ORLANDO - The wait is over.

Epic Universe, Universal Orlando's newest theme park, is finally open.?

Nearly a decade in the making, Epic Universe features new innovations and technology that truly elevate what a theme park is all about ¨C family fun. From unique attractions, live shows, a plethora of delicious dining options, and so much more, Epic Universe has enhanced the vacation experience.?

Universal hosted a grand opening event on Wednesday night, celebrating the completion of the park as it prepares to welcome guests officially on Thursday, May 22.

¡°This park is a game-changer and the most technologically innovative park we have ever built,¡± said Brian Robinson, EVP & Chief Creative Officer at Universal Destinations & Experiences. ?¡°On behalf of over a thousand creatives who poured their heart into this [opening], we are so excited to have you.¡±

Epic Universe is divided into five themed lands, anchored by its central hub - Celestial Park - which is being touted as putting the park back in theme park with its lush greenery and multiple water fountains. It features numerous restaurants and the early crowd favorite attraction in Stardust Racers, a dual-launch rollercoaster.

Celestial Park is also where most guests will enter. Those who booked their stay at Universal Helios Grand Hotel can enter the back of the park directly from the hotel's lobby. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort are the other new neighboring hotels that are around a 10-minute walk from the park¡¯s main entrance. Guests who stay on property at a Universal hotel will get the special perk of early access into Epic Universe.

A view of Helios Hotel from Epic Universe (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)

The other lands include:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ¨C Ministry of Magic, which is inspired by the Fantastic Beasts films and the Harry Potter series and focuses on 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic. This land features the dark ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and a live show, Le Cirque Arcanus.

Super Nintendo World is home to the beloved characters of the Super Mario franchise along with Donkey Kong Country. Top attractions in this world include the augmented reality ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, the trip track Mine-Cart Madness rollercoaster in Donkey Kong Country, and Yoshi's Adventure, a slower ride great for the whole family.

How to Train Your Dragon ¨C Isle of Berk fully immerses you into a world of dragons. Highlights here include family-friendly coaster Hiccup's Wing Gliders, the Untrainable Dragon live show, and the interactive boat ride Fyre Drill ¨C where you will definitely get wet.

Dark Universe, where guests will explore the village of Darkmoor, is a land fully dedicated to Universal's classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein¡¯s Monster, The Wolf Man, and more.

All the lands feature several dining options for either a sit-down experience or a quick service snack, as well as stores for all the new merchandise featuring the iconic characters from each land.?

Stay tuned to TravelPulse for more coverage of Epic Universe.?

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