Construction work on the upcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park continues at an astonishing speed. The Universal Orlando Resort has been in a flurry of construction, grand openings, updates and more in recent years. Now we are a little over a year until the opening of Universal Epic Universe. With photos by Bioreconstruct on X, we get new aerial photos of this truly EPIC new park.
The center of Universal Epic Universe, Celestial Park
In January, Universal debuted tons of new info about this upcoming theme park. One of which was the official land names and concept fly-throughs. If you want to see all of the announcement videos, head to our Universal Epic Universe YouTube playlist. This park isn’t afraid to be a park. Full of lush greenery and waterways, this theme park isn’t just major rides (but it will 100% have those as well).
This heart of the park will stretch past all four lands, and attach the main park entrance to the Helios Grand Hotel. This central area will have a grand carousel, fine dining and a large lagoon show. That lagoon show can’t be missed in this shot. The vibrant teal base stands out among the yellow cranes and dirt.
A positive thing to note, look at the trees and foliage. From the right side of the image, near the Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic area, to the left, with Dark Universe, and even some around the lagoon. Trees and foliage are such crucial parts of a park. And for us enthusiasts, it means work is “finished” in that area.
The importance of trees in Universal Epic Universe construction
Of course, these trees don’t mean the park is actually finished. But it does tell us that major cranes and trucks shouldn’t be in these areas. It allows them to literally take root in their new home. The importance of a park, shade, benches and waterways cannot be understated. This addition of foliage is a welcome sight.
Dark Universe construction is going scary fast
There is a lot going on in this image. To simplify, welcome to Dark Universe. This victorian era land will take you face-to-face with Universal’s Classic Monsters. From a completely immersive dark ride, to a Wolf Man spinner coaster, this land certainly offers fun. It also has a lot of trees already planted.
This is great to see. As stated, it shows to us that major installations are mostly done. Early planting also shows how far ahead Universal is thinking to make sure this land is done right. Buildings are impressive. We love looking at this construction. But to sell a spooky village, you need some established trees.
Greenery installed in Universal Dark Universe
More than almost any other area of the park, the green color here pops. Which is funny to say for a land based on evil characters, some of whom debuted in black and white. Rock work is easy to see from this zoomed in image, as is preparation for walkways.
In basic terms, it looks really good. From layout to design choices, this feels like a themed park. We have to wait to know exactly what food, drink and merchandise offerings will be placed on the “main street” section of town. But, I can imagine some roasted turkey legs, spiced meats, sweet potato desserts, some gruesome looking appetizers and maybe even some Devil’s food cake.
Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and Bowser at Universal Epic Universe
Speaking of colorful areas of the park, we cannot miss Super Nintendo World. Super Nintendo World is already open at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood. In these lands, we see what is probably the best use of theme park gamification ever implemented. Making a video game into a theme park land and making that theme park land a game itself.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe is expected to host tons of characters. One of them, Toad, is on the top of my list of characters to meet at this new park. This land will host an immersive dark ride, a family friendly interactive ride, a world-class roller coaster and a hidden large-scale game.
Donkey Kong roller coaster in Super Nintendo World
Color is abundant in the Donkey Kong area of Super Nintendo World. Known best for the upcoming Donkey Kong roller coaster, this section of the park is really well established. From the temple work, to the colors and even some of the cartoonish plants, the Donkey Kong coaster should be a highlight of Universal Epic Universe.
This coaster will use two tracks, a themed track and the true roller coaster track, to create the illusion of video game physics. Seen above, we can pick out a black track and a mine cart-esque wooden track. This wooden track can be seen breaking away on the left side of the image. But, the black support track remains. Riders will see the mine cart track, but the black track (sometimes painted other colors) will be there at all times to hold up the ride vehicles.
Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts area
The area that we know least about is the Harry Potter Ministry of Magic land. This section of the park will represent both sides of the Wizarding World franchise, the original Harry Potter films and the newer Fantastic Beasts trilogy. What we do know is what we can see. Three, four and even five story buildings have risen from the dirt. This land will be very large and very tall.
Guests will step through the Universal Epic Universe portal into early 1900’s France. And seen from the image above, we can expect a large Parisian city to explore – complete with fantastic artwork. If you haven’t yet explored Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade at the Universal Orlando Resort, I implore you to visit ASAP. These lands are full of storytelling, interactive elements, moments of magic and more. This next iteration of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter seems it will truly WOW us.
Starfall Racers ride testing
Of course, I cannot miss talking about Starfall Racers. This upcoming dueling coaster will be the most thrilling ride in the park. WESH 2 news recently got incredible footage of the ride in testing. This coaster is anything but small. And as time progresses we can see even more detail being added.
For many, this may become their new favorite roller coaster at the Universal Orlando Resort – or in all of Florida.
Universal Epic Universe theme park opens 2025
From a dirt pile just a few years ago, to what we see now. The Universal Creative team has been hard at work to build, design and keep on top of the installation ongoing each day at this site. Universal Epic Universe will be the biggest theme park opening for 2025, and will continue to dominate travel news for years to come. Get ready!
We previously took a look at two other parts of Universal Epic Universe, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, some of the most colorful hotels ever created.
