Inside Universal’s Epic Universe: Florida’s Biggest New Theme Park in 25 Years Drops This May
Universal Orlando is about to shake up the theme park game with its boldest project yet: Epic Universe. Set to open on May 22, the all-new park is the first traditional theme park to debut in Florida in over two decades. Boasting five massive themed worlds, a 500-room hotel, and cutting-edge tech like facial recognition entry for rides, Epic Universe isn’t just another addition — it’s a direct challenge to Walt Disney World’s long-standing reign.
Owned by Comcast NBCUniversal, the park’s launch comes as the company expands globally with projects in London, Las Vegas, and Dallas, making it clear Universal isn’t playing small ball anymore.
Economic Hype Meets Real-World Uncertainty
Single-day tickets for Epic Universe start at $139 for adults and climb to $199 during peak times, just as many American families are tightening budgets amid Trump-era tariffs and growing concerns over travel costs.
International travel is also at risk, with rising boycotts from Canadian tourists and tougher border experiences deterring some visitors. Still, Orlando’s tourism showed no signs of slowing down last year — $359 million in tourist tax revenue proves the city’s still pulling crowds.
A Tour Through the Five Worlds of Epic Universe
Celestial Park: The Heartbeat of Epic Universe
As the park’s central hub, Celestial Park is full of lush gardens, water features, and original Universal-created characters. It’s home to the Stardust Racers, a high-speed double-launch coaster, and a massive carousel, making it the calm but captivating core of the entire park.
Super Nintendo World: Game On
This electric, immersive world is straight out of a gamer’s dream. Towering walls hide the outside world as guests step into Princess Peach’s Castle, Mt. Beanpole, and multi-level chaos. Rides include an augmented reality dark ride, a Donkey Kong coaster, and colorful walk-around characters like Mario and Luigi.
Dark Universe: Welcome to the Shadows
Universal’s horror roots come to life in Dark Universe. Think Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Invisible Man in a full-scale European village gone mad. A fiery windmill tavern, a dark castle ride, and a spooky werewolf-themed coaster bring the screams — without needing Halloween.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
Step into 1920s Paris straight from the Fantastic Beasts movies. This magical land features cobblestone streets, iron balconies, and a massive omnidirectional lift ride through the Ministry. It’s the third Potter-themed world in Orlando — and possibly the most ambitious yet.
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
Viking life meets next-gen tech in this dragon-filled land. Anchored by a central lagoon and towering Viking statues, Berk features animatronic dragons, a family-friendly coaster, a boat ride, and live character encounters that bring the franchise to fire-breathing life.
Universal Levels Up During Uncertain Economic Times
With the arrival of Epic Universe, Universal isn’t just expanding — it’s rewriting the rules of the theme park game. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, Potterhead, horror fan, or Nintendo junkie, Epic Universe promises a next-level experience.
And as international tourism wobbles and economic uncertainties loom, Universal’s bet is bold: build it big enough, and they’ll still come.
