubs sit there before installation within the park.
The Epic Universe parking lot is 40 acres. It’s split into sections named for each world of the park: Explorer, Monster, Viking, Gamer, Hero.
Last month, we reported on two rows of solar panels installed as shades over some parking. The framework for two more rows of panels has gone up, with one frame about half covered in panels.
The whole parking lot isn’t expected to be covered in solar panels, but several rows near the front of the lot have supports installed for the solar panels.
Bio pointed out that this staging area near the parking could be turned into parking garages in the future. The space that is currently Universal Islands of Adventure was originally a flat parking lot next to Universal Studios Florida. Universal’s parking garages were constructed in the late ’90s when Universal Islands of Adventure was constructed. If Universal decided they needed the Epic Universe parking lot for an expansion, this staging area could become the new parking area.
Celestial Park
Most of the water features in Celestial Park are now full of water. In the photo above, Constellation Carousel is in the center. Super Nintendo World is in the upper right and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is in the upper left.
There’s water in the Atlantic pond, Constellation Carousel pond, and show fountain. The park was busy with activity during Bio’s flyover as there were Team Member previews underway. Most scaffolding and major construction equipment have been removed from the park.
Above is a photo by Bioreconstruct and the original Epic Universe concept art, showing how closely the final park resembles the original design. At the back of Epic Universe is Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Hotel guests will have their own entrance to Epic Universe.
This is The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant with a boom lift in use outside. The restaurant’s dragon-shaped archway has yet to be installed, but most other details are in place. The outdoor patio seating is covered by blue glass. Blue railings line the bridge crossing a creek.
The water basins directly in front of Universal Helios Grand Hotel haven’t been filled in yet, but there is now water cascading into the giant show fountain. There are two large bridges crossing the cascading features between the hotel and the fountain.
The larger bridge has a circular section of pavement painted with a star design. The smaller bridge, closer to the hotel, still has some scaffolding in front of it.
There are still two sets of construction walls on the opposite side of the fountain. The fountain is surrounded by tiered turf-covered seats.
Some more scaffolding has gone up around the Apollo statue in front of the hotel, although it appears mostly complete. Behind the statue, white chairs and tables now sit on the hotel patio overlooking the park. Audio and lighting for the patio are in progress, with golden speakers on green poles.
One of the Celestial Park restaurants is Meteor Astropub, located outside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Most construction materials are gone from around and on top of the restaurant. The kiosk behind Meteor Astropub is a Concierge location.
On the back of the Meteor Astropub building, crews have installed large colorful circles facing the Wizarding World portal. A small courtyard with blue pavement and wall benches is blocked off. There is a large orange orb in a planter and white columns that may later be topped with lamps. String lighting crosses over the area.
Another restaurant is The Oak & Star Tavern, pictured in the background of the above photo. In the center of the photo is Starbucks. Blue tents nearby are temporary for the production team planning a show in the green bandshell.
“Constellation” lettering has been installed for the Constellation Carousel in the center of Celestial Park.
“Constellation” runs vertically down a tower, while “Carousel” will be on the nearby entrance roof. During previews, guests enter to the left. There’s a large square hole in the ground surrounded by fencing. This is for access to the park’s basement with the water filtration systems and will eventually be blocked from guests.
Astronomica, a splash pad along the same pond as Constellation Carousel, is not available during previews. Temporary barriers block access.
The planters around the two attractions are still showing a lot of dirt. It appears landscaping is not complete around the Constellation Carousel entrance, where construction is still underway, but the other planters may just need time for their trees and shrubs to grow.
In this overview of the surrounding area, the number 2 is at the gardens across from Constellation Carousel. Also note how the water from the carousel’s pond moves under a bridge and into another water basin, near Atlantic restaurant. Number 1 is at a new information column.
The bronze column resembles a classic Morris column — advertising displays common in Paris and Berlin. The blue band around the top reads, “Information.” Green posts nearby are now topped with orb-shaped lamps featuring gold decorations.
Another information column is near Stardust Racers. A yellow arrow near the bottom left of the above photo points at the column. As for the coaster, crews are still installing paneling over its entrance — on the left in the above photo.
Fog effects have been activated around the front of the attraction, where both tracks curve toward the ground. Green fencing acts as a barrier between the tracks.
As previously reported, a train got stuck in a valley of Stardust Racers and had to be moved by a crane.
Crew members were still actively working on an overhang of a restaurant near the front of the park. Meanwhile, Team Members entered How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk on the left.
Although Team Members aren’t allowed to take photos during previews, there are some My Universal Photos photographers on hand. In the above photo, one is visible under an umbrella, snapping pictures of visiting Team Members in front of the Isle of Berk portal. These photos will likely be available to Team Members later.
