Epic Universe Orlando: Everything You Need to Know
Universal's Epic Universe opens in Orlando in May 2025, and it's the biggest theme park expansion the city has seen in decades. A full new park — not an expansion of the existing resort — with five distinct worlds, its own hotels, and a dining and entertainment district built from scratch. If you're planning a trip to Orlando and wondering whether to factor it in, here's what you need to know.
What is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando's fourth theme park, built on a 750-acre site south of the existing resort near the Orange County Convention Center. It's connected to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure by a dedicated transit link, so you can move between parks on a single day if you want to. The park opens on May 22, 2025.
The Five Worlds
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
A new chapter in the Wizarding World, set in 1920s Paris and inside the British Ministry of Magic. Expect immersive architecture, new rides, and the kind of detail that made Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley so memorable. The headline attraction is a major dark ride through the Ministry itself.
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
Based on the DreamWorks films, this world brings Berk to life with a flying dragon ride as its centrepiece. It's built for families and younger guests, with character meet-and-greets and a Viking village to explore.
Super Nintendo World
Already a hit at Universal Japan and Hollywood, Super Nintendo World makes its East Coast debut here. The interactive land lets you collect coins and battle bosses using a wristband, with Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge as the anchor ride. Kids and adults both get absorbed in it.
Universal Horror Unleashed
A permanent horror experience — separate from the seasonal Halloween Horror Nights — set in a dark, atmospheric world that runs year-round. It's aimed at adults and older teens, with scare zones and horror-themed dining.
Getting There from Your Vacation Home
Most of our homes in Champions Gate, Solterra, Davenport and the surrounding communities sit about 20 to 30 minutes from the Epic Universe site by car. The park is closer to I-4 than the existing Universal resort, so the drive from the south side of Orlando is straightforward. Parking will be available on-site, and Universal is expected to run shuttle connections from the existing resort hotels.
If you're splitting your trip between Disney and Universal, a home in Davenport or Champions Gate puts you roughly equidistant from both — a practical base for a week that covers both resorts.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Book tickets early. Epic Universe is expected to sell out on peak days throughout its first year, and Universal's date-based ticketing means last-minute availability will be limited. Check the Universal website for opening-day ticket releases.
Go midweek if you can. Opening weeks and weekends will be the busiest. A Tuesday or Wednesday visit in the first few months will give you shorter queues and a better chance of riding everything.
Allow a full day. Five worlds is a lot of ground to cover, and the detail in each one rewards slowing down. A half-day visit will feel rushed.
Combine with the existing parks. A Universal multi-park ticket lets you move between Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure. If you haven't done the existing Wizarding World, pairing it with Ministry of Magic makes sense.
Staying Close to Epic Universe
Our vacation homes put you in a comfortable, private base with a pool to come back to after a long park day. No hotel corridors, no shared pools, no queuing for breakfast. You set the pace. Browse our homes in Champions Gate, Solterra Resort, and Watersong Resort to find the right fit for your group.
