It’s time! Yep, that’s right — we’re taking you BACK inside the brand-new Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. We had a preview of this park not too long ago, but now we’ve returned with a vengeance — and with photos!

We’re taking you INSIDE Universal’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe. We’re stepping through the portals and daring to experience all that this epic park has to offer — and you won’t believe your eyes.

Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe officially opens on May 22nd, 2025. This park has been heralded as Universal’s “most ambitious theme park yet,” with theme park immersion and innovation we’ve never seen. There are over 50 new attractions, new restaurants, new gift shops, new shows, and a whole lot more. There’s PLENTY to see and do, and we’re taking you along for the ride — starting with entering the park!

We’ll be updating this post as we explore more of Epic Universe throughout the day, so make sure you check back for the latest news!

You guys were here! We’re here! Follow along for an EPIC day! ? #EpicUniverse #Hosted pic.twitter.com/7LydwpVBGt

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

The entrance is SO pretty, and security was a breeze for us — but keep in mind that could change once the park officially opens!

Wait times appeared to be all over the place! Since the park isn’t open yet, it’s just Team Member previews and media previews taking place right now, so wait times will likely be drastically different once the park is open to the public.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders had a 25-minute wait, while Bowser’s Challenge boasted a 55-minute wait at one point. Mine-Cart Madness and a few other rides were delayed in opening, which isn’t that surprising since the park is still in its testing phase.

Let’s check out the rest of this park!

We’re Inside Epic Universe for an EXCLUSIVE Tour and We Have So Much To Show You!

Celestial Park

Your adventure starts as you enter underneath the Chronos — a large clock tower (as rendered in the concept art above). From here, you can step through four other portals into the park’s additional lands. 

Here we go! ⁦?? @UniversalORL⁩#epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/8xTvwGVGgX

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Celestial Park serves as the heart and main hub of Epic Universe. Universal shared that this land “will be the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe,” and is naturally the first land guests will encounter at the new theme park after stepping through the entrance.”

According to Universal’s announcement, “Celestial Park puts the ‘park’ back in ‘theme park.’ As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey of discovery, thrills, and excitement as they wander through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.”

Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that’ll take you soaring through the skies to see who’s the fastest of them all. Two vehicles launch simultaneously and “race” each other!

As the story goes… the citizens of Celestial Park, known as Celestians, have figured out a way to harness and capture the energy of the comets. It has become a pastime of the Celestians to ride them across the night sky, and now we are also going to be able to experience this on Stardust Racers! Stardust Racers seeks to combine the nostalgic feel of a wooden roller coaster with the 360 immersive experience of the Celestial Spin.

Constellation Carousel is the “grand centerpiece” of Celestial Park. This is a family-friendly ride that will allow you “ride the constellations” as you take a spin on a creature such as a celestial lion, dragon, or peacock.

This is not your typical carousel! It is a very smooth ride, making it seem effortless. The colors on the animals are bright and are similar to a work of art.

Constellation carousel! This might just be the most beautiful carousel we’ve EVER seen!?✨@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/vYy5S2pqT7

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

And you can make a SPLASH in Astronomica, which is an interactive wet-play area that will double as a giant compass, leading you to the other immersive lands in Epic Universe!

This water display will also feature dancing crystal blue fountains that will spring to life all around you. The water fountains here are capable of reaching up to 135 feet into the air and will perform several fountain shows to music and interactive lighting from daylight through the night.

Two Full-Service restaurants offer sit-down dining options in Celestial Park. These include a full-service “surf and turf” restaurant called Atlantic. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant will present flavors of Asia with authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Thai meals in a full-service fashion.

For quicker meals, you’ll be able to enjoy The Oak & Star Tavern for some tasty barbecue or Pizza Moon for a variety of pizza! And if you’re in the mood for some sweets, don’t forget to swing by Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.

We were able to eat at The Oak & Star Tavern for lunch. The atmosphere here is incredible.

Quick lunch break at Oak & Star Tavern in Celestial Park—and WOW, the vibes in here are immaculate. ✨?️@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/Ux1wdlS73d

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

This is a look at the food you can expect to try when you eat here. Here is a look at the menu, which has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

You will also want to try the “Celestial Spritz” in the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.

Oak & Star Tavern totally hit the spot! ?️ Give us a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine with specialty drinks and we’re SOLD. The “Celestial Spritz” is a MUST!? @UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/PqUZu41Bnv

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

A nighttime show is coming to Celestial Park! While Celestial Park itself is stellar, it also includes elements of Greek mythology. The concept is that by day, Apollo rules the park, but at night, the goddess Luna takes over and is in charge of the “luminescence of the night.” And the two have an exchange when day becomes night.

