Universal Orlando Resort to illuminate Edinburgh Castle for epic show
Dynamically transforming from one world to another, the landmark's breathtaking transitions will captivate the audience in this historic spectacle, allowing the fans to contribute to the launch of Epic Universe in an unforgettable, shareable experience.
Guests in attendance will have a chance to win a seven-night trip to Universal Orlando Resort including tickets to all four of their theme parks – including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the brand-new Epic Universe. They will stay at the recently opened, Universal Terra Luna Resort.
British Airways Holidays – the official UK holiday launch partner of the brand-new Epic Universe theme park - will provide the flights for the prize winner in the Club World cabin.
"Transporting fans into the worlds of Epic Universe sits at the heart of this projection and we can't wait to for the people of Scotland and beyond to experience the thrills of this brand-new theme park.'
The Universal Epic Universe projection stunt is a free ticketed private event with very limited capacity.
Global content marketing agency TPF will deliver the Edinburgh leg of the project.
For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.
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Daily Mail
02-08-2025
- Daily Mail
Universal leaks details of massive Epic Universe expansion… and Disney may be forced to take drastic action
Universal Studios' brand new theme park Epic Universe just opened a little over two months ago... but a massive expansion is already in talks. The dazzling amusement park launched on May 22, 2025, introducing five immersive new lands - including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragons, amongst others. From battling the Ministry of Magic in a thrilling Harry Potter-themed ride to visiting the spooky village of Darkmoor, where Henry Frankenstein's great-great-granddaughter has accidentally set free a slew of famous monsters like Dracula, the Mummy, and the Werewolf, to name a few - there is so much to see and do. But according to Universal's executives, this is just the beginning, as they've already been teasing some pretty exciting updates to the glorious new park. And the upcoming expansions may force Disney World, which is located just down the road, to take drastic action to ensure it doesn't lose guests. Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort, was first to tease a potential Epic Universe expansion in a video shared to Universal's YouTube channel in March, two months before the park even opened. 'There are already so many things in the works now. We have a slate of new attractions that we're already developing for every one of our parks. We're already planning for the next thing at Epic,' she said. Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, also hinted at the future of Epic Universe last month during a press conference. He told reporters from inside the park, 'What you can't see sitting here are all the expansion areas that are outside the spaces that you can see. 'There's a lot of room for expansion. We're already thinking about how that plays out, and it's the same on the north end of the campus, new attractions coming, new intellectual property coming.' Last month, Universal sent theme park fans into a frenzy when it filed new work permits for a 40,178-square-foot construction site at Epic Universe, titled Project 915. It was described as 'site preparation for new construction building, including but not limited to relocating existing utilities, installing new utilities, site grading, and foundation for new building.' According to popular theme park blog That Park Place, the project is set for the area 'between Super Nintendo World and Celestial Park, right across the path from the Atlantic full-service restaurant.' They theorized it will be 'a multi-purpose soundstage or theater, possibly designed for events, seasonal shows, or even temporary exhibits.' The permit expires in December 2025, giving a hint as to when the mysterious new building will be finished. Aerial shots taken by a theme park photographer known as Bioreconstruct on X (formerly Twitter) show that Epic Universe as multiple 'expansion pads' - areas of land just outside of the park that have been completely cleared out for future construction. Universal's executives have already been teasing some pretty exciting updates to the glorious new park. Some of the lands at Epic Universe are seen There is one next to Super Mario World that's about seven acres, one connected to Dark Universe that's about 3.5 acres, and one adjacent to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic that's a whopping 17 acres, amongst others. In addition, the gate at the center of Epic Universe has a symbol for all five of the current worlds - and there's two more spots that are empty, hinting that two new lands may be added in the future. Naturally, social media has been ablaze with theorizes about what new things will be coming to Epic Universe. Many people believe a Wicked-themed area will be next to arrive, while others have speculated that Luigi's Mansion, a Lord of the Rings land, or something to do with Legends of Zelda or Pokemon will come to the park. There are also a slew of rumors that a Creature from the Black Lagoon boat ride will be added to Dark Universe in the future, as well as a second ride for the Harry Potter area. When asked about a potential Wicked land by the New York Times in February, Mark said, 'When I saw it, my first reaction was, "This is a theme park waiting to happen."' So what does all this mean for Disney World? Well, for years, Disney has been looked at by many as the top theme park in the world, offering four amusement parks, two water parks, and a slew of hotels, shopping, and dining. But there's no denying that the opening of Epic Universe tilted the scale slightly - and Universal's fast and ambitious talk of expansions has got many avid theme park fans talking. 