In 2025, Universal Studios is set to revolutionize the theme park landscape with five remarkable endeavors.
With the debut of a fresh theme park titled Epic Universe, Universal Studios Resorts is aiming high for the title of top fan hotspots, challenging even Disney's dominance (Disney seems unbothered). Universal's aspirations aren't limited to Florida. Universal Studios Hollywood experiences a One Piece takeover, while AREA15 in Las Vegas prepares to launch Horror Unleashed, keeping the frights rolling year-round.
And with Wicked Part Two hitting cinemas in the coming year and intense fan demand to catch more of Elphaba and Glinda in the parks (Universal ran some tests, offering character appearances for a weekend), fans shouldn't rule out more Oz-inspired enchantments.
Here are five things that have us buzzing about 2025 at Universal Studios!
Epic Universe at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort
Instagram post - Universal Orlando Resort (@universalorlando)
The grand opening event? Universal's entirely new theme park's debut. It'll feature portals inspired by How to Train Your Dragon's Isle of Berk (before the movie's summer 2024 live-action release), Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter's Wizarding World's Ministry of Magic, and Universal Monsters Dark Universe. Along with top-notch attractions and immersive experiences, this park will also introduce new attractions such as the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe rides. Fans can anticipate some sweet exports from Asia, including Universal Beijing's Untrainable show and Universal Japan's Donkey Kong Country. Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025.
Mine Cart Madness at Donkey Kong Country in Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World
Instagram post - Universal Orlando Resort (@universalorlando)
While Universal Studios Hollywood experienced a miniature Super Nintendo World, Epic Universe will receive the full-sized version, similar to what fans see at Universal Studios Japan. The highlight for us? The Mine Cart Madness coaster, promising off-track thrills and more Donkey Kong characters galore.
Universal Monsters Animatronics at the Dark Universe in Epic Universe
There's nothing odd about being captivated by the highly detailed and eerily realistic Universal Monsters animatronics that populate the Dark Universe attractions, like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Not one bit odd... not at all... we wouldn't even blink if they suddenly turned sentient and decided to dominate us in a robot uprising.
Universal Horror Unleashed in AREA15 in Las Vegas
Instagram post - Universal Horror Unleashed (@universal_horror_unleashed)
AREA15, Sin City's ultimate immersive experience destination, promises more thrills with Universal Horror Unleashed, a collaboration between the interactive hub and Universal Studios. The space will serve up terror through the year, featuring major titles from Universal Pictures, Blumhouse, and Monkeypaw, as well as original haunt IP from Halloween Horror Nights.
One Piece Fan Fest Night at Universal Studios Hollywood
Luffy and his Straw Hat pirate crew sail to the West Coast at Universal Studios Hollywood for a night devoted to One Piece festivities, complete with entertainment, special merchandise, and dining options. We hope for a Waterworld overlay from Japan's One Piece Premier Summer event to reach Hollywood for some pirate-themed excitement and fun-filled immersive experiences. One Piece is just one of the Fan Fest Nights' offerings, with other after-hours events celebrating other fan favorites like Back to the Future and Nintendo. Let's hope Wicked gets a night too!
In the future, Epic Universe, a new theme park from Universal Studios Resorts, will incorporate technology to bring attractions like Mine Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country and the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe rides to life. The partnership between Universal and AREA15 in Las Vegas will also utilize technology for Universal Horror Unleashed, providing year-round terror experiences.
After seeing the success of the One Piece takeover at Universal Studios Hollywood, io9 predicts that technology will play a significant role in bringing fan favorite titles, such as Wicked, to life in the parks.
