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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to Make the Most of Your Family Visit to Epic Universe
When Universal Studios announced they would be opening a new theme park, I was intrigued. As a parent and a lover of both their movies and properties, I couldn't wait to see what their creative teams dreamed up. And, as a self-proclaimed 'theme park person,' one who already loves Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, I was sure their latest venture would be amazing. But would Epic Universe—home to Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and the Ministry of Magic—be age-appropriate for my littlest as well as my tween? Would it be good for kids of all ages? Well, the short answer is yes: Epic Universe is a family theme park, through and through. But the long answer is complex. You see, I was one of thousands fortunate enough to visit Epic Universe during its technical rehearsal. I got to ride Stardust Racers and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. I ate at Das Stakehaus and the Atlantic. And I got to meet Princess Peach. I also saw the Invisible Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and Bride of Frankenstein. Here's everything I learned during one (very) full day at Epic Universe. If you are traveling with young children, you'll probably want to stick to three areas: Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. The theming in these sections is colorful and geared toward the younger set. The characters are pretty darn recognizable. (Hello, Mario, Toothless, and Toad.) The height requirements on most attractions are reduced. And there are plenty of interactive features. From playgrounds to coin blocks, there is so much fun to be had. That said, it is important to note that lap riding is not permitted, even on rides without height requirements. Infants must be able to sit independently and support their bodies while experiencing rides, including Fyre Drill and Constellation Carousel. Still, there are things to do with smaller children. There is a play area in the Isle of Berk and a must-see show. There is also a show in the Ministry of Magic. And SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is full of games and activities. You also shouldn't let the 'younger' theming or lowered height restrictions fool you: These areas were some of my favorites. Both SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Isle of Berk are completely immersive experiences. The former, with its iconic castles, characters, and warp pipe entrance, and the latter with dozens of dragons, three rides, and one amazing show do not disappoint. And Celestial Park? Well, it is unlike any other theme park entrance. If you are traveling with tweens and teens, we still recommend you visit the other three sections; however, you should also add Dark Universe and the Ministry of Magic to your list. Dark Universe is home to one of the greatest dark rides of all time. (Truly. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a masterpiece, in and of its own right.) It's also home to some amazing character interactions. My husband and son met Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein and let's just say: core memories were made. And the Ministry of Magic is stunning. If you're a Harry Potter fan, it is a must-see. Whether you are looking for a sit down meal or just want to grab a quick bite, the food in Epic Universe does not disappoint. Everything I ate—and drank—was decadent, delicious, and highly themed. Even the napkins are on point. Here are some of my favorites: The Bubbly Barrel: If you are looking for a sweet treat, head to The Bubbly Barrel for the DK Crush Float. This signature item is made with banana soft serve and pineapple soda and served in a waffle bowl. It's topped with various treats like toffee pieces, caramel popcorn, and golden star sprinkles. And it comes in a plastic Donkey Kong mug, which is shaped like a barrel of course. Das Stakehaus: One of my favorite stops of the day was at Das Stakehaus. The atmosphere is dark and gothic, which I personally appreciate. The air is a welcome respite from the midday sun, and the food (and beverages) are delicious. Don't sleep on the Darkmoor Black Wings and/or the Das Burger. Trust me. Both are excellent choices. The Burning Blade Tavern: Located behind Monsters Unchained is The Burning Blade Tavern. Inside you will find a fully stocked bar, where you can get beer, wine, speciality cocktails, or the Mononcane mocktail—a delicious Sprite-based beverage served in a beaker. At the outside pickup window, I recommend trying the Hunter's Garlic Stake, a slightly pricey but oh-so-yummy garlic pretzel. Another great option? The Burning Cheddar Bites, which are crispy fried poppers served with sriracha ranch. I did not get a chance to try the highly-coveted mac and cheese cone at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel or the ube crust pizza at Pizza Moon; however, when I return, these are definitely on my short list. (And yes, I will be returning.) Epic Universe offers some amazing new attractions, with unique features and state of the art technology. For some rides, however, this does mean the bar is set higher, i.e. height requirements at Epic Universe seem to be a bit more restrictive. Here is everything parents of smaller riders should know: Stardust Racers (minimum height 48') Constellation Carousel (no height requirement but no handheld infants) Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge (minimum height 40') Mine-Cart Madness (minimum height 40') Yoshi's Adventure (minimum