'The opening of Universal's Epic Universe sent ripples through the industry - and now, just two months later, those ripples have become a tidal wave,' Inside the Magic wrote earlier this month. From battling the Ministry of Magic in a thrilling Harry Potter-themed ride (seen) to visiting the spooky village of Darkmoor - there is so much to see and do at Epic Universe 'Universal didn't just throw open the gates to its most ambitious park ever - they also just confirmed that expansion is already in the works. 'It's fast. It's aggressive. And it's exactly the kind of pressure Disney hasn't had to deal with in decades. 'And if the rumors and leaked plans are anything to go by, Universal isn't just trying to compete anymore. They're aiming to take over the market. 'Universal is building hype, driving bookings, and reshaping expectations. Disney needs to meet that energy, or risk falling behind.' They pointed out that Disney has become somewhat known for its 'slow and calculated' expansions - something the company might have to reconsider amidst the immense excitement surrounding the future of Epic Universe. And Disney may already be taking notice as it has announced a slew upcoming changes to its parks in recent months. A new Cars-themed land is in the works at Magic Kingdom, as well as an area inspired by the Disney villains. In addition, an Encanto river ride, an Indiana Jones attraction, and a Zootopia show are all set to come to Animal Kingdom in the upcoming years. Over in Hollywood Studios, a new Monsters Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard, and it's set to have a suspended rollercoaster that will put riders 'right in the middle of the monster action.' But the all the new stuff has meant that a slew of beloved rides have been forced to close, including the Liberty Square Riverboat ride, the Dinosaur ride, and Muppet*Vision 3D, leaving many die-hard Disney fans outraged. Earlier this year, a new Comprehensive Plan 2045 from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District even showed potential plans for Disney to build a fifth sprawling theme park. The plans detailed a reserved development capacity for another 'major theme park' and two 'minor theme parks' that could be built over the next few decades. The expansion at the Orlando resort could be expansive - mirroring the scale of other popular parks such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. The documents allotted 400 to 500 acres for the new park which would be Disney's first all-new gate in over 25 years. It is thought that the two smaller parks will be water parks, spanning an estimated 147 acres each. Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park, and the Comprehensive Plan does not mean that the fifth park is definitely happening, but it opens the door for one in the future should Disney want to go forward with it. In the end, only time will tell what will come next for both Epic Universe and Disney World, but all in all, it's an exciting time for theme park lovers.
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Universal's UK theme park plans have dropped – here's what you can expect including nightclubs and film studios
Plus, The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park PARK UP Universal's UK theme park plans have dropped – here's what you can expect including nightclubs and film studios PLANS have been dropped for the new Universal theme park coming to Bedfordshire. The attraction will be divided into four main land areas known as the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone. 5 Plans have been dropped for the new Universal theme park coming to Bedfordshire Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels, camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces. The plans state: "[Guests will ]experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars. "They'll come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains. "They'll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they've only ever dreamed of." The application also expresses that in the first year, 8.5million visitors are expected to the Core Zone. Then, in future years, 12.5million visitors are expected annually. The split between domestic and international visitors is expected to be 70 per cent and 30 per cent respectively in the first year. Then 52 per cent and 48 per cent respectively in future years. The attraction is also due to be open each day between 9am and 9pm, with visitors starting to arrive at 7am and depart up until 10pm. Hotel arrivals would take place later, at 3pm, to coincide with check-in times. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food The Universal UK theme park is expected to open in 2031. Rides, experiences and attractions Many parts of the application reference what will be included in the theme park. This includes indoor and outdoor rides, attractions, games and pools. There is also set to be events spaces for parades, shows and displays. Entertainment venues are set to include theatres and cinemas and sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities are also planned. Other entertainment venues suggested are music and dance venues, nightclubs and even tattoo parlours. Planned indoor and outdoor cultural spaces include exhibition spaces, art galleries and museums. Under the accessibility section, the proposal also includes ride examples such as a Men in Black experience, One Fish Two Fish fairground ride and a Jurassic Park water-based ride. 5 The attraction will be divided into four main land areas known as the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences Interestingly, the document also reveals that the site could have media and film production facilities, stating: "For instance a building may be used as a sound stage, film studio, event space or hosting a Universal Destinations & Experiences show or even a mixture of these uses." The application goes on to explain how the use of some buildings at the site may vary seasonally, "for instance during events such as Halloween Horror Nights". There will also be a maximum height of anything in the theme park of 115metres. Core Zone The Core Zone will be the central part of the attraction and is set "to contain the theme park, amusement park and/or water park". The plans also show that it could have an entry plaza, car and coach parking, a 500-room hotel, valet parking service and a transport hub. Lake Zone The Lake Zone will be the northernmost part of the attraction. In this zone, the proposed plans include business hotels with 2000 rooms, further hotels and accommodation with 3370 bedrooms and entertainment complex support. This zone is also set to include the Convention Centre, which will span across 55,000square-metres. 5 Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels, camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces Credit: Universal Any shops in this zone will have a maximum size of 1,100square-metres. In addition, this zone would have a new wetland habitat. East Gateway Zone The East Gateway Zone will be located in the eastern area of the Bedfordshire site, located near the village of Wixams. The East Gateway Zone would also adjoin the planned site of the new Wixams Rail Station. West Gateway Zone The westernmost area of the site will feature the West Gateway Zone. This zone is set to include a petrol station with 16 pumps, restaurants up to 5,866square-metres, a 200-bedroom hotel and entertainment resort complex support. Any shops in this zone will have a maximum size of 1,100square-metres. Accessibility and inclusion Universal is also committed to "creating a theme park experience that's inclusive and accessible to everyone, ensuring that all our guests can embark on unforgettable journeys regardless of their abilities". 5 The plans state: "[Guests will ]experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars" Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences For the UK park this means that there will be wide and smooth pathways for wheelchairs, ramps and lifts, accessible toilets in each toilet block and accessible hotel accommodation. Rides would each have one row or seat that can accommodate wheelchair users or visitors with walking impairments. Assistive technology would also be available throughout the park such as captioning, audio description, tactile maps and a phone app. Transport The overall site also plans to include a new junction on the A421, an expanded railway station on the Thameslink/Midland Main Line at Wixams, improvements to roads and potential land for a new railway station on the proposed EWR Bletchley to Bedford line (if this were to happen in the future). The vision includes a four-platform, four-track station at Wixams with a new station building. The application also reveals that the Core Zone could have a transport hub, where a "rail-related development may be provided". Pedestrian and cycle routes are set to be added to the park too. In the mean time The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park and has shared all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Wales Online
I visited the £7bn Epic theme park dubbed as the world's best and one ride blew me away
I visited the £7bn Epic theme park dubbed as the world's best and one ride blew me away Epic opened in May and is the third theme park and fourth park overall to open at Universal Orlando This was my bold introduction to Stardust Racers, one of the headline coasters at Universal's long-awaited Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. (Image: Universal Resort ) I was upside down, mid-barrel roll, stomach-lurching, and questioning every life choice that had led to this moment, chiefly smashing a giant pizza mere minutes before riding a 100 km/h roller coaster. As the Florida sun beat down with oven-like intensity, I could only white knuckle the rest of the insanely fast ride. I wouldn't decorate the person behind me with mozzarella and regret. This was my bold introduction to Stardust Racers, one of the headline coasters at Universal's long-awaited Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. I was here for an early preview of the park that's had theme park fans in a spin for months. Naturally, I kicked things off by throwing myself into the deep end. Let it be known: I'm a ride-or-die theme park girlie. I'll happily queue for hours, scream like a banshee, and race straight back to the start for