UPDATE June 14 – This week has been an exciting one for Universal theme park fans as we got to see the unveiling of the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center.In a new video update posted to YouTube by Theme Park Stop we get to see all the latest developments that have taken place at Universal’s Epic Universe in the last few weeks including; water testing in the central lagoon, fog effects being added to the Stardust Racers dueling roller coaster and boats arriving at How To Train Your Dragon Isle of Burke.June 2 – Whilst we have thought for a long time that the new dueling launched roller coaster coming to Universal Epic Universe will be called Starfall Racers we now know that this will not be the case.Due to a recent lawsuit filed against Universal by Starfall education software company, Universal has changed the name of its highly anticipated roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe on its official website from “Starfall Racers” to “Stardust Racers”. To be honest with it being such a small change it really doesn’t make a lot of difference. May 20 – Starfall Racers will be one of the headlining roller coasters when Universal’s Epic Universe opens in 2025. Testing has been taking place over the last month but the testing of both roller coaster trains at the same place only began a couple of weeks ago where we got to see our first glimpse of duel testing being done.Well, in a new video posted to YouTube by Amusement Insider over the weekend, we now get to see amazing footage of further testing being done and the dueling element is sure to thrill guests on Starfall Racers when it opens at Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025.May 10 – In the video posted to YouTube by Orlando Tourist we get to see a range of footage of both trains being testing on Starfall Racers. It is really exciting to see how they will dual around the track and this will certainly make another level of excitement to this highly anticipated roller coaster.In a new photo posted to X by Bioreconstruct we get to see a close up of one of the trains with water dummies which are complete with capes and hoods!Aerial photo of test dummies riding a Starfall Racers train in Epic Universe.The dummies have capes and hoods. pic.twitter.com/lHlXsttct3— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 9, 2024Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.January 18 – In the latest construction update posted to YouTube on January 17 by Theme Park Stop, we get to see all the recent developments at Universal’s Epic Universe which is set to open in summer 2025.We are summarizing the highlights from the update which includes images from Bioreconstruct. The full video is embedded below.At the entrance to Universal’s Epic Universe we get to see arches are being added. New permits filed give further details to the use of space at the entrance of the park which is set to include a large retail space, wheelchair and stroller rental, lost and found, lockers, guest services, health services, restrooms, photo pick up and a Starbucks.In the central section which is expected to be called Celestial Park, decorative framing and gold paint is being applied to the carousel ride, Constellation Carousel. Mesh for rockwork is being installed around the track on the Starfall Racers dual roller coaster. The large show fountain expected to be called Oculus is getting a blue finish to its bottom.For those of you who are interested, a POV created in Planet Coaster of Starfall Racers has been posted this week to YouTube by CoasterLoopings360 and is embedded below.In The Dark Universe, the windmill themed dining location has been revealed. The curvy pathways are going into place for the Curse of the Werewolf spinning ride and the manor gate wall is starting to receive its final paintwork.We hear a new rumor for the headlining attraction for Dark Universe, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment that in the pre-show there will be an animatronic Frankenstein’s Monster figure walk into view of guests. This rumor is backed up by a patent filed by Universal which is shared on the video allowing an animatronic figure to walk.In the How To Train Your Dragon Land, Isle of Berk a sign is now in place for the snack stand, Grog & Gruel. Painting can be seen on restrooms and framing for the dragon houses has been installed.The exciting news in Super Nintendo World is that the Yoshi Adventure ride is now being testing with weighted dummies. We will continue to update you with the progress on Universal’s Epic Universe over the coming weeks and months.
Image: Bioreconstruct
Which ride are you most excited about? Which land are you most looking forward to visiting? Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page. UPDATE January 10 – Universal’s Epic Universe is set to open by summer 2025. In a new construction update posted to YouTube by Theme Park Stop we get to see the latest construction developments on Universal’s Epic Universe as well as recent rumors. To begin with we hear news that new official concept art is expected to be released later this month. The Universal Legacy store at CityWalk in set to close in the coming days to be replaced with the Epic Universe Preview Center which is assumed to open around June.
Image: Universal
The phrase “YOU GOTTA SEE THIS” has been trademarked by Universal which we assume will be used in the extensive marketing campaign which is expected to begin this year in preparation for the official opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025.The two onsite hotels, The Stella Nova Resort and the Terra Luna Resort which will open at Universal’s Epic Universe are already taking bookings. We still await confirmation of when reservations will open for the third, Helois Grand Hotel and it is expected that this will be sometime in the coming months. We will update you on this information as soon as it is announced.Tickets for Universal’s Epic Universe are expected to go on sale later this year.The most recent construction update from Theme Park Stop is now available to watch on YouTube and is embedded below. We have taken the key highlights from this update as can be seen below.The key highlights include:
Beacons for each Land being installed including the Dark Universe which is an electrical tower inspired by the Frankenstein story, How To Train Your Dragon The Isle Of Berk which is a weather vane at the top of a tower featuring Toothless and Wizarding World Ministry of Magic has its hand holding a golden wand beacon installed. Portal plates are also expected to be installedJagged rock work has been added along the manor walls for the walkway leading into the rides queue building for the headlining attraction, Monsters Unchained The Frankenstein Experiment which is set to include all the classic Universal monsters. How To Train Your Dragon Land is rumored to feature robotic Dragon drones which may be seen flying overhead.Yoshi ride vehicles are now covered in a green plastic wrapInteractive wand experiences are expected in window displays in the Wizarding World Ministry of Magic.
As a result of this, upgrades to interactive wand experiences at Universal Orlando resort are expected as well as the introduction of new interactive wands which are expected to contain replaceable batteries, haptics and new connectivity to the official Universal App. The old interactive wands can still be used but new wands will be needed for improved visual effects and additional functionality. Updates at Universal Orlando Resort and the new interactive wands are expected to debut this year.Work is progressing on the Kirkman Road Circle Ramp which will be a ground floor intersection with a large round fly over ramp just for guests to access Universal’s Epic Universe. The County has confirmed that it should be completed by the end of 2024.For previous Universal’s Epic Universe updates from 2023, continue reading…