height 34') Dragon Racer's Rally (minimum height 48') Hiccup's Wing Gliders (minimum height 40') Fyre Drill (no height requirement but no handheld infants) Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (minimum height 40') Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (minimum height 48') Curse of the Werewolf (minimum height 40') Shows and entertainment. There are two stage shows in Epic Universe: Le Cirque Arcanus and The Untrainable Dragon. The former, which is in the Ministry of Magic, is a unique experience which blends live-action performances, puppetry, and special effects. The latter, in the Isle of Berk, involves life-sized dragons, music, and tons of action—perfect for fans of the movie. But the entertainment doesn't end there. There are street performers in Celestial Park, as well as live music and a fountain show. And in Darkmoor, the haunting village of Dark Universe, you will find characters roaming throughout—especially at night. There is also the Monster Makeup Experience, available at an additional charge. Playgrounds and more. If you're little one is looking for a playground, Epic Universe has you covered with their Viking Training Camp. This sprawling, colorful, interactive play area has bridges, towers, slides, and more. It even has a sheep launcher game. A great area for youngsters who may not yet meet height requirements and/or kiddos who just need a break from long lines. Interactive features. There are two ways to interact with the lands in Epic Universe: wands and Power-Up Bands. Both items, which are sold separately, allow guests to experience the park in a new light: casting spells, tapping coin and question blocks, or completing mini-games (respectively). The latter even connects to the Universal Orlando Resort app. And, if your kiddo collects enough keys, they'll unlock a final interactive challenge with Bowser Jr. Rainy day fun. If I have one complaint to wager, it is this: Epic Universe is not really a 'rainy day park.' Sure, it can handle Florida's midday storms just fine, but there's not a ton to do if the rides shut down for a long period of time—as most of Epic's attractions are outdoors. Still, if you find yourself in the park during a storm, having a strategy is a good idea. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry both have long indoor queues, if you don't mind the wait. Eating a delicious sitdown meal may be a good solution. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant and Atlantic are excellent choices. Both are located in Celestial Park. Toadstool Cafe, Pizza Moon, Das Stakehaus, and The Oak and Star Tavern all offer indoor seating. You can also take in a show, if seating is available. Epic Universe is—without a doubt—an epic new theme park: for kids and adults. Whether you are collecting coins, casting spells, or soaring through the skies like a dragon, Universal's latest venture is something you just have to experience. They redefined what a theme park is. Will there be hiccups in the weeks and months to come? Probably. When Universal opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, the wait to get in was hours long. (I would know, I was there.) And I expect Epic's popular attractions will see similar waits. Delays and closures are also bound to occur. However, Epic Universe already stands out as one of the great theme parks, and I imagine that—as it finds its footing and evolves with its guests—it will become an even greater experience. Read the original article on Parents
Fast Company
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
At Universal's new theme park, plants outnumber rides
Within their first moments of stepping inside Universal's newly opened Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, visitors will realize there is something different about the space. Rather than the typical onslaught of gift shops and pavement that can usually be found right inside the gates of most theme parks around the world, Epic Universe's grounds are unusually bucolic, with a dense canopy of trees, winding pathways, and lush landscaping. This meandering entrance space is named Celestial Park, and it's a notable counterpoint to the theme park standard of densely packed commercialism. '[It's] where we've put the 'park' back in theme park,' says Steve Tatham, Epic Universe's executive creative director and lead designer. As Universal's first major theme park in more than 20 years, it's an attempt to reset expectations of the brand—and of the amusement park experience. Epic Universe's design ditches at least some of the conventional theme park model. 'We focus on our guests and their experience, and we didn't want it to have as much hardscape as some other parks. We wanted to have a lot more greenery,' Tatham says. There are 400,000 plants in Celestial Park, which serves as the connecting central space between four 'worlds' of attractions in the theme park, including Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic. Rather than a space people simply pass through on their way to a ride, Tatham sees Celestial Park as an attraction in and of itself. 