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Black America Web
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Top-Rated Amusement Parks in the U.S.
Top-Rated Amusement Parks in the U.S. Indiana Amusement Park Ranks Among America's Top 10 Best-Rated Looking for the perfect theme park for your next family getaway? A new study by Chicks Gold analyzed visitor reviews to uncover the top-rated amusement parks in America—and Indiana's own Holiday World & Splashin' Safari made the top 10! Using data from Google and Tripadvisor, parks with 10,000+ reviews were ranked based on the percentage of 5-star ratings. Here's the Top-Rated Amusement Parks in the U.S.: Top-Rated Amusement Parks in the U.S. was originally published on 1. Discovery Cove – Orlando, Florida ⭐️ 85.29% of visitors gave it 5 stars Discovery Cove is a one-of-a-kind tropical oasis. Visitors love the all-inclusive experience, where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel with eagle rays, and float through a freshwater oasis. It's quiet, luxurious, and offers a unique escape from the usual park chaos. It's also part of the SeaWorld family. 2. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg, Pennsylvania ⭐️ 83.30% A family-owned classic, Knoebels is America's largest free-admission amusement park. Known for its nostalgic charm and affordability, it features 60+ rides, including three wooden coasters, a century-old carousel, and free picnic areas. 3. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee ⭐️ 80.74% This mountain coaster winds through the scenic Smoky Mountains. Riders control their speed, making it fun for thrill-seekers and first-timers. It's also one of the longest downhill tracks in the U.S., with rides lasting up to 8 minutes. 4. Universal Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida ⭐️ 80.13% This park is a themed thrill ride paradise, with immersive zones like Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. High-speed roller coasters and 3D attractions draw fans of all ages. 5. Disney California Adventure – Anaheim, California ⭐️ 78.99% Located next to Disneyland, this park features lands inspired by California and Disney favorites. Popular areas include Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and Cars Land, making it a hit with families and Marvel fans alike. 6. Magic Kingdom – Bay Lake, Florida ⭐️ 77.72% Walt Disney World's iconic park is home to Cinderella Castle, classic rides like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion, and endless character meet-and-greets. It's the most visited theme park in the world for a reason. 7. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Merritt Island, Florida ⭐️ 77.58% This isn't your average park—space lovers will enjoy rocket exhibits, astronaut meetups, and immersive simulators. Visitors can even witness live launches depending on timing. It's a mix of education and excitement. 8. Disney's Animal Kingdom – Bay Lake, Florida ⭐️76.82% Where else can you go on a safari, ride a banshee in Pandora, and see live animal exhibits all in one park? Animal Kingdom blends wildlife with storytelling in true Disney fashion. 9. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida ⭐️ 76.51% A working movie studio and theme park, Universal Studios offers blockbuster attractions like the Transformers ride, The Simpsons land, and Diagon Alley from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It's fast-paced and full of movie magic. 10. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana ⭐️76.33% This family-owned Indiana gem offers free soft drinks, free sunscreen, and free parking—a rarity in the amusement park world. It's divided into holiday-themed lands and features award-winning wooden coasters and one of the best water parks in the country, including record-breaking water coasters. 11. FULL LIST: TOP 50 Rank Theme Park Location % of 5-Star Reviews 1 Discovery Cove Orlando, FL 85.29% 2 Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, PA 83.30% 3 Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster Pigeon Forge, TN 80.74% 4 Universal Islands of Adventure Orlando, FL 80.13% 5 Disney California Adventure Anaheim, CA 78.99% 6 Magic Kingdom Bay Lake, FL 77.72% 7 Kennedy Space Center Merritt Island, FL 77.58% 8 Disney's Animal Kingdom Bay Lake, FL 76.82% 9 Universal Studios Florida Orlando, FL 76.51% 10 Holiday World & Splashin' Safari Santa Claus, IN 76.33% 11 Epcot Bay Lake, FL 76.23% 12 Disneyland Anaheim, CA 75.86% 13 Breckenridge Ski Resort Breckenridge, CO 75.52% 14 The Island in Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge, TN 74.26% 15 Cedar Point Sandusky, OH 74.14% 16 Disney's Hollywood Studios Bay Lake, FL 73.94% 17 Universal Studios Hollywood Universal City, CA 73.00% 18 Dollywood Pigeon Forge, TN 72.35% 19 Silver Dollar City Branson, MO 72.18% 20 Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, CA 72.16% 21 Fun Spot America – Orlando Orlando, FL 72.07% 22 Gatorland Orlando, FL 71.95% 23 Kings Island Kings Mills, OH 71.91% 24 Fun Spot America – Kissimmee Kissimmee, FL 71.80% 25 ICON Park Orlando, FL 70.62% 26 ZooTampa at Lowry Park Tampa, FL 70.28% 27 Silverwood Theme Park Athol, ID 70.00% 28 Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, CA 69.54% 29 Wildlife World Litchfield Park, AZ 68.84% 30 Nickelodeon Universe East Rutherford, NJ 68.73% 31 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tampa, FL 68.30% 32 Pacific Park Santa Monica, CA 67.76% 33 Nickelodeon Universe Bloomington, MN 67.69% 34 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, CA 67.43% 35 SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, FL 67.42% 36 Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, VA 67.16% 37 Kemah Boardwalk Kemah, TX 66.87% 38 Hersheypark Hershey, PA 66.74% 39 Morey's Piers Wildwood, NJ 66.72% 40 Carowinds Charlotte, NC 66.34% 41 Canobie Lake Park Salem, NH 66.31% 42 Wild Adventures Valdosta, GA 66.18% 43 Belmont Park San Diego, CA 66.07% 44 Traders Village Grand Prairie, TX 66.01% 45 Old Town Kissimmee, FL 65.57% 46 SeaWorld San Diego San Diego, CA 64.59% 47 Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ 64.57% 48 Kings Dominion Doswell, VA 64.47% 49 Jenkinson's Boardwalk Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 64.12% 50 Lagoon Farmington, UT 64.10% source
