- A view from Universal Helios Grand Hotel shows the worlds of Universal Epic Universe, including Celestial Park and Stardust Racers, on April 4, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view from Universal Helios Grand Hotel shows Stardust Racers, a dueling coaster ride, during a preview day at Universal Epic Universe on April 4, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests enter through the during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22.(Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Helios Grand Hotel is situated within Universal Epic Universe and includes a dedicated entrance to the park for hotel guests on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Super Nintendo World is brightly colored and bustling with guests during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests take a ride on Mine-Cart Madness within Donkey Kong Country within Super Nintendo World during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests take a ride on Fyre Drill, a new water ride within the How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk world at Universal's Epic Universe theme park in Orlando during a preview day on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The theme park has been open for friends and family of Universal staff members to preview and will open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests shout and raise their hands while riding the Hiccup’s Wing Gliders coaster in the How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk world during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
An actor playing Hiccup poses for photos with Toothless the dragon and guests in the How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk world during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk world features three rides and a show in addition to immersive scenery at Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests shout and raise their hands while riding the Hiccup’s Wing Gliders coaster in the How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk world during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk world features three rides and a show in addition to immersive scenery at Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests ride Stardust Racers, a new dueling roller coaster ride in Celestial Park during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Celestial Park is the central hub of Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Epic Universe visitors ride Stardust Racers, a dueling roller coaster ride in Celestial Park during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on Saturday. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A 9-foot-figure of Frankenstein's and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein are focal points of the pre-show leading up to Monsters Unchained. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Stardust Racers rolls in Celestial Park during a preview day for Epic Universe on Saturday. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests ride Stardust Racers, a new dueling roller coaster ride in Celestial Park during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests prepare to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a ride that features gameplay and augmented-reality glasses, during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Frankenstein is a focal point of the pre-show leading up to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests take a ride on Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster inside of Dark Universe, during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Mario character and spinning cold coins decorate a fountain at Epic Universe theme park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A portal serves as the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry features Delores Umbridge, whose trial is the focal point of the ride. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A portal leads the way to How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, one of the worlds of Epic Universe theme park, which officially opens to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Bar Helios, a 10th floor bar at Helios Grand Hotel features high-up views of Universal Epic Universe on April 4, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view from Universal Helios Grand Hotel shows the worlds of Universal Epic Universe, including Celestial Park, on April 4, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests take a ride on Mine-Cart Madness within Donkey Kong Country within Super Nintendo World during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A portal guides the way into Dark Universe, a world which centers on Universal’s classic monsters, during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The entrance portal welcomes guests into Orlando’s newest theme park during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view from Universal Helios Grand Hotel shows the worlds of Universal Epic Universe, including Celestial Park and the portal entrance to the park, on April 4, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view from Universal Helios Grand Hotel shows the worlds of Universal Epic Universe, including Celestial Park, on April 4, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests ride Stardust Racers, a new dueling roller coaster ride, during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A portal leads guests into Super Nintendo World during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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A view from Universal Helios Grand Hotel shows the worlds of Universal Epic Universe, including Celestial Park and Stardust Racers, on April 4, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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By Dewayne Bevil | dbevil@orlandosentinel.com | Orlando Sentinel
UPDATED:
In a first look at Universal's Epic Universe, the new Harry Potter attraction impresses, but monsters ride entertains.
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Originally Published:
