The Ultimate Planning Guide to Universal Studios’ New Epic Universe
Universal Studios Orlando on the Rise
Orlando remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, welcoming over 75 million visitors in 2024. Disney has long set the standard for theme park entertainment, and it continues to attract the largest share of Orlando’s visitors (for good reason!). But Universal Studios has been gaining momentum in recent years by leveraging its world-famous franchises, expanding its parks, and innovating its attractions to emerge as a major powerhouse in Orlando tourism that’s winning over more Junior Tours student groups every year.
Nowhere is Universal Studios’ rise more evident than in Epic Universe, Universal’s highly anticipated, new state-of-the-art theme park which opened in May 2025. Epic Universe combines blockbuster franchises (including Harry Potter, Super Mario Bros., and How to Train Your Dragon) with immersive storytelling, cutting-edge attractions, and plentiful learning opportunities.
What is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is the fourth theme park in Universal Orlando, joining Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay to transform the park into a true multi-day destination. As the first major theme park to open in Florida in nearly 25 years, Epic Universe represents a bold leap forward for theme park entertainment. The park combines next-generation technologies like automated reality and omnidirectional motion with captivating storytelling to allow students and adults alike to step directly into their favorite stories.
Epic Universe by the Numbers
- 750: Acres of land Epic Universe spans, making it among the largest theme-park expansions in the U.S. (including development area).
- $7 billion: Estimated cost for building Epic Universe, the largest ever investment made by the park’s parent company Comcast/NBCUniversal in its theme park business according to International Theme Park Services founder Dennis Speigel.
- 5 million: Visitors industry analysts expect to visit Epic Universe annually by 2026.
- 5: Themed “lands” featured in the park, explained in further detail below…
Epic Universe’s 5 Immersive Worlds
- Celestial Park: The dazzling “launchpad” to the rest of Epic Universe, Celestial Park welcomes guests with gardens, fountains, dining, and attractions in an atmosphere that feels both futuristic and fantastical.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Enter the most ambitious Wizarding World environment yet: a richly detailed recreation of the British Ministry of Magic that blends the beloved settings of the original Harry Potter films with the imaginative worlds of the Fantastic Beasts.
- Super Nintendo World: Step into the vibrant world of Mario, Bowser, Peach, and your favorite Nintendo icons, where bold design and interactive landscapes bring Mushroom Kingdom to life.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Discover the bustling Viking village of Berk from the How to Train Your Dragon films, brought to life with coastal scenery and charming architecture.
- Dark Universe: Inspired by Universal’s iconic monsters, the spooky forests and gothic architecture of the Dark Universe will leave guests with an unforgettable feeling of suspense and intrigue.
Top 5 Attractions at Epic Universe
- Stardust Racers: Stardust Racers launches two comet-shaped coaster trains side-by-side on an intertwining track that feels like a race through starlight. This dual-launch coaster reaches 62 mph, climbs to around 133 feet, and spans roughly 5,000 feet of track, creating a smooth yet wildly exhilarating experience filled with near-misses, swooping dives, and soaring airtime moments.
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: This groundbreaking attraction drops guests into the center of a magical chase through the British Ministry of Magic. As dark forces attempt to seize control, riders use an elevator-based ride system that moves up, down, and sideways to escape rapidly shifting scenes like courtroom chambers and dramatic duels.
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: This dark ride resurrects Universal’s iconic villains with dramatic, cutting-edge technology. Inside Dr. Frankenstein’s lab, an experiment goes dangerously wrong and unleashes a roster of classic monsters. The ride uses a robotic arm vehicle system to lunge away from creatures and swoop through scenes packed with spooky animatronics and cinematic effects.
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: Inspired by the world of How to Train Your Dragon, this family coaster gives guests the sensation of gliding over the cliffs and coves of Berk. Smooth turns and sweeping drops over water mimic the exciting feeling of riding a dragon. It’s thrilling enough to feel special, but gentle enough for guests who shy away from bigger coasters.
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Guests join Team Mario to compete for the Golden Cup in this interactive, augmented reality-powered racing adventure. Riders don Mario-themed AR visors to see power-ups and course hazards layered seamlessly onto physical sets, making every lap feel like a real Mario Kart race where guests can compete for the crown.
Hotels & Transportation
Universal Studios Orlando offers 11 official on-site hotels designed with student groups in mind, from value-friendly options to full-service properties.
Universal Studios introduced a number of brand-new hotels operated by Loews Hotel & Co. and designed to maximize access to Epic Universe for guests. The Universal Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are stylish, modern hotels with budget-friendly rates for Junior Tours student groups. The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a premium resort with Mediterranean-inspired architecture and a direct walking path into Epic Universe.
Staying at hotels within the Universal Studios ecosystem provides groups key advantages, including:
- Early park entry (up to one hour before the general public)
- Easy access to dining options (for meal voucher and pre-paid dining card use)
- Complimentary transportation to all parks (via shuttles running continuously throughout the day)
Educational Opportunities at Universal Studios
Beyond the fun, Universal Studios has invested heavily in youth and educational programs that can transform your trip into a true learning experience.
Through Universal Studios Orlando Youth Programs, Junior Tours student groups can access:
- Educational workshops
- Performance opportunities for band, choir, orchestra, and dance groups
- Special events like grad celebrations and youth festivals
Universal Studios Orlando offers exceptional opportunities for Junior Tours’ student performing arts groups. Bands, choirs, orchestras, and dance teams can participate in the STARS Performance Program and perform live in the parks for thousands of guests. Groups can also take part in hands-on workshops with industry professionals to focus on skills like improvisation, vocal technique, or behind-the-scenes production.
Universal Studios’ Your Classroom in Motion: A STEAM App Series turns select Universal Studios attractions into hands-on learning opportunities. Students explore science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (“STEAM”) with national and state education standards. Programs can cover topics like acceleration and potential vs. kinetic energy in ride design; sound engineering and special effects; and data collection, graphing, and analysis.
5 Tips to Plan Your Trip
- Start Planning Early: Begin 6-12 months out to secure the best pricing and hotel availability while ensuring your student group has enough time to register and make payments.
- Plan for (At Least) One Day at Epic Universe: A full day ensures your group can explore all of the amazing universes if certain attractions have longer wait times.
- Schedule a Parent Information Meeting: Parent meetings can help communicate key trip details and deadlines for registration and payments.
- Register for Workshops in Advance: Universal Studios offers learning opportunities of all types for youth groups, but workshops and performance opportunities fill up quickly.
- Use a Reputable Student Tour Operator: If you don’t want to deal with the hassle, plan your trip with a student tour operator that provides a custom tour package tailored to your group’s interests at an affordable price.
Plan Your Next Visit
Epic Universe marks a bold new chapter in Orlando’s theme park landscape, offering immersive attractions and unforgettable experiences for students and travelers of all ages. With new worlds to explore, new hotels to enjoy, and new programs designed specifically for youth and performance groups, there’s never been a better time to bring your students to Universal Studios Orlando.
Junior Tours specializes in planning customized yet affordable trips for student groups with decades of experience in Orlando travel. If you’re considering planning a trip, you can request more information here to let us help you create a trip your students will remember for years to come.