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
What Epic Universe means for Universal Orlando Resort's other theme parks
It's been just over a month since the opening of Universal's shiny new theme park, Universal Epic Universe. This month also marks 35 years since the opening of Universal Orlando Resort's first park, Universal Studios Florida. Universal has four Orlando parks in all, and while many travelers are eager to experience the new addition, the company is betting big on the wider destination. 'This fourth gate changes everything for Universal Orlando,' resort President and Chief Operating Officer Karen Irwin said at a small gathering of executives and journalists at Epic Universe, on the eve of its opening. 'It not only cements us as more than a full weeklong destination vacation, but it also adds three hotels to the resort.' Here's what Epic Universe means for the rest of Universal Orlando. What are the 4 parks at Universal Orlando? Universal Studios Florida came first, opening in 1990. Universal Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, the same year as the destination's CityWalk dining and entertainment complex and first resort hotel. This marks the beginning of the larger Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Volcano Bay water park opened in 2017. Universal Epic Universe officially opened this May. Why do people go to Universal Orlando? When Universal Studios Florida first opened, its motto was 'ride the movies.' The wider resort is known for bringing beloved films to life in immersive experiences ranging from the once groundbreaking, still beloved E.T. Adventure ride to the five new worlds at Epic Universe. 'There's no replacement for being here live. Put your phones down. You're immersed, and you're experiencing all of this,' said Michael J. Cavanagh, president of Universal's parent company, Comcast Corporation. Its parks are alongside Disney among the most popular in North America, according to the latest Global Attractions Attendance Report from the Themed Entertainment Association and infrastructure leader AECOM. Like Disney, Universal has a deep bench of intellectual property. However, Universal is known for having relatively more thrill rides for big kids and adults, though its parks also have kid-friendly areas and Universal is building a new theme park in Texas geared toward young families. 'Obviously we come at it with a little different age target than they do,' Cavanagh said. One of Universal Orlando's biggest draws is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which now has three destinations across property: Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. 'If you're a Harry Potter fan, you have to see all three parks,' said Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences. Epic Universe mistakes: What to avoid at Universal's new theme park Where Epic Universe fits into Universal Orlando Universal doesn't see Epic Universe as taking away from its other parks, but adding to them. 'It started with the idea 'how do we continue to grow our Orlando business?' and the realization that in order do that, we needed another park to garner a full week vacation and make this the destination of choice for people for their full Orlando vacation trip,' Woodbury said. That growth benefits others too, according to Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. "Not only do (guests) experience a fantastic new park, but that also implies a certain reaction because it will drive competition and we will see more parks being built because our industry likes to challenge each other," he said. "I think there are only winners in this story, and I'm very excited to see how it plays out." In addition to Universal Orlando's four parks, guests now have their choice of 11 hotels with 11,000 rooms on property, so they don't have to worry about leaving or logistics until it's time to go home. "We want you not to have to think about what you're doing ... and just feel what we're doing here,' Irwin said. 'We offer this opportunity for people to come together with people that they love, the people that they care about, and just connect and be together and have those moments and those experiences that honestly they will remember for a lifetime.' What's next for Universal Orlando? Universal has said it's working on new attractions for all of its Orlando parks. 'What you can't see sitting here are all the expansion areas that are outside the spaces that you can see,' Woodbury said from inside Celestial Park. 'There's a lot of room for expansion. We're already thinking about how that plays out, and it's the same on the north end of the campus, new attractions coming, new intellectual property coming.' Details remain under wraps, but Universal has shared the location for at least one future project. A new experience will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit after it closes permanently at Universal Studios Florida on Aug. 18. How far is Epic Universe from the other parks? Epic Universe is about 4 miles away from Universal Orlando's other parks. Free resort transportation is available between the two campuses, and between Universal parks and hotels. How much do Epic Universe tickets cost? Single-day tickets to Epic Universe start at $139 for guests ages 10 and older. Prices vary by date. Specially priced tickets are available for annual passholders and Military Freedom Pass holders.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orange County's tourist tax take was good, not great in April
Orange County's tourist tax collections were better in April than a year ago, but not as good as the year before that. The revenue generated by the county's 6% surcharge on overnight hotel stays and other short-term lodging has been a reliable measure of tourist industry health, but Comptroller Phil Diamond, whose office tracks the collections, interpreted the new figures cautiously. 'It's interesting to me that even though we're in the midst of what looks to be a very good year — and we just had a very good month — we didn't beat a number from two years ago when everything was less expensive and hotel rooms cost less,' Diamond said. April 2025 collections were slightly weaker at $33.1 million than those in both April 2023 ($33.6 million) and April 2022 ($34.6 million). Epic Universe: Know before you go Still, revenue from the Tourist Development Tax, or TDT, through the first seven months of fiscal year 2025 has totaled $235.6 million, about $11.3 million ahead of the pace of last fiscal year when TDT raked in a best-ever haul of $359 million. Diamond expressed concern about slowing international travel and global economic uncertainty, but also noted bright spots. 'I really want to see more Epic results,' he said, referring to Universal's heralded new theme park, Epic Universe. 'I will say I'm pleasantly surprised at the visitation level we've had before the new park even opened. That was a surprise to me and probably other people as well.' The immersive park officially opened to big crowds May 22 eager to see attractions built around training dragons, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo video games and Dracula, Frankenstein and other celluloid creeps and monsters from the movies. Tourism figures from May will be revealed in early July. 'I'll miss visiting my American friends': Angered by Trump's threats, Canadians rethink Florida travel Visit Orlando also offered a somewhat mixed outlook for summer travel in an emailed response about the latest numbers. Hotel bookings from May through July are currently pacing 1% behind the same time period last year, but the short-term rental market is showing 'robust growth' with bookings 15% ahead of last year, said Casandra Matej, CEO of the region's tourism marketing agency. She said the average daily room rate was $223.44 in April, driven largely by a surge in leisure travel. The rate was $208.50 in April 2024. shudak@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe opens, and Harry Potter ride quickly draws a crowd (and a 300-minute wait)
The theme park capital of the world just got bigger as Epic Universe officially opened to the public at Universal Orlando early today. Its first visitors passed through the entrance at 6:30 a.m. — some eager customers had circled the area since 2 a.m. Eventually, there was a boisterous group countdown, followed by cheers, tears, cosplay and livestreaming. Initial Epic-goers went into speed-walking mode before literally skipping through the park's signature Chronos portal into Orlando's eighth theme park. Within 30 minutes, all visitors who had queued up early had ventured into the park. 'It was fun coming in because they had all the team members lining either side of the Chronos [entrance] clapping and welcoming everybody,' said Molly McCormack of Orlando, who arrived in the Epic parking lot at 7:30 a.m. 'We walked straight through security, straight through to Chronos,' said McCormack, co-owner of Mammoth Club, a content company that specializes in theme parks and travel. 'There's excitement in the air. Just now in the bar, people are toasting and cheers at each other,' she said. Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe experiences The opening ceremony also included mini-presentations and musical moments at the portals to the other four lands and the declaration that Epic Universe is officially open. The themed areas of Epic include Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, which showcases the classic monsters of Universal Studios. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, one of the more ballyhooed rides during previews for Epic Universe, quickly had a 300-minute wait time. The app later indicated operation of the attraction was 'delayed.' Most other attractions had midmorning waits of less than 30 minutes. By midday Thursday, major rides such as the Stardust Racers roller coaster and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment showed waits of 15 minutes or less. The bulging Battle at the Ministry wait time might explain the morning congestion at the Wizarding World portal. 'There was some running that happened,' a theme park no-no, said Tim Tracker, an Orlando-based YouTuber who covers Central Florida attractions. He said folks were dashing for the Potter ride, but there was no sign of trampling or injuries. The park didn't feel crowded Thursday morning, he said. 'It feels very similar to the preview days,' Tracker said. 'When you're out in Celestial Park, there's not a lot of people walking around. … And it's been lovely.' Overall, the short lines sharply contrasted with the first day of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in 2010. Some anxious fans waited eight hours then to get close to Hogwarts Castle. There has been a more measured approach in 2025. Ticket sales for the day were limited and quickly became unavailable, so there were no walk-up buyers for Epic on Thursday. The new park has also had several weeks of previews, starting with Universal employees and eventually expanding to the general public. Andrew and Sandra Spicer, a couple from the United Kingdom who took a nearly nine-hour flight to Florida, said they had planned their trip for a year and previously came during previews. 'It was the Harry Potter ride that we most wanted to go on when we came,' Sandra said. 'We queued for three-and-a-half hours to get on it.' She hoped lines would be shorter and said that they would definitely not wait for that amount of time again. Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) The sun sets over the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first new major theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 12Fireworks explode as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Expand But Daryl Ireland, also from the U.K., said she was willing to wait up to six hours for Battle at the Ministry. She also came during the preview and rode all rides except for Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster in Super Nintendo World. They were not operating during that visit. 'I'm gonna do Mine-Cart first, and then I'm hoping it eases off a little bit [at Harry Potter] because I think everyone will be around there first thing in the morning, Ireland said. 'So I'm hoping by the time I get there it might be less full.' Tharin White, lead producer for agreed that the park was well below its capacity and that might have been Universal's plan. 'I am seeing less people here now than I saw on any of my annual passholder technical previews. … I would guess that the park is at 50% [capacity}, if not less,' White said. He said he had been on both Super Nintendo World rides in less than an hour. 'And I met Toad and I met Donkey Kong at that time,' White said. Orlando's theme parks do not share attendance figures. While it was relatively smooth sailing inside Epic, the outside world made itself known. A plane toted a sign over the park that read 'Gaza is starving – end genocide' Thursday morning. Back on the ground, some visitors complained that a commemorative coin for opening day was already sold out. Other people stood in line to purchase an LP by Danny Elfman, who created music for Dark Universe. 'I'm excited to see the look on people's faces when they look at all of the work that people have done,' Patrick Braillard, senior show writer for the theme park, said during a preview during the buildup to Epic's debut. With a grand opening comes great expectations in Central Florida. 'We have so many theme parks in Orlando and guests have so much expectation,' Braillard said. 'We kind of have no choice but to pay it off in a really amazing, epic way. It's well named, I'll say that.' Epic Universe has been years in the making. The project was announced in August 2019. Construction began but the COVID pandemic put work on hold for a while. The park's life begins amid economic and travel uncertainties. But park fans and Universal employees have been sampling Epic in previews for several weeks. That culminated with a gathering of VIPs, celebrities and media Wednesday night. Actress Nico Parker and actor Mason Thames, stars of the upcoming 'How to Train Your Dragon' live action film, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Actors Oliver and James Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the 'Harry Potter' film series, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'Saturday Night Live' cast member Bowen Yang has some fun on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo representative director and fellow, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Gothic fashion designer Micheline Pitt, who contributed to Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Howie Mandel, best known for his roles as a judge on 'America's Got Talent 'since 2010 and as the host of the game show 'Deal or No Deal,' answers questions one the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dancer and actor Frankie Grande models a Power-Up Band on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Danny Elfman, composer for Dark Universe interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. Elfman has composed scores for over 100 feature films including "Beetlejuice," "Men in Black," "The Wolfman" and more. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Tasha Ghouri, a British model, dancer and television personality, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universals Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'The Real Housewives of Miami' star Guerdy Abraira arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dean DeBlois, writer, director and producer of all 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies and the upcoming live action film, interacts with the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark "Crash" McCreery, center, who contributed designs for the monsters in Monster's Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Rick Baker, special make-up effects creator known for his groundbreaking work in films like 'An American Werewolf in London,' 'Men in Black', and 'Planet of the Apes,' talks with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) VIPs arrive during on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, talks to members of the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 20Actor Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the 'Harry Potter' film series, talks with members of the media