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Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to unveil its most ambitious project yet—Epic Universe—on May 22, marking the first major theme park opening in Central Florida in over 25 years.
According to CNN, Covering approximately 750 acres, Epic Universe is believed to be the largest theme park in the world and may have cost up to $7.7 billion to build, according to industry analysts. While Universal hasn’t confirmed the cost, experts say the scale and technology involved are unmatched.
At the heart of the park lies Celestial Park, a vibrant hub featuring rides like the Stardust Racers dual-track roller coaster and the luminous Constellation Carousel. From here, visitors can access four fully immersive themed lands through separate portals:
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic – Step into 1920s Paris from Fantastic Beasts and journey via metro into 1990s London for Battle at the Ministry, a groundbreaking ride that blends AR, a trackless system, and omnidirectional elevators.
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Dark Universe – A gothic land where Universal’s legendary monsters come to life. Its headliner, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, features some of the most advanced animatronics ever created.
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How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk – A dragon-filled adventure zone complete with roller coasters, a family boat ride, and a live show with flying dragons, including a soaring Toothless.
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Super Nintendo World – A real-life video game experience with interactive attractions like Mine-Cart Madness (Donkey Kong), Bowser’s Challenge (Mario Kart), and wrist-worn “Power-Up” bands that let guests collect points as they explore.
Epic Universe incorporates new patented technology, including innovations in ride design, animation, and robotics, delivering never-before-seen attractions and immersive environments that block out the real world entirely.
Ticket pricing starts at $139 for adults and $134 for children, with peak days reaching up to $199. Express Passes, which offer faster ride access, can exceed $250 on high-demand dates like July 4th.
Theme park experts believe the pricing is competitive, especially given the park’s scale and quality. The nearby hotels are also launching at relatively affordable rates, potentially influencing guests to extend their stay at Universal rather than visiting competing parks.
Even with economic concerns on the horizon, early estimates predict over 6 million guests will visit Epic Universe in its first year.
With state-of-the-art technology, immersive storytelling, and world-class attractions, Epic Universe aims to redefine the theme park experience—bringing guests one step closer to actually stepping into the worlds they love.