Bioreconstruct also caught a couple of first aid Team Members dressed in red walking through the park. The building in the above photo, blocked by fencing, is a pair of restaurants still being worked on.
There’s now water flowing through the features around the park entrance and the ponds of Atlantic restaurant. Though hard to see, people are visible through the windows of Atlantic. Landscaping around the restaurant appears to be complete.
This straight-down look at the Luna statue near the front of Epic Universe showcases the waterfalls around her. With the water only recently turned on, there’s still some dirt filtering out. Hopefully, the water will be clearer once the park is fully open and operational.
Another photographer was taking photos on the overlook by the statue. A painted ray on the pavement lines up perfectly with Luna.
The moon goddess will take control of the park at night, while the sun god Apollo rules during the day.
The water features in front of Luna flow around curved banks and rock formations. A few pathways cross over the water, so guests can get a special view of the nature and park entrance.
Speaking of the entrance — it is complete with themed elements. Guests enter through a large portal archway under the Chronos device, which is said to power Celestial Park.
On either side of the Chronos tower are figures, potentially Celestians, with their arms raised and starbursts on their chests.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk was of the lands open for previews during Bioreconstruct’s flyover. Like Celestial Park, this land’s basins have also been filled with water. It includes the water shooting ride Fyre Drill.
While guests will enter each world through a portal, they will exit through a separate side pathway. These, however, aren’t all finished. Crew members were still working on the Isle of Berk exit gate, which is painted with a dragon mural.
Inside the world, a sign is up for “The Untrainable Dragon,” a live stage show. A screen mounted on the entrance archway likely displays show times.
Behind the entrance sign are two dragon-inspired benches. Two “real” dragons are hanging their tails out of elevated houses next to the entrance.
Canopies hang over the actual theater entrance. These and the benches suggest guests may have to wait outside sometimes before entering the theater.
There are more benches installed throughout the land, each resembling a different dragon. They have dragon heads on one end and tails on the other. These are based on unused “How to Train Your Dragon” concept art.
Character meet and greets are testing during Team Member previews. Outside the theater is Haddock Paddock, where guests will meet Toothless and Hiccup. A My Universal Photos photographer was taking pics of Team Members meeting the two characters.
Bioreconstruct also spotted Astrid wandering among guests in Isle of Berk. Eventually, her dragon Stormfly will also make appearances.
Twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut were also roaming among visitors.
Spit Fyre Grill was open for business, although its seating area was not. The quick-service restaurant is next to Fyre Drill and serves “hearty meals flame-seared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook.”
The seating area’s colorful canopy was only recently completed and construction continues inside. There are temporary barriers blocking the entrance to the seating.
Though the dragon fry cook of Spit Fyre Drill is unseen, this Snow Wraith is not. The dragon peers out of a hole in a stone wall with snow and icicles around the edges.
A grassy hillside outside Fyre Drill and Mead Hall is covered in dragon houses. In addition to dragon meet and greets and dragon houses, Isle of Berk will feature flying dragons.
This photo sees Fyre Drill boats lined up in front of a gate leading to their service area. The boats resemble Viking ships, with blue and green benches in the center.
Dragon Racer’s Rally is a pair of giant spinners. This is one of the first photos featuring both spinners running at the same time. The queue for the ride is now completely shaded.
Team Members had the opportunity to ride Dragon Racer’s Rally. The seats are painted to resemble dragons, while life-size dragon figures appear to be steering the ride from the other ends. One dragon is blue and the other is red — possibly a reference to Universal’s defunct Dueling Dragons.
Bioreconstruct shared another glimpse of Toothless. This version of the famous dragon is at the first launch of Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, the world’s roller-coaster. The coaster is a dragon-inspired flying machine invented by Hiccup. But Toothless sets it off before Hiccup is able to attach wings to the vehicles.
The coaster spans most of the world, crossing over sidewalks, dipping towards the lagoon, and racing past Dragon Racer’s Rally.
The doors to Mead Hall were open for business. A screen at the bottom of the restaurant’s stairs probably shows its menu. There are ramps at the entrance and exit.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic was also open for previews. This world features a double entrance — the portal from Celestial Park and then the Phoenix Arch transporting guests into Place Cachée, the Parisian equivalent of Diagon Alley. Like Isle of Berk, the Wizarding World’s regular exit path was not open.
Behind the portal is a proper Morris column. Guests walk to the right or left before reaching the Phoenix Arch. New benches have been installed in the courtyard in front of the archway.
The small archways over the entrance paths were only recently installed. They remain a stark white and might be painted to better match the area later.
Another green Morris column is visible down the street past the archway. A wall next to the arch is painted with a retro perfume ad. The red tents in the center of the land are the entrance to Le Cirque Arcanus, a circus show inspired by “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.”
The land is mostly comprised of tall facades around a series of streets. There’s a dark courtyard to one side.
