What to Know About Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Opening May 22

Excitement is building for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, now two months out from welcoming its first guests. 

When the park holds its grand opening on May 22, Universal will also open Universal Helios Grand Resort, a brand-new hotel with direct access to Epic Universe. Other new hotels, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opened earlier this year. 

Creative directors at Universal have promised the most immersive, technologically advanced storytelling experiences they’ve ever delivered with the new park. Highlights will include themed food and beverage, interactive rides, and more. 

Here are the latest updates from Universal Orlando about Epic Universe for travel advisors to know as opening day approaches. 

Ticket Sales

Universal released its first tickets for Epic Universe in October 2024. Initially, consumers and travel advisors could only purchase single-day pass packages that included tickets to Universal’s other parks. The theme park then announced special packages for Florida residents. 

Now, single-day Epic Universe passes are available – without the need to buy a package – for visits beginning on June 1, 2025.  

Travel advisors can book these tickets for clients, as well as find more information, at VAXVacationAccess.com. Universal Express Passes, VIP Tours and more will also go on sale soon. 

Inside the Park

As a reminder, Epic Universe will comprise five “universes”: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Universal recently offered first looks of the worlds, releasing more images from inside the parks. 

In Celestial Park, guests will get to ride a high-speed shooting comet roller coaster and be immersed in the cosmos as the grand entrance into Epic Universe. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will transport guests to Paris and England through scenery building and a live, full-scale theater experience. 

Two 40-foot-tall Viking statues will welcome guests into the Viking-inspired land of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the iconic green pipes from beloved Mario games will surround them in the colorful SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. By contrast, Dark Universe will have shadowy vibes, with monsters galore. 

Food and Merch

Each world will have multiple merchandise stores and dining venues. Select Epic Universe merch, such as apparel and accessories, is now on sale at Universal Orlando’s website.  

Universal recently announced some of its more exciting merch offerings, such as an all-new collection of interactive Harry Potter wands, new How to Train Your Dragon cosplaying attire, and a banana-shaped fanny pack for fans of Donkey Kong. In Dark Universe, there will also be a monster makeup shop experience. 

The park will also have a range of full-service restaurants to fast-casual eateries offering highly themed foods based on their worlds. Some of these include the Harvest Moon Pizza at Celestial Park, Butter Beer Crepe at Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Nordic Harvest Salad at Isle of Berk.