Guests will enjoy a ceremony that will slowly brighten up the lights in the park, growing “with the swells of the music until we have a burst of light,” followed by a “dance of light” throughout everything in the area including the foliage and surrounding buildings. Once the ceremony is complete, Celestial Park will have its lighting ready for the night!

FIRST LOOK Inside Celestial Park at Epic Universe

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

The NEW Ministry of Magic is the third Harry Potter-themed land at Universal Orlando! It joins Hogsmeade (located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (located in Universal Studios) as a unique land adding another chapter to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — blending the 1920s wizarding world of Paris from the Fantastic Beasts movies with the first Ministry of Magic from the original Harry Potter series.

Can you guess where we're off to next… ??@UniversalORL #EpicUniverse #Hosted pic.twitter.com/v0PcITgBAn

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Upon passing through the Portal for the Ministry of Magic, you’ll step into 1920s Paris, directly into a Muggle park. From here, you’ll pass through the Phoenix Arch and into WIZARDING PARIS by way of Place Cachée, which Universal shares as a “hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafés, and historic Parisian domes rising in the distance.”

The music… ??? @UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/utMPdRaX0G

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

It’s here that wizards and “non-magiques alike” will be “enamored with the majestic grandeur and enchanting ambiance of the city as they cast dazzling spells throughout the magical streets using interactive wands, encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus, and – for the first time ever within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – travel across countries and time to 1990s London using the Métro-Floo for a thrilling adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic.”

Before you experience Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, you’ll travel by the Floo Network (via the Métro-Floo) from wizarding Paris in the 1920s to the British Ministry of Magic set in the 1990s for the trial of Dolores Umbridge. 

You’ll visit a full-sized grand atrium of the Ministry and venture through various Ministry departments (and even Delores Umbridge’s former office) before “boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts” to watch the trial. 

I'm actually speechless…@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/xgcZKXgRS4

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

We are SCREAMING over this Floo Powder situation!!!!

We just traveled to the Ministry of Magic by floo powder!! ??@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/T3vMq2KWFm

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Dolores Umbridge’s office is not a great place to be, but we kind of love it…

Not a fan of Dolores Umbridge but a fan of her office ??? @UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/USafPpewCQ

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Universal shares that “For the first time ever in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience in the heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus.”

The production will feature live performers and aerialists, puppetry, special effects, and more to “take guests on a whirlwind journey where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before.” The plot? Ringmaster Skender has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase (which houses Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves, and more) to attempt to “bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory,” and it’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue the creatures from the Ringmaster!

Café L’Air De La Sirène is described as a “charming café where guests can delight in French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts.” Based on the concept art, we’re expecting to see some elegant carved marble and French-inspired art and architecture. Plus, Universal teased that there will be hidden details of fantastic beasts in the tile and mosaic designs — keep your eyes peeled! This spot will offer both indoor and outdoor dining, with a menu full of French baked goods, sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts. Oh, and great news, Potter fans — they’ve got Butterbeer! One of the things we’re most looking forward to, though, is the dessert displays “constructed of almost 2,000 decorative individual cream puffs.”

Le Gobelet Noir is located “In the shadowy corners of Place Cachée, where international Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry and have a hearty meal over hushed conversation.” This spot will offer starters such as soups and salads and a variety of entrées and desserts.

What is “Bièraubeurre”? Why, it’s the famous Wizarding beverage BUTTERBEER, of course! You’ll find plenty of it at the Bièraubeurre Cart!

Order up an exclusive beer, wine, or cocktail served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana at Bar Moonshine!

A beloved tradition will carry over from Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley: you’ll be able to search for a wand at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, the premier Parisian wand shop! The selection will feature ” popular imports from Ollivanders,” of course. In fact, Cosme Acajor will offer a whole NEW collection of interactive wands! 

You can also shop for wizarding gear and memorabilia in Les Galeries Mirifiques, satisfy your sweet tooth at the French confectionary shop, K. Rammelle, or make a stop for Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.

FIRST LOOK Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Like the other lands at Epic Universe, you’ll enter through the “portal” — in this case, the iconic green pipe from Super Mario World! Super Nintendo World is actually divided into two areas — Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Super Mario Land will present adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and other characters; and Donkey Kong Country is where you can encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and other members of the Kong family.

