Epic Universe:
Orlando's Newest
Theme Park.
The newest park in the world is in Orlando.
Opened in 2025 with a $7 billion investment: Super Nintendo World, Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and the Celestial Park hub. Here's how to do it right.
The Big Deal
The newest park in the world is in Orlando. And it's revolutionary.
Opened in May 2025, Epic Universe is Universal Orlando's fourth theme park — and the first all-new theme park built in the United States in over 25 years.
Investment: more than $7 billion. Size: roughly 750 acres, making it one of the largest Universal parks in the world.
Why it's a game changer:
- 5 completely different themed worlds
- Brand-new ride technology that didn't exist in other parks
- Super Nintendo World — the first one in the United States
- Ministry of Magic — the third Harry Potter area, set in 1920s wizarding Paris
- How to Train Your Dragon — the entire Isle of Berk recreated
- Dark Universe — the classic monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man)
- Celestial Park — the cosmic-themed central hub
If you've already done every other Orlando park, Epic Universe is your next must-visit. And if it's your first trip, there are now five Universal parks to consider (four theme parks plus Volcano Bay).
Layout
The 5 themed worlds
Epic Universe has a unique layout: Celestial Park sits at the center and connects four themed worlds all around it.
Celestial Park ⭐ — the central hub
The entrance and connection point between every world. Cosmic theme with Stardust Racers (a dueling coaster), the Constellation Carousel, choreographed musical fountains, premium dining, and the Helios Grand Hotel built right into the park.
Super Nintendo World ⭐ — Mario, for real
The most anticipated land in the park. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge (augmented reality), Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness, and Yoshi's Adventure — plus the Power-Up Band that turns the whole land into a real-life video game.
Ministry of Magic ⭐ — 1920s wizarding Paris
The third Wizarding World area, set in the Fantastic Beasts era. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is the headline ride, with Le Cirque Arcanus as a live wizarding circus show. Art deco styling throughout.
Isle of Berk — How to Train Your Dragon
The viking village from the films, fully recreated. Hiccup's Wing Gliders (fly with Toothless), Dragon Racer's Rally, and the live show The Untrainable Dragon. Perfect for families with kids ages 6-14.
Dark Universe — the classic monsters
Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man, and the Mummy in a gothic, dramatic setting. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf. Best for teens and adults — not for very young kids.
What to Ride
Epic Universe's must-do attractions
Ranked by priority so you don't waste a minute.
On a brand-new park, an Express Pass is worth it if you only have one day — and rope drop matters more than anywhere else in Orlando.
The Crown Jewel
Everything about Super Nintendo World.
The Power-Up Band is what sets this land apart. It's similar to other interactive wristbands, but with gameplay built right in: connect it to the Universal app, walk through Super Nintendo World, and you'll see virtual coins scattered around. Tap the band on the yellow ? blocks to collect them, compete with your family on a personal ranking, and tackle the mini-games hidden throughout (Goomba Crazy Crank, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap). It costs about $35-$40, and it's included with some premium ticket options.
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is unlike anything else out there. The queue winds through Bowser's Castle, you pick up a pair of augmented reality goggles, then climb into a four-seat kart. You "drive" (no real steering wheel) while throwing shells at enemies during the ride. You get a score at the end and land on the daily leaderboard — about 5-7 minutes of gameplay in all.
Toadstool Cafe — dinner with Mario
A fully themed restaurant with Mushroom Kingdom decor from floor to ceiling, Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach circulating between tables, and a creative themed menu (Princess Peach Cake, Super Mushroom Soup). Reservations are required — book up to 60 days out.
Super Nintendo World blends a real physical world with interactive tech in a way that doesn't exist in any other park. If you grew up playing Mario, it hits hard.
The Third Wizarding World
Everything about Ministry of Magic.
Ministry of Magic is the 1920s French wizarding world, drawn from the Fantastic Beasts films. Expect art deco architecture, staff who greet you in French, authentic French cuisine, and a totally different feel from Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley.
The headline ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, combines several ride systems into one epic 8-10 minute journey: you're on trial at the Ministry of Magic, the Death Eaters attack, and special effects, animatronics, and projections build to a climactic battle.
There's a third Ollivanders wand shop here too — and your wand works in all three Potter areas: Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Ministry of Magic. For hardcore fans, completing the trilogy is a genuinely unique experience.
The three Harry Potter areas
Plan Your Day
Optimized 1-day itinerary
Hit the headliners first, then work the worlds in order.
Where to Eat
Recommended restaurants
A taste of each world, from Mushroom Kingdom to fine dining.
Toadstool Cafe requires a reservation — book up to 60 days out, especially for dinner with the Mario characters.
Plan Smart
Practical tips
Rope drop is critical
A brand-new park means brutal lines. Arrive 45-60 minutes before opening and head straight for Mario Kart — without rope drop it can be a 2-3 hour wait.
The Power-Up Band is worth it
For Super Nintendo World, the wristband dramatically upgrades the experience. Add it if it fits your budget.
Helios Grand Hotel
A themed hotel built right into the park, with direct access and early entry for guests before opening. A real edge if Epic Universe is your priority.
Separate ticket required
Epic Universe is NOT included in the standard Park-to-Park ticket. Buy a separate ticket or a specific multi-park package.
Its own parking lot
Epic Universe has dedicated parking — separate from the other Universal parks. Plan around $30/day.
Use the Universal app
Real-time wait times, an interactive map, dining reservations, and Power-Up Band integration all live in the app.
Travel in Style
Which car to rent for Epic Universe
Pick a car that matches your trip.
Family with teens
Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, or Kia Carnival — room for the Mario merch, Harry Potter robes, and everyone's souvenirs.
Hardcore Universal couple
Tesla Model Y or Cadillac Lyriq — a premium arrival for a premium new park.
Nintendo fans
Tesla Cybertruck — a futuristic ride to match the energy of Super Nintendo World.
The GS Difference
The park that changed Orlando, done right.
For 25 years, Orlando didn't get a single all-new theme park. In 2025, Epic Universe arrived and redefined what a theme park can be — Super Nintendo World blends game and park, Ministry of Magic adds a third Harry Potter area, Dark Universe brings the classic monsters back, and Isle of Berk makes the world of dragons real.
GS Car Rental is here for the whole trip: personal service over WhatsApp, up-to-date tips for Orlando's newest park, free airport delivery (MCO, MIA, FLL, SFB), no underage driver fees for renters 21+, and a diverse fleet from economy to premium — with no fine print.
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