Universal's Epic Universe *Finally* Announced Its Harry Potter Ride

Universal Studios has been working on something epic — quite literally — with its third theme park for Universal Orlando. Epic Universe is expected to open in 2025, and will include an all-new Universal Monsters-themed land and Orlando’s version of Super Nintendo World.

On July 31 (aka Harry Potter’s birthday), Universal Orlando Resort also announced new details for its newest Wizarding World area, themed to the Ministry of Magic and Paris from the Fantastic Beasts series. The main attraction of the Epic Universe land will be Harry Potter and the Battles at the Ministry, where guests will travel via the Floo Network to the British Ministry of Magic.

With Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Higgledy (yes, a new character!), Umbridge’s former house-elf, guests will try to capture Dolores Umbridge after she escapes her trial. In this first-of-its-kind ride for Universal, you’ll encounter Death Eaters and other Wizarding World creatures while flying up, down, and sideways through the attraction.

The new land will also have dining, shops, and even more entertainment at Le Cirque Arcanus. The theater show features creatures from Newt Scamander’s suitcase like Demiguise, Diricawl, and Mooncalves along with aerialists, puppetry, and special effects.

Just like the previous Wizarding Worlds in Universal Studios theme parks, Epic Universe will have its own wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In addition to wands you might find at Ollivanders, guests can purchase exquisite designs packaged in unique three-sided boxes that show you where you can cast spells around the land.

These interactive wand spots in Paris will allow you to cast spells on creatures like Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and a Demiguise. Plus, this new Harry Potter land isn’t the only thing fans can expect to see soon. There’s plenty to look forward to at all the parks around the world, and below, you’ll find even more exciting additions coming to Universal in 2024 and 2025.

Universal Orlando’s DreamWorks Land Is Now Open With Shrek Experiences

The most exciting thing coming to Universal Studios Florida has to be Epic Universe in 2025. This massive Universal Studios theme park will include portals to new lands like the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic and Celestial Park — which will be right next to a brand-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel. In each area, you’ll find attractions, eateries, and shops.

Universal has been slowly unveiling details on everything coming to Epic Universe, including Super Nintendo World. Florida’s version will be closer to Japan’s Mario-themed land, with attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and the U.S. debut of Yoshi’s Adventure. For foodies, there will also be the fan-fave Toadstool Cafe along with Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats.

Over at Donkey Kong Country, the main attraction will be the family coaster Mine-Cart Madness with a unique design that will make you feel like you’re in the video game. You can also meet all your fave characters in Super Nintendo World, like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and even Donkey Kong.

While a lot of these rides are ones you can find in other parks, Epic Universe will also have four new attractions in the Isle of Berk. One of these How To Train Your Dragon-themed rides is a family-friendly roller coaster, where you’ll get to fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless. Speaking of Toothless, guests will have the chance to meet the adorable Night Fury dragon in the park and recreate one of the most iconic moments from the first film by petting him.

Along with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders roller coaster at Epic Universe, Universal announced that the Isle of Berk will also have a Fyre Drill boat battle (where you will get wet), a Dragon Racer’s Rally high-flying dragon simulator, and a Viking Training Camp playground. For entertainment, The Untrainable Dragon is a stage show with characters like Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid.

Foodies will have plenty to enjoy as well. The new land features Mead Hall from the film, a quick-service Spit Fyre Grill, and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel for quick bites. This How To Train Your Dragon area is just the cherry on top of all the new DreamWorks Animation additions coming to Florida.

On June 20, Universal Orlando Resort also announced details about its monster-themed land, Dark Universe. The main attraction will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, where guests travel into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor and are confronted with Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more. It’s like a more thrilling version of a Halloween Horror Nights maze.

As scary as some of these monsters can be, the land is meant to be family-friendly. There’s even the Curse of the Werewolf, Darkmoor’s family coaster, similar to Flight of the Hippogriff in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can also dress the part by visiting the land’s makeup experience.

It sounds like Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but instead of transforming into a princess, you’ll be made into a monster. Afterwards, stop by Meet the Monsters to encounter Ygor, The Invisible Man, and the Bride of Frankenstein to grab selfies for Insta.

For a bite to eat, Darkmoor has a vampire-inspired Das Stakehaus with menu items like kebabs and burgers, as well as Burning Blade Tavern with German cuisine like bratwurst and pretzels. Looking for something sweet? De Lacey’s Cottage near Monsters Unchained has cinnamon bread and ice cream, but also the twisted taters — a go-to snack at Halloween Horror Nights. It’s like an HHN land you can visit every season, and not just the fall.