Let's- a go! ??@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/lRVFeMoR33

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

We’ve already seen a version of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in both existing Super Nintendo World lands in Universal Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood and now it’s time for Orlando to join in on the fun! You will be able to find this ride inside of Super Mario Land in Super Nintendo World. 

Epic Universe will also be getting a Yoshi-themed ride: Yoshi’s Adventure! You will be able to join the Yoshis on a search for glowing eggs throughout Mushroom Kingdom. Don’t worry — Yoshi’s not going to take you out for a speed lap around Super Nintendo World.

The brightly colored Yoshi ride vehicles will move at a slow-moving pace making this a great option for the whole family. You will encounter lots of familiar characters and enjoy views of Super Mario Land.

Super Nintendo World is bringing Mine-Cart Madness and Yoshi’s Adventure to Epic Universe! We are OBSESSED??@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/b1UdxCI56D

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

On Mine-Cart Madness you will hop into a mine cart and help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the golden banana. This ride will send us on a thrilling adventure with lots of jaw-dropping maneuvers like getting shot out of a barrel, jumping over gaps, and more. This “boom coaster” style ride will feature the illusion of jumping over sections of missing and broken tracks.

Like its counterpart lands, the main culinary draw for Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will be the Toadstool Cafe, located in Super Mario Land. According to Universal, the restaurant allows diners to “enjoy a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs and so much more.” Also like its sister locations, Universal promises that guests “get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.”

Welcome to The Bubbly Barrel, located in Donkey Kong Country! This new stand will offer sweet treats and refreshing drinks all inside a gigantic barrel. Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats will each offer “delicious treats, snacks and beverages.”

Get ready meet, greet, and interact with characters throughout various areas in Super Mario Land! Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad will be among the characters you can meet in the land. And in Donkey Kong Country, you can meet Donkey Kong himself!

At Super Nintendo World, you’ll be able to shop for all kinds of Nintendo merchandise at a few different stores. 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors will carry souvenirs, apparel, toys, and more inspired by iconic Super Mario characters and adventures within these retail locations. And Funky Kong, Donkey Kong’s friend, has turned Donkey Kong’s “airplane into an open air jungle market.” It’s Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy!

But wait, there’s more! Super Nintendo World will be a truly immersive land with interactive games along with meet and greets! As you are completing all of these interactive activities, you will also be able to see where you rank amongst other guests in the area. There will be a Leaderboard screen within Super Nintendo World that will let you see how you are doing.

Here we gooo! ? Super Nintendo World —power-ups, warp pipes, and total chaos! ?@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/xfyXifvAhD

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Guests may opt to purchase a Power-Up Band that will enhance their experience in Super Nintendo World. These Power-Up Bands will allow you to interact with your surroundings.

With a band, you can collect coins by punching “?” blocks, play interactive activities, collect digital stamps from attractions, earn digital keys, and discover more hidden surprises. Earning digital keys will also allow you to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.!

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Universal has shared that the Isle of Berk will be “a vibrant world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons live together in hilarious harmony – based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.”

Just went through our first portal… and landed in the Isle of Berk!!? Where’s Toothless?!?? pic.twitter.com/xAUwiUr9TF

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

The storyline of the land takes place between the first and second How To Train Your Dragon movies. Two 40-foot-tall Viking statues set the scene when you enter the land, and once you get inside, you’ll take in views of a sparkling lagoon and the Viking village.

This land is SO immersive — there’s water all around that makes it feel like everything is coming to life around you.

We really can’t get over this — you can’t tell us these aren’t real dragons!!!

DRAGONS ARE REAL ‼️? @UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/1o4yK6hcwR

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a family thrill coaster where you’ll join Hiccup to test out “his latest glider contraption” that he’s invented! Hiccup, you see, has created a way for riders to simulate what it’s like to fly on a dragon. His winged flying machine is designed to launch aspiring Dragon Riders into the air, complete with the feeling of swooping and soaring through the air. The dilemma? Well… Toothless isn’t altogether thrilled with this new invention, which leads to a wild ride! The coaster reaches speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, taking visitors around the perimeter of the land and even across the lagoon.

Oh, boy… the Viking twins from How To Train Your Dragon, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, are in charge of Fyre Drill! Get ready to board a boat and take a trek down Berk’s Fyre Skööl, where the brother and sister have designed an interactive boat battle.

Get ready for THRILLS on Dragon Racer’s Rally! Here, YOU will be training to be a Champion Dragon Racer! You’ll get to “practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet in the air.” Something good to know: YOU get to control how “wild or mild” your ride is, so it can be as exciting as you choose!

