UniversalParksBlog News for April 27th, 2025
Folks, Universal Epic Universe isn’t technically open yet, but it might as well be.
In a rather startling turn of events, Universal Orlando Resort has opened the floodgates.
Photo: Universal
After spending the past six months acting as if it’d be a constant struggle to visit Epic Universe, the tide has definitively turned.
Epic Universe livestreams have been a daily occurrence recently, and we already know almost everything about the new park.
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We’ll discuss this surprising bit of transparency in UniversalParksBlog News.
What Is Happening???
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Generally, theme park operators treat new attractions like national security concerns.
The odds of an influencer filming something typically approach zero. And when it happens, they get banned from the park.
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Thus, few people are willing to risk the wrath of theme park businesses, even small ones, much less Universal Studios.
That’s why I expected nothing more than brief 60-second TikToks of various Epic Universe attractions, at least before the opening.
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Well, this is about as wrong as I’ve been in a while, and I thought Shadeur Sanders would go no worse than #21 overall in the draft.
To my total shock, the Epic Universe content is coming early and often now that park officials have lifted the ban.
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During the first round of Team Member sneaks, leaking pictures or video could have gotten people fired.
That was last month. Today, I’m cycling through dozens of options in deciding which content to show you.
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This choice isn’t easy, either. I know that some of you would rather be surprised.
If that’s the case, just go ahead and skip down to the Universal Miscellany section.
That’s where I’ll cover what should be two massive stories, the first-ever Fan Fest Nights and the first-ever Volcano Bay Nights.
For now, I’m not about to bury the lede, which is that we’ve taken the full scope of Epic Universe.
I’ll discuss specifics in the next two sections. So, now is the time to skim to the bottom of the article!
What We Learned about Epic Universe
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Let’s start with the themed land that probably excites you the most. Here’s Super Nintendo World:
The first thing I want to point out is the Portal. Universal execs weren’t speaking metaphorically about them.
Image: Universal
You literally enter a Portal to reach the next destination. Some of the entrances are more basic, but this one’s not.
You take an escalator to the top floor, where the Nintendo universe unfolds in front of you. Here’s the E-ticket ride:
I previously showed the Japanese versions of Mine-Kart Madness and Yoshi’s Adventure, which are nearly identical here.
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The rest of the park, on the other hand, is decidedly new. We’ve never seen any of the other rides before at Universal parks.
So, we’re in uncharted territory when we discuss How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk.
Image: Universal Pictures
Would you like to see Toothless? Of course, you would! And here he is:
No, that’s obviously not the Audio-Animatronic character interaction.
Image: Universal Pictures
That’s a delightful part of Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a roller coaster where Toothless launches you up the hill.
Frankly, I wouldn’t need to see anything else, as I’m sold on the greatness of this ride.
Universal Pictures
But you can meet Toothless and Hiccup as well! Here’s that character encounter:
I suspect you’re starting to understand why Universal Studios officials aren’t hiding anything.
Photo: Universal
This park is a grand slam, and management understandably wants the world to know it.
Any concerns about Epic Universe’s quality has vanished in a span of a few livestreams.
I’m Not Joking
Image: Universal
Here’s a livestream from Rix Flix just last night. He’s probably the most recognizable of all Universal Orlando YouTubers.
He takes guests through Darkmoor at the start before heading to Super Nintendo World at dusk.
I’m now linking the moment when he shows the Constellation Carousel at night. Isn’t it breathtaking?
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But let’s circle back to Darkmoor. Here’s one of the many unheralded aspects of Epic Universe:
Yes, that’s a character interaction with the Bride of Frankenstein! There’s another one with the Invisible Man that you’ll love, too.
Park strategists have seeded each themed land with engaging interactions like this one.
Photo: Universal
So, you’ll always find something to do at Epic Universe, and I’m not just talking about all the high-quality attractions.
Plus, the place is gorgeous at night. You’ll quickly discover that it’s like two park visits in one: daylight and twilight.
Universal Studios Miscellany
Image: Universal
Hello again to some of you! Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood hosted the first-ever Universal Fan Fest Nights.
The event was a huge hit, and I’ll link another influencer’s video to help you understand why:
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. The park has recreated Hill Valley from Back to the Future.
Image: Universal
You’ll even find a Biff Tannen and Doc Brown here, and a young man named Marty plays a guitar at Enchantment Under the Sea.
The level of detail is ridiculous, with the show including highlights of the film’s third act.
I’m running long this week, so I won’t be able to discuss the Star Trek: Red Alert much, but I think it’s, if anything, even better!
Image: Universal
Then, we have Volcano Bay Nights. Here’s Super Enthused’s vlog about the event:
Honestly, there’s not much new to say about this one. It’s exactly what it sounds like: Volcano Bay after dark.
You’ll find a live DJ here and plenty of exclusive drinks and pieces of merchandise.
So, you’ll have a great time, which is why I’d recommend Volcano Bay Nights. Just don’t expect too much. It is what it is.
Photo: Volcano Bay
Finally, I should mention a couple of things happening at the old parks. Universal Mega Movie Parade is back for 2025.
Similarly, the nighttime presentation, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, is also back…with a noticeable change.
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Due to a recent drone incident in Florida, there’s a crackdown on these devices. So, CineSational doesn’t currently feature drones.
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Feature Photo: Universal
