Universal's Epic Universe opens Thursday — the first new theme park in Central Florida in nearly three decades.

Venture into the mysterious Dark Universe, where legendary monsters await. The eerie Village of Darkmoor gives guests the chance to explore the chilling world of timeless characters like Dracula and Frankenstein. Dine at Das Stakehaus, a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” serving up delicious kebabs and burgers.

There is no shortage of things to see or do, but there are some things to avoid at Epic Universe. There are only 11 rides at Epic Universe, but there’s much more to experience across the park.

Epic Universe officially opened its portals Thursday, and early visitors said the experience lived up to its name.

Tampa Bay got an exclusive first-look at Universal Orlando Resort’s long-awaited fourth theme park, Epic Universe, ahead of its official opening on May 22.

A new corner of Harry Potter's world focuses on the Ministry of Magic, Paris and "Fantastic Beasts" in Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

The grand opening of Universal Epic Universe on Thursday signals a new era in high-tech theme park attractions in Central Florida.10:10 a.m. update:Universal Orlando Resort shared new images as the first official guests gathered at the 5 portals to enter the different lands in Epic Universe.

Universal's Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, opens on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Here's what to know about Epic Universe's hours, tickets, and cost.