Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Set to Open on May 22, 2025, Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend

Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Set to Open on May 22

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that its eagerly awaited new theme park, Epic Universe, will officially open on May 22, 2025, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Epic Universe will be the largest of Universal's three theme parks, part of a sprawling 750-acre expansion that will more than double the resort's size. Currently, the resort features two theme parks and a water park.

The new park will feature five immersive “worlds”: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, expressed excitement, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year.” She emphasized that the park will offer guests an unforgettable vacation filled with thrilling experiences.

Impact of Epic Universe

Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services, has been closely monitoring the project, which has seen over $6 billion in investments. He believes the park’s themes will resonate with a new generation of visitors, stating, “I anticipate that Epic Universe will attract over 6 million visitors in its first year.”

Speigel noted that Universal Studios parks have seen significant success since the introduction of the Harry Potter franchise in 2010, positioning them as major competitors against Disney in the Orlando market.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets for Epic Universe will be released in phases. Initially, vacation packages and three-day tickets (or longer) that include a day at Epic Universe will go on sale starting October 22. For example, three-day ticket prices will range from $374.88 to $554.87 (after tax), depending on the dates. Current annual passholders will have priority access to purchase single-day tickets on October 24, with general sales to follow in the months leading up to the park's opening.

Additionally, a new 500-room hotel, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, will also open on May 22, featuring Universal's first dedicated theme park entrance for hotel guests. Two other hotels are set to open prior to this.

Highlights of the New Park

Visitors will enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park, which will include a carousel, a roller coaster, shops, restaurants, and pathways leading to the other worlds.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic will expand the Harry Potter universe, blending elements of 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts series and the 1990s British Ministry where notable characters faced Voldemort. A standout attraction, “Battle at the Ministry,” will allow guests to join Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a thrilling adventure through the Ministry's atrium, using the Floo Network to navigate attacks from Death Eaters.

Super Nintendo World will feature attractions like “Bowser’s Challenge” and “Mine-Cart Madness with Donkey Kong,” building on the experiences launched in Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan.

The How to Train Your Dragon area will boast a Viking village, a family roller coaster named “Hiccup’s Wing Gliders,” a water ride, and a live show.

Finally, Dark Universe will immerse guests in a world of monsters with attractions like “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment,” placing them in the midst of a monster uprising.

Epic Universe promises to be a thrilling addition to the Orlando theme park scene!

Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Set to Open on May 22, 2025, Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend