Topline

A fourth Universal theme park in Florida with five brand-new themed worlds — including ones based on “Harry Potter,” Super Nintendo and “How to Train Your Dragon” — will open to the public on May 22, 2025, and tickets will go on sale for the first time next week Just.

Important facts

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What you should pay attention to

Multi-day ticket packages including access to the Universal Epic Universe will be available to the public on Tuesday, October 22nd. Reservations for the Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open same day for stays starting May 22, 2025. One-day tickets will be offered starting Thursday, October 24, initially available to annual pass holders.

tangent

Universal has gradually revealed more details about new attractions in the Epic Universe over the past 10 months. The new rides include the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster in Dark Universe, a Ministry of Magic elevator ride in Harry Potter, a Mario Kart-inspired ride in Super Nintendo World, a Donkey Kong thriller roller coaster and a Water ride on a dragon on the island of Berk. A monster make-up experience transforms visitors into werewolves, vampires and mummies; There will be a new French restaurant in Harry Potter land and a sprawling playground with a “Viking training camp” in the “How to Train Your Dragon” world.

Crucial quote

Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in September that Epic Universe was the “most technologically advanced park we’ve ever done.” He said the park will use facial recognition, photo validation technology and robotic drone technology to take the experience of visiting the park “to a whole new level.”

Important background

Universal opened its first theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood in California, in 1964. In 1990, the company expanded to Orlando with Universal Studios Florida and now includes the Islands of Adventure theme park and Universal CityWalk, which takes guests to the two parks. There are currently six Universal hotels and resorts serving Florida’s parks, with an estimated 21.7 million people visiting in 2022. Universal’s parent company Comcast’s theme parks generated sales of around $7.5 billion in 2022, 49% more than in the previous year, which was affected by the corona crisis. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been undeniably the centerpiece of Universal’s Florida attractions since its opening in 2010 and expansion in 2014. Attendance at Universal Parks increased by an average of 32.1% in the years following the Wizarding World’s opening. The Hagrid’s Magical Creatures motorcycle adventure ride is the longest roller coaster in Florida and, at the time of its opening in 2019, was the most expensive roller coaster ever built at a cost of $300 million. Today, that title is owned by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which opened in 2022 at Disney’s rival nearby EPCOT park.

Further reading

The Hollywood ReporterUniversal Orlando Resort Unveils Epic Universe Celestial Park, Teases ‘Harry Potter’, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ LandsdiversityHarry Potter, Nintendo and Monsters Lands are preparing for the new “Epic Universe” theme park at UniversalForbesUniversal is planning new attractions in Texas and Las VegasFrom Brian BushardForbesUniversal Studios, the Metaverse, and the Future of Theme ParksFrom Bernard Marr

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