Universal Orlando has officially announced the grand opening date for its highly anticipated fourth theme park, Epic Universe, which is set to welcome guests on May 22, 2025. This announcement puts an end to months of speculation regarding the launch of what is being touted as Universal’s most ambitious park project yet, featuring an innovative design that encompasses five distinct themed worlds.
In a statement, Universal Destinations and Experiences, a branch of NBCUniversal, described Epic Universe as a transformative addition to the theme park landscape. The park promises more than 50 attractions, extraordinary entertainment options, and uniquely themed dining and shopping experiences, offering a level of immersion and innovation that sets it apart from other theme parks.
The five themed worlds included in Epic Universe are Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. A central feature of the park will be the 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews property designed with a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe for hotel guests who have theme park admission.
The development of Epic Universe has faced challenges, particularly due to construction delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO Brian Roberts of Comcast has frequently highlighted the project in earnings discussions, and its implications for the competitive landscape of Orlando theme parks have not gone unnoticed. Disney’s CEO Bob Iger commented that Epic Universe does not pose a significant threat to Disney, especially as it undertakes substantial upgrades to its own parks.
Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, expressed excitement about the upcoming opening, emphasizing that the new park will provide visitors with an unforgettable experience filled with exhilarating attractions. She stated that this development marks a pivotal moment for Universal as it prepares to transform the vacation experience for guests.
Starting next week, Universal will begin selling multi-day tickets and package options for guests. The initial offerings will include various multi-day tickets as well as vacation packages allowing admission to both Universal’s existing parks and Epic Universe for stays beginning May 22, 2025. Sales for these products will commence on Tuesday, October 22. Additionally, reservations for the Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open on the same day.
Annual passholders will have exclusive access to purchase single-day tickets to Epic Universe starting Thursday, October 24, before they are available to the general public. This staggered release strategy aims to accommodate guests planning longer vacations while managing the expected high demand.