2025 is the year! Epic Universe is finally opening at Universal Orlando on May 22, 2025. But, you will not be able to just visit Epic during your vacation. Currently, the only tickets being sold includes the original parks and 1 day at Epic Universe. Single day tickets to Epic Universe are not currently being sold, except for Annual Passholders. This is being done to help with crowd control. While you might be visiting mainly for the newest park, it's important to know about the other parks as well, to plan your vacation out well. The three current distinct parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay—each offers unique experiences tailored for thrill-seekers, families, and fans of iconic entertainment franchises.
CityWalk
Before we get into the parks though, let's take a brief minute to talk about CityWalk. First, if you park a vehicle or take a bus from one of the onsite resorts, you will go through security before entering CityWalk. If you are staying at one of the resorts that offers a water taxi, you will go through security before boarding the boat and be dropped off near the middle of CityWalk, with Universal Studios to one side and Islands of Adventure to the other side. CityWalk is full of shopping, dining, a movie theater, mini golf, movie themed escape rooms, live entertainment, and most recently an Epic Universe Preview Center and a Wicked: The Experience store.
Universal Studios Florida
Must-Do Attractions
Universal Studios Florida is full of treasures for movie fans. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by the iconic arches, setting the stage for a thrilling day ahead.

One standout area at Universal Studios is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Find the secret entrance in the London section and enter a world like no other. Don't miss Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, an incredible ride that blends roller coaster thrills with enchanting storytelling and impressive visuals. Riders plunge into a dragon-infested vault, making this attraction a must. Even if you do not partake in the rides, each queue is a must to walk through for any Harry Potter fan. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the Ukranian Ironbelly dragon and listen for its growl, signaling it is about to roar fire!
From Transformers: The Ride-3D, which uses advanced 3D technology and impressive motion simulation, to ET Adventure, which is a gentle dark ride to see your favorite alien, to Illumination's Villain Con Minion Blast, which is a standing attraction where you use a blaster to accumulate points, and the brand new DreamWorks Land, perfect for younger kids, there is something for everyone.
My Top 3 Attractions:
Harry Potter & the Escape from Gringott's
Revenge of the Mummy
Men In Black Alien Attack
Must-Eat Locations
Universal Studios offers various dining options that cater to different tastes. For classic British food, visit The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. For a delightful dessert, stop by Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. There are also many quick bites locations, which can be found on the Universal App by filtering the dining options to Quick Service and Snacks and Beverages.
Islands of Adventure
Must-Do Attractions
Islands of Adventure is where the adventure begins, as it says at the Port of Entry. This park is comprised of 8 "islands" or areas, and some of the most thrilling attractions at Universal. Here you'll find, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, where the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride brings the films to life. To ride the Hogwarts Express, which connects both sides of the Wizarding World, you will need a park to park ticket. For dinosaur fans young and old, there is Camp Jurassic, the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure. And don't miss out on Seuss Landing, even if you don't have young ones, it is a fun area with one of my favorite food spots.

My Top 3 Attractions:
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Must-Eat Locations
Dining at Islands of Adventure caters to various appetites. Mythos Restaurant offers stunning views and Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes that include grilled salmon and lamb burgers. It has won numerous awards, including the title of "Best Theme Park Restaurant." The Three Broomsticks is a fan favorite. But my favorite in this park is the Who Hash from Green Eggs and Ham Cafe.
Volcano Bay
Must-Do Attractions
Volcano Bay blends thrilling water rides with a relaxing atmosphere. At the park's center, the stunning Krakatau Volcano. Families can enjoy Waturi Beach, a serene lagoon perfect for lounging. For younger guests, the Tot Tiki Reef play area is a hit. TeAwa The Fearless River is popular among all ages, where guests are swept along in a swift current. Use the Tapu Tapu band to hold your place in the virtual line at certain rides, discover surprises throughout the park, use it to pay for food and drinks, and more.

Must-Eat Locations
With several dining locations around the park, Volcano Bay takes water park food to the next level with offerings like coconut crusted chicken and chocolate pineapple upside down cake. Take it a step higher with premium seating or a cabana rental and have your food delivered to you!
Epic Universe
Many of the details of Epic Universe have been released at this point, but I am sure there will be so much more to discover once the newest park finally opens in May. This park will feature 4 worlds which will be entered through portals, along with the main entrance world, Celestial Park.
Celestial Park will feature 2 rides as well as themed restaurants and shopping.
How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk will feature a roller coaster, a water battle attraction, a live stage show, flying dragons, and more!

Super Nintendo World will immerse you right into the games so many of us grew up with, including Mario Kart. Jump the track on Mine Cart Madness with Donkey Kong roller coaster ride. Purchase an interactive power up band to collect keys, coins and stamps by playing games throughout the world. You'll even be able to meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.
Dark Universe brings classic Universal monsters to the parks. This world will feature coasters, a Monster Makeup Experience, Monster Meets, and a tavern with a burning windmill! Spooky, but still family friendly? We'll have to see!
And finally, Epic Universe will have a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter section, this one featuring the Ministry of Magic as well as 1920's Paris as seen in the Fantastic Beasts series.
It's Not All New
2024 brought quite a few new attractions and shows to Universal, and of course 2025 will add a new park to Universal, but there will also be at least one notable closure this year. It has been announced that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be permanently closing in September of 2025. In addition, Pteranodon Flyers has not reopened after a sudden closure last year.
Stay Informed
The best way to plan your Universal Orlando adventure for 2025 is to stay informed and up to date. Follow me on Instagram for updates and information and for assistance planning your Universal vacation, contact me at Treasures Untold Travels. And maybe I'll see you at Epic!
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