• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Even as Elon Musk calls philanthropy ‘very hard,’ everyday Americans gave a record $617 billion—despite feeling the squeeze over the cost of living

2

Egg companies made $1.22 billion in profit off a $6 carton — now they’re buying their way out of a price-fixing case with 53 million donated eggs

3

Meet the Zillennials: The luckiest micro-generation in the workforce, born between 1993 and 1998

1

Even as Elon Musk calls philanthropy ‘very hard,’ everyday Americans gave a record $617 billion—despite feeling the squeeze over the cost of living

2

Egg companies made $1.22 billion in profit off a $6 carton — now they’re buying their way out of a price-fixing case with 53 million donated eggs

3

Meet the Zillennials: The luckiest micro-generation in the workforce, born between 1993 and 1998
Arts & EntertainmentUniversal Theme Parks

Universal’s $7 billion Epic Universe theme park opens today. Here’s what to expect—and the best rides for families and daredevils

By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
May 22, 2025, 10:10 AM ET
Stardust Racers is one of several new coasters at Epic Universe.
Stardust Racers is one of several new coasters at Epic Universe.Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

After a yearlong COVID-imposed delay and a month or so of previews, Universal Orlando finally opens the doors on its Epic Universe Thursday.

Recommended Video

The new theme park, which reportedly cost between $6 and $7 billion to build, is an escalation of the company’s WWE-like battle with Disney to attract theme park visitors in central Florida—and it’s likely to have an impact. (In truth, both companies are likely to benefit from the opening, as many families making the trip to Orlando will likely visit both parks.)

This is the fourth of Universal’s theme parks in Orlando and it’s certainly the largest by scale. Spanning 110 acres (with hundreds more available for future expansions), it embraces four key IPs, but each of the worlds is so rich, you’ll likely need at least two days to take them in.

Announced in 2019, Epic Universe has become a big enough threat that Disney has announced a major upgrade to its Orlando parks, part of a 10-year, $60 billion investment in parks and experiences.

With something so new, there are bound to be lots of questions. Fortune got a sneak peak at the park before its opening. If you’re thinking about a trip, here’s all you need to know (as well as suggestions on what you should ride).

Where is Epic Universe located?

Epic Universe is about 2.5 miles to the southeast of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as Volcano Bay water park and Universal CityWalk (all of which are in Orlando).

To transport visitors back and forth, Universal is running buses between the parks. Epic Universe also has its own separate parking area.

How much do Epic Universe tickets cost?

A one-day adult ticket will run you $139, while children will pay $135 for a single-day pass. (Florida residents do not currently get a discount.) A two-day ticket is also available for $116.50 for adults, or $112 for kids, but one of the two days must be spent in a park other than Epic Universe.

If you’re hoping to visit the park in its earliest days, though, you’ll need to get a multi-day pass (with only one of those days being spent at Epic Universe). Individual tickets won’t be valid for use until June 1.

What are the lands of Epic Universe?

The park’s layout is designed to let visitors enter a “portal,” which takes them to four different lands—with the hub, Celestial Park, acting as a fifth land. Note, however, that if you want to move from one land to another, you’ll have to “exit” the portal and then enter a new one. The lands are not connected to each other and there’s no way to walk from one to the other without going through Celestial Park.

Celestial Park

This central focus features dining, shopping, and three attractions, a carousel, a dual-launch coaster and interactive dancing fountains. The Helios Grand Hotel is located in this area.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic

Offering elements from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, this area will let fans explore the wizarding world in a Parisian setting.

Super Nintendo World

This interactive Nintendo-themed world is loaded with familiar characters from Mario to Bowser and several rides, which range from family friendly to intense.

How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk

Explore the Viking village at the heart of the franchise (which has a live-action film coming out June 13). You’ll also be able to ride a dragon.

Dark Universe

Universal brings old-school creatures—including Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and Dracula—into the modern era.

What are the best rides at Epic Univese for thrill-seekers?

Epic Universe is all about big experiences. And not only do its coasters give you an adrenaline rush, some of its dark rides (attractions where riders sit in guided vehicles) do as well. Not all rides are created equal, though. If you’re looking for a thrill, here’s what you’ll want to try.

Stardust Racers

This dual-launching high-speed coaster is not for the feint of heart. The two coasters shoot off at the same time, zipping past each other and often over or under each other. It doesn’t look as intense as it is from the ground, but the 62 mph ride is no joke. If you’re familiar with the VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure, you have an idea of what to expect intensity-wise.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

You wouldn’t expect a motion simulator to rank this high on a thrill-seeking list, but Battle at the Ministry will rock you around a fair bit in every direction. You won’t be able to predict what’s next, which adds to the intensity.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

If the addition of a motion simulator is surprising, then seeing a dark ride on this list might count as shocking. Universal calls this “the most chilling ride ever” and the marketing hyperbole is pretty close to the truth. Offering details would spoil the surprises, but this isn’t nearly as sedate an attraction as you might expect, given it’s built on creatures that are nearly 100 years old.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

This outdoor rollercoaster offers some solid thrills, on par with Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain. Like Stardust Racers, it’s a coaster that seems a lot more sedate from the ground, but doesn’t skimp on the thrills. It’s the perfect coaster for people that aren’t up for the ludicrous speeds and turns of Stardust Racers, but still like some intensity in their rides.