on the 'Celestial Carpet' on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Expand The star power included executives from branches of Comcast, Universal Orlando's parent company, professional athletics and actors, leaning into the NBC broadcast family with Bowen Yang ('Saturday Night Live'), Howie Mandel ('America's Got Talent'), Joe Manganiello ('Deal or No Deal Island), Andy Cohen ('Watch What Happens Live') and Guerdy Abraira ('The Real Housewives of Miami'). Other celebs had direct ties to Epic's worlds, including Warwick Davis, James Phelps and Oscar Phelps from the 'Harry Potter' film series, cast members from past and future 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies, and Shigeru Miyamoto, designer, producer and director at Nintendo. Epic Universe is the first theme park to open in Orlando since the introduction of Universal's Islands of Adventure in 1999. The addition is part of a corporate strategy to encourage longer stays at Universal Orlando Resort, which now features four gates including Islands, Universal Studios theme park and Volcano Bay water park. The expansion also includes three hotels near the new park, including Helios Grand Hotel, which has a direct Epic entrance. Universal now has 11 on-property hotels with 11,000 rooms. Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe A rolling history of Central Florida's attractions industry Epic Universe: Know before you go Pictures: Epic Universe's nighttime celebration goes off with a bang Pictures: Celebrities, VIPs arrive for Epic Universe nighttime celebration Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers) Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here's how theme park evolved An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal's new park Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe opens, and Harry Potter ride quickly draws a crowd (and a wait)
The theme park capital of the world just got bigger as Epic Universe officially opened to the public at Universal Orlando early today. Its first visitors passed through the entrance at 6:30 a.m. — some eager customers had circled the area since 2 a.m. Eventually, there was a boisterous group countdown, followed by cheers, tears, cosplay and livestreaming. Initial Epic-goers went into speed-walking mode before literally skipping through the park's signature Chronos portal into Orlando's eighth theme park. Within 30 minutes, all visitors who had queued up early had ventured into the park. 'It was fun coming in because they had all the team members lining either side of the Chronos [entrance] clapping and welcoming everybody,' said Molly McCormack of Orlando, who arrived in the Epic parking lot at 7:30 a.m. 'We walked straight through security, straight through to Chronos,' said McCormack, co-owner of Mammoth Club, a content company that specializes in theme parks and travel. 'There's excitement in the air. Just now in the bar, people are toasting and cheers at each other,' she said. Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe experiences The opening ceremony also included mini-presentations and musical moments at the portals to the other four lands and the declaration that Epic Universe is officially open. The themed areas of Epic include Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, which showcases the classic monsters of Universal Studios. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, one of the more ballyhooed rides during previews for Epic Universe, quickly had a 300-minute wait time. Most other attractions had midmorning waits of less than 30 minutes. The Battle at the Ministry wait time might explain the morning congestion at the Wizarding World portal. 'There was some running that happened,' a theme park no-no, said Tim Tracker, an Orlando-based YouTuber who covers Central Florida attractions. He said folks were dashing for the Potter ride, but there was no sign of trampling or injuries. The park didn't feel crowded Thursday morning, he said. 'It feels very similar to the preview days,' Tracker said. 'When you're out in Celestial Park, there's not a lot of people walking around. … And it's been lovely.' Overall, the short lines sharply contrasted with the first day of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in 2010. Some anxious fans waited eight hours then to get close to Hogwarts Castle. There has been a more measured approach in 2025. Ticket sales for the day were limited and quickly became unavailable, so there were no walk-up buyers for Epic on Thursday. The new park has also had several weeks of previews, starting with Universal employees and eventually expanding to the general public. Andrew and Sandra Spicer, a couple from the United Kingdom who took a nearly nine-hour flight to Florida, said they had planned their trip for a year and previously came during previews. 'It was the Harry Potter ride that we most wanted to go on when we came,' Sandra said. 'We queued for three-and-a-half hours to get on it.' She hoped lines would be shorter and said that they would definitely not wait for that amount of time again. Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) The sun sets over the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first new major theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 12Fireworks explode as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Expand But Daryl Ireland, also from the U.K., said she was willing to wait up to six hours for Battle at the Ministry. She also came during the preview and rode all rides except for Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster in Super Nintendo World. They were not operating during that visit. 