Melissa Donovan
Universal Orlando has officially launched its largest and most ambitious project to date: Epic Universe. The 1,300-acre theme park marks one of the most significant expansions in Florida’s tourism industry, transforming former Lockheed Martin land into a state-of-the-art entertainment destination.
The grand opening celebration took place at Celestial Park, the heart of the resort, where stars and fans gathered to mark the occasion. The event featured a blue carpet arrival by celebrities and drew large crowds of theme park enthusiasts, underscoring the cultural impact of this highly anticipated debut.
A Landmark Moment for Orlando
Local leaders and tourism officials are calling the launch a “generational milestone” for the region. With Epic Universe, Orlando further solidifies its status as a global capital of themed entertainment and innovation. The development is also expected to provide a significant economic boost, generating tourism revenue and creating thousands of new jobs.
Five Immersive Lands and Next-Gen Attractions
Epic Universe introduces guests to five uniquely themed worlds, each designed with cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling. The park boasts 11 new attractions, spanning thrill rides, family experiences, and interactive adventures.
Celestial Park: The Central Hub
Stardust Racers: This dual-launch roller coaster propels riders across intertwining tracks at speeds up to 62 mph and heights reaching 133 feet. The experience mimics a race through the cosmos.
Constellation Carousel: A whimsical ride where guests mount celestial animals such as lions and dragons. Each ride vehicle spins 360 degrees and lifts up to 6 feet, accompanied by galactic visuals and music.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A mid-thrill coaster that simulates flight with dragons, reaching speeds of 45 mph.
Dragon Racer’s Rally: A high-intensity attraction where riders control dragon-like vehicles, performing aerial spins and rolls up to 67 feet in the air.
Fyre Drill: An interactive water battle ride featuring Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. Riders use water cannons in a seafaring showdown.
Super Nintendo World
Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge: A 3D/4D augmented reality ride where guests race through classic Mario Kart tracks, collecting coins and battling Bowser’s team.
Mine-Cart Madness™: A high-speed coaster through the Golden Temple with Donkey Kong, designed to protect the Golden Banana.
Yoshi’s Adventure™: A family-friendly ride through colorful Mushroom Kingdom landscapes, focused on finding hidden eggs.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™: Guests take a magical journey from the Parisian wizarding world to the British Ministry of Magic. The motion simulation ride features a narrative-driven experience alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Dark Universe
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: A dark thrill attraction centered on Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiment gone awry, unleashing classic monsters like Dracula, The Mummy, and The Wolf Man.
Curse of the Werewolf: A twisting coaster through a haunted forest, where riders dodge werewolves and glowing eyes in an intense pursuit.
A New Era in Themed Entertainment
Epic Universe is being compared to landmark theme park unveilings like Disney World’s debut in the 1970s and Universal Studios’ launch in the 1990s. With its scale, immersive detail, and range of attractions, the park sets a new standard in the industry.
The park’s opening not only enhances Orlando’s theme park portfolio but also reinforces Universal’s commitment to creating world-class guest experiences through innovation, storytelling, and technology.
As the park begins welcoming visitors from around the world, Epic Universe is poised to become a flagship destination in the global tourism landscape.
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