Latest news with #Universal-branded
Korea Herald
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Universal Epic Universe is the theme park resort's biggest bang yet in Florida
ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — From Harry Potter to Super Mario Bros. to Frankenstein's monster, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the pop culture stops at its newest and largest theme park in Florida. With five distinctively-themed sections and a 500-room hotel, the multibillion-dollar Universal Epic Universe is slated to open to the public on May 22, just in time for the start of summer, when the Orlando area's theme parks are usually jammed with families and young park-goers fresh out of school. It's the first major, traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure debuted, though Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017. The addition of Epic Universe brings the total number of parks at the Florida resort to four, including Universal Studios. The opening also raises the stakes in Universal's competition with crosstown rival Walt Disney World for a greater share of Orlando's annual influx of 74 million tourists. Universal officials also describe Epic Universe as the company's most technologically advanced theme park. For example, it uses a facial recognition system for ride express lines. Universal's owner, Comcast NBCUniversal, also announced plans this month for its first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe , at a location north of London. A year-round horror entertainment experience in Las Vegas should open later this year and a family-oriented theme park is slated to open next year in a Dallas suburb. Epic Universe is making its big bang, with single-day tickets starting at $139 for adults and increasing to $199 during peak periods, just as the Trump administration stirs up economic uncertainty. US tariff announcements threaten to limit the desire of some Americans to spend on vacations. And the rough treatment that some US visitors have experienced on arrival, as well as a boycott of the United States by some Canadians, are raising fears that international tourists will stay away. Tax receipts show Orlando's tourist economy was booming last year, with Orange County collecting a record $359 million in tourist taxes. Here's a look at Epic Universe's different sections. Celestial Park is the hub in the spoke-like design of Epic Universe, connecting the other "worlds." The astronomically-themed section is the only one with original characters not based on pre-existing intellectual property. Centered around a football field-sized water fountain and filled with abundant, colorful flowers, it's an oasis of calm between the sensory overload of the four sections. That's not to say excitement can't be found in Celestial Park, which is home to a 40.5-meter high dual launching roller coaster, Stardust Racers, and an enormous carousel. Super Nintendo World is the definition of sensory overload, from its bright primary colors that scream "Look at me!" to the loudness of the steel-drum-thumping syncopated calypso music. It has two levels — rare for theme parks — and creates a completely immersive experience since nothing outside Super Nintendo World can be seen beyond the towering walls of Peach's Castle and Mt. Beanpole. There is an augmented reality dark ride, a kid-friendly, slow-moving omni-mover ride and a Donkey Kong-themed coaster. Character performers dressed as Mario and Luigi greet members of the crowd in a roped-off area. Dark Universe is a throwback to Frankenstein's monster, Dracula and the Invisible Man movies that launched Universal's career in horror franchises. Visitors enter through a recreated central European village that has a storyline about vampires inhabiting the ground underneath. There is a dark ride through Frankenstein's castle, a family-friendly coaster based on the werewolf legend and a tavern topped by a windmill with blades engulfed by flames every few minutes. This is the third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions that turbocharged the Florida resort into a genuine challenger to Disney World's dominance. The arched doorways, wrought-iron balconies and cobblestoned streets make visitors feel like they have parachuted into the Fantastic Beasts films set in 1920s Paris. The land's highlight is the Battle at the Ministry's omnidirectional lift ride, whose green-tiled, faux-gold-plated atrium is on a scale reminiscent of New York's Grand Central Terminal. Next-generation animatronic dragons are the stars in this section, based on the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise. Anchored by a lagoon at its center with Viking statues, the Viking-inspired land has a coaster, a boat ride and meet-and-greets with the surprisingly agile dragons, these aren't your father's animatronics.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Universal Epic Universe is the theme park resort's biggest bang yet in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — From Harry Potter to Super Mario Bros. to Frankenstein's monster, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the pop culture stops at its newest and largest theme park in Florida. With five distinctively-themed sections and a 500-room hotel, the multibillion-dollar Universal Epic Universe is slated to open to the public on May 22, just in time for the start of summer, when the Orlando area's theme parks are usually jammed with families and young park-goers fresh out of school. It's the first major, traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure debuted, though Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017. The addition of Epic Universe brings the total number of parks at the Florida resort to four, including Universal Studios. The opening also raises the stakes in Universal's competition with crosstown rival Walt Disney World for a greater share of Orlando's annual influx of 74 million tourists. Universal