A friend was recently previewing the epic universe and sent me a text that read, “I should have really studied.” He knew the details about the theme park and its rides, but he didn’t really absorb the layout and how it all came together.
For the first time in decades, there is a new Orlando theme park where you can explore and get a little lost. There are new ways to study before you go. Universal Orlando took place in the general cartoon style of architecture in the official guide, and added spectacular digital maps to the official app and website, which are basically drawn from bird’s-eye views or Flying Dragon POVs.
For orientation purposes, when you return to the ground, enter the epic from the parking lot at the bottom of the map, then past the entrance, you will be in the Celestial Park section. It features more than shopping, but it’s an admission/main street-like contract. From this hub there are four portals that lead to the themed land.
So, standing on your back at the entrance, left to right is the world of Super Nintendo, the dark universe, the magical world of magical worlds – Ministry of Magic, and how to train your dragons – the island of Burke. Straight away, splitting these four sections into two halves is Domed Helios Grand, a 500-room hotel with its own dedicated, spectacular entrance.
Universal: Another round of Wizard World Ones – Break Butterbeer
If Nintendo or the Dark Universe is your priority, follow the path to the left. On the right, you will find Potter Part 3, a duel coaster between Dragon Staff and Stardust Racer. This is thought to be part of the heavenly park, where the entrance is sandwiched between two lands.
Digital maps allow you to filter park data by categories such as food, shows, rides and attractions. (“Shopping” and “experience” have revealed nothing so far.) It’s a good way to learn names. Water play areas are called astronomy. This is essentially a Hogwarts spell, and Celestiki offers exotic drinks like Mocktail’s Water Punch and Knuku Diakiris.
Each location has a text block with basic explanations, and in some cases there is more information. Many of this was already available, but it’s worth browsing. I didn’t remember that Stardust Racer had a metal detector to detect loose items before boarding, but that’s not surprising after Dragon Challenge was issued once on the Adventure Island of Universal Island.
De Lacey’s Cottage, Inside Dark Universe, is “where the original Frankenstein monster once received nourishment and friendship.” Translation: Cinnamon Bite and Pretzels, according to the site.
It’s a gentle reminder that this is more of an illustration than a blueprint. I don’t think there’s a dark U-view in Helios’ poolside cabana or 90% of the parking lot will be empty.
Final Tip: The map is not pointed north towards the top. In this case it’s west. It’s only confusing if you zoom out and zoom out Universal Studios and IOA. More stranger: Interstate 4 seems to be driving east and west as the highway signs indicate.
The epic universe will be open to the public on May 22nd.
Universal: Another round of Wizard World Ones – Break Butterbeer
News Nugget
•Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from March 13th-17th and 20th-23rd. Mix: Traditional Irish musicians, street performers, corned beef and cabbage, green bad light. More information: seaworldorlando.com
•Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition on International Drive offers a 90-minute “Built in Belfast” guided tour over the weekend in March. They emphasize Irish ties to the ship. More information: Titanicorlando.com
•Icon Park will host the Starry Hoops Fest on Saturday afternoon, with former Orlando magic players Rashard Lewis, Victor Oladipo and Quintin Richardson appearing at “three” contests and other activities under Orlando Eye. More information: iconparkorlando.com
•Orange County Regional History Centre will host a women’s history breakfast on March 28th, named “Glass Ceiling: Orlando’s Political Pioneer.” More details: thehistorycenter.org
•LEGOLAND Florida will be one of seven resorts participating in the LEGO Festivals around the world. It will be held on six weekends starting May 3rd, leading to World Play Day on June 11th. The event will announce five play areas themed around music, creativity, dance, gaming and relaxation, as well as new group builds. More information: Legolandflorida.com
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Original issue: March 11, 2025 8:37am EDT
