What will be in Epic Universe? Everything you need to know about Universal's new theme park

Think of an event you’re looking forward to. A concert by your favorite artist. A big game by your favorite sports team. That’s how many theme park fans feel about Universal Epic Universe, the new theme park opening next year at Universal Orlando Resort.

“Epic Universe is based on an amazing concept: the idea that you go through a portal of sorts into a world and come out in a world you never dreamed of,” said legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, a longtime Universal partner, in a video introducing the park.

But it’s not just one world. Universal is creating five incredibly detailed, fully immersive worlds in the Epic Universe that promise to make even casual park visitors forget the reality they left behind in the parking lot.

Little by little, we’ve learned more about each world over the past seven months, and with this week’s announcements for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, we finally have the full picture.

Here’s everything you need to know about Epic Universe.

What is confirmed for Epic Universe?

According to Universal, Celestial Park will be featured "Lush living gardens along shimmering waters, surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements." — According to Universal, Celestial Park will feature “lush living gardens along shimmering waters, surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.”

According to Universal, there will be more than 50 unique experiences across the park’s five worlds. Here are some highlights from each of those worlds.

Heavenly Park will be the first world guests experience in Epic Universe and the gateway to the park’s other four worlds. “This is where we’re making the park a theme park again,” said Mark Woodbury, president and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, in the same video as Spielberg. There will be tranquil gardens, dancing fountains for guests to splash in, a celestial Constellation carousel and a racing coaster with two launches, 5,000 feet of track and speeds of up to 60 mph.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk invites guests into the world of its eponymous DreamWorks Animation franchise. “We call this the golden age of harmony between Vikings and dragons,” a member of the Universal Creative team said in a video introducing the world, set between the events of the second and third films. Guests can meet Toothless and try out three attractions, including the high-flying Dragon Racer’s Rally, where guests can choose how wild they want to make their speedy and whirling ride. There will be an interactive play area for junior Vikings and a highly anticipated live show called “The Untrainable Dragon,” inspired by the hugely popular “Untrainable” show at Universal Beijing Resort.

"Guests jump into a minecart and race through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana." on Mine-Cart Madness, which Universal describes as "the first family roller coaster of its kind." — “Guests jump into a minecart and race through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted Golden Banana” on Mine-Cart Madness, which Universal describes as “the first family roller coaster of its kind.”

Super Nintendo World will not be an exact copy of its sister land at Universal Studios Hollywood. In addition to the augmented reality Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, its Super Mario Land will feature the family attraction Yoshi’s Adventure for the first time in the US. In another first in the US, there will also be a Donkey Kong Country with a roller coaster that appears to jump off the track.

“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” brings guests face to face with the classic monsters of Universal’s silver screen.

Dark Universe will draw on Universal’s legacy of classic monsters like Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Two rides are planned for the land. Universal calls Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment its “most terrifying attraction yet.” It will also be one of its most cutting-edge. “We’re using literally every technology I can think of, and then we realized we need to invent new technology,” said Gregory Hall, Assistant Director, Creative Design at Universal Creative, in a Dark Universe video.

Dolores Umbridge will not go quietly in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will bridge the 1920s wizarding Paris of the Fantastic Beasts film series and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter films. “You’ll see what you saw in the films, full-scale,” said Anisha Vyas Burgos, associate project director at Universal Creative, in a video about the Ministry of Magic. Guests can also see Universal’s first full-scale theatrical show in the wizarding world, Le Cirque Arcanus, before riding Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a state-of-the-art attraction that will see Harry, Ron and Hermione once again face off against Dolores Umbridge and Death Eaters.

Where is Epic Universe?

Epic Universe will be located on Sand Lake Road, which Universal says is 10 to 15 minutes from the existing theme parks. Complimentary resort transportation will be provided between the parks. It will also be available between Epic Universe and Universal hotels.

Orlando vs. Hollywood: What is the difference between Universal theme parks?

Is Epic Universe bigger than Universal’s other parks?

Universal Epic Universe will consist of five worlds, with Celestial Park at the center.

Yes. At 750 acres, it will be Universal Orlando’s largest theme park.

“Epic Universe is a tremendous asset and nearly doubles the size of Universal Orlando Resort,” said Woodbury. “It gives us the opportunity to bring people to Universal Orlando for a full week of the most incredible experiences they can imagine.”

What month does Epic Universe open?

People gather around a sprawling model of the new park at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Preview Center. — People gather around a sprawling model of the new park at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Preview Center.

Universal has not announced an exact date for the park’s opening, only that it will be sometime next year.

Guests who can’t wait can get a first look at the Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk shopping, dining and entertainment complex. It’s open to the public and doesn’t require a parking pass.

There is an expansive model of the park and an accompanying augmented reality app that allows you to interact with the model and learn more about the park through your smartphone. There are also some photo opportunities and Epic Universe souvenirs.

Epic Universe Tickets

Guests will pass through a giant Chronos portal to enter the Universal Epic Universe. This temporary portal will take guests to Celestial Park. Each of the other four worlds will also have a uniquely themed portal.

Universal has not yet announced prices for Epic Universe tickets or what season passes for the new park will look like.

It is possible that different prices apply to Epic Universe, similar to how different prices apply to Universal Volcano Bay water park than to Universal’s existing theme parks.

Will there be a hotel in the Epic Universe?

The aim of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel is "a world where heaven and earth unite." — The Universal Helios Grand Hotel aims to feel like “a world where heaven and earth come together.”

There will be three Universal hotels near the park, all of which, like the other hotels on site, will be owned by Loews.

Universal Stella Nova Resort will open on January 21. Its sister property, Universal Terra Luna Resort, will open on February 25. Both will be prime value hotels, like Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel.

A third resort called Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be located in Epic Universe next to Celestial Park. Opening details for the luxurious 500-room property have not yet been announced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Epic Universe Guide: What we know about Universal’s new theme park