Universal Orlando’s long-awaited Epic Universe theme park is finally opening its gates on May 22, marking a significant milestone in the Florida tourism industry. The fourth addition to the Universal Orlando portfolio, Epic Universe will transport visitors into beloved worlds such as Harry Potter, Super Mario, and “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Located southwest of downtown Orlando, Epic Universe promises to be a game-changer for the local economy, which welcomes over 75 million visitors annually. The park is expected to draw at least 6-8 million visitors in its first year, according to estimates by Universal’s consulting firm International Theme Park Services.
Epic Universe features five immersive worlds, each with its own themed restaurants, rides, and entertainment. Visitors can explore:
– Celestial Park, the heart of the park
– The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, inspired by the “Fantastic Beasts” films and the “Harry Potter” series
– Super Nintendo World, featuring sights and sounds from the Nintendo video game universe
– How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, modeled after the DreamWorks movie series
– Dark Universe, an immersive experience into spooky creatures like Dracula and Frankenstein
Ticket prices start at $139 for adults and $134 for kids before tax. Theme park hours vary daily but typically range from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. EST.
While opening day coincides with Memorial Day weekend, Universal Orlando Resort has maintained a commitment to keeping the public informed about its plans. The company’s CEO did not comment on speculation that Epic Universe might put Disney out of business, acknowledging only that competition is expected in the industry.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/harry-potter-super-mario-universal-theme-park-epic-universe-opens