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Members of the Universal Destinations & Experiences creative team flew all the way to New York to share with NYCC guests all the exciting things they can expect at their newest theme park coming to Orlando, Florida this May. In the panel, Universal Epic Universe: The Creation of Universal’s Game-Changing New Theme Park, guests greeted these creative minds with tons of cheering and hollering.
It has been over 25 years since a major theme park has opened in America. On May 22, 2025 that will change with the opening of Universal’s EPIC Universe. While no big announcements were made, the creative team (“The Team”) shared what they’re looking forward to the most, and how much this upcoming park means to them.
These creative minds said that adding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to their other Universal theme parks, transformed how they create theme parks. Anyone who has stepped foot in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade can tell you, it truly is an immersive experience. The Team no longer wants to tell short stories. They want to tell EPIC stories that you can be completely immersed in. Immerse was a word used frequently throughout the panel.
The Lands
Explorers (the name The Team uses instead of guests), will enter each land via a portal so as to differentiate each place and maintain the completely immersive experience.
Celestial Park
This will be the area Explorers will first enter. This is a brand new IP (Intellectual Property), so Explorers may not recognize the theming. Nevertheless it will kick off your Epic day, as Chronos opens portals to the other 4 worlds.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
In this land Explorers will learn that Delores Umbridge is on trial for her crimes. Her being guilty is probably something every wizard and muggle can agree on. Explorers (both muggle and wizard alike) can enjoy a ride that involves bringing this evil villain to justice. To give an idea of how massive this area will be, the smallest building in this area will be taller than the largest building in Diagon alley.
Dark Universe
The classic Universal Monsters are back! Frankenstein’s Manor has a new resident, and monsters have been unleashed! Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, Wolfman, Phantom of the Opera, and more will be found in this land. Explorers of all ages can enjoy these classic monsters. There will be a family friendly ride, as well as one for Explorers who love a little more spook in their lives. To maintain consistency to the classic movies, this land acts as a sequel to the spooky stories that have been shared and loved for many decades, if not centuries.
Super Nintendo World
For those who have been to Universal Studios Hollywood, you can expect a bigger Nintendo world. Complete with Donkey Kong country, Yoshi’s Adventure, Bowser’s castle, and more!
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
In this land, Explorers can enjoy a world where dragons and vikings coexist. From a Broadway style show, to an experience where you can fly a dragon, to an interactive boat ride. Isle of Berk will have a little of everything.
Check out more of what happened on Day 3 at NYCC.
To The Team, this is More Than a Theme Park
Throughout these lands Explorers will experience enhanced Meet & Greets, gourmet food, thrill rides, family friendly rides, and stories that will create memories that will last a lifetime. However, the truly amazing part of this panel was not listening to all the rides, shows, decor, queues (which they said will also amazing), and more that are coming. It was listening to The Team talk about the years of planning and creating, as well as what they look forward to when the parks open. Seeing them get emotional was all I needed to know this will definitely be an immersive and amazing experience like no other. The Team isn’t just creating immersive stories, they’re creating immersive EPIC stories.
The Team’s ultimate goal is to make Universal Orlando a week long vacation. With the addition of EPIC Universe, they will have 3 theme parks, a water park, and City Walk. City Walk is home to many restaurants, clubs, bars, shops, a movie theater, mini-golf, and more. City Walk is also home to the Hard Rock Hotel, where concerts are regularly performed.
See you at EPIC Universe
The cherry on top of the butter beer ice cream was the sweet fanny packs they passed out after the panel. I can’t wait to wear it at the park.
Tickets and packages have gone on sale. For more information head to Universal EPIC Universe.
Lauren is half of the podcast: Hops GEEK News. It’s a weekly podcast that discusses all things geek pop culture, while enjoying a craft beer of the week. They also interview many different people from the comic book world and beyond.
