Epic Universe Celebrates Grand Opening at Universal Orlando

ORLANDO – Beneath a dazzling display of fireworks, Universal Orlando celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, on Wednesday evening, May 21. 

Hundreds of media and special guests walked down the blue carpet, under the towering entrance portal, and into Celestial Park to enjoy Epic’s food and attractions. At around 10:15 p.m., the official opening spectacular featured synchronized fountains, drone lights, and fireworks, as well as pre-recorded remarks from Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, the park’s creative consultant – all ending with one bright, shiny word: EPIC. It was a storybook ending to two days of exploring SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Mythical Isle of Berk. 

“This moment marks a significant milestone in our company’s journey to redefine the theme park experience for our global audience and for generations of families to come,” Woodbury said. “What you have seen, felt, and experienced tonight is a product of the immense creative talent, technical prowess, and operational excellence of all of our incredibly dedicated teams at Universal Destinations and Experiences. To all involved, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude.” 

“Through amazing stories and unforgettable characters, we are introduced to these incredible worlds we only dare imagine and, in the process, we discover the hero in ourselves,” Spielberg added. “Universal Epic Universe has brought those worlds to life – all the sights, sounds, and feelings you’ve come to love in a way that can only be described as epic.” 

Though passholder previews began in mid-April, the five lands of Epic Universe are now officially open to all beginning Thursday, May 22. During a special media visit on May 20 and 21, Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, told reporters and content creators that Epic Universe “changes everything for us.” 

“It truly transforms Universal Orlando Resort into what I will say is more than a full week’s vacation destination,” she said. “We’re eager to welcome the world to see what we’ve built here at Epic Universe.” 

Guests are referred to as “travelers” and “explorers” in the park, and Celestial Park serves as the center channel that transports guests through the cosmos, to each portal, and voila – into four distinct worlds. It’s this heart of the park that “puts the park back in theme park,” as several Universal executives have repeated, and comes alive with gardens, fountains, and sounds of delighted screams from the Stardust Racers rollercoaster. 

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Corporation hotel that blends seamlessly into Epic Universe and has its own dedicated entrance to the park, is also now officially open as of May 22. Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resorts, just across the street, both opened earlier this year.  

Epic Universe is being touted as Universal’s most immersive, interactive, and technologically savvy creation to date. Stay tuned for more Travel Market Report coverage of the innovative theme park and new hotels at Universal Orlando Resort.