Description
Epic Universe certainly lives up to its name.
10 Tampa Bay got an exclusive first-look at Universal Orlando Resort’s long-awaited fourth theme park, Epic Universe, ahead of its official opening on May 22.
The park showcases five immersive new worlds that each hold its own rides, attractions, shows, bars and restaurants. Once you step through the portals you are transported to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
Epic will also be the home to three hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which is located just steps away from the park, Universal’s Terra Luna Resort and Universal’s Stella Nova Resort.
A full video preview of the theme park can be found here and currently streaming on 10TampaBay+.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park is the “cosmic heart” of Universal Epic Universe filled with tranquil walkways, lush greenery and dancing fountains.
The area is home to two attractions: “Stardust Racers” and the “Constellation Carousel”. “Stardust Racers” is a dual-launch racing coaster that hurls visitors across the cosmos at speeds up to 62 MPH. On the family-friendly “Constellation Carousel,” the constellations themselves take physical form. Riders can choose between celestial lions, dragons, bears and more. This isn’t your average carousel; some of the seats spin internally as well.
A number of restaurants sit inside Celestial Park, giving guests the perfect break from bouncing from world to world. Atlantic is a full-service restaurant offering exceptional seafood and steak while giant illuminated fish gracefully circle above. The Blue Dragon is also full-service and takes guests on a culinary journey across Asia. Some quick service offerings include barbeque at The Oak & Star Tavern, pizza at Pizza Moon and snacks and ales at The Plastered Owl.
Don’t miss it: “Stardust Racers” is in close competition for best coaster in Florida with “Velocicoaster” in Islands of Adventure and “Iron Gwazi” in Busch Gardens. For those who longed to ride Island’s Dueling Dragons again (RIP 1999-2017), this one's for you.
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
Stroll among fellow vikings and dragons at the Isle of Berk. It’s fire-breathing fun for all ages!
This world gives plenty of opportunities to meet beloved characters from the "How to Train Your Dragon" films including Hiccup and Toothless. As guests walk around the land, chances are they’ll run into Astrid, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and even baby dragons.
Visitors can get a dragon’s eye view on the coaster “Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.” From Hiccup’s workshop comes his latest contraption: a winged flying machine that launches aspiring dragon riders into the air, swooping and soaring. Riders will also encounter Hiccup and Toothless along the way. Twist and turn on “Dragon Racer’s Rally”. It will have dragon-riding trainers soar through the air on a high-flying adventure. Lastly, it’s a watery battle at sea on “Fyre Drill”. Choose Team Ruffnut or Team Tuffnut and compete to outscore and out soak each other.
Rounding out the many attractions in the area is a star-studded show where dragons actually fly in the sky! When a new dragon shows up on The Isle of Berk, the vikings think they have finally met their match. It is up to Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid to work together to solve the mystery of “The Untrainable Dragon.”
Vikings can refuel for more adventures at one of the quick service restaurants in the area. Feast on a hearty meal of meats, fish and ales at Mead Hall. Discover the Spit Fyre Grill, a quick service eatery offering delicious meals flame seared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook. Tasty bites and drinks are also available at Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel.
Don’t miss it: There is genuinely no dry eye in the audience after “The Untrainable Dragon” show. And, of course, after meeting Toothless.
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