It has been greater than six years since Common Orlando Resort introduced its plans to open its third theme park, Common Epic Universe. With its grand opening simply weeks away, here is every part it’s good to learn about this “epic” new theme park and what you could find in every of its 5 worlds.
When does Epic Universe open?
Epic Universe’s grand opening is Might 22, however you can even go to throughout a pre-opening park preview interval between April 30 and Might 19.
Are Epic Universe tickets on sale?
Tickets and trip packages are on sale now, and costs differ by date. Presently, the least costly obtainable tickets are for dates in early September. Ticket add-ons — equivalent to Common Categorical skip-the-line passes and VIP excursions — are additionally obtainable.
If you wish to go to in the course of the pre-opening park preview interval, one-day tickets are on sale now. It’s also possible to purchase a lodge and ticket bundle that features a go to to Epic Universe or a park-only ticket with as much as 4 days at Common’s different parks and a one-day admission to Epic Universe throughout this preview part.
The place is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is on a 750-acre tract of land about 3 miles from the remainder of Common Orlando Resort. The resort gives complimentary shuttle service between Epic Universe (and its accommodations) and Common Orlando’s different parks and accommodations.
Inside Epic Universe’s lands and rides
Epic Universe is residence to 5 worlds with greater than 50 points of interest, in addition to leisure, eating and procuring experiences. Here is what you could find inside every world.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the primary world you may encounter upon getting into Epic Universe. This astronomy-themed space has ample inexperienced areas and fountains for visitors who need to loosen up. There’s additionally day-to-night leisure, together with mystical fountain exhibits and three points of interest starting from family-friendly to faster-than-fast.
Stardust Racers is touted as Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster. This dual-launch coaster can attain speeds of as much as 62 mph and heights of as much as 133 toes alongside 5,000 toes of observe.
Company preferring to go slower can hop aboard the Constellation Carousel, a constellation-themed experience with automobiles that lightly glide forwards and backwards and make 360-degree rotations.
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Celestial Park has an interactive water play space referred to as Astronomica and a number of eating retailers.
Choices embrace Atlantic, a full-service surf and turf restaurant set inside a big Victorian-style aquarium, and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, which serves Chinese language, Japanese and Thai fare.
On the Oak & Star Tavern, you could find barbecue. The family-friendly Pizza Moon can be an possibility.
You can store for snacks and desserts at Moonship Goodies & Celestial Sweets. For merchandise — together with objects themed to the park’s different lands — you may head to retailers just like the Nintendo Tremendous Star Retailer.
Celestial Park additionally serves as a gateway to the park’s different 4 worlds, which visitors will enter by majestic themed portals.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
When Common got down to construct a fourth park, it needed to seek out methods to deliver extra of the “Harry Potter” universe to life. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic highlights the wizarding period of Twenties Paris featured within the “Implausible Beasts” movies.
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You enter the land in Place Cachee, a Muggle park set in Twenties Paris. Right here, you may store, dine, drink butterbeer, go to a touring circus, forged a couple of magic spells along with your interactive wand, and magically transport to London to go to the Ministry of Magic.
The land’s premier attraction is Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry, the place you’ll journey by way of Metro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic, scorching on the path of Dolores Umbridge. Upon arriving, nevertheless, you’ll understand that Umbridge has escaped and goals to deliver again Lord Voldemort. You may be a part of Harry, Ron, Hermione and a home elf named Higgledy on a chase by the ministry to seize Umbridge.
This experience has a minimal top requirement of 40 inches.
After you come to Paris, you may cease into Le Cirque Arcanus for a magical menagerie of dwell performers, aerialists, puppetry and some implausible beast sightings. The present follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase of implausible beasts to attempt to save his failing circus. Through the present, a circus worker named Gwenlyn makes an attempt to rescue the creatures and return them to their rightful proprietor.
You possibly can store for wands at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, Paris’ best wand store. Every wand comes with a map that exhibits spots all through the Wizarding World the place you may follow casting spells along with your new interactive wand. Some wand spots all through the land characteristic acquainted implausible beasts from the movies, together with Nifflers, Bowtruckles and Demiguise.
As you stroll the streets, you may additionally be capable of meet Wizarding World residents and guests, together with Hogwarts alternate college students.
There are a number of eating places the place you may seize a chunk to eat. At Cafe L’Air De La Sirene, you may dine on French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts. On the darkish, mysterious Le Gobelet Noir, you may discover every part from soups and salads to entrees and desserts. At Bar Moonshine, you may pattern unique beers, wines and cocktails in a sports activities bar setting honoring the U.S. Quidditch workforce.
After all, it would not be the Wizarding World with out a butterbeer — or bieraubeurre — cart serving up numerous variations of the scrumptious drink.
It’s also possible to store for wizarding gear in Les Galeries Mirifiques, decide up some candy treats at Ok. Rammelle and cease for Ministry of Magic-inspired objects on the Metro-Floo reward store, Tour En Floo.
Darkish Universe
Attending Common’s annual Halloween Horror Nights is a ceremony of passage for horror followers. Now, you will not have to attend for fall to get your fill of all issues spooky. The Darkish Universe is the place you may go to Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and different basic monsters all yr lengthy.
You enter Darkish Universe by an electrified portal that harnesses the land’s darkish vitality and transports you to Darkmoor Village, the place the creatures from Common Traditional Monsters movies are actual. Right here, you may expertise two points of interest and a number of other eating choices. You possibly can even get the possibility to be made right into a monster your self.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is the park’s most terrifying attraction but, in response to Common. The experience takes you inside Frankenstein Manor, the place Dr. Frankenstein’s great-great-granddaughter, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, is conducting a couple of experiments of her personal.
For those who dare, you may enter the citadel and witness Dr. Frankenstein’s makes an attempt to regulate the monsters. Dracula, nevertheless, is not fairly on board together with her plan and unleashes them. You could then experience by the citadel’s catacombs to keep away from the indignant monsters.
In a behind-the-scenes video, Common mentioned Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment makes use of among the most technologically superior animatronic figures to make the experience much more life like and scary.
This experience has a minimal top requirement of 48 inches.
Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning, family-friendly coaster impressed by “The Wolf Man” (1941). After studying they bear the mark of the werewolf, riders should board a wagon to flee the werewolves who inhabit the forest and keep away from turning into one themselves. This experience has a minimal top requirement of 40 inches.
At Darkish Universe, you could have the possibility to grow to be a monster your self. On the Darkmoor Monster Make-up Expertise, visitors of all ages can get a monster makeover utilizing face paint and momentary tattoos. You possibly can full your look with merchandise and memorabilia from Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities reward store.
There are additionally a number of meet-and-greet alternatives all through Darkish Universe. As you discover Darkmoor Village, it’s possible you’ll run into characters equivalent to Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the Invisible Man and monster hunters, amongst others.
All that screaming and working round could make you hungry, however fortunately, there are a number of eating choices in Darkish Universe. Das Stakehaus is a sit-down restaurant run by vampire “familiars,” with a menu that includes kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and extra.
The Burning Blade Tavern is a quick-service restaurant modeled after the enduring burning windmill seen in “Frankenstein.” In Darkish Universe, the city’s monster hunters have since taken over the mill and reworked it right into a hangout to show the “trophies” of the monsters they’ve bested. You possibly can dine on German-inspired bar bites like burgers, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty drinks.
You even have the choice to swing by De Lacey’s Cottage meals stand, which sells grab-and-go treats like ice cream and cinnamon bread.
Tremendous Nintendo World
Tremendous Nintendo World immerses visitors within the colourful adventures of favourite Nintendo heroes like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong, in addition to not-so-favorite villains like Bowser and his minions.
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You enter the world by a inexperienced warp pipe. Inside Tremendous Nintendo World, there are two separate lands: Tremendous Mario Land and Donkey Kong Nation. Each areas immerse guests into these beloved video video games’ vibrant, animated worlds with interactive parts, character meet-and-greet points of interest, and extra.
Tremendous Mario Land homes two points of interest — Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem and Yoshi’s Journey. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem is an interactive, multisensory experience that makes use of bodily set items and projection mapping expertise to place you behind the wheel in a high-stakes Mario Kart race.
Simply as within the Mario Kart video games you play at residence, you may race by programs, gather cash and throw turtle shells to beat Crew Bowser. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem is inside Bowser’s Fortress, and the queue expertise is sort of as thrilling because the experience itself.
You should be 42 inches tall to experience Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem, or 48 inches tall to experience with out a supervising grownup.
Yoshi’s Journey is a slow-moving, family-friendly experience the place you experience with Yoshis, looking for colourful, glowing eggs hidden all through the Mushroom Kingdom. Alongside the way in which, you may get breathtaking views of the land, and it’s possible you’ll even spot a couple of acquainted characters. Yoshi’s Journey has a minimal top requirement of 36 inches; you may experience with out a supervising companion for those who’re no less than 48 inches tall.
Throughout your time in Tremendous Mario Land, you can even dine on Nintendo-themed dishes at Toadstool Cafe, get an vitality enhance with snacks and treats from Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Enhance Treats, or store for souvenirs on the 1-UP Manufacturing facility or Mario Motors. It’s also possible to meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad in numerous locations all through Tremendous Nintendo World.
The doorway to Donkey Kong Nation is towards the again of the park. This space is designed to resemble the tropical jungle panorama depicted in Donkey Kong video video games. Donkey Kong Nation will even have its personal eating and merchandise impressed by the online game franchise.
In Donkey Kong Nation, guests can experience the family-friendly attraction, Mine-Cart Insanity. This coaster sends you careening by the jungle on a mission to assist Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong shield the prized golden banana. Mine-Cart Insanity makes use of progressive expertise and a one-of-a-kind experience system to imitate the maneuvers within the online game and simulate experiences like getting blasted out of a barrel and leaping over gaps within the observe.
You should be 36 inches tall to experience Mine-Cart Insanity or 48 inches tall with out a supervising grownup.
Tremendous Nintendo World is greater than only a place to see characters and experience points of interest primarily based on basic Nintendo video games. It additionally capabilities like a real-life online game the place you’re the predominant character.
In Tremendous Mario Land and Donkey Kong Nation, you may gather digital cash, stamps and keys by using the points of interest, punching query blocks and enjoying interactive “key challenges.” Earn sufficient keys, and you may face off in opposition to Bowser Jr. in an final boss battle.
You may have to buy a Energy-Up Band to earn cash and stamps, compete in key challenges, and preserve observe of your rating throughout the land. You do not want a Energy-Up Band to get pleasure from Tremendous Nintendo World, however it’s well worth the cash to totally expertise it. Competing along with your family and friends can be enjoyable to see who can get the best rating.
Practice Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
Just like the ” Practice Your Dragon” movies, this space of Epic Universe lets you fly with, befriend and dwell amongst dragons. From the luxurious landscaping to the towering structure with hand-carved particulars, this land is supposed to function an genuine re-creation of Berk.
There are 4 points of interest in Practice Your Dragon — Isle of Berk.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a family-friendly curler coaster the place you may fly on the again of his newest invention, a winged flying machine that appears like a pleasant dragon. The coaster will take you hovering by and round Berk, reaching speeds of as much as 45 mph.
This attraction has a minimal top requirement of 40 inches.
On Fyre Drill, Vikings of all ages should compete to out-soak one another throughout a fun-filled boat battle.
Right here, you may shoot water cannons at flamelike targets and grasp placing out the fires that are likely to pop up whenever you cohabitate with dragons. A phrase of warning: Be ready to get moist on this one.
This attraction is acceptable for visitors of all ages and has no minimal top requirement.
Consider Dragon Racer’s Rally as a coaching floor to your subsequent dragon race. On this high-flying attraction, you swoop and soar as much as 67 toes. The experience could be as light or intense as you like; riders can management how typically they spin the wrong way up as they fly. This attraction has a minimal top requirement of 48 inches.
Viking Coaching Camp is designed to be a boot camp for even the youngest Vikings, with alternatives to climb, slide and discover as they hone their expertise. Children can discover issues like a Viking agility course and a Toothless-themed teeter-totter inside.
There are additionally loads of probabilities to work together with dragons, together with meet-and-greet alternatives with Hiccup and Toothless.
It’s also possible to see Toothless and his dragon pals at “The Untrainable Dragon” stage present. The present options music, storytelling and a life-size dragon hovering by the sky.
Berk has a number of eating institutions, together with Mead Corridor which serves a wide range of meats, fish and sandwiches. Viking-beloved meads and ciders are on supply as properly.
It’s also possible to decide up fast bites and drinks at Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel.
Epic Universe accommodations
Along with the brand new theme park, Common opened three new accommodations in or close to Epic Universe this yr.
The third lodge, Common Helios Grand Lodge, is inside Epic Universe on the again finish of Celestial Park. This luxurious property has its personal entrance to Epic Universe with a a lot shorter safety line than the principle gate.
Common Helios Grand Lodge has 500 visitor rooms and one-of-a-kind views of the brand new park. Based on a press launch, the lodge’s theme is “designed to move visitors to a world the place the heavens and earth unite.” Charges begin at $293 per night time for stays of 4 nights or longer.
Backside line
It is laborious to explain Common Epic Universe with out saying it is … epic. Whereas many theme parks have immersive lands and points of interest, we have now but to see a theme park of this scale with this groundbreaking stage of element and immersion.
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Common Epic Universe cements Common Orlando’s place as a weeklong theme park trip vacation spot in its personal proper. From the resort’s latest additions like Minion Land and DreamWorks Land to the brand new experiences at Epic Universe, Common Orlando really has one thing for everybody.
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