A beacon in the bright blue sky, the Chronos aligned, and the emerald gates opened to the media preview for the highly anticipated Epic Universe. The newest theme part from Universal Orlando Resort is beyond an ambitious undertaking. Given that Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, guests have a greater appreciation for the creativity, intention, and execution involved. When guests enter Universal Orlando Resort's fantastical universe, one element will keep them coming back for another visit.
For years, people have poured over and analyzed detail after detail. Rising from a blank slate, structures took shape, colors painted the view, and movement danced across the horizon. Once guests entered each portal, the transformation would be complete.
During the media preview day on April 5, watching people’s reactions to just seeing the interpretation of an Universal arch into the Chronos was stunning. Beyond the details in the emerald gates and the complexity of the structure, people appreciated the importance of this moment.
Opening a theme park that incorporates iconic characters and beloved storylines is not without risk. Even the most ardent fan will parse the accuracy or wonder at the what-ifs. In this moment, everything sparkled, shined, and exceeded the high expectations.
As guests experience the rides, roamed the lands, and ate the food, people have revealed the must-do lists. While people will devour these tidbits, it should not spoil the best parts of each area. The key element to Epic Universe cannot be ruined with photos, videos, and other behind the scenes offerings.
What makes Epic Universe the theme park that will have guests visiting time and again is the immersive, interactive experiences that happen as guests wander each area. It is more than using a Cosme Acajor wand to cast a spell in the streets of Paris in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. While those moments are engaging for all, it is the characters that choose to engage with guests in a personal way that make this theme park even more memorable.
For example, a trio students stop to talk to people in front of Le Cirque Arcanus. One person’s conversation will not be the same as another. Those few moments make a huge impression. The outside world disappears and the discussion creates a memory that will be told time and again. The uniqueness is what makes it special.
In the Dark Universe, the winding paths and dark shadows reveal the twisted characters that keep people’s nerves on heightened alert. The Invisible Man, in his dapper attire, has an eloquent way of disarming a guest with his words. But, the dangers are just a whisper away.
While fans of Halloween Horror Nights might have hoped for more fright from those lurking in the shadows, this experience is not about the jump scare. It is meant to envelop people into the fantastical world where darkness always has a touch of light.
In direct contrast, the Super Nintendo World is a technicolor video game come to life. The interaction of playing your way through the space turns tangible. Although no one is plucking a banana from Donkey Kong’s grasp, the tap and response keeps people going back to improve their score. The gamified aspect ensures people are invested in their visit.
Lastly, the How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk space, taps into the childlike wonder where imagination is limitless. While theme park guests appreciate a well-produced character meet and greet, it is the wandering dragons that appear throughout the land which get everyone to halt in awe.
The creative intricacies to bring these dragons to life lets people believe that anything is possible. It feels as if people have stepped into the storyline where people can live in harmony with flying creatures. Those heartwarming moments are sentiments that people are craving more and more.
As people explore Epic Universe and discover the numerous details all around each space, people will share their experiences and divulge their highlights. Whether or not people read those spoilers is their own choice, but one item remains constant. The personal interactions with the characters is the key element that no one can spoil, and it will bring guests back to visit time and again.
Epic Universe, part of Universal Orlando Resort, opens on May 22, 2025. Tickets and other packages are available for purchase.