Epic Universe Theme Park Set to Open at Universal Orlando, First Major U.S. Park in 25 Years

Orlando, already one of the most visited destinations in the U.S., is about to become even more magical.

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park officially opens Thursday, marking the first major theme park debut in the United States since 1999. With a multi-billion dollar investment and five fully immersive themed worlds, Epic Universe is expected to draw huge crowds and elevate the city's tourism industry to new heights.

NBC’s Mark Barker got a sneak preview ahead of the launch and shared a look at what fans can expect.

From the whimsical Isle of Berk—based on the How to Train Your Dragon franchise—to the darker, gothic corners of the Dark Universe, dedicated to classic Universal monsters, the park offers something for every kind of thrill-seeker.

Harry Potter fans will step into the Ministry of Magic, complete with enchanted environments and, yes, frozen butterbeer. Meanwhile, gamers will be thrilled to explore Super Nintendo World, described by fans as “like stepping inside a Nintendo 64.”

Park designers say each land was crafted with “kinetic energy” and layered detail, from architecture to landscaping—even choosing specific tree types to enhance each world’s atmosphere.

Thousands of fans got an early taste during a soft opening, and early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. “There’s no words for what you see and how immersed you are in everything,” said one guest.

With Epic Universe now set to officially launch, Universal Orlando is once again proving why it remains a global leader in entertainment.

Credit: NBC News

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