Universal is known for creating compelling films that convey people to faraway worlds, but the company has also developed its ability to bring people to life through fascinating theme parks.
This isn’t as true as the epic universe, a magnificent world featuring five immersive worlds: Harry Potter’s Magic World, the Ministry of Magic, the Super Nintendo World, and how to train your dragons – the Island of Burke, the Dark Space, and the All-Original Heavenly Park.
With Universal ready to open the gates of the new high-tech park on May 22nd, visitors can prepare themselves at home by watching movies that have influenced the new world. Here’s a guide to what you should see before spending your entire day in epic universe.
How to Train Your Dragon – Berk Island
Visitors walking into Berk Island are surrounded by Viking statues and boats, where they can clench their dragon’s wings or jump through the air while drinking a mead (for adult guests anyway).
The film franchise behind this new world began with the original “How To Traion Your Dragon” released in 2010. Animated film based on Cressida Cowell’s book series follows the journey of Hiccup, the village chief’s 15-year-old son. After his father tries to become a great warrior who wants to be him, Hiccup finds his voice as a dragon trainer and peacekeeping force, as well as the dragon’s best friend, the toothless one.
The sequels to “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) and “How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World” (2019) will find the Burke coexisting and inhabiting dragons and Vikings, facing enemies from the outside.
The live-action remake of the 2010 film is scheduled to be released on June 13th, and represents the franchise’s fourth full-length film.
For fans looking to further the fantasy world made with films, the Dragons show has eight seasons in the series, which serves as a bridge between the first film and the sequel. These can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock depending on the season.
In the Epic Universe’s Burke, guests can interact with toothless dragons and other dragons, movie characters, and even see mythical beasts flying overhead.
Harry Potter’s Magical World – Ministry of Magic
Epic Universe’s Harry Potter World offers new space to explore for Patterhead, adding to the adventure islands of Universal Studios’ Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
The new world features aspects of both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast films, carrying visitors to the magical Paris city of 1920s.
Newt Scamander, the protagonist of three “Fantastic Beasts” films, is featured in a cameo found in the park’s “Lucille Arcanus” show and the latest addition to the Wizard’s World. The fight at Harry Potter and the Ministry’s attractions is concentrated on the trial of Dolores Umbridge, the villain of the main “Harry Potter” film. The ride is set in the 1990s Magic Ministry and features other popular “Potter” characters from Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Umbridge has been featured in both Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010 and 2011). However, there’s no reason not to bare all eight movies again.
Dark universe
The emergence of the Dark Universe represents the return to the roots of Universal Studios, which began producing monster films in 1913 with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), Mummy (1932), Invisible Man (1933), Frankenstein’s Bride (1935), London Werewolf (1935), Wolfman (1941) (1941) fled to being as beings. theater.
As a pioneer in the horror genre, Universal has honoured this new world, earning a company and paying tribute to the creepy and eerie stories that helped them to acquire and maintain their business throughout the 1930s.
Monster Unchain: Frankenstein Experiment is a ride with animatronics that portrayed many of the monsters in the films mentioned above, as well as several other monsters, such as the creatures from the Black Lagoon, the Phantom of Opera, and Quesimod from Notre Dame’s Huntback (1923).
Ygor, a lab assistant and mad scientist who appears in some of the “Frankenstein” films, is the focus of the ride and the Dark Moor village, and is the setting for the Dark Universe. Frankenstein’s bride, Frankenstein’s monster, and the invisible man are also found in town. Another of the Universal monsters is prominently characterized by the curse of a werewolf spinning coaster.
Victoria Frankenstein, a descendant of Victor Frankenstein, is a new original character created for the epic universe, and has become prominent with the monster’s chain ride.
Super Nintendo World
As guests from the epic universe climb the escalator into the world of Super Nintendo, they walk through Peach’s Castle and into a vibrant area featuring the life-size Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country, home to the mine’s crazy coasters.
The world is inspired by a variety of Nintendo games, starting with the original Super Mario Bros. released in 1985. New games are available on the Nintendo Switch, such as “The New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe” (2019) and “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” (2023).
Yoshi’s Adventure Ride highlights the beloved dinosaurs found in many games starting with the 1990 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game “Super Mario World.”
The world of Super Nintendo is all about interactive elements that can be achieved through power-up bands. This is a brightly colored wristband that helps each wearer maintain a score through the Universal Orlando app.
Mario Kart: Bauer’s Challenge Ride offers extra gameplay. This uses augmented reality glasses to put riders in races with lots of other characters and turtleshells. Visitors who want to do extra practice before visiting can play “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” on the Nintendo Switch.
For those looking for something to watch rather than perform, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) follows Mario and Luigi’s quest to defeat Bowser.
Astronomical Park
Due to its original nature, Celestial Park does not have a long watchlist or film based specifically. The world acts as a central hub of the epic universe and as a gateway to all other portals, which leads to a world of separate themes.
Helios, the Greek god of the sun, and Luna, the mythical goddess of the moon, are protected at both ends of the heavenly park. The sun, moon and stars are the centers of the world’s themes that connect the “cosmic mind” of the park.
However, Stardust Racer’s duel coaster nods to one of Universal’s classic films. Each ride car features flux capacitors, the same futuristic technology that Doc Brown’s Delorean allowed time travel with “Back to the Future.” The 1985 film and its sequel, even if it’s a smile, is worth revisiting before a trip to epic space.
Find @pconnpie on Instagram or send an email at pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with coverage of your latest travel, arts and events by subscribing to our newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