While Epic Universe may be a major upgrade to Universal Orlando, the resort isn’t forgetting its other parks. In fact, Universal Studios Florida has an all-new DreamWorks-themed land, featuring characters from the Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda franchises.

While visiting Shrek’s swamp, grab a viral Shrekzel with green cheese or snap a pic with Donkey and Princess Fiona. You can also hop on the Trolls-themed Trollercoaster or cool off in the Kung Fu Panda splash area.

This summer, Orlando also has three new entertainment offerings. The first is a nighttime lagoon show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, featuring scores and scenes from movies like Jurassic World, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Harry Potter.

Speaking of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Always is the new castle projection show in Hogsmeade with iconic moments from the Wizarding World. It has four different endings based on the houses — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff — so you’ll want to see it multiple times.

Guests can also enjoy Universal’s Mega Movie Parade. This is the park’s largest daytime parade, and includes characters from E.T., Jurassic World, and Ghostbusters. Throughout the year, guests and Universal annual pass members can also experience special events, like Halloween Horror Nights.

The fan-favorite experience is returning in August, followed by Holidays At Universal Orlando Resort in the winter. Typically, Halloween Horror Nights begins in September leading up to the spookiest time of the year in October. However, Universal Studios Florida in Orlando has tickets on sale for HHN 2024 now, and the event starts on Aug. 30.

Running through Nov. 3 on select nights, you’ll have plenty of time to visit (and revisit) the best Halloween theme park event. Orlando’s 2024 Halloween Horror Nights will have 10 brand-new haunted houses with five different scare zones throughout the park, including a Quiet Place maze.

When you’re not dodging the monsters, enjoy themed food and drinks, watch a live show, or shop for exclusive merch at the beloved Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store. Tickets for a single night at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights start at $83 per person, but you can also purchase Express Passes that let you skip the regular line and those start at $130 a person.

Along with Epic Universe opening in 2025, Universal Studios Orlando will also be unveiling two new resorts. Universal Stella Nova Resort will arrive Jan. 21, 2025, and be a galaxy-themed hotel near Epic Universe. It will have a pool, standard rooms for families, and restaurants to enjoy, along with transportation to the other Universal Studios theme parks — Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Adjacent to Universal Stella Nova Resort will be Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, 2025. Similar to Stella Nova, this space exploration-themed resort will be close to Epic Universe and have a pool, standard rooms, and dining options.

Hollywood Is Celebrating The Studio Tour’s 60th Anniversary

The famed Studio Tour in California is celebrating it’s 60th anniversary and offering guests unique experiences. Firstly, Universal has brought back its vintage red and white candy-striped Glamor Trams for guests to ride in, and for the occasion, you’re able to step off the tram to take pictures on the lot. This new area has a giant King Kong backdrop and Hollywood sign for Insta pics.

The Earthquake attraction has returned as well, and the tram drives through Courthouse Square — aka where Back to the Future was filmed. Foodies can celebrate the diamond anniversary with exclusive menu items, like a 60th Donut, Kong’s Ice Cream Sundae, and a Cosmic Pop festive drink.

Another addition to the upper lot will be the new Fast & Furious roller coaster. It was reported last summer that Universal Studios Hollywood was constructing a new attraction themed to the Fast & Furious franchise where the Animal Actors and Special Effects Stage shows used to be, and it was announced the outdoor coaster is expected open in 2026. In the meantime, guests can still experience the Fast & Furious - Supercharged as part of the backlot tour.

Halloween Horror Nights will also return this fall to Universal Studios Hollywood, starting Sept. 5 through Nov. 3. Along with The Quiet Place, Hollywood’s houses will include Insidious Further, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines, and tickets are on sale now.

Universal Studios Japan Is Getting Donkey Kong Country

While Hollywood has had Super Nintendo World for a year, the Mario-themed land actually opened at Universal Studios Japan first in 2021. Guests who have been to both parks would also argue Japan’s version is better. Not only does it have an additional Yoshi-themed ride, but Universal Studios Japan is expanding Super Nintendo World to include their Donkey Kong Country in 2024.

The Donkey Kong-themed area will have Mine Cart Madness and interactive areas where you can use your Power-Up Band. Universal hasn’t announced an opening date, but their website says it will open sometime this year. Since the highly anticipated Fantasy Spring at Tokyo DisneySea is now open, you might want to wait till later in the year to plan your Japan trip if going to theme parks is on your to-do list. You could even go in the fall when Japan has their version of Halloween Horror Nights, starting in September.

Another option is to wait for Universal to announce dates for its Singapore theme park, and make it a big international trip. According to Klook, Universal Studios Singapore is working on a Minion Land to open in 2024, and its own version of Super Nintendo World will arrive sometime in 2025.