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Travel Weekly
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Exploring the enchanting details in Epic Universe
ORLANDO -- Universal Epic Universe is home to worlds based on famous intellectual properties (IPs) like Harry Potter and Super Mario. It has big-ticket attractions themed to those and other franchises that are sure to draw guests by the droves. But the park's creators hope that guests will explore beyond the headliners and take the time to appreciate the details. "People talk about our 11 rides at this park, our two shows, which are spectacular," said Steve Tatham, executive creative director of Epic Universe. "But I just love the little details, because people can come to this park and just stroll through it and experience them." Standing in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Ministry of Magic, he pointed to a nearby jewelry store, where a Niffler (a magical creature attracted to shiny things) sits in the window. That Niffler, and other creatures and objects throughout the world, can be activated by guests with interactive wands, spurring movement and other effects. The entrance to "Le Cirque Arcanus," a show in Epic Universe's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada "Those little details really are the difference of bringing those stories to life," Tatham said. Epic Universe opened to the public May 22. The park's hub is Celestial Park, with four worlds branching out from it, including the Wizarding World. Ministry of Magic is set in 1920s wizarding Paris at the Place Cachée, which translates to "hidden place." Here, Harry Potter merges with the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, which follows magizoologist Newt Scamander and his bevy of magical creatures. Guests are transported to 1990s London for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a ride featuring Harry, Ron and Hermione. Tatham said Universal wanted to marry the original Potter franchise with Fantastic Beasts by creating a new story. The trio, and riders, are at the British Ministry of Magic to witness the trial of villain Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton reprised her role on video and audio for the attraction). Universal re-created the ministry as seen in the films for those waiting in line. "It really is the most ambitious queue in the history of queues," Tatham said. "We're super proud of it. I mean, we've set a challenge for ourselves now. How does that ever get topped?" Dark Universe is themed to classic monsters that have been part of Universal and its parent company for decades. The queue of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Chris Frisella, assistant director and executive producer of Universal Creative and executive producer of Dark Universe, said the time was right to incorporate those monsters more fully into Universal's parks. "I think we've always been in search of the right way to present them in the right time," he said. "I mean, they've always been a part of our history. Some of the films are approaching 100 years old." Frankenstein's monster, for instance, has been doing meet-and-greets in Universal parks since 1990. But the portals that Epic uses to transport guests into each world made it a particularly good candidate for a monster-themed area. "Being able to be transported to different worlds gave us a great opportunity to step into this world of mad scientists and monsters," Frisella said. "It was just the right timing, finally." Steps away from Dark Universe is Super Nintendo World, which features two distinct levels that house its attractions and activities. Guests enter via Peach's Castle with a vista of the Mushroom Kingdom ahead. It includes plenty of playable features. Patrick Braillard, senior show writer with Universal Creative, described the land as "completely layered." "It gives you an immediate sense of you getting the opportunity to have the call of action of playing," he said. The largest world in Epic is How to Train Your Dragon -- Isle of Berk. Katy Pacitti, executive producer with Universal Creative, said the world had essentially already been designed by filmmakers, but her team was tasked with matching that vision in real life. A statue of Bowser inside the queue of Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada "I think that whenever you have the responsibility of a very loved IP, you need to treat it with care and really think about what people want to see -- and then deliver it," Pacitti said. With three attractions, a live show and a themed meet-and-greet with the franchise's main characters Hiccup and Toothless, Pacitti believes they met that goal. "The details that they gave us, I think they poured their heart and souls into that film series, and then my team poured their heart and souls into building Berk," she said.
