Universal Drops a Portal to Epic Universe in Three Cities: What to Expect

by Spencer Bollettieri, freelance writer for Theme Park Magazine

Universal Epic Universe rocketed toward visitors like a shooting star and left just as big an impact. Although the newest theme park might seem as distant and otherworldly as the cosmos to the people of New York, the National Epic Universe Portal Tour preview proves it is closer than it seems and just as real. For a limited time, guests can peer through the celestial telescope, step through the interstellar gates, and immerse themselves in a world where wonder stretches as far as the furthest star, or as near as the beat of their own racing hearts.

An Odyssey in the Making: The Road to Epic Universe

Announced in 2019, the creation of Epic Universe has been nothing short of an odyssey, one that aims to make Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park a reality. Opening May 22, 2025, Universal Epic Universe is poised to redefine what a vacation can be, promising an adventure in immersion unlike anything before. With the Florida resort transforming into a full-week destination, the park’s new tagline, “You Gotta See This,” says it all. Universal is aiming for the stars and beyond, fueled by imagination, innovation, and millions of guests ready to take the journey with them.

The National Portal Tour: Dates, Locations, and Experiences

Currently touching down at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City from April 23 to April 26, the National Epic Universe Portal Tour invites guests to experience the incredible new worlds coming to Universal Orlando Resort. The traveling exhibit will also stop at the iconic Rocky Steps in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 16–18), and Pioneer Court in Chicago, Illinois (June 13–18).

By day, aspiring parkgoers can marvel at a 30-foot replica of the park’s icon, the Chronos Portal, an interstellar gateway that will serve as the entrance to Epic Universe. At night, the portal comes to life with dazzling lights and the park’s spellbinding musical score. Guests can snap photos, enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to the new theme park, and perhaps the most thrilling experience, get a first look at Epic Universe’s five extraordinary worlds.

First Stop: Celestial Park – The Cosmic Heart

The preview begins with Celestial Park, the land that “puts the ‘park’ back in theme park.” Serving as a lush, cosmic gateway similar to Islands of Adventure’s Port of Entry, Celestial Park features gardens, fountains, and the dual-launch coaster Stardust Racers, which propels riders on a wild interstellar excursion.

Enter the Dark Universe: Where Monsters Reign

Next, a windmill erupts in flames, and horror fans gasp as they are transported into Dark Universe, where the iconic Universal Monsters are reborn. In a dramatic moment, Victoria Frankenstein stands beside her legendary ancestor’s creation in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a glimpse at what may be Universal’s most technically advanced attraction to date. Then, just as the Wolfman howls, the scene shifts again.

Magic Across Eras: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

The journey continues to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, a timeless land that bridges two eras: 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts series and 1990s London from the Harry Potter saga. The streets of Place Cachée spring to life with magical creatures near Le Cirque Arcanus, including a mischievous Niffler rifling through a storefront. Meanwhile, inside the Ministry, guests witness the chaotic trial of Dolores Umbridge and the return of Harry, Hermione, and Ron in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, with a sneak peek at the ride’s innovative vehicles.

Take Flight: How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk

The digital tour then soars into How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, where dragons fill the skies and families glide over sparkling waters aboard Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.

Level Up: Super Nintendo World

Finally, fans leap into Super Nintendo World, where the sound of coins collecting signals the arrival of Mario and friends. Guests glimpse Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge looming in the background before Donkey Kong and Diddy swing into action on Mine-Cart Madness, a coaster adventure in search of the Golden Banana.

An Epic Journey Awaits

Like the heavens themselves, Universal Epic Universe is just as mesmerizing to observe from a distance as it is to experience up close. For countless stargazers, the National Epic Universe Portal Tour invites them to inch closer, to press a hand near the gate and imagine what awaits on the other side. But this is more than just a cosmic fantasy. It is a reminder that the journey is real, the countdown has already begun, and the Chronos Gate is waiting, ready to open and launch them into a universe unlike anything they have seen before.

About Epic Universe

Set to launch guests into unparalleled adventures on May 22, 2025, Universal Epic Universe represents the next giant leap for Universal Orlando Resort. As the fourth jewel in its theme park crown, Epic Universe is conceived on a cosmic scale, inviting explorers to journey through Celestial Park – a world of lush gardens, starry waterways, and thrilling rides that serves as the interstellar crossroads to four other astonishing lands. More than just a theme park, it’s a promise of total immersion, a destination designed to transport guests beyond the boundaries of imagination and into the heart of beloved stories and original realms.

Venture into the shadowed corners of Dark Universe, where Universal Monsters prowl. Discover the bustling wizarding world of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, spanning both 1920s Paris and 1990s London. Soar with dragons across the skies of the Isle of Berk. Leap into the vibrant, coin-collecting landscapes of Super Nintendo World. Epic Universe connects these distinct areas, offering a constellation of unique experiences. Each land truly feels like a universe unto itself. All are meticulously crafted, featuring groundbreaking attractions and captivating environments. Expect innovative encounters designed to redefine the very essence of a theme park vacation.

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Epic Universe Portal Tour

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• Website: Epic Universe

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About Spencer Bollettieri: As a biologist, journalist, and writer, Spencer Bollettieri has written for sites such as Screen Rant. Although mostly based out of New York, he’s traveled the world in pursuit of new stories.