What are the best rides of Epic Universe for families?

While many of Epic Universe’s attractions might be a bit much for youngsters or people who don’t enjoy thrill rides, there are still several options for a milder day at the park. If you or your party is not looking to get your heart pumping, these are the rides for you.

Yoshi’s Adventure

The calmest ride at Epic, this one is made for kids. Slowly pass scenes from the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World and take part in a scavenger hunt. See an egg? Press a button.

Constellation Carousel

A carousel, located in Celestial Park, seems to be a staple at every theme park, but Epic Universe does things a big differently. The animals are spaced out a bit more, so it’s not as claustrophic as some merry-go-rounds. This ride also reverses course and goes backwards. It’s all done at a leisurely pace, though, making it fine for all riders.

Fyre Drill

Arguably the calmest ride on How to Train Your Dragon—Isle of Berk, you’ll board a Viking ship and shoot water cannons at targets. (You’ll also likely shoot at other boats—and be the target of other guests as well, so expect to get soaked.)

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

This Mario Kart-inspired ride has its share of twists and turns, but kids are still likely to enjoy it without getting too scared. The silliness of throwing virtual banana peels and shells at opponents is the main takeaway. Note that riders do wear headgear with special goggles, so if your kids can’t handle that, this might not be the ride for them.  

What are the best hotels to stay at if I’m going to Epic Universe?

Three new hotels have been opened near the park so if your focus is solely on Epic Universe, you’ll want to stay in one of them. The crown jewel is the Helios Grand Hotel, which has a dedicated entrance to the park, along with a rooftop bar that overlooks the park. It’s ritzy and glamourous.

Stella Nova and Terra Luna are a bit further away, but only a five-minute or so bus ride. Both are clean and comfortable (and more affordable), but do lack the pizazz of Helios. If you choose to stay near the original parks, you’ll be facing at least a 15-minute bus ride through heavy traffic both ways.

The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
About the Author
By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Arts & Entertainment

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Arts & Entertainment

The Taylor Swift economy: Star-studded wedding at Madison Square Garden lifts luxury brands Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, and Cartier
Arts & EntertainmentLuxury
The Taylor Swift economy: Star-studded wedding at Madison Square Garden lifts luxury brands Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, and Cartier
By Kimberlee Kruesi, Andrew Dalton and The Associated PressJuly 4, 2026
12 hours ago
The 1964 box set that predicted Dylan going electric — and still explains American music today
Arts & EntertainmentMusic
The 1964 box set that predicted Dylan going electric — and still explains American music today
By Ted Olson and The ConversationJuly 4, 2026
17 hours ago
mp
Arts & EntertainmentWorld Cup
FIFA engineered a plan to get the USMNT and their fans singing ‘Country Roads’ — and it worked
By R.J. Rico and The Associated PressJuly 4, 2026
17 hours ago
wh
PoliticsWhite House
Trump visits Mount Rushmore on 250th July 4th to declare communism a ‘mortal threat to American liberty’
By Steven Sloan, Steve Peoples, Michelle L. Price and The Associated PressJuly 4, 2026
18 hours ago
loco
Travel & LeisureEntrepreneurship
The World Cup is just now discovering Middle America’s big heart. These Irish bingo kingpins built a $24 million business knowing it all along
By Nick LichtenbergJuly 4, 2026
21 hours ago
s
Personal FinanceSports
The sports economy is unaffordable at the bar, let alone the stadium
By Catherina GioinoJuly 2, 2026
2 days ago

Most Popular

Even as Elon Musk calls philanthropy ‘very hard,’ everyday Americans gave a record $617 billion—despite feeling the squeeze over the cost of living
Success
Even as Elon Musk calls philanthropy ‘very hard,’ everyday Americans gave a record $617 billion—despite feeling the squeeze over the cost of living
By Preston ForeJuly 4, 2026
23 hours ago
Egg companies made $1.22 billion in profit off a $6 carton — now they’re buying their way out of a price-fixing case with 53 million donated eggs
Law
Egg companies made $1.22 billion in profit off a $6 carton — now they’re buying their way out of a price-fixing case with 53 million donated eggs
By Wyatte Grantham-Philips and The Associated PressJuly 2, 2026
2 days ago
Meet the Zillennials: The luckiest micro-generation in the workforce, born between 1993 and 1998
AI
Meet the Zillennials: The luckiest micro-generation in the workforce, born between 1993 and 1998
By Nick LichtenbergJuly 3, 2026
2 days ago
Economists have found an answer to slowing cognitive decline: Avoid retiring early, study finds
Economy
Economists have found an answer to slowing cognitive decline: Avoid retiring early, study finds
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 2, 2026
3 days ago
$25 billion CEO says one-hour interviews are a waste of time—he puts candidates through six hours of tests and wants them to order wine at lunch
Success
$25 billion CEO says one-hour interviews are a waste of time—he puts candidates through six hours of tests and wants them to order wine at lunch
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJuly 3, 2026
2 days ago
Three dads started selling hats from a garage with $750—now they’ve sold $35 million worth, partnered with Gary Vee, and grown a community of fathers
Success
Three dads started selling hats from a garage with $750—now they’ve sold $35 million worth, partnered with Gary Vee, and grown a community of fathers
By Preston ForeJuly 4, 2026
20 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.