'Some people want to come and just absorb the environment, so we wanted to create something for everybody,' he says. Celestial Park was envisioned as both a connective spine and a calmer respite from the rides and experiences in the rest of the theme park. The design of that space, and the design of Epic Universe as a whole, was inspired by the world's fairs and world expos of the past, Tatham says. Citing examples like the architectural cornucopia of the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition in Chicago and the futurism-heavy 1939 New York World's Fair, Tatham says Epic Universe's design aspired to a grandness not often seen in typical theme parks. World's fairs, he says, 'had this really optimistic tone, a lot of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture—which to me represents the optimism and the coming together of a community. We really wanted to capture that essence.' Of course, this is still a theme park, and part of an increasingly massive complex of Universal-owned attractions and accommodations in Orlando. Universal, which is owned by Comcast, is betting heavily on the future of theme parks by spending an estimated $7 billion on Epic Universe. It could feed into ongoing momentum; on a recent earnings call, Comcast president Mike Cavanagh noted that revenue from theme parks has tripled in the past decade, to roughly $3 billion in 2024. Celestial Park has many of the hallmarks of the theme park genre, including a roller coaster, a carousel, an interactive water feature, 11 dining options, and six retail outlets. But they're more artfully integrated into the space than most of Epic Universe's competitors, building on the theme park's backstory of visitors transporting to new worlds through entrance 'portals,' each of which is accessed by exploring through Celestial Park. 'My focus always is on the story,' Tatham says. 'That's the foundation of any kind of design that we will do here, whether it's architecture or rides or any of the elements that are in the park.' Offering some open-ended elements in Celestial Park builds on what customers have called for in new theme parks, according to Tatham. Universal's guest research shows that while people like the increasingly tech-influenced ride-and-experience design happening in new attractions, they're also clamoring for more parts of parks that they can actively engage with, not just passively ride or watch. 'They really wanted us to be even more immersive and do things with physical sets and animated figures, and we've really responded to that in force,' he says. 'When the guests come here, they're going to see the kind of experiences they've been really itching to see.'
Gizmodo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The Cute Mascot of Epic Universe Brings Vibes, but Not Much Else
Celestial Park may serve as the hub for Epic Universe, but it gives the lore of Epic Universe a charming personality of its own. While there's no franchise crossover to be found here like the other zones of the new park, it does have its own theme, inspired by fantastical astrological storytelling, that gives the star-adorned land 'celestial decor from the '90s' vibes in the best way. It's as if Universal opened up its notebook and scribbled a tale to create a realm of fantasy delights and interstellar adventure, complete with new walk-around characters, to contain its gateway to all the portals to the park's other lands. But even if there's not much beyond that to the area, it does include the whimsical tale of a chocolate shop bear that stole our hearts. Captain Cacao is the lovable teddy bear companion to Maya of the Skies, a young adventurer who traverses the universe to find treats to share at Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, one of several stores throughout Celestial Park. Atop the shop you see the gorgeous artwork that brings you into the spacey comfort of the clouds and night skies—the same ones you can see riding Celestial Park's main attraction, Constellation Carousel, a whimsical ride that really elevates the dreamlike atmosphere of the area's constellation motif. But while the shop is filled with the usual theme park sweet treats, the thing you'll want to walk away the most with is Captain Cacao himself in teddy bear form. I'd say he's hand down the cutest of all theme park bears, with a spot over his eye in the shape of a star and his midnight blue coloring. But, bad news: even before the park's official opening today, he's already sold out. Or, at least he was during the media preview we attended, and during Universal's own public preview days for Epic Universe. Poor Captain Cacao in his fluffy form was nowhere to be found, much like How to Train Your Dragon's hatchling eggs in Isle of Berk—the cutest merch is already sold out, showing us what the clear favorites at the park are going to be. You could satisfy your Cacao craving with some other merchandise, like backpacks and other fashion accessories, but in teddy form you're going to be out of luck. I hope this convinces Universal that there's a desire for Celestial Park's original theming compared to the brand-overload of Epic's other areas though, and to put Cacao more at the forefront of this area instead of making him a shop mascot. We are in dire need of a Captain Cacao meet and greet, and hope he flies in on his moonship soon, or he could be added as a part of Stardust Racers, Celestial Park's own high-thrills dual coaster (which, in one tiny acquiescence to licensing, is equipped with its own Flux capacitor as a nod to Back to the Future). For now, you can eat your feelings about missing out on the merch at Celestial Park's various space-themed dining locations, particularly Pizza Moon, a 1900s space exploration-inspired cinema port of pizzas. Pizza is a solid theme park food staple, but this spot features A Trip to the Moon-style atmosphere in the most gorgeous way. I didn't want to leave; I just wanted to eat the various moon pies all day, all of which had fun space theming, like the Space Cowboy (a spin on a BBQ pie) and the Pizzare Lunare (which featured a purple-colored crust, thanks to the addition of ube). All that's missing is a Captain Cacao-themed kids menu! It's clear from the interest even in the preview phase of Epic Universe that Captain Cacao is one of the park's biggest and most surprising hits. It's a shame that he's not really at the heart of what Celestial Park has to offer to visitors who might want to see something new over the familiar brand haunts of the other areas of the park. Maybe that will change as Epic Universe grows and evolves in the coming months and years, but first: Universal needs to restock that bear soon. Epic Universe opens to the public starting today, May 22. Travel and accommodations were provided for the purpose of review
