UniversalParksBlog News for February 4th, 2024
This week, we’ve only got one topic to discuss, and it’s the obvious one.
Here’s the UniversalParksBlog News update you’ve awaited for four years now.
We’re ready to spill the beans on Universal Epic Universe!
Universal Finally Confirms the Obvious
Photo: Universal
The pandemic was a dark time for theme park content creators.
With the parks closed, we all struggled for ideas on upbeat news we could pass along to you.
Since I wasn’t leaving the house anytime soon, I kinda went crazy in doing a deep dive on every Universal Studios document.
Photo:gameinformer.com
Over time, a picture formed of Universal’s most ambitious project ever, the theme park aptly named Epic Universe.
Nearly four years ago, I wrote this, and while I rarely do this as a rule, I’m patting myself on the back here. Almost all of this was right.
Universal has finally confirmed the four themed lands I’ve written about in detail, along with the fifth land I’ve consistently described as a central hub.
Realistically, the only premise that has changed much at all is the Harry Potter experience, and that happened for a good reason.
Since Universal started planning Epic Universe, the Fantastic Beasts franchise has utterly collapsed.
In fact, Warner Bros. won’t be moving forward with additional movies, ending the story as an unfinished trilogy rather than the intended five-film arc.
From a reporting perspective, perhaps the most interesting aspect of this project stems from the circumstances.
During the first half of 2020, the theme park industry was on the brink of collapse, with some businesses still yet to recover.
Cedar Fair Entertainment and Six Flags are currently trying to merge because neither one is doing well.
Photo: Universalparks.com
For its part, Universal Studios laid off hundreds of employees during the summer of 2020.
Then, a second wave of layoffs occurred that fall, followed by an exodus of top-level theme park executives in 2022.
Despite all the external factors causing setbacks, here we are in 2024! We are finally ready for Epic Universe!
What Has Universal Studios Announced?
Photo: Universal
Many theme park reporters have known what was coming to Epic Universe for a while now.
However, as is Universal’s recent tradition, the theme park business played coy about its plans until this week.
Photo: Universal
Even though excellent reporters like Alicia Stella were telling you what to expect years ago, none of it was confirmed…until now.
Universal Studios has posted this video about what to expect at Epic Universe.
That’s seven minutes of pure bliss for anyone who loves theme parks.
Photo: Universal
As I’ll discuss in a Q&A article that posts this week, Universal appears to have grown and evolved with its storytelling.
We’re witnessing consistent, organic theming that never drops the illusion as you move between lands.
This park looks more like a Disney construct, and I mean that in the best possible way. Disney’s little sibling is all grown up!
Universal also did a bit of flexing here with its announcements.
This video is almost too casual about the fact that Epic Universe will host the first Super Nintendo World on the East Coast.
We’re getting a Mario Kart ride, a Yoshi ride, and that brilliant Donkey Kong mine cart roller coaster!
Photo: USH
But Universal technically didn’t even announce Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge this week! They only showed video.
Importantly, Universal also flatly stated that Celestial Park is a themed land in and of itself.
The intended gathering spot at the hub of Epic Universe will include the Starfall Racers roller coaster we examined last year.
Photo: Universal
Universal’s promotional video also included computerized footage of Constellation Carousel.
Universal claims 360-degree rotations of the carousel creatures like lions and dragons.
Photo: Universal
Also, your constellation creature could lift you as high as six feet in the air.
I’ve got questions about this one we’ll explore later, but it’s gorgeous!
Other Themed Land Announcements
Photo: Universal
We’ve got three other themed lands to discuss, the most Universal Studios of which is Dark Universe.
Park officials describe this place as “shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.”
I suspect this is the area that people are sleeping on the most because the theming here is gonna blow your minds.
If you’ve ever watched a Universal Classic Monsters movie – and you ALL have – it’ll be like the real-life version of that.
Notably, Universal chose not to reveal details about the attractions here (or anywhere) yet.
We know that they’re Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and a Werewolf-themed spinning roller coaster.
Photo: Universal
Until Universal says that, the information technically must remain speculation, though.
How to Train Your Dragon – Berk is the themed land I’ve previously described as just for me.
I’m a superfan of films, as I’ve previously had a couple of Night Furys as familiars, and my wife does now.
Image: Universal Pictures
This themed land should prove family-friendly thanks to its rides and experiences, which Universal chose not to highlight right now.
Finally, Universal sidestepped the Fantastic Beasts problem by naming its Potterland as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Parts of this experience will take place in London, while others will occur in France.
Photo: Universal
Most significantly, we are getting the dark ride we’ve all wanted, which is probably called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
This theme park will debut with a dozen noteworthy attractions, some of which will establish new standards in the industry.
In fact, when the Golden Ticket Awards come out for 2025, Universal’s probably just competing with itself.
The Other Epic Universe Reveals
Photo: Universal
Universal also detailed the restaurants and shops coming to Epic Universe. The eateries include:
- Atlantic
- The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant
- Oak & Star Tavern
- Pizza Moon
Atlantic includes a floor-to-ceiling window version of the Celestial Park surroundings from every table in the restaurant!
Photo: Universal
This place will become one of the top dining options in Orlando the moment it opens.
Our own Madison Owens has detailed all the restaurants here.
Photo: Universal
Similarly, you can read the above link to learn more about the confirmed stores, which are Nintendo Super Star Store and Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.
I don’t need to tell you that the Nintendo store will be packed from day one and stay that way for many years to come.
Photo: Universal
In terms of entertainment, Universal kept its cards close to its vest on some stuff.
The only thing Universal officially confirmed is the already well-established news about water fountain shows at Celestial Park.
Universal sidestepped news about Berk and Harry Potter shows, even though we know those are coming.
Photo: Universal
Finally, we have the big reveal we’ve all awaited. Universal has announced Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
As expected, this property will reside on the official grounds of Epic Universe, making an in-park hotel.
Disney has done something like at Tokyo DisneySea with Hotel MiraCosta, and it should frankly become an industry standard.
Photo: Universal
Guests loooove this amenity and will happily empty their wallets for the privilege of staying inside the park.
We already knew about Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort.
The Helios is technically new information, even though we could all see the construction from the side of the road and aerial shots.
Photo: Universal
That’s been the bizarre part of covering this story. There’s a deep divide between what we know vs. what Universal will acknowledge.
So, you should get in the habit of checking UniversalParksBlog regularly. A lot of BIG stories are about to break!
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Feature Photo: Universal Studios
