Epic Universe – Mega Update February 2024

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With January’s official announcements & confirmationsUniversal Epic Universe is even more of a reality! Construction is bustling, offering tantalizing glimpses into the breathtaking realms awaiting exploration. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic sees captivating murals and graphics unvieled, step into the chilling embrace of Dark Universe’s expanding graveyard, promising bone-chilling encounters. In Super Nintendo World, the iconic Mt. Beanpole stands proudly, adorned with its final touches, while How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk welcomes adorable sheep, straight out of the movie and ready to lead you on unforgettable adventures.

Let’s dive in and take a look at the progress!

(All aerial imagery is ©Biorecontruct. You should really check him out. He has active accounts on multiple social media sites)

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Dark Universe

©Universal

Dark Universe Update: Unveiling the Secrets of Darkmoor

Lets start with the latest update on Dark Universe, the upcoming land at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe that brings iconic monsters to life. As construction progresses, more details emerge, hinting at the chilling atmosphere and thrilling experiences awaiting visitors.

Walking into Darkmoor:

  • Gothic Gateway: Rows of repurposed gravestones line the entry path, creating a spooky ambiance. A central crypt separates the entrance and exit, adding to the mystery.
  • Misty Village: The winding path leads to Darkmoor village, rumored to be named after the classic horror film. Broken walls and fog effects, created by pipes atop the main retail location, promise an immersive experience.

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Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment:

  • Manor Makeover: The ride’s centerpiece, a towering manor, receives new ornate elements and detailed aging effects, building anticipation for the thrilling “Frankenstein Experiment.”
  • Garden Growing: Lush greenery surrounds the manor, adding a touch of natural beauty to the unsettling atmosphere. Paved pathways wind through the exterior queue, further enhancing the experience.
©Universal – Artist Rendering of the Manor

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Curse of the Werewolf:

  • Full Circuit Test: The spinning coaster takes flight! Photos capture a test run, revealing free-spinning cars with seats facing both directions. Final colors and design remain under wraps.
  • Romani Inspiration: Rumors suggest the queue area will feature colorful fortune teller tents and Romani wagons, referencing the Maleva character from “The Wolfman.” This theme might influence the coaster train design.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

©Universal

Step into the Ministry’s Secrets: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expands!

Construction at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe reveals exciting progress on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s newest land, transporting us to the heart of wizarding bureaucracy and Parisian charm.

Entering the Ministry:

  • Grand Gateway: The courtyard unfolds before the grand entry portal, promising an immersive journey into the Ministry’s secrets. A unique split entry design is taking shape, hinting at exciting surprises upon passing through the portal.
  • Parisian Panache: Scaffolding has come down from the majestic Parisian arch, showcasing intricate carvings yet to be adorned with vibrant colors. A 1920s perfume advertisement graces the nearby wall, setting the stage for a bygone era’s magic.

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Exploring Diagon Alley’s Parisian Cousin:

  • Flourishing Facades: As construction progresses, facades come alive with intricate details. Plant patterns adorn a florist shop, while a captivating poster beckons visitors to “Cafe L’air la Sirene,” the land’s main dining destination.
  • Shopping Spree: Across the street, a jewelry shop advertisement hints at glittering treasures within, while “Les Galeries Mirifiques,” a grand Wizarding department store, awaits on the corner.

 

Thrilling Experiences Await:

  • Ministry Makeover: The imposing monument at the land’s end receives finishing touches, while an adjacent building adorned with ornate elements houses the entrance to the rumored “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” ride.
  • Queue Line Secrets: Yellow lines reveal the separation between the ride’s queue and the indoor stage show, while a large highlighted area hints at a sprawling queue system, leading to the tallest indoor ride at Epic Universe.

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Taking a broader view, permits reveal that the yellow-highlighted section in the next image is exclusively for the main attraction’s queue areas. Meanwhile, the taller orange section at the back houses the actual ride itself, making it the largest indoor rollercoaster experience at Epic Universe.

©Bioreconstruct

Super Nintendo World

©Universal

Super Nintendo World: Embark on an Immersive Nintendo Adventure!

Step through the iconic green warp pipe portal and enter a vibrant realm brimming with your favorite Nintendo characters and landmarks. Super Nintendo World, the highly anticipated land under construction at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, promises an immersive adventure for fans of all ages. Let’s explore the latest exciting developments:

Nintendo Super Star Store: Step out of the portal and be greeted by the soon-to-be Nintendo Super Star Store! Construction mirrors the official concept art, and keen observers can spot the beginnings of a charming Mario fountain, hinting at the playful shopping experience awaiting within.

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Iconic Landmarks Take Shape:

  • Peach’s Castle: Weatherproofing work is underway on this majestic centerpiece, with bundles of electrical conduit hinting at future interactive elements. The second tier awaits installation, promising even more immersive exploration.
  • Bowser’s Fortress: Work intensifies on the turrets flanking the entrance to the highly anticipated Mario Kart ride. Get ready to race through thrilling twists and turns!
  • Mt. Beanpole: This towering landmark, the land’s tallest point, boasts visible blocks, coins, and a menacing Thwomp. Look closer and you might spot hints of a circling Yoshi animatronic, just like its Japan counterpart!