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Universal's new Epic Universe park challenges Disney in Florida
By Dawn Chmielewski ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - For decades, Universal Orlando Resort was a pit stop on a vacationer's way to the 'Most Magical Place on Earth,' Walt Disney World. Now, NBCUniversal owner Comcast aims to rewrite the travel itinerary with Epic Universe, a major new theme park in Central Florida set to open on Thursday. An estimated $7 billion investment has doubled the resort's size, adding 750 acres and populating it with familiar movie and game characters, which it owns or licenses. It features five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk; Celestial Park; and Dark Universe. Epic Universe represents the largest investment Comcast has made in Universal's theme parks since gaining control of the business in 2011. Analysts say it poses a heightened competitive threat to Walt Disney World, whose last major expansion was in 2019. 'This is the one part of the media ecosystem that is not vulnerable to screen-shifting. It's still beloved as a thing to do with friends and family,' Comcast President Mike Cavanaugh told Reuters on Tuesday. "It would be silly not to be stepping on the gas." Comcast's big investment in parks is one of six areas that will contribute to growth. The Experiences group is experimenting with new concepts, including the August launch of a permanent attraction in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed. It includes four haunted houses inspired by movies like 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'The Exorcist: Believer.' A family-friendly regional park, Universal Kids Resort, debuts next year in Frisco, Texas, inspired by 'Shrek,' 'Minions' and SpongeBob SquarePants. 'One of our key pillars of growth is how we bring the Universal brand to new audiences in new markets,' Mark Woodbury, chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in an interview. 'And you can see that in our Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, for our horror genre venue in Las Vegas.' Universal also has another major theme park resort planned for the United Kingdom, Comcast's first in Europe. The theme park business is not without risk. It's vulnerable to economic downturns - something the industry experienced during the COVID-19 epidemic. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said he is comfortable making long-term, capital-intensive bets. "When you find something extraordinary, that's when you make these bets," said Roberts, citing the example of the first Harry Potter themed land in Orlando. "When that Harry Potter opened, I think there was a massive increase in attendance the next day, and it never went backwards." WINNING STREAK Disney has dominated the Orlando scene since Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. In 2023, Walt Disney World attracted 48.8 million visitors, more than double Universal's attendance of 19.8 million that year, according to a report from the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM. Epic could "siphon off at least some of the demand," MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett wrote in an investor report about Epic Universe's potential impact on Disney. Moffett predicts Epic Universe could attract 9.5 million visitors in 2026, and bring in more than $1.3 billion in revenue. Some of those gains will come at the expense of other parks, including Disney's, which Moffett estimates could lose 1 million guests over the next two years. In time, it could draw 13 million visitors a year, more than either of its sister parks, he estimates. "In the long run, I think it makes Orlando an even more attractive vacation destination," said TD Cowen analyst Doug Creutz. "That's probably good for Disney." Universal's theme park business has been rooted in its movie-making from its earliest days offering studio tours a century ago. When Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, it promoted the park as offering the chance to 'ride the movies.' The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter marked a watershed moment for Universal's Orlando resort, helping to fuel attendance with an experience that faithfully recreated the Warner Bros movies. A second Potter-themed attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, opened in 2014. Ever since Universal tapped in to J.K. Rowling's fantasy world, Moffett said it has been 'on an asterisk-free winning streak.' Ahead of the Epic Universe launch, Disney has reassured investors about its theme parks business Disney told investors that bookings at Walt Disney World remain strong over the next two fiscal quarters. It has been making steady improvements to its Florida resort to keep the experience fresh for visitors, including adding the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind spinning roller coaster at Epcot in 2022, and the TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom in 2023. It plans to spend $60 billion over a decade to 'turbocharge' growth in its parks and cruise businesses. In April, Disney began offering half-price tickets for children ages three to nine this summer, and cut by half the downpayment Florida residents make to purchase annual passes.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Universal's new Epic Universe park challenges Disney in Florida
