The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Since the initial announcement in August 2019, we’ve eagerly followed every reveal—poring over concept art, dissecting updates, and imagining what this groundbreaking new park would bring. Tonight, that vision became reality. We had the immense honor of joining Universal Orlando Resort for the Grand Opening Celebration of their newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the eve of its official opening day on May 22.
Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening Celebration
Tonight was a star-studded celebration marking the moment our universe officially changed forever. Celebrities like Gerard Butler, Andy Cohen, Howie Mandel, Danny Elfman, Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, and Kirk Cousins made appearances on the “blue carpet,” alongside key figures from Universal’s past and present. Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Tom Williams, former Chairman and CEO, were among the many influential minds in attendance, alongside a multitude of creatives who continue to shape the future of Universal Orlando Resort and Universal experiences around the globe.
The night concluded with a breathtaking show that lit up the sky in a cascade of fireworks, marking a milestone not just for Universal Orlando Resort but for the theme park industry at large.
The voice of Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, Mark Woodbury, welcomed the crowd, followed by a powerful voiceover from none other than Steven Spielberg. The show unfolded as a symphony of sound and light to celebrate each new portal, beginning with the Super Mario Bros. theme, seamlessly transitioning into the soaring notes of the Harry Potter score as fireworks erupted above. The atmosphere shifted with the haunting notes of Dark Universe, casting a mysterious tone that made you wonder what creatures might be stirring in the shadows. Then came the emotional swell of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, accompanied by the fan-favorite track “Test Drive.”
Then, the grand finale: drones rose into the night, swirling into formation. As the final sparks faded and the smoke cleared, these drones formed a glowing portal above a single, powerful word: “Epic.”
It’s hard not to feel a lump in your throat watching it all unfold—this culmination of years of anticipation. For theme park fans, it’s a moment of awe and emotion, watching history happen in real time. Parks like this aren’t built every year, or even every decade. And in a city already filled with world-class experiences, this debut feels nothing short of extraordinary.
Opening Moments of the Universal Epic Universe Portals
In the lead-up to tonight’s highly anticipated Grand Opening Celebration, we’ve had an action-packed week exploring the wonders of Epic Universe during Universal Orlando Resort’s exclusive coverage event.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Tuesday morning kicked off with an exciting opening moment at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Hiccup, joined by Astrid, Stormfly, and a hearty crew of Vikings, welcomed guests to a world where dragons soar and adventure awaits at every turn. The photos above capture the energy of this moment, and you can catch the full video in our tweet below.
Special guests have arrived to welcome us to How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe! #hosted pic.twitter.com/NR5d1UTpZU
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) May 20, 2025
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Later that day, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD leveled up the festivities! Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong made their grand entrance, bringing pixel-perfect fun and nostalgia to life. Photos are above, and you’ll find the video in the tweet just below!
Let the games begin! 🎮 🍄 Mario, Luigi, and friends traveled through the Warp Pipe to welcome guests to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. #hosted pic.twitter.com/H10ftA7OII
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) May 20, 2025
Dark Universe
Then this morning, things took a darker, more dramatic turn as Dark Universe made its debut. Through a veil of thick fog, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein emerged alongside Ygor, the Invisible Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Bride of Frankenstein to unveil their chilling domain. You’ll find a photo of the haunting moment above and a full video linked in our tweet below.
It’s alive! ⚡ Dr. Victoria Frankenstein has opened the gates of Dark Universe — and she’s not alone. #hosted pic.twitter.com/xAC13nnalU
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) May 21, 2025
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The final portal we witnessed open this afternoon was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Celebrity guests Warwick Davis and twins James and Oliver Phelps joined the celebration with a rousing “wands at the ready!” as they welcomed us into a world brimming with fantastic beasts and magical creatures. Don’t miss the photos above and the video of this enchanting, star-studded reveal in our tweet below!
With the help of Warwick Davis and James and Oliver Phelps, Universal Epic Universe held a spellbinding celebration to welcome The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic! ✨ pic.twitter.com/tZC6KaSAoE
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) May 21, 2025
As the sky lit up with fireworks and the final portal opened with magic and fanfare, one thing became crystal clear: this wasn’t just a preview—it was a glimpse into the future of theme parks. Universal Epic Universe isn’t just a new chapter for Universal Orlando Resort, it’s a bold reimagining of what a theme park can be.
We’re honored to have been part of this historic grand opening, and it’s impossible not to feel the weight of this moment. We aren’t just watching a new park open—we are witnessing history in the making.
And now, the countdown is over. Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, and what awaits is nothing short of, well… epic.
Excited to check out Epic Universe for yourself? Discuss it all with 180,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. Plus, purchase discounted theme park admission through Orlando Informer here. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.