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Why Celestial Park is the glowing heart of Epic Universe (especially after dark)
Why Celestial Park is the glowing heart of Epic Universe (especially after dark) Show Caption Hide Caption Celestial Park: A gateway to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park will have five new lands, including Celestial Park, the "cosmic heart' at the front of Epic Universe. ORLANDO, Fla. – From classic monsters to Super Nintendo to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and 'How to Train Your Dragon,' Universal's new Epic Universe theme park has a lot of deeply loved intellectual property — but one of its five worlds is entirely unique to Universal Orlando Resort. Celestial Park is an original concept world, which Universal likes to say puts the park back into theme park. With elegant landscaping, shimmering fountains and fanciful art nouveau-inspired architecture, it runs through the heart of Epic Universe and serves as a thoroughfare to the other worlds as well as a place to rest and reset between them. As the first world guests enter, either from the park's main entrance or rear entrance exclusive to Universal Helios Grand Hotel, there's no way to miss Celestial Park, but guests would sorely miss out if they don't experience it at night. All five Epic Universe worlds are a sight to behold after dark, but Celestial Park was made for it. At dusk, its synchronized lighting begins to glow with an ethereal warmth, transforming the already otherworldly scenery into a heavenly landscape. Illuminated cars on the massive dueling coaster Stardust Racers resemble shooting stars as they speed along unlit tracks at night. Constellation-inspired animals on glass-domed Constellation Carousel sparkle as they swirl like a cosmic ballet. "If you think of the modern theme park, a lot of them are fantastic experiences, but a lot of them don't have the park-like experiences where you can meander and be in the shade and see water fountains and all these other very park-like experiences, which are super enjoyable, particularly for people who don't want to go on thrill rides," Steve Tatham, executive creative director for all of Epic Universe, told USA TODAY. Meandering through Celestial Park at night is a must. The reporter on this story received access from Universal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
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.'
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Step into the stars: What to know about Celestial Park at Universal's Epic Universe
Step into the stars: What to know about Celestial Park at Universal's Epic Universe Show Caption Hide Caption Celestial Park: A gateway to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park will have five new lands, including Celestial Park, the "cosmic heart' at the front of Epic Universe. Celestial Park, the "cosmic heart" of Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe, serving as a gateway to the park's other four themed worlds. Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, and single-day tickets are available for stays starting June 1. The wait is over, and the first Orlando theme park to open in over 25 years is finally here. Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park will boast five new lands for guests to explore, including one original concept — Celestial Park. 'Sometimes, people say to me, 'Oh, your park has four (intellectual property) lands,'' Executive Creative Director of Epic Universe Steve Tatham explained at the 2024 New York Comic Con. 'I'm like, 'No, it has five, it's just one of them is an IP land of our invention.' (That's) a whole other creative exercise which we're thrilled about.' Epic Universe officially opened on Thursday, May 22. It is located in Universal's new south campus, about 15 minutes away from the resort's other parks. The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando. Here's what to know about Celestial Park, known as the "cosmic heart" of the new theme park. What is Celestial Park at Epic Universe? Celestial Park is at the center of Epic Universe, serving as the gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds, accessed by themed portals. Universal Orlando describes the new world as a place where "wondrous discoveries await among the lush greenery, tree-lined walkways and dancing fountains." "Begin your cosmic journey of discovery in a world between worlds full of sensory delights for all to enjoy together," Universal writes. See map of Universal Orlando's Epic Universe What are the rides at Celestial Park at Universal's Epic Universe? Celestial Park will offer three attractions in total. Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that hurls you across the cosmos. The coaster reaches 62 mph, rises to 133 feet in air and runs along 5,000 feet of track. Constellation Carousel allows guests to whirl and twirl across the Milky Way. The carriages include celestial lions, dragons, peacocks and more. Each carriage turns 360 degrees while lifting riders to 6 feet in the air. Lastly, Astronomica is an interactive wet-play area. What are the restaurants at Celestial Park at Epic Universe? Celestial Park has multiple eateries, giving guests different cuisines to choose from: Full Service Atlantic - Situated near a shimmering pool named for the Roman sea god Neptune, Atlantic specializes in surf and turf. - Situated near a shimmering pool named for the Roman sea god Neptune, Atlantic specializes in surf and turf. The Blue Dragon - Always evening under the glow of ethereal lanterns, guests can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine as dazzling neon dragons chase across the walls, or curl up with a cocktail at The Tiger Bar. Quick Service Meteor Astropub - A gastropub with a celestial twist awaits beer enthusiasts, cocktail lovers and burger connoisseurs. A gastropub with a celestial twist awaits beer enthusiasts, cocktail lovers and burger connoisseurs. Pizza Moon - Blast off to Pizza Moon in Celestial Park, an early 1900s Victorian theater converted into a spectacular eatery where the finest pizzas in Universal Epic Universe are prepared. Blast off to Pizza Moon in Celestial Park, an early 1900s Victorian theater converted into a spectacular eatery where the finest pizzas in Universal Epic Universe are prepared. The Oak & Star Tavern - Gather with family or friends around the fiery hearth of an ancient, starlight-filled oak tree to enjoy savory barbecue. Snacks and Beverages Bar Zenith - Guests can enjoy cosmic cocktail creations. - Guests can enjoy cosmic cocktail creations. CelesTiki - Explorers can enjoy exotic drinks like Waturi Punch, a rum cocktail. - Explorers can enjoy exotic drinks like Waturi Punch, a rum cocktail. Comet Dogs - Universal says these hot dogs are "out-of-this-world." - Universal says these hot dogs are "out-of-this-world." Frosty Moon - Tucked away among the greenery of Celestial Park is the Frosty Moon ice cream stand, featuring a fuchsia ice cream cone ringed with gold orbits atop the kiosk, hinting at the chilly treats inside. - Tucked away among the greenery of Celestial Park is the Frosty Moon ice cream stand, featuring a fuchsia ice cream cone ringed with gold orbits atop the kiosk, hinting at the chilly treats inside. Star Sui Bao - Perched near Stardust Racers in Celestial Park, Star Sui Bao is an Asian food cart offering unique takes on the traditional steamed Asian bao bun. - Perched near Stardust Racers in Celestial Park, Star Sui Bao is an Asian food cart offering unique takes on the traditional steamed Asian bao bun. The Plastered Owl - Named for a comical celestial owl, this whimsical bar serves up the coldest beers from the tap of the ancient tree at the tavern's center. What are the shops at Celestial Park at Epic Universe? Celestial Park features several in-world shops. Also, located just outside the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, guests can hit up the Nintendo Super Star Store in Celestial Park. It will offer toys, apparel and other colorful keepsakes and souvenirs based on characters from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. What are the other four portals at Universal's Epic Universe Can I buy tickets to Epic Universe? How much are tickets to Epic Universe? Yes. Guests can purchase single-day admission or multi-day ticket packages to Epic Universe. Single-day tickets are available for visits starting Sunday, June 1. These tickets start at $139 and can go up to $199 during peak periods. Annual pass holders can purchase single-day tickets at a discounted price. May dates are unavailable unless you choose the multi-day ticket packages announced last year. The packages include one or more days at Universal's other parks and a single-day admission to Epic Universe.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
What not to do at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park
What not to do at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park Show Caption Hide Caption Dive into Universal's Epic Universe immersive worlds Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, is the first theme park to open in the area in 25 years with five different, immersive worlds. Don't focus only on the rides; explore character interactions, live entertainment, and interactive elements. Prepare for the Florida heat and potential rain by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and bringing appropriate accessories. Check ride height requirements in advance to avoid disappointment, especially for children. Don't let the stairs in Super Nintendo World deter you; utilize the available elevators for accessibility. Universal Epic Universe is a theme park lovers' theme park. The new addition to Universal Orlando Resort takes immersive theming to new levels in five fully fleshed worlds connected by ornate portals throughout the park. 'It's transforming the nature of theme park design itself,' Steve Tatham, executive creative director for all of Epic Universe, told USA TODAY ahead of the park's grand opening on Thursday. 