Welcome to Mead Hall! This is “where guests can feast like a Viking and enjoy a savory menu featuring a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches, and more along with a collection of meads and ciders.” Mead Hall is essentially Berk’s main gathering hall.

Spit Fyre Grill will be housed near the Fyre Drill water attraction… and, in fact, it will overlook the attraction! This quick service spot will feature hearty flame-seared meals.

Searching for grog and gruel ? ? Then for a quick bite, you can head to the racing-themed Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel food stand. It will be located near the Viking Training Camp.

Step inside the Haddock Paddock to meet Hiccup and the beloved Toothless! Universal also shared that you might encounter more characters throughout the land, including Vikings and dragons.

Okay OKAY — best. moment. EVER. ? We got to meet Hiccup and TOOTHLESS and honestly?? We'll never be over it. Total dream come true. ?✨@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/qB2OZXhhqQ

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

The Untrainable Dragon is a live show based on the Untrainable show in Universal Beijing Resort. The show “takes guests on an unforgettable journey with beloved characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid as they work together to solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon.” Music, impressive sets, and life-sized dragons will set the scene, while the storyline will combine “heart and humor.” 

Viking Training Camp is an adventure play area where the “smaller Vikings” can play and explore. The area will feature a Viking agility course, a Toothless teeter-totter, baby Gronckle dragon climbers, and more! AND the kiddos can learn about all of the various classes of dragons in the process.

Want to take home some souvenirs from your trip to the Viking village? Merchandise will be for sale at shops like Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures.

FIRST LOOK Inside How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Epic Universe

Dark Universe

Once visitors step through the Dark Universe portal, they’ll step into a place full of dark energy: the village of Darkmoor. Here, visitors will “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.” And fans of Universal’s popular Halloween Horror Nights event may want to pay close attention…

Dark Universe… here we come ??‍♂️ @UniversalORL #epicuniverse #Hosted pic.twitter.com/e1SqA3JIUr

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

This land feels like a monstrous dream (or nightmare) come true!

Seriously… someone PINCH ME. ?@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #Hosted pic.twitter.com/tPIkbnvAyY

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Dark Universe’s signature attraction is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

Located in the facade of Frankenstein Manor, this ride’s official synopsis from Universal reads, “Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate. A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.”

We just rode Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and those animatronics are absolutely WILD ? — like, “wait… was that real?!” wild.@UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/BcIBcBcPPG

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

The land’s second attraction is a spinning family coaster themed to The Wolf Man. According to the official synopsis of Curse of the Werewolf, guests will enter the Guild of Mystics and be “greeted by Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf.” 

Das Stakehaus is a quick-service restaurant within Dark Universe themed around an “old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs.” The name is not only a play on the Eastern European setting of vampire lore, but a literal play on words — “stake” instead of “steak” as it relates to vampires is a funny double entendre! The restaurant will feature vampire artwork and artifacts and meals will be served by “familiars”, also known as vampire servants! 

The Burning Blade Tavern is an additional quick-service restaurant that pays homage to the iconic windmill from Universal’s 1931 classic Frankenstein! The Burning Blade Tavern will allow diners to eat in an “old mill which Darkmoor Village’s monster hunters [The Hounds] have transformed into their hangout.”

Instead of the monsters being portrayed as heroes like Das Stakehaus, this restaurant focuses on hunters who protect regular folk from these legendary beasts. Surrounded by trophy heads of conquered monsters, diners will be able to enjoy a menu of burgers, pretzels, wings, bratwurst, and specialty beverages while they listen to tales of victory from the hunters. 

At De Lacey’s Cottage, you can find sweets and snacks including ice cream, cinnamon bread, twisted taters, and more. Located near Frankenstein Manor, this snack stand pays homage to where Frankenstein’s Monster received friendship and sustenance.

The land will present several meet and greets in the land, giving guests the opportunity to interact with characters including — but not limited to — Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the “alluring” Bride of Frankenstein, Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, and The Invisible Man, “an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales related to classic monster stories.”

You never know who you’ll see… or NOT see… in Dark Universe ? @UniversalORL #epicuniverse #hosted pic.twitter.com/bQCylVWyRT

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 5, 2025

Do you happen to have a little monster of your own? Or perhaps you’d like to channel your own inner monster? Dark Universe will also feature the new Monster Makeup Experience, where “monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests into a likeness of their favorite Universal Monsters.” 

And, you can stock up on souvenirs to calm (or RELEASE) your inner monster at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities!

We can’t wait to experience Epic Universe once it officially opens on May 22nd, 2025. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more!

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal Orlando Resort to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