By Dawn Chmielewski ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - For decades, Universal Orlando Resort was a pit stop on a vacationer's way to the 'Most Magical Place on Earth,' Walt Disney World. Now, NBCUniversal owner Comcast aims to rewrite the travel itinerary with Epic Universe, a major new theme park in Central Florida set to open on Thursday. An estimated $7 billion investment has doubled the resort's size, adding 750 acres and populating it with familiar movie and game characters, which it owns or licenses. It features five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk; Celestial Park; and Dark Universe. Epic Universe represents the largest investment Comcast has made in Universal's theme parks since gaining control of the business in 2011. Analysts say it poses a heightened competitive threat to Walt Disney World, whose last major expansion was in 2019. 'This is the one part of the media ecosystem that is not vulnerable to screen-shifting. It's still beloved as a thing to do with friends and family,' Comcast President Mike Cavanaugh told Reuters on Tuesday. "It would be silly not to be stepping on the gas." Comcast's big investment in parks is one of six areas that will contribute to growth. The Experiences group is experimenting with new concepts, including the August launch of a permanent attraction in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed. It includes four haunted houses inspired by movies like 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'The Exorcist: Believer.' A family-friendly regional park, Universal Kids Resort, debuts next year in Frisco, Texas, inspired by 'Shrek,' 'Minions' and SpongeBob SquarePants. 'One of our key pillars of growth is how we bring the Universal brand to new audiences in new markets,' Mark Woodbury, chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in an interview. 'And you can see that in our Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, for our horror genre venue in Las Vegas.' Universal also has another major theme park resort planned for the United Kingdom, Comcast's first in Europe. The theme park business is not without risk. It's vulnerable to economic downturns - something the industry experienced during the COVID-19 epidemic. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said he is comfortable making long-term, capital-intensive bets. "When you find something extraordinary, that's when you make these bets," said Roberts, citing the example of the first Harry Potter themed land in Orlando. "When that Harry Potter opened, I think there was a massive increase in attendance the next day, and it never went backwards." WINNING STREAK Disney has dominated the Orlando scene since Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. In 2023, Walt Disney World attracted 48.8 million visitors, more than double Universal's attendance of 19.8 million that year, according to a report from the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM. Epic could "siphon off at least some of the demand," MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett wrote in an investor report about Epic Universe's potential impact on Disney. Moffett predicts Epic Universe could attract 9.5 million visitors in 2026, and bring in more than $1.3 billion in revenue. Some of those gains will come at the expense of other parks, including Disney's, which Moffett estimates could lose 1 million guests over the next two years. In time, it could draw 13 million visitors a year, more than either of its sister parks, he estimates. "In the long run, I think it makes Orlando an even more attractive vacation destination," said TD Cowen analyst Doug Creutz. "That's probably good for Disney." Universal's theme park business has been rooted in its movie-making from its earliest days offering studio tours a century ago. When Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, it promoted the park as offering the chance to 'ride the movies.' The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter marked a watershed moment for Universal's Orlando resort, helping to fuel attendance with an experience that faithfully recreated the Warner Bros movies. A second Potter-themed attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, opened in 2014. Ever since Universal tapped in to J.K. Rowling's fantasy world, Moffett said it has been 'on an asterisk-free winning streak.' Ahead of the Epic Universe launch, Disney has reassured investors about its theme parks business Disney told investors that bookings at Walt Disney World remain strong over the next two fiscal quarters. It has been making steady improvements to its Florida resort to keep the experience fresh for visitors, including adding the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind spinning roller coaster at Epcot in 2022, and the TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom in 2023. It plans to spend $60 billion over a decade to 'turbocharge' growth in its parks and cruise businesses. In April, Disney began offering half-price tickets for children ages three to nine this summer, and cut by half the downpayment Florida residents make to purchase annual passes. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
