First look at huge new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando

A huge new theme park with 1.5km long roller-coasters, “astronomical elements” and a 500-room hotel is set to open next year.

The Constellation Carousel will be in the middle of the first land

Universal is opening a huge new theme park next year - with new pictures inside giving fans a first look at the anticipated ‘Epic Universe’.

First announced in 2019, this new park will be Universal’s fourth theme park and is set to open in Orlando next year.

The park will have 50 attractions inside, set across five themed lands, The Sun reports.

Guests will first enter the mythical themed Celestial Park world, the “heart” of Epic Universe.

“As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey of discovery, thrills and excitement as they wander through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements,” the theme park explains.

Themed restaurants include The Blue Dragon with Thai, Chinese and Japanese food. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

There will be five themed worlds, including Harry Potter and How To Train Your Dragon. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

Guests will be able to race on the dual-coaster Starfall Racers. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

The biggest ride in Celestial Park will be the dual-launch rollercoaster Starfall Racers, with speeds up to 100km while whizzing along the 1.5km of track, with heights up to 40 metres.

Passengers will experience the “Celestial Spin” while on the ride as the two vehicles crisscross through the air.

And the Constellation Carousel will be in the middle of the land, with 360-degree rotations.

There will also be a huge wet-play area - Astronomica - with dancing fountains.

Restaurants ranging from full-service to fast food bars will include The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant serving Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Atlantic will be a Victorian-themed surf and turf restaurant and The Oak & Star Tavern will have BBQ food and Pizza Moon will offer Italian snacks and specialities.

Celestial Park itself will have 'stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements'. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

The Constellation Carousel will be in the middle of the first land. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

We've been given the first look at the new Epic Universe theme park opening next year. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

A Nintendo Super Star Store and the Moonshop Chocolates & Celestial Sweets will sell both merchandise and snacks in Celestial Park too.

From there, guests will enter portals to the four other “worlds” in the park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be based on both 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts series, as well as the iconic Ministry of Magic.

Another land will be Super Nintendo World, with characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.

How To Train Your Dragon fans will travel to the Isle of Berk, with a Viking themed world.

And Dark Universe will allow guests to explore a mystery world following Dr Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments.

More is to be revealed about what guests can expect in each themed world.

Guests will be able to stay at Epic Universe too, with the Universal Helios Grand Hotel in Celestial Park.

Each portal in Celestial Park will be themed for each world. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

A surf and turf menu will be served at the Victorian-themed Atlantic. Picture: Universal Destinations & Experiences

The hotel will have 500 rooms to choose from, with views of the lands and it’s own entrance into the theme park.

Karen Irwin, President & Chief Operating Officer of Universal Orlando Resort, told Sun Online Travel: “Universal Epic Universe marks a huge transformational moment for Universal Orlando Resort and it will change everything about our destination.

“This will be the exciting culmination of our amazing growth over the past 30-plus years and will transform Universal Orlando into a week long vacation destination filled with the most thrilling experiences imaginable.”

An official opening date is yet to be revealed, but hopes to open by summer 2025. Ticket prices are also yet to be revealed.

It’s not the only new Universal theme park - with plans to open one in the UK.

New plans last year revealed a 500-acre Universal theme park in Bedford - less than half an hour from Gulliver’s Land.

A spokesperson previously said: “We recently acquired land in Bedford and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site.”

And a new Universal theme park designed for families with younger kids has been revealed, hoping to open in Texas.

The 100-acre park, a fraction of the other Universal parks, would have four themed lands, swimming pool and hotel rooms.

In the mean time, here’s how to find cheap theme park tickets at Universal Orlando.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission