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If you’re heading to Florida in 2025, there’s something brand new on the scene — and it’s big. Universal’s Epic Universe has officially opened, and it’s already making waves.
This is Universal’s third major theme park in Orlando (or fourth if you count Volcano Bay), but it’s not just another bolt-on. It’s an entirely new world, built from scratch, with its own layout, look, and feel. For families planning a Florida holiday, it adds a fresh bit of excitement — and possibly another day or two to the itinerary.
Epic Universe opened its doors in May 2025 and is only a short drive from the existing Universal Orlando Resort. A new transport line connects everything, so if you’re staying nearby or on-site, getting between parks is fairly simple — no rental car needed.
The big idea behind Epic Universe is to take immersion to the next level. Each land feels like its own fully fleshed-out mini world — with themed rides, restaurants, shops, and walk-through areas that don’t just look the part but feel it.
It’s a park where the detail really matters — you’re not just queuing for a ride, you’re walking through an entire story.
There are five themed areas inside Epic Universe — each with its own vibe, set of attractions, and atmosphere. It’s very different from older parks where zones can blur into each other. These are distinct, and that’s half the fun.
This is the central hub, and it’s not tied to any film or franchise. Think gardens, fountains, and cosmic-style architecture. It’s home to a few rides, including the new “Starfall Racers” coaster, and a good chunk of food and chill-out space. It’s also where you’ll enter and exit the other lands.
This one’s been around in Japan and California, but it’s making its Florida debut here — and it’s already a hit. There’s a full Mario-themed area with meet-and-greets, interactive games, and the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride, which blends real-world track and clever screens. It’s fast, colourful, and just chaotic enough to be brilliant. Younger kids love it, and honestly, grown-ups do too.
Instead of retreading Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, this new land dives into the Fantastic Beasts era. Think cobbled European streets, grand wizarding buildings, and walk-through areas that feel more like a film set than a theme park. The Ministry of Magic itself is beautifully done — darker in tone, more grown-up, but still packed with little magical touches if you slow down and look.
This part of the park feels lighter and a bit more laid-back. It’s styled like the Viking village from the films, with fire pits, wooden huts, and the odd dragon flying past. There’s a decent-sized coaster here — Hiccup’s Wing Gliders — but also plenty for younger kids, including splash zones and gentle rides. It’s colourful, energetic, but never overwhelming, which is a nice balance if you’re travelling with a mixed-age group.
This one’s for the brave. It’s all themed around Universal’s classic monsters — Frankenstein, Dracula, and the like — with a dark, gothic tone. It’s spooky but not over-the-top scary, and the rides look set to become new favourites for teens and horror fans.
Epic Universe is clearly a step toward competing with Disney on the full-immersion front. Everything feels big, detailed, and layered. But it still has that slightly edgier Universal feel — faster rides, fewer princesses, and a bit more for older kids and teens.
It also feels a bit roomier than the older parks. The paths are wide, the layout’s well thought-out, and it doesn’t have that cramped, chaotic feel you sometimes get on busy days. If you’ve been to Disney before and fancy a change of pace, this is something a bit different — still magical, but with its own personality. It doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be anything else.
Honestly? Yes — especially if you’re already considering Universal. It adds another full day (or two) to your holiday plans, and for families who like parks with a mix of fun, film, and thrills, it’s well worth a visit.
It’s also new, which means shorter queues early in the season and the thrill of being among the first to try it. For older kids and teens, it’s likely to be the highlight.
If you’re staying at a Universal hotel, you’ll get early park access — which is ideal while everyone’s still figuring the place out. Just expect it to be busy in summer and half-term.
Universal’s Epic Universe is one of the most exciting things to happen in Florida theme parks in years. It feels fresh, ambitious, and just a little bit magical — without trying to be Disney.
If you’re building a 2025 Florida holiday from scratch, this should definitely be on your radar. And if you’re a return visitor wondering whether it’s worth adding a couple of extra days… it absolutely is.