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Thrilling Rides in Progress:

  • Yoshi’s Adventure: Testing continues for this vibrant green ride. While shrouded in protective layers, its egg-shaped accessible vehicle assures inclusivity for all visitors. The finishing touches are being added to the ride’s finale scene, building anticipation for a truly engaging experience.
  • Donkey Kong Country Mini-Land: The foundation is laid, and pavement near the entrance hints at a charming outdoor retail location. The iconic temple wall comes alive with vibrant colors, featuring carved blocks and a mysterious palm tree-shaped element in the center. Timber planks line the ride’s track, further immersing guests in the Donkey Kong universe while masking the Mine Cart Madness coaster’s operations.
  • DK Barrel Game: Get ready to unleash your inner Rambi! Construction has begun on an interactive game utilizing iconic DK barrels, adding another layer of playful engagement.
  • Water Feature Transformation: Mesh and wireframe rockwork surrounding the ride’s water feature has been transformed into sculpted rocks, awaiting a splash of color. Decorative temple ruins adorn the ride’s main lift hill, adding to the immersive atmosphere.

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How To Train Your Dragon

©Universal

Isle of Berk Beckons: Unveiling the Wonders of How to Train Your Dragon!

Step through the swirling mists and enter the vibrant realm of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, the upcoming land under construction at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe! Join Hiccup, Toothless, and the Berkian crew as exciting details emerge, promising an immersive adventure for dragon riders of all ages.

Dragon Sheep Pranks: Meet the mischievous Dragon Sheep! These adorable figures, inspired by the third film, are regular sheep cleverly disguised as tiny dragons roaming near the land’s entrance. Be warned – their cuteness might be a cunning disguise!

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Soaring with Hiccup: Lush landscaping now surrounds the ride, creating a captivating atmosphere. Spot the coaster train parked near the first launch, adorned with themed gears hinting at a story-driven adventure. Hiccup’s “Wing Glider” contraption might just be the key to preparing you for dragon flight!

Interactive Berk: Work begins on grandstands adorned with Viking shields, where the coaster track will pass after its second launch. Before that, interactive kid play areas are being prepped near the rockwork along the track, promising engaging activities for younger Vikings.

Viking Vibes Set Sail: The scenic boats resting in the land’s lagoon boast colorful Viking-style shields, adding a touch of authenticity. At the bottom of the boat ride’s lagoon, a murky bluish-gray finish creates a realistic watery atmosphere.

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Feasting Fit for a Dragon Rider: The tower atop the Spit Fyre Grill quick service window has received vibrant colors, showcasing a glimpse of the themed walls below. Imagine enjoying a hearty meal surrounded by these beautifully painted details!

Meade Hall Mysteries: While still cloaked in scaffolding, the sculpted walls around the base hint at the grandeur to come. Peek at the painted cliff face sections visible at the backside of the building, offering a taste of the finished facade’s beauty.

Toothless’ Treasury (?): At the rumored “Toothless’ Treasure” gift shop new framing emerges along the right-front of the land’s large indoor theater building, suggesting a delightful retail location dedicated to dragon-themed souvenirs.

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Celestial Park

©Universal

Celestial Park: Construction Update from the Heart of Epic Universe

Celestial Park, the central hub of Universal Orlando’s upcoming Epic Universe, continues to showcase exciting progress. Here’s a factual overview of the latest developments:

Grand Show Fountain: Work progresses on the park’s centerpiece water feature. Individual pumps for each nozzle promise impressive water displays reaching up to 135 feet. New rockwork on the north side creates a cascading waterfall effect, potentially flowing from the Universal Helios Grand Hotel down to the fountain basin.

Themed Bars: Two new bars are under construction. One, near the Dark Universe portal, has received foundation work and is rumored to be named CelesTiki. The other, on the opposite side of the fountain, is already framed and rumored to be called Bar Zenith.

Astronimica: The area for the children’s splash pad, Astronimica, is being formed. The unique carousel Constellation Carousel has its rotating base installed, with inner circles designed to rotate independently for a dual-level experience. Some seating outside the inner circles caters to riders seeking a calmer experience.

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Starfall Racers: Theming rockwork continues on the iconic structure of Starfall Racers, the park’s dual-launched coaster. The right side receives a red coat of color, aligning with concept art.

Future Dining: Land preparation continues for a possible phase 2 dining location, potentially housing two connected quick-service restaurants named Pavo’s Italian and Luna Estrella.

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That’s it for now! You can find out even more at the Official Universal Epic Universe page. 

We’ll continue to bring you updates on progress as we get closer to Summer 2025. In the meantime, practice your spells, feed your dragons, and dust off your power stars! The countdown to Epic Universe continues, and what we see so far promises worlds brimming with magic, thrills, and laughter. Get ready to explore, discover, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

See you in 2025!