Epic Universe Just Became Everything Disney Wishes It Was
Universal’s new Epic Universe park is shaping up to be a serious competitor to Disney. Scheduled to open in May 2025, the park is taking a different route by focusing heavily on immersive design and interactive technology. Its goal is to offer a more modern and connected experience than what many theme park visitors are used to.
Two Parks, Two Different Approaches
Credit: Instagram
Epic Universe divides its space into five distinct themed zones, each designed as its own complete world. These areas are visually themed and include rides, shops, and dining experiences built around a single storyline. The goal is to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a fully developed universe, not just a themed section.
Magic Meets 1920s Paris
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Ministry of Magic area reimagines Paris in the 1920s with magical elements from the Fantastic Beasts film series. The setting includes detailed alleyways, story-driven attractions, and restaurants like Café L’air De La Sirène, where you can try Butterbeer crêpes in a themed environment that supports the world around it.
Turning Games Into Real-World Rides
Credit: flickr
While Disney has interactive attractions, Epic Universe focuses heavily on making games feel real. Donkey Kong Country: Mine-Cart Madness uses new coaster tech to make it feel like you’re jumping tracks. In Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, AR headsets allow riders to see game characters and effects in real-time.
Dragons, Rides, and Photo Ops
Credit: flickr
The Isle of Berk brings the world of How to Train Your Dragon into the park. Guests can take rides like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders or meet Toothless at the Haddock Paddock. These features are designed to appeal to fans of the series and families looking for something beyond traditional roller coasters.
Different Thrills, Same Goal
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Both parks offer some pretty impressive rides. At Epcot, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind features a reverse launch and music-driven ride experience. Epic Universe counters that with Curse of the Werewolf, a ride that leans into horror themes and fast-paced turns.
Hotel Access That Saves Time
Credit: Instagram
Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel gives direct entry into Epic Universe from the hotel lobby. It’s designed to reduce walking time and make park entry smoother. While Disney has resorts close to Epcot, visitors often still need to use shuttles or walk a longer distance to reach the gates.
Ride Styles for Different Crowds
Credit: Reddit
Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers is a fast-paced, high-thrill dual-launch coaster that hits speeds of up to 62 mph. It features a unique racing layout with two tracks that weave and duel alongside each other and give riders the sensation of chasing stars through space. One of its most exciting elements is the spinning section, where coaster cars rotate to enhance the feeling of weightlessness and momentum.
More Compact, Easier to Navigate
Credit: X
Epic Universe features a thoughtfully designed layout with water features, gardens, and central walkways that naturally guide guests between its immersive worlds. The land is accessed through a dedicated portal and creates a seamless transition between themes. The compact footprint means less walking and more time enjoying attractions.
Meals With Built-In Storylines
Credit: Instagram
Dining at Epic Universe is part of the adventure. Restaurants are designed to match their environment, from Toadstool Café in Super Nintendo World to dragon-roasted fare in Berk. Menus, decor, and even staff interactions are themed to continue the story while you eat.
A Strong First Impression
Credit: Instagram
The park’s entrance and central zone, Celestial Park, features sculpted gardens, interactive water elements, and the large Chronos statue. At night, lighting effects transform the space into a vibrant visual display.
Hotels That Match the Park
Credit: Instagram
Epic Universe will launch with three new hotels, including the Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova Resort, and Terra Luna Resort. Like the restaurants, each hotel ties into the park’s themes, with rooms and spaces designed to match what guests will see inside. This approach aims to create a more consistent visit from start to finish.