another go. But Stardust Racers hit differently. In under 90 seconds, I cried, swore, and sweated through my SPF 50 as we hurtled around 5,000 feet of freshly built track. This Epic coaster doesn't warm you up gently. It hurtles you into the cosmos at 62 miles per hour with a savage full-throttle force that threatens to rearrange your insides and make you wonder if your life insurance is up to date. (Reader, it is not.) At one point, as we spiralled through an inverted crisscross at full speed, I was fairly convinced I'd touched the edge of the cosmos. It was undoubtedly a bold start to my time at Epic Universe, Universal's long-awaited new Orlando theme park, with an estimated construction price tag of $7.7bn. Announced in 2019 and almost a decade in the making, this 110-acre park is the biggest Universal ever built and is, as Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury puts it, 'the most technologically advanced park in the world.' Epic Universe guide Epic Universe also holds the distinction of being the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. (Image: Universal ) Epic Universe also holds the distinction of being the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. With lucrative IPs to rival Disney's, including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, it's coming for the House of Mouse. Ambitious, immersive and bursting with brand-new rides and cutting-edge tech, Epic is Universal's boldest swing yet at the theme park crown. It's also the first new addition to their Florida line-up since Islands of Adventure. 'We have a fantastic destination here already,' says Universal CEO Mark Woodbury. 'Adding this fourth park makes us the destination of choice for a full-week vacation.' Mickey must be bricking it. Through a set of dazzling and unique portals, visitors can 'travel' to five distinctly themed worlds, Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, all stitched together with big-budget flair. I got a sneak peek at what promises to be Orlando's most ambitious park yet. Here, you'll find immersive worlds to explore, each rich with detail and packed with showstopping rides and characters from beloved franchises, including Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon and Nintendo. Here's what to expect. Celestial Park Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. (Image: Portia Jones ) Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. Unlike the IP-driven lands beyond, this original world isn't tied to any movie, show or game. It's the lush centre of Epic, featuring dancing fountains, dreamy Art Nouveau architecture, and tree-lined walkways that effortlessly blend with the park's interstellar theme. As night falls, colourful lights flicker in sync with an extravagant fountain show, casting a soft glow over the park's cosmic heart. The entrance alone is a spectacle, an arched portal adorned with intricate astronomical symbols, rotating orbs, and golden flourishes. It has such strong Space Oddity energy that I half expect Bowie to float down and instruct me to take my protein pills and put on my helmet. As I strolled through, beaming 'Celestians' (team members) greeted me in splendid cosmic regalia, chirping, 'Welcome, travellers!' I almost asked if I needed a passport. Costumed staff here aren't just friendly; they're all in. Smiling, waving, and giving a vibe somewhere between a sci-fi epic and a David Lynch fever dream. I can't imagine employees at Universal's planned British theme park being this enthusiastic. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, featuring two independent launches, allowing riders to choose between the thrilling yellow "Photon" and green "Pulsar" tracks. For coaster junkies, this is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even the most steel-nerved thrill seekers. For coaster junkies, this is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even the most steel-nerved thrill seekers. (Image: Portia Jones ) Want a slower pace? Hop aboard the wonderfully over-the-top Constellation Carousel, where you can spin gently through the stars on a celestial lion, dragon, or peacock to ambient space music. For lunch, try the Space Cowboy pizza, a bold combination of BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives, and crisps, served in the grand 1900s Victorian theatre-turned-pizzeria Pizza Moon. Pro tip: Stick around for dusk; that's when our guy Apollo hands the sun over to Luna in a dazzling light-and-music ceremony. How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk Hiccup's home island of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail (Image: Portia Jones ) Visitors with kids (and film-nut adults) will likely be very familiar with How to Train Your Dragon. This wildly popular film franchise tells the story of a hapless Viking boy named Hiccup who defies centuries of tradition by befriending an adorable 'night fury' dragon named Toothless. Hiccup's home island of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail, with a faithful recreation of the craggy and chaotic world where raucous Vikings and feisty dragons coexist. While the painstaking details of Viking life are impressive, the dragons truly soar. Thanks to jaw-dropping animatronics, they're so realistic you half-expect them to flap off into the skies. