Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park is just around the corner, set to open its gates on May 22, 2025. This highly anticipated addition not only brings five immersive lands inspired by beloved franchises—such as How to Train Your Dragon, Nintendo, the Harry Potter universe, and classic Universal monsters—but also unveils innovative features designed to redefine the theme park experience.
Among these features is a state-of-the-art locker system at Epic Universe. The Stardust Racers dueling coaster will require guests to utilize these lockers after passing through a metal detector. What sets this system apart from typical lockers is its incorporation of facial recognition technology. Visitors will have the option to scan their tickets or go through a facial recognition process to access their lockers.
“It is near SouthPark Center, plus you have the convention center, I-drive, and then Epic is just a bonus,” said Amir Dhanji, a hotel developer in the area, referring to the park's ideal location. The new Epic Universe is projected to attract a staggering 5 to 6 million visitors within its first year, which makes it critical for various services in the vicinity to gear up for the influx.
For those eager to preview the park before it opens, the Epic Universe Preview Center located at Universal CityWalk offers a unique experience. The Preview Center is open to the public free of charge and features a massive 1/8th inch scale model of the new theme park. Visitors can engage with this model through an augmented reality app that brings elements of the park to life in vivid detail. Through this app, guests can see animated versions of rides and characters, enhancing their planning for a visit.
The excitement doesn’t stop there; the Preview Center also showcases exclusive merchandise that guests can expect to find inside the park. From wands and T-shirts to themed items like a Toothless popcorn container from How to Train Your Dragon, the merchandise quickly becomes a draw for fans. Justin Lafoe, Universal's global parks merchandise and retail officer, noted, "The groundbreaking, immersive worlds of Epic Universe created the dream opportunity for us to design a first-of-its-kind merchandise program that brings these iconic stories to fans in new and innovative ways.”
Amid the buzz surrounding the park, hotel developers are taking advantage of the growing demand for accommodations. Dhanji plans to build a 119-room Fairfield Inn and Suites near Epic Universe, having originally acquired the property in 2018. “We’re probably going to assign it to a GC in the next 30 days. Our goal is to break ground this summer, and after it breaks ground it usually takes about 16 to 18 months,” he explained. This hotel is strategically placed near the convention center and key tourist hotspots, making it a prime location for guests visiting Epic Universe.
In addition to Dhanji’s hotel, Universal Orlando itself is preparing to open three hotels with a combined total of 2,000 rooms in close proximity to Epic Universe. This includes the recent opening of the 750-room Universal Stella Nova Resort in January 2025, alongside the Universal Terra Luna Resort, which is set to open on March 25, 2025.
The new 500-room Helios Grand Hotel that will be located within Celestial Park will open on the same day as Epic Universe. This hotel promises to offer luxurious accommodation along with a rooftop lounge, enhancing the experience for visitors seeking a premium stay.
The wider area is also seeing developments such as IHG Hotels & Resorts planning a 7-story dual-branded EVEN and Staybridge Suites hotel and the Buccini/Pollin Group's planned 400-room Marriott-branded W Hotel, which is expected to open in 2027. The latter will feature noteworthy amenities including a 2,000-seat concert venue, five restaurants, and a large parking garage.
With all the excitement building around Universal's Epic Universe, it seems that both visitors and local developers are ready to embrace the new opportunities it presents. Stay tuned as more information continues to emerge leading up to the park's grand opening on May 22, and don’t miss out on the chance to experience this epic new adventure.
