Orlando, FL — Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced that its long-anticipated fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will open to the public on May 22, 2025. Touted as one of the largest and most ambitious theme parks ever constructed, Epic Universe is set to redefine immersive entertainment on a scale never before seen in Central Florida.
Spanning 750 acres, the new park will feature five intricately themed lands:
- Celestial Park, the park’s central hub and entry point
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- Super Nintendo World
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe, a gothic horror-themed area inspired by Universal’s classic monsters
According to publicly available estimates reported by multiple industry sources including Orlando Business Journal and Theme Park Insider, the project has cost Universal approximately $7.7 billion, making it one of the most expensive theme park developments in history.
A New Level of Immersion
Each of the five worlds promises cutting-edge attractions, next-generation ride technologies, and storytelling environments designed for deep guest engagement. Epic Universe will also include interactive experiences, nighttime shows, and advanced dining and shopping offerings tailored to each land.
Adjacent to the park is the Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room luxury Loews property that offers exclusive guest access directly into Epic Universe through a dedicated entrance from the hotel lobby. The integration of on-site lodging is part of Universal’s broader strategy to create a seamless vacation experience.
Expanding Universal Orlando’s Footprint
Universal Epic Universe will join Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay as the fourth major park in the Universal Orlando Resort portfolio. The full resort complex now spans over 1,290 acres, continuing to position Universal as a top competitor to Walt Disney World in the Central Florida tourism market.
The announcement has already drawn major attention from travel industry analysts, with Forbes calling it “a bold leap forward in the next generation of themed entertainment.”
What’s Next?
While specific ride details for many attractions remain under wraps, Universal has been steadily unveiling sneak previews of each themed land throughout early 2025, building anticipation for the May grand opening. Industry insiders expect Epic Universe to have a major impact on Florida’s tourism economy, drawing millions of domestic and international visitors in its first year.
Sources:
- Universal Orlando Resort Official Announcements
- Orlando Business Journal
- Theme Park Insider
- Forbes Travel Guide