'Because when you think about theme parks, for the last half century, there have been three-minute experiences built within themed lands, but this is something entirely different ... Each one of these worlds can be a full day experience.' There is no shortage of things to see or do, but there are some things to avoid at Epic Universe. 1. Don't focus solely on rides There are only 11 rides at Epic Universe, but there's much more to experience across the park. Character interactions and live entertainment should not be missed. "The Untrainable Dragon" show is one of the best attractions in the park, and meeting characters like the Bride of Frankenstein and Ygor in Dark Universe is unforgettable. There are also lots of interactive elements and Easter eggs across the worlds. 'It's about living a story for an extended period of time,' Tatham said. 'I like to think of it as waders, swimmers and divers. So, waders are people who just stroll through and say, 'Oh, this is nice. This is lovely. I'm going to go on a ride.' And then people that dive a little deeper, they notice certain things, those divers, they're going to be rewarded because they can find very specific things.' 2. Don't get overheated While most attraction queues are either shaded or indoors and there are many air-conditioned restaurants and shops, there are even more wide-open spaces in Epic Universe without any shade. Drink plenty of water, which is available for free wherever dispensed drinks are sold, as well as in ride queues. Apply – and regularly reapply – sunscreen. Bring sunglasses, a hat, a cooling towel, a parasol and/or a personal fan. Take breaks indoors, whether watching a show or sitting down in an air-conditioned eatery for a cold drink. If you start feeling sick from overheating, ask a team member for help. There are also two First Aid stations in the park: one by guest services near the main entrance and another by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. You can find them on the map in Universal Orlando's free app. By the same token, just like the heat, you'll want to prepare for rain. Pack reusable ponchos and wear shoes that can handle getting wet. And remember, if a ride has to shut down for weather, it's for your safety and out of team members' control. 3. Avoid disappointment by looking up height requirements There is a 48-inch height requirement for three attractions at Epic Universe: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, and Dragon Racer's Rally. Most other rides have a 40-inch requirement, which is about the height of a preschooler, and may require a supervising adult. There is a 34-inch height requirement for Yoshi's Adventure, even though it's slow-moving and gentle, and hand-held infants are not allowed on Constellation Carousel or Fyre Drill. Looking up height requirements in advance can avoid disappointment for kids who may not be quite tall enough for some rides. Most rides have a family waiting area for parents or guardians to switch off with kids who either can't or don't want to ride. There are also two play areas specifically for kids: Viking Training Camp in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and the Astronomica splash pad in Celestial Park. Kids of all ages will also enjoy the Power-Up Band Key Challenges and other interactive activities in Super Nintendo World and interactive wand areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, though at least one guest in your party will need to have a Power-Up Band or interactive wand to take part in those. 4. Don't skip Super Nintendo World because of the stairs Just like in the original Super Mario games, there are a lot of stairs in Super Nintendo World, particularly in Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. This has been a pain point for some guests previewing the park, but it doesn't have to be. There are multiple elevators within the two-story world and rest of the park for any guest, but particularly guests with wheelchairs or other mobility needs. As soon as you enter the portal into the world, instead of heading straight for the escalators, turn right to find an equally themed path to the elevators that will take you up to the second floor. This is where you can play various Power-Up key challenges to qualify for an interactive showdown with Bowser Jr. It's also where you can enter one of the world's three rides: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. If you can't climb or descend stairs, you can ask a team member at the attraction entrance to escort you to elevators within the queue. It won't cut your wait time, but it will help you avoid the stairs. There is another elevator on the second floor for guests who want to go down to the ground level to enjoy the rest of the world, including Donkey Kong Country. It's located to the right of Mario Kart and the Mario Motors shop. From the ground level, guests can catch that same elevator to the left of Yoshi's Adventure to go upstairs. Yoshi's Adventure also has an elevator for that specific ride. No elevator is needed for Mine-Cart Madness.
