Universal Orlando Resort is embarking on an ambitious expansion in 2025 with the opening of Epic Universe, the first new American theme park in 25 years. While theme park enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a fourth park under the Universal banner in Florida, movie fans have even more reason to be excited. The new worlds within Epic Universe will provide immersive sequels to the stories they know and love, offering a unique and captivating experience.

Elevating the Theme Park Experience: Universal's Innovative Approach

At the 2024 New York Comic-Con, key members of the Universal Destinations and Experiences team unveiled their plans to revolutionize the theme park industry. Steve Tatum, the executive creative director of Universal's Epic Universe, explained the shift from "short storytelling" to "feature-length storytelling." Instead of brief, disconnected experiences, Epic Universe will immerse visitors in comprehensive narratives that expand upon beloved franchises.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic: Continuing the Magical Legacy

Unlike the existing Harry Potter-themed parks in Orlando, the new Wizarding World at Epic Universe will be set in 1920s Wizarding Paris and heavily feature the Fantastic Beasts films. However, the highlight will be the "Battle of the Ministry" ride, which takes guests to a point in the timeline after the events of the final Harry Potter movie. Visitors will witness Harry, Ron, and Hermione at the Ministry of Magic during Dolores Umbridge's trial, where things predictably go awry. This continuation of the Harry Potter universe is a must-see for true fans of the franchise, as Anisha Vyas Burgos, the assistant director of projects at Universal Creative, promises it will "redefine what immersion really is."

Dark Universe: Unleashing the Universal Monsters

The Dark Universe land at Epic Universe will transport guests to the fictional village of Darkmoor, where Dracula has freed classic Universal Horror characters, including Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Brides of Dracula, the Wolfman, the Phantom of the Opera, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. These are not mere cameos, but direct continuations of their respective movie storylines. As Patrick Braillard, the senior show writer at Universal Creative, explained, "The land itself could be considered a sequel to the original films." Visitors will witness the continued adventures of these legendary monsters, with the opportunity to see some unexpected cameos along the way.

How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk: Soaring into a New Chapter

One of the most anticipated new IP lands within Epic Universe is How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, which the team refers to as "How to Train Your Dragon 2.5." While there have been three How to Train Your Dragon movies, this new land will take guests to a point in time between the second and third films, when dragons and Vikings have learned to coexist peacefully. As Steve Tatham, the executive creative director, explained, "Over the course of that saga, dragons and Vikings come to coexist peacefully and so at that peak moment of harmony is when we enter the story." Visitors can look forward to immersive experiences like the family-friendly coaster "Hiccup's Flying Gliders," where they can soar through the air on dragons, as well as a "Broadway-style show" called "Untrainable" and a Viking training camp where kids can play.

Celestial Park and Super Nintendo World: Expanding the Horizons

In addition to the immersive sequels to beloved franchises, Epic Universe will also feature two other distinct worlds: Celestial Park and Super Nintendo World. While details on these lands are still scarce, they promise to offer unique and captivating experiences that will further elevate the theme park experience.As Universal Orlando Resort prepares to unveil Epic Universe in 2025, movie fans and theme park enthusiasts alike can look forward to stepping into the worlds they know and love, with the opportunity to explore new chapters and unexpected twists in their favorite stories. With the promise of groundbreaking technology, innovative storytelling, and unparalleled immersion, Epic Universe is poised to redefine the future of theme parks.