Within the heart of Orlando lies one of Florida’s biggest amusement parks and franchises, Universal! With there already being three parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and the water park, Volcano Bay, Universal has decided to add another park to the bunch. This new fourth park will be called Epic Universe and will include five new immersive worlds all in one. The park is set to open this year on May 22nd. Construction began in March 2021 and was originally scheduled to open in 2023 but was delayed due to the pandemic.
Tickets and passes for the park have already become available, though they can be pricey depending on what experience you are looking for. Opening tickets are also available, though for now, you can only spend one day in the park at a time.
Celestial Park
When you first enter the park, you will enter Celestial Park, which includes thrilling rides, dining, shopping, and the opening of the brand-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel. This new hotel will be at the end of Celestial Park with 500 rooms, stunning views, and an entrance into the theme park.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As one of Universal’s favorite and most popular franchises, another Harry Potter world is being added. With there already being a Harry Potter world in Universal Studios, this will be the second one added to the parks. Universal is bringing to life Wizarding Paris based on the Fantastic Beast movie and the British Ministry of Magic.
Super Nintendo World
This world will be separated into two lands, one being Super Mario Land, with two new attractions being added, and the other being Donkey Kong Country, with the other new attraction being a rollercoaster with features that make it seem like you are jumping the track.
Isle of Berk
Based on the popular movie trilogy How to Train Your Dragon, as you enter the world, it will seem like you are right out of the movies on this island. With new thrilling roller coasters, a Viking training camp, and water rides, Berk will be a land to look forward to. Health Academy junior, Ariella Parsons-Weeks, shares her excitement for the opening: “I am super excited for the new park opening because I love Universal. My favorite park right now is Islands of Adventure, and I especially love the Veloci Coaster ride. The world I am looking most forward to is Island of Berk because I love the How to Train Your Dragon movies. I am excited to see how they feature the dragons in the park.”
Dark Universe
This unique realm is full of mystery and myth and comes from the experiments of Victoria Frankenstein, where monsters roam free. In this world, every one of Universal’s monster movies exists and is taking place, including a new spinning coaster and a new immersive attraction. Sophomore Marilu Cook says, “I’m really looking forward to the Nintendo and Dark Universe world because I love Nintendo-related things as well as the vibe of it, and Dark Universe is gonna be something different then the other parks and it will also make me not miss Halloween Horror Nights as much. I have the annual pass and go with my boyfriend’s family maybe twice a month at least, though during breaks, we go a lot more. Since Epic Universe doesn’t come with my annual pass, I’m gonna wait till the park isn’t busy, like in the beginning, to go.”
With the release expected by the end of the school year, it’s just one of the many things students can look forward to for summer break. Updates on the park and more information should be released as the opening day draws closer.