The wait is over, and the first Orlando theme park to open in over 25 years is finally here.
Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park will boast five new lands for guests to explore, including one original concept — Celestial Park.
“Sometimes, people say to me, ‘Oh, your park has four (intellectual property) lands,’” Executive Creative Director of Epic Universe Steve Tatham explained at the 2024 New York Comic Con. “I’m like, ‘No, it has five, it’s just one of them is an IP land of our invention.’ (That’s) a whole other creative exercise which we’re thrilled about.”
Epic Universe officially opened on Thursday, May 22. It is located in Universal’s new south campus, about 15 minutes away from the resort’s other parks. The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando.
Here’s what to know about Celestial Park, known as the “cosmic heart” of the new theme park.
What is Celestial Park at Epic Universe?
Universal Destinations and Experiences President and CEO Mark Woodbury has described Universal Epic Universe’s Celestial Park as “where we put the park back into theme park.”
Celestial Park is at the center of Epic Universe, serving as the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other worlds, accessed by themed portals.
Universal Orlando describes the new world as a place where “wondrous discoveries await among the lush greenery, tree-lined walkways and dancing fountains.”
“Begin your cosmic journey of discovery in a world between worlds full of sensory delights for all to enjoy together,” Universal writes.
See map of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe will consist of five worlds, with Celestial Park at the center.
What are the rides at Celestial Park at Universal’s Epic Universe?
Stardust Racers is a dueling coaster in Universal Epic Universe’s Celestial Park. You never know which side will win.
Celestial Park will offer three attractions in total.
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that hurls you across the cosmos. The coaster reaches 62 mph, rises to 133 feet in air and runs along 5,000 feet of track.
Constellation Carousel allows guests to whirl and twirl across the Milky Way. The carriages include celestial lions, dragons, peacocks and more. Each carriage turns 360 degrees while lifting riders to 6 feet in the air.
Lastly, Astronomica is an interactive wet-play area.
What are the restaurants at Celestial Park at Epic Universe?
Celestial Park has multiple eateries, giving guests different cuisines to choose from:
Full Service
Atlantic – Situated near a shimmering pool named for the Roman sea god Neptune, Atlantic specializes in surf and turf.
The Blue Dragon – Always evening under the glow of ethereal lanterns, guests can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine as dazzling neon dragons chase across the walls, or curl up with a cocktail at The Tiger Bar.
Quick Service
Meteor Astropub – A gastropub with a celestial twist awaits beer enthusiasts, cocktail lovers and burger connoisseurs.
Pizza Moon – Blast off to Pizza Moon in Celestial Park, an early 1900s Victorian theater converted into a spectacular eatery where the finest pizzas in Universal Epic Universe are prepared.
The Oak & Star Tavern – Gather with family or friends around the fiery hearth of an ancient, starlight-filled oak tree to enjoy savory barbecue.
Snacks and Beverages
Bar Zenith – Guests can enjoy cosmic cocktail creations.
CelesTiki – Explorers can enjoy exotic drinks like Waturi Punch, a rum cocktail.
Comet Dogs – Universal says these hot dogs are “out-of-this-world.”
Frosty Moon – Tucked away among the greenery of Celestial Park is the Frosty Moon ice cream stand, featuring a fuchsia ice cream cone ringed with gold orbits atop the kiosk, hinting at the chilly treats inside.
Star Sui Bao – Perched near Stardust Racers in Celestial Park, Star Sui Bao is an Asian food cart offering unique takes on the traditional steamed Asian bao bun.
The Plastered Owl – Named for a comical celestial owl, this whimsical bar serves up the coldest beers from the tap of the ancient tree at the tavern’s center.
What are the shops at Celestial Park at Epic Universe?
Celestial Park features several in-world shops. Also, located just outside the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, guests can hit up the Nintendo Super Star Store in Celestial Park. It will offer toys, apparel and other colorful keepsakes and souvenirs based on characters from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
What are the other four portals at Universal’s Epic Universe
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends “1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,” according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Dark Universe – Guests can expect to “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery,” according to Universal.
Can I buy tickets to Epic Universe? How much are tickets to Epic Universe?
Yes. Guests can purchase single-day admission or multi-day ticket packages to Epic Universe.
Single-day tickets are available for visits starting Sunday, June 1. These tickets start at $139 and can go up to $199 during peak periods. Annual pass holders can purchase single-day tickets at a discounted price.
May dates are unavailable unless you choose the multi-day ticket packages announced last year. The packages include one or more days at Universal’s other parks and a single-day admission to Epic Universe.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Epic Universe’s Celestial Park brings cosmic coasters, starlit eats