A circular, ornate tunnel entrance at Epic Universe with a golden sign: "We, my friends, have dragons!" Two people walk inside.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Epic Universe Officially Opens With Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters Portal Ceremonies

Shannen Ace

Each portal of Universal Epic Universe held a special opening ceremony featuring characters, smoke, music, and pyrotechnics on opening day, May 22.

Epic Universe Opening

The celebration began with green and gold fireworks behind Universal Helios Grand Hotel. A narrator welcomed travelers to Epic Universe for this “historic day” before introducing Steven Spielberg. The filmmaker’s voice boomed through the park.

In each of us lies the desire to explore new worlds in search of adventure, joy, discovery, and even to face our fears. Through amazing stories and unforgettable characters, we are introduced to these incredible worlds we only dare imagine and, in the process, we discover the hero in ourselves. Universal Epic Universe has brought those worlds to life. All the sights, sounds, and feelings you’ve come to love in a way that can only be described as epic.

Steven Spielberg

The park’s many fountains went off as the opening ceremonies of each world began.

Super Nintendo World

Colorful entrance arch with whimsical towers, fireworks, and trees welcomes visitors to the epic universe opening.

Fireworks and colorful smoke burst out from the Super Nintendo World portal, in sync with the classic Super Mario Bros. music. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong welcome guests to the world.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

The iconic “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” theme by James Newton Howard and “Hedwig’s Theme” by John Williams played through the park during the opening of the Wizarding World. Fireworks and smoke rose around the portal’s wand-topped tower, like a magic battle was happening just out of view.

Dark Universe

Large circular portal with purple glow, steam, and ornate details—perfect for an Epic Universe Portal Opening scene.

Thunder cracked and smoke burst from the Dark Universe portal. Sinister music could be heard as some of the Universal Monsters appeared.

Guests were greeted by Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, and Ygor. Fire and fireworks shot out from the top of the portal. The group then returned to Darkmoor.

Check out all of the Dark Universe meet and greets.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

John Powell’s soaring “How to Train Your Dragon” score began as flames appeared in Berk, indicating the presence of dragons. Hiccup, Astrid, and other Vikings exited the portal and waved to guests before a triumphant burst of fireworks.

Video

Watch our multi-cam video of the Epic Universe opening ceremonies:

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