In August 2019, Universal Studios announced the addition of a new theme park to their Universal Studios Orlando complex: Epic Universe. This park will feature five distinct themed worlds, promising some of the most immersive experiences yet.
Atlantic Dining in Celestial Park
Earlier this year, Universal began unveiling these worlds: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk, and the Ministry of Magic. While four of the five parks have been detailed, the Ministry of Magic remains a mystery.
The first revealed was Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe. This cosmic-themed area boasts beautiful landscaping, dancing fountains, a thrilling roller coaster, a starry carousel, and numerous dining options. The highlight is its four portals, each leading to one of the other themed worlds.
Dragon Training show in Isle of Berk
Two months later, Universal introduced the Isle of Berk, inspired by How to Train Your Dragon. As a huge fan of the franchise, I couldn't help but smile ear to ear during the reveal video. The immersion in this Viking-built island world is unparalleled. Attractions include a dragon-flight roller coaster, a dragon training show, a high-flying dragon race ride, a watery boat ride with target practice, a massive Viking training camp for young dragon trainers, and the Mead Hall, where you can enjoy a horn full of mead.
While Super Nintendo World in Hollywood is already open, in Orlando it will be part of the Epic Universe. This expansive world is designed to immerse you directly into the universe of Mario, as if you've been sucked into the screen. Super Nintendo World is divided into two areas: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country, each with its own unique attractions.
Mario & Luigi Meet and Greet in Super Nintendo World
In Super Mario Land, you can purchase a power-up band to play interactive games throughout the area, collecting coins and comparing your score with others in the park. The fun continues with Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, where you'll race against Bowser in a winner-takes-all scenario, and Yoshi’s Adventure, where you'll help Yoshi find glowing lost eggs. If rides aren’t your style, you can grab a bite at the Toadstool Cafe or meet the Mario Brothers in person!
On the other side, in Donkey Kong Country, thrill-seekers will find a Mine Cart roller coaster that brings the exciting mine cart levels from the Donkey Kong Country games to life.
Next is the latest and my most anticipated addition: the Dark Universe. This world is dedicated solely to everything dark and mysterious—the Universal Monsters. Imagine a theme park unlike any other, an entire world devoted to horror. It's a dream come true. With Universal's cutting-edge technology, you can ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, their scariest experience yet. Free yourself from the Curse of the Werewolf on a full-spinning coaster, don your own monster makeup, meet the monsters in person, or dine with them at Das Stakehouse, a restaurant run by vampire familiars. Everything about this world seems too good to be true, and I couldn't be more excited for it.
Monsters Unchained concept in Dark Universe
Finally, there's the last world that hasn't been introduced yet: the Ministry of Magic. If you're a fan of the series, you'll know that the Epic Universe is getting an entirely new Harry Potter world. It seems they've been doing reveals monthly, so stay tuned in the next couple of months for the reveal of the Ministry of Magic.