Bar Moonshine, an American Quidditch bar, is next to the courtyard. While only some of the facades are open and operational, they are all unique with painted murals and signage.
The pink facade on the left is K. Rammelle, a confectionary where Butterbeer treats will be available. Across the street is Les Galeries Mirifiques, the world’s flagship merchandise location.
Dark Universe
The Universal Monsters-inspired land was also hosting previews on March 7. Guests enter below a rocky hill with twisted tree branches and electric equipment. Beyond the portal is the village Darkmoor.
Guests were milling about the village during this preview. Here, guests will meet monsters and dine at Das Stakehaus. Universal recently shared a look inside Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, the land’s dark ride.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World was nearly empty on this preview date. There are now plants around Princess Peach’s castle and her meet and greet gazebo.
Some Toadstool Cafe Team Members in their costumes were standing outside the mushroom-shaped restaurant. Super Nintendo World has multiple levels, with Toadstool Cafe on the ground.
Guests will enter Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge through Bowser’s stone fortress. Mario Kart Team Members wearing racing gear stood outside the ride.
At the back of Super Nintendo World is Donkey Kong Country. Here, guests can ride Mine-Cart Madness and meet Donkey Kong. Water is running through the attraction, including down a waterfall on a temple facade.
Landscaping is also filled in throughout the jungle of Donkey Kong Country. Real trees and painted tree murals separate this part of the world from Super Mario Land.
Other Construction
Near Epic Universe, Universal Terra Luna Resort looks ready for opening on March 25. Its sister resort, Stella Nova, opened in January. There are chairs and palm trees around Terra Luna’s pool.
Crews are also working on the nearby roads, including this interchange of Sand Lake and Kirkman. Currently, only Universal’s electric buses are allowed on the underpass, shuttling guests between Stella Nova and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort.
Epic Universe Night Lighting
Celestial Park will transition from day to night with a “big transformation” as Apollo passes control to Luna. There will be a ceremony with music as the lights slowly turn on, growing with the swells of music, until a burst and “dance” of light through everything.
Bioreconstruct’s evening photos show how the park will then be lit for the evening with color-changing lights. The entrance tower is illuminated and there are dots of light on the pavement within the entrance portal.
Synchronous lights throughout Celestial Park shift from through the colors red, green, blue, and white. These lights line the water features, gardens, and pathways. Universal Helios Grand Hotel also has lights around its domed rooftops.
That starry pavement in front of the hotel we mentioned earlier has built-in lights. More lights are illuminated in the pavement near Constellation Carousel. The lights of various signage, including for Stardust Racers and Meteor Astropub, are visible.
Around the show fountain are moving lights, like racing comets, along each seating tier.
This is only a lighting test, with the LEDs cycling through the four different colors to make sure nothing is off. The lights of each IP-based world are separate, with bright whites in Super Nintendo World and warm oranges in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Dark Universe is, predictably, darker than the other lands.
The hotel’s lighting is golden but windows reflect the colorful lights of the park. Also, note that the plazas in front of the entrance have green strips of LEDs across their fronts.
Lights of the Stardust Racers queue also sync with the Celestial Park lighting package. Some red dots are visible under the green canopies. The bright light in the center of the photo was for work on pulling the train out of its valley, but the coaster will usually be unlit at night. The trains are illuminated to look like comets in the sky.
Constellation Carousel has some unique lighting, with various colors illuminating the domed roof at once. Streaks of light shoot out across the nearby pond.
While most of the testing was of the basic colors, more dynamic animations were being tested in a garden next to the carousel.
At this angle, the illuminated Pizza Moon sign is visible. A small yellow arrow points to a spotlight on the pavement outside the Super Nintendo World portal. The portal itself seems to be glowing green from within.
Super Nintendo World
When Super Nintendo World is lit up, the illuminated “Donkey Kong Country” sign is visible near the back. Most of the world’s lighting comes from lampposts throughout.
Note the glowing eyes of Bowser’s sculpted head sticking out of his fortress.
The stairs in front of Princess Peach’s castle have extra safety lighting. The castle’s fake windows glow from within.
Back in Donkey Kong Country, some of the lights are green to keep with the jungle theming. There are blue lights around the water.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
The lighting in Isle of Berk is made to look like torch flames. There are lampposts lining the bridges and pathways. Some blue-white lighting shines on the back of Mead Hall, pointed up towards the mountain.
There also appear to be spotlights on the Viking and dragon statues at the world’s entrance.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, warm lights are along the facades with brighter lights on the rooftops.
The red tents are lined with string lights.
See the lights changing and some lighting animations in Bioreconstruct’s video below. The lights flash quickly between colors but this is probably just for testing and the final lighting show will be more gradual.
Epic Universe will hold its grand opening on May 22, 2025.
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