officials also describe Epic Universe as the company's most technologically advanced theme park. For example, it uses a facial recognition system for ride express lines. Universal's owner, Comcast NBCUniversal, also announced plans this month for its first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe, at a location north of London. A year-round horror entertainment experience in Las Vegas should open later this year and a family-oriented theme park is slated to open next year in a Dallas suburb. Epic Universe is making its big bang, with single-day tickets starting at $139 for adults and increasing to $199 during peak periods, just as the Trump administration stirs up economic uncertainty. U.S. tariff announcements threaten to limit the desire of some Americans to spend on vacations. And the rough treatment that some U.S. visitors have experienced on arrival, as well as a boycott of the United States by some Canadians, are raising fears that international tourists will stay away. Tax receipts show Orlando's tourist economy was booming last year, with Orange County collecting a record $359 million in tourist taxes. Here's a look at Epic Universe's different sections. Celestial Park Celestial Park is the hub in the spoke-like design of Epic Universe, connecting the other 'worlds.' The astronomically-themed section is the only one with original characters not based on pre-existing intellectual property. Centered around a football field-sized water fountain and filled with abundant, colorful flowers, it's an oasis of calm between the sensory overload of the four sections. That's not to say excitement can't be found in Celestial Park, which is home to a 133-foot (40.5-meter) high dual launching roller coaster, Stardust Racers, and an enormous carousel. Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World is the definition of sensory overload, from its bright primary colors that scream 'Look at me!' to the loudness of the steel-drum-thumping syncopated calypso music. It has two levels — rare for theme parks — and creates a completely immersive experience since nothing outside Super Nintendo World can be seen beyond the towering walls of Peach's Castle and Mt. Beanpole. There is an augmented reality dark ride, a kid-friendly, slow-moving omni-mover ride and a Donkey Kong-themed coaster. Character performers dressed as Mario and Luigi greet members of the crowd in a roped-off area. Dark Universe Dark Universe is a throwback to Frankenstein's monster, Dracula and the Invisible Man movies that launched Universal's career in horror franchises. Visitors enter through a recreated central European village that has a storyline about vampires inhabiting the ground underneath. There is a dark ride through Frankenstein's castle, a family-friendly coaster based on the werewolf legend and a tavern topped by a windmill with blades engulfed by flames every few minutes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic This is the third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions that turbocharged the Florida resort into a genuine challenger to Disney World's dominance. The arched doorways, wrought-iron balconies and cobblestoned streets make visitors feel like they have parachuted into the Fantastic Beasts films set in 1920s Paris. The land's highlight is the Battle at the Ministry's omnidirectional lift ride, whose green-tiled, faux-gold-plated atrium is on a scale reminiscent of New York's Grand Central Terminal. How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berke Next-generation animatronic dragons are the stars in this section, based on the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise. Anchored by a lagoon at its center with Viking statues, the Viking-inspired land has a coaster, a boat ride and meet-and-greets with the surprisingly agile dragons, these aren't your father's animatronics. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky at @
The Independent
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Universal Epic Universe is the theme park resort's biggest bang yet in Florida
From Harry Potter to Super Mario Bros. to Frankenstein 's monster, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the pop culture stops at its newest and largest theme park in Florida. With five distinctively-themed sections and a 500-room hotel, the multibillion-dollar Universal Epic Universe is slated to open to the public on May 22, just in time for the start of summer, when the Orlando area's theme parks are usually jammed with families and young park-goers fresh out of school. It's the first major, traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure debuted, though Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017. The addition of Epic Universe brings the total number of parks at the Florida resort to four, including Universal Studios. The opening also raises the stakes in Universal's competition with crosstown rival Walt Disney World for a greater share of Orlando's annual influx of 74 million tourists. Universal officials also describe Epic Universe as the company's most technologically advanced theme park. For example, it uses a facial recognition system for ride express lines. Universal's owner, Comcast NBCUniversal, also announced plans this month for its first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe, at a location north of London. A year-round horror entertainment experience in Las Vegas should open later this year and a family-oriented theme park is slated to open next year in a Dallas suburb. Epic Universe is making its big bang, with single-day tickets starting at $139 for adults and increasing to $199 during peak periods, just as the Trump administration stirs up economic uncertainty. U.S. tariff announcements threaten to limit the desire of some Americans to spend on vacations. And the rough treatment that some U.S. visitors have experienced on arrival, as well as a boycott of the United States by some Canadians, are raising fears that international tourists will stay away. Tax receipts show Orlando's tourist economy was booming last year, with Orange County collecting a record $359 million in tourist taxes. Here's a look at Epic Universe's different sections. Celestial Park Celestial Park is the hub in the spoke-like design of Epic Universe, connecting the other 'worlds.' The astronomically-themed section is the only one with original characters not based on pre-existing intellectual property. Centered around a football field-sized water fountain and filled with abundant, colorful flowers, it's an oasis of calm between the sensory overload of the four sections. That's not to say excitement can't be found in Celestial Park, which is home to a 133-foot (40.5-meter) high dual launching roller coaster, Stardust Racers, and an enormous carousel. Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World is the definition of sensory overload, from its bright primary colors that scream 'Look at me!' to the loudness of the steel-drum-thumping syncopated calypso music. It has two levels — rare for theme parks — and creates a completely immersive experience since nothing outside Super Nintendo World can be seen beyond the towering walls of Peach's Castle and Mt. Beanpole. There is an augmented reality dark ride, a kid-friendly, slow-moving omni-mover ride and a Donkey Kong-themed coaster. Character performers dressed as Mario and Luigi greet members of the crowd in a roped-off area. Dark Universe Dark Universe is a throwback to Frankenstein's monster, Dracula and the Invisible Man movies that launched Universal's career in horror franchises. Visitors enter through a recreated central European village that has a storyline about vampires inhabiting the ground underneath. There is a dark ride through Frankenstein's castle, a family-friendly coaster based on the werewolf legend and a tavern topped by a windmill with blades engulfed by flames every few minutes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic This is the third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions that turbocharged the Florida resort into a genuine challenger to Disney World's dominance. The arched doorways, wrought-iron balconies and cobblestoned streets make visitors feel like they have parachuted into the Fantastic Beasts films set in 1920s Paris. The land's highlight is the Battle at the Ministry's omnidirectional lift ride, whose green-tiled, faux-gold-plated atrium is on a scale reminiscent of New York's Grand Central Terminal. How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berke Next-generation animatronic dragons are the stars in this section, based on the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise. Anchored by a lagoon at its center with Viking statues, the Viking-inspired land has a coaster, a boat ride and meet-and-greets with the surprisingly agile dragons, these aren't your father's animatronics. ___
Associated Press
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Universal Epic Universe is the theme park resort's biggest bang yet in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — From Harry Potter to Super Mario Bros. to Frankenstein's monster, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the pop culture stops at its newest and largest theme park in Florida. With five distinctively-themed sections and a 500-room hotel, the multibillion-dollar Universal Epic Universe is slated to open to the public on May 22, just in time for the start of summer, when the Orlando area's theme parks are usually jammed with families and young park-goers fresh out of school. It's the first major, traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure debuted, though Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017. The addition of Epic Universe brings the total number of parks at the Florida resort to four, including Universal Studios. The opening also raises the stakes in Universal's competition with crosstown rival Walt Disney World for a greater share of Orlando's annual influx of 74 million tourists. Universal officials also describe Epic Universe as the company's most technologically advanced theme park. For example, it uses a facial recognition system for ride express lines. Universal's owner, Comcast NBCUniversal, also announced plans this month for its first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe, at a location north of London. A year-round horror entertainment experience in Las Vegas should open later this year and a family-oriented theme park is slated to open next year in a Dallas suburb. Epic Universe is making its big bang, with single-day tickets starting at $139 for adults and increasing to $199 during peak periods, just as the Trump administration stirs up economic uncertainty. U.S. tariff announcements threaten to limit the desire of some Americans to spend on vacations. And the rough treatment that some U.S. visitors have experienced on arrival, as well as a boycott of the United States by some Canadians, are raising fears that international tourists will stay away. Tax receipts show Orlando's tourist economy was booming last year, with Orange County collecting a record $359 million in tourist taxes. Here's a look at Epic Universe's different sections. Celestial Park Celestial Park is the hub in the spoke-like design of Epic Universe, connecting the other 'worlds.' The astronomically-themed section is the only one with original characters not based on pre-existing intellectual property. Centered around a football field-sized water fountain and filled with abundant, colorful flowers, it's an oasis of calm between the sensory overload of the four sections. That's not to say excitement can't be found in Celestial Park, which is home to a 133-foot (40.5-meter) high dual launching roller coaster, Stardust Racers, and an enormous carousel. Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World is the definition of sensory overload, from its bright primary colors that scream 'Look at me!' to the loudness of the steel-drum-thumping syncopated calypso music. It has two levels — rare for theme parks — and creates a completely immersive experience since nothing outside Super Nintendo World can be seen beyond the towering walls of Peach's Castle and Mt. Beanpole. There is an augmented reality dark ride, a kid-friendly, slow-moving omni-mover ride and a Donkey Kong-themed coaster. Character performers dressed as Mario and Luigi greet members of the crowd in a roped-off area. Dark Universe Dark Universe is a throwback to Frankenstein's monster, Dracula and the Invisible Man movies that launched Universal's career in horror franchises. Visitors enter through a recreated central European village that has a storyline about vampires inhabiting the ground underneath. There is a dark ride through Frankenstein's castle, a family-friendly coaster based on the werewolf legend and a tavern topped by a windmill with blades engulfed by flames every few minutes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic This is the third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions that turbocharged the Florida resort into a genuine challenger to Disney World's dominance. The arched doorways, wrought-iron balconies and cobblestoned streets make visitors feel like they have parachuted into the Fantastic Beasts films set in 1920s Paris. The land's highlight is the Battle at the Ministry's omnidirectional lift ride, whose green-tiled, faux-gold-plated atrium is on a scale reminiscent of New York's Grand Central Terminal. How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berke Next-generation animatronic dragons are the stars in this section, based on the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise. Anchored by a lagoon at its center with Viking statues, the Viking-inspired land has a coaster, a boat ride and meet-and-greets with the surprisingly agile dragons, these aren't your father's animatronics. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky at @
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Universal announces UK theme park amid ‘epic' growth of parks business
Universal Destinations & Experiences is expanding its global theme park footprint, confirming a new theme park will be built in the U.K. — the latest in a trio of ambitious projects for the company. Earlier this week, the company confirmed plans for a new theme park and resort in the United Kingdom — the first Universal-branded park to be built in Europe. The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming opening of Epic Universe in Orlando on May 22 and as construction continues on another park in Frisco, Texas. The U.K. park, tentatively referred to as Universal Studios Great Britain, is set to be built on a 476-acre site near Bedford, approximately 50 miles north of London. Preliminary plans outline a multi-land park that will include themed attractions, a hotel, and a retail and dining district as part of a larger entertainment resort. Scheduled to open in 2031, the park will be a centerpiece of a larger, planned entertainment resort featuring immersive storytelling, attractions, and hospitality offerings. Government officials estimate the project to bring a $65 billion boost to the local economy and create approximately 28,000 jobs across the creative, hospitality, and construction industries through 2055. 'Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe,' Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences said in a statement. 'We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.' While Universal has not confirmed specific intellectual properties for the UK resort, the BBC reports that attractions based on James Bond, 'Paddington,' and 'The Lord of the Rings' are planned, along with additional zones inspired by 'Back to the Future,' 'Jurassic Park,' and 'Minions.' A James Bond-themed stunt show, said to resemble The Bourne Stuntacular in Orlando, is also reportedly in development. Despite early hopes, it appears Harry Potter will not be included in the new park due to an existing exclusivity agreement with Warner Bros., which operates the popular Studio Tour just 40 minutes away in Leavesden. However, insiders suggest that Universal may explore additional franchises —such as Nintendo or 'Wicked'—for potential expansion in the future. Universal has not publicly commented on the rumored franchises. 'We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe,' Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, said in a statement. In Orlando, Epic Universe is currently operating in previews ahead of its May 22 official opening and is positioned as one of the company's largest and most technologically advanced parks to date. The park, which will expand Universal Orlando Resort's footprint significantly, features five worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Epic Universe reflects a broader shift toward immersive, IP-driven experiences. While industry analysts estimate the park's construction cost to be over $7 billion, Universal has not disclosed the official figure. Universal is also expanding into new territory with a family-focused park in Frisco, Texas. Designed specifically for younger audiences, this project aims to deliver a more intimate and approachable experience, featuring beloved characters and IPs like 'Shrek,' 'Trolls,' and 'Kung Fu Panda.' The park will be smaller in scale compared to Orlando's offerings but promises high-quality design and interactivity. These projects reflect a strategic expansion by Universal Destinations & Experiences, as it continues to diversify its portfolio and reach new markets. With developments underway in the U.K., Florida, and Texas, the company is signaling a long-term commitment to global growth in themed entertainment. And for fans of thrilling rides, immersive lands, and world-class storytelling, the next few years are looking more exciting than ever. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