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk while soaring through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet–just like a real dragon rider (Image: Portia Jones ) The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience, where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap enviable pics for your social media. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk while soaring through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet–just like a real dragon rider. Bag a seat at The Untrainable Dragon for a Broadway-level production featuring film faves Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid in a musical, dragon-filled live show that astounds. The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience, where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap enviable pics for your social media. (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're short on time, Dragon Racer's Rally might be the one to skip. It promises a customisable dragon-riding experience with barrel rolls and aerial tricks, but by the time you've figured out the up-down lever, the ride's already landing. Top tip: Grab the carb-tastic Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone from Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Stuffed with creamy mac, spicy pulled chicken, hot honey, peppers, chimichurri, and crispy onions, all in a bread cone, it's a perfect portable lunch for busy riders. Dark Universe Film fans rejoice! Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe (Image: Portia Jones ) Film fans rejoice! Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe. Remember the weird Tom Cruise Mummy reboot in 2017? That was supposed to kick off an interconnected, cinematic monsterverse with classic characters, including Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. Sadly, the Mummy tanked (it was ghastly), and the project was scrapped. However, you can now see what this doomed film franchise could have been in a gloriously gothic fantasy village of Darkmoor, where monsters and ghouls roam among rides, restaurants and attractions. Grab a pic with the acerbic Invisible Man, whose dark humour is wickedly delightful. "Of course you'll see me in the pictures, foolish girl, I'm wearing bandages." Ouch. Grab a pic with the acerbic Invisible Man (Image: Portia Jones ) At the heart of Darkmoor, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment perfectly encapsulates Universal's classic characters in a menacing, sophisticated thrill ride with next-level animatronics. You're ushered into the eerie bowels of Frankenstein Manor and met by an uncanny valley, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, and a towering, 2.7-metre-tall Frankenstein monster so unnervingly lifelike, I briefly questioned my grip on reality. On this immersive ride, our unhinged heroine, Vic, attempts (and fails spectacularly) to control wayward monsters, triggering a full-blown uprising led by Dracula. Cue a chaotic escape through a nightmare fuel ride of werewolves, mummies, and clawing shadows. My rational brain knew it was fake; my racing heart rate and clammy shirt disagreed. You're ushered into the eerie bowels of Frankenstein Manor and met by an uncanny valley, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, and a towering, 2.7-metre-tall Frankenstein monster so unnervingly lifelike, I briefly questioned my grip on reality (Image: Universal ) Coaster-wise, Curse of the Werewolf is a family-friendly offering at 37mph, but don't let that fool you. The freely spinning cars mean every escape through the haunted forest is a chaotic, slightly disorienting surprise. Top Tip: Refresh with a lurid green Monocane Mocktail at the Burning Blade Tavern (look for a windmill on fire, yes really). Served in a plastic potion glass, the kids will love this sugary, sour sip. Super Nintendo World I felt full-blown '90s childhood nostalgia when I entered this colourful, kinetic world. (Image: Portia Jones ) I felt full-blown '90s childhood nostalgia when I entered this colourful, kinetic world. You enter the Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe–slash-escalator and land in the middle of a surreal video game land. It's loud, bright, and delightfully bonkers, with fun interactive elements and plenty of merch. For the first time in the U.S., you can explore banana-and-barrel-filled Donkey Kong Country and meet all your favourite characters. Enter Bowser's life-size Castle for a whirl on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, based on the iconic Mario Kart franchise, is a must for console connoisseurs. Don VR goggles and join the gang to defeat Team Bowser and win the surprise-filled race. You'll dodge obstacles, chuck shells, hoard digital coins, and race alongside Mario, Luigi and Peach for the Golden Cup. With multiple outcomes, it's never the same ride twice. Don VR goggles and join the gang to defeat Team Bowser and win the surprise-filled race. (Image: Portia Jones ) Mine-Cart Madness is Donkey Kong Country reimagined via a clattering high-speed coaster that's one missing bolt away from disaster. Ride through the lush jungle aboard mine carts as you help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the thieving Tiki Tak Tribe. Thanks to a clever track-jumping illusion, it feels like you're constantly about to be yeeted into the foliage via derailment. Honestly, National Rail couldn't dream of this level of chaotic engineering. You enter the Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe–slash-escalator and land in the middle of a surreal video game land. (Image: Portia Jones ) Top Tip: Feeling competitive? Buy a universal app-linked Nintendo-themed Power Up-Band to collect digital coins and keys, interact with the environment, and compete against family members and friends. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic I'll be honest, as a huge Harry Potter fan (why, yes, I am an elder millennial, thank you for asking), this was the magical moment I'd been waiting for. (Image: Portia Jones ) I'll be honest, as a huge Harry Potter fan (why, yes, I am an elder millennial, thank you for asking), this was the magical moment I'd been waiting for. Wand? Already in hand, muggles. My anticipation was fever pitch as I entered the portal to be transported into 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series. The scale and vision are frankly astonishing as you wander chic Parisian streets filled with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. If you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations around this land where you can conjure water, fire and wand lighting and interact with enchanted objects. The scale and vision are frankly astonishing as you wander chic Parisian streets filled with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. (Image: Universal ) Before you become too bewitched by your magical surroundings, head straight for Universal's most technologically advanced attraction yet, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The star attraction in this land. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle throughout the Ministry of Magic for the long-anticipated trial of Dolores Umbridge (a magic bureaucrat with a thirst for corporal punishments and pink outfits). Join the long queue and enter the vast and incredibly detailed atrium of the British Ministry of Magic. No expense has been spared on this extraordinary ride, with even the queue areas filled with wizarding elements that will distract from your aching legs. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle throughout the Ministry of Magic for the long-anticipated trial of Dolores Umbridge (Image: Portia Jones ) When you finally reach the front, board an enchanted lift and fly, drop and spin through the ministry as you follow a passive-aggressive Umbridge attempting to evade capture with a nicked Time-Turner. You're conscripted into helping the gang stop her while flung through a bureaucratic fever dream of eye-popping digital magic, smoke, animatronic wand-waving and dastardly death eaters. If you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations around this land where you can conjure water, fire and wand lighting and interact with enchanted objects. (Image: Portia Jones ) This ride blew me away and completely lived up to the hype. If you only do one thing in Epic Universe, this is the ride to queue for. I'm now spending every waking minute plotting how to get back on this ride. I'm guessing it's going to require a second mortgage; Orlando doesn't come cheap! If you still have time, encounter fantastic beasts at a travelling circus in the full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus. It's a family-friendly show that will delight the little ones and Potterheads. Top Tip: Mega fans should purchase a Second Generation Interactive Wand for enhanced spell-casting around the land. So, what's the final word? Epic isn't just Universal's biggest park yet; it's their boldest, most imaginative, and most high-tech experience yet. With its immersive lands, beloved characters, and no-expense-spared rides, it's ushering in a new era of theme parks in Orlando, and we're here for it. Verdict? It's a flawless 5/5 park. No notes. Top tips for Epic Universe Whatever ticket you choose, you'll need to lock in your visit date. (Image: Portia Jones ) First things first – you need a ticket to get into Universal Epic Universe; this is not a 'show up on the day' theme park. There are numerous options, ranging from single-day tickets to bundles that include Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Passholder? You get special pricing on 1-Day Epic Universe tickets. There are also vacation packages (hello, Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans!) to help you save. Heads-up: whatever ticket you choose, you'll need to lock in your visit date. Click here to explore all ticket and package options. Stay at the opulent Universal Helios Grand Hotel to enjoy a dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe and enter the park up to an hour before the general public. Want a more budget-friendly hotel? Book a stay at Stella Nova or Terra Luna, and Epic Universe is just across the street. Download the Universal Orlando Resort app to plan your day at the park. This free app makes it easy to access your Universal Account Wallet, shop with Universal Pay, order food and drinks on the go, explore attractions with interactive maps, and view showtimes. Bring a water bottle with you and save money on drinks. There are refill stations across the park, so you don't have to spend your hard-earned dollars on bottled water. How to Book British Airways Holidays offers Universal Resort holidays that include Epic Universe. Save up to 30% on your Universal Orlando Resort hotel stay when staying 7 nights or more. Article continues below Choose from 10 Universal Orlando hotels, including the brand-new Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna, both perfect bases for visiting the new Universal Epic Universe. Valid for selected 2025 and 2026 travel. Book here.