'I'm gonna do Mine-Cart first, and then I'm hoping it eases off a little bit [at Harry Potter] because I think everyone will be around there first thing in the morning, Ireland said. 'So I'm hoping by the time I get there it might be less full.' While it was mostly smooth sailing inside Epic, the outside world made itself known. A plane toted a sign over the park that read 'Gaza is starving — end genocide' Thursday morning. Back on the ground, some visitors complained that a commemorative coin for opening day was already sold out. Other people stood in line to purchase an LP by Danny Elfman, who created music for Dark Universe. 'I'm excited to see the look on people's faces when they look at all of the work that people have done,' Patrick Braillard, senior show writer for the theme park, said during a preview during the buildup to Epic's debut. With a grand opening comes great expectations in Central Florida. 'We have so many theme parks in Orlando and guests have so much expectation,' Braillard said. 'We kind of have no choice but to pay it off in a really amazing, epic way. It's well named, I'll say that.' Epic Universe has been years in the making. The project was announced in August 2019. Construction began but the COVID pandemic put work on hold for a while. The park's life begins amid economic and travel uncertainties. But park fans and Universal employees have been sampling Epic in previews for several weeks. That culminated with a gathering of VIPs, celebrities and media Wednesday night. Actress Nico Parker and actor Mason Thames, stars of the upcoming 'How to Train Your Dragon' live action film, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Actors Oliver and James Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the 'Harry Potter' film series, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'Saturday Night Live' cast member Bowen Yang has some fun on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo representative director and fellow, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Gothic fashion designer Micheline Pitt, who contributed to Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Howie Mandel, best known for his roles as a judge on 'America's Got Talent 'since 2010 and as the host of the game show 'Deal or No Deal,' answers questions one the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dancer and actor Frankie Grande models a Power-Up Band on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Danny Elfman, composer for Dark Universe interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. Elfman has composed scores for over 100 feature films including "Beetlejuice," "Men in Black," "The Wolfman" and more. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Tasha Ghouri, a British model, dancer and television personality, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universals Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'The Real Housewives of Miami' star Guerdy Abraira arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dean DeBlois, writer, director and producer of all 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies and the upcoming live action film, interacts with the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark "Crash" McCreery, center, who contributed designs for the monsters in Monster's Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Rick Baker, special make-up effects creator known for his groundbreaking work in films like 'An American Werewolf in London,' 'Men in Black', and 'Planet of the Apes,' talks with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) VIPs arrive during on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, talks to members of the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 20Actor Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the 'Harry Potter' film series, talks with members of the media on the 'Celestial Carpet' on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Expand The star power included executives from branches of Comcast, Universal Orlando's parent company, professional athletics and actors, leaning into the NBC broadcast family with Bowen Yang ('Saturday Night Live'), Howie Mandel ('America's Got Talent'), Joe Manganiello ('Deal or No Deal Island), Andy Cohen ('Watch What Happens Live') and Guerdy Abraira ('The Real Housewives of Miami'). Other celebs had direct ties to Epic's worlds, including Warwick Davis, James Phelps and Oscar Phelps from the 'Harry Potter' film series, cast members from past and future 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies, and Shigeru Miyamoto, designer, producer and director at Nintendo. Epic Universe is the first theme park to open in Orlando since the introduction of Universal's Islands of Adventure in 1999. The addition is part of a corporate strategy to encourage longer stays at Universal Orlando Resort, which now features four gates including Islands, Universal Studios theme park and Volcano Bay water park. The expansion also includes three hotels near the new park, including Helios Grand Hotel, which has a direct Epic entrance. Universal now has 11 on-property hotels with 11,000 rooms. Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe A rolling history of Central Florida's attractions industry Epic Universe: Know before you go Pictures: Epic Universe's nighttime celebration goes off with a bang Pictures: Celebrities, VIPs arrive for Epic Universe nighttime celebration Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers) Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here's how theme park evolved An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal's new park Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park
