Photos: Florida's $6bn Epic Universe park sees grand opening with spectacular firework, draws huge crowd

Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

The Epic Universe's focal point is Celestial Park. Visitors can then access the Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon—Isle of Berk.

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The $6 billion Epic Universe park at Universal Orlando Resort is fully open for public after six years of construction.A kid uses his magic wand to cast spells at an interactive game around at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

The $6 billion Epic Universe park at Universal Orlando Resort is fully open for public after six years of construction.A kid uses his magic wand to cast spells at an interactive game around at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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Celestial Park is the centerpiece of the 750-acre Epic Universe. Guests can then access the five parks known as: Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.People take a selfie as they arrive for the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

Celestial Park is the centerpiece of the 750-acre Epic Universe. Guests can then access the five parks known as: Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.People take a selfie as they arrive for the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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Celestial Park, which Universal claims "puts the 'park' back in 'theme park'", has eateries, stores, rolling gardens, canals, and walkways.Performers stand at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

Celestial Park, which Universal claims "puts the 'park' back in 'theme park'", has eateries, stores, rolling gardens, canals, and walkways.Performers stand at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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Attendees interact with the animatronic Snow Dragon at "How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

Attendees interact with the animatronic Snow Dragon at "How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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FILE PHOTO: An attendee wearing a costume interacts with character Ygor at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

FILE PHOTO: An attendee wearing a costume interacts with character Ygor at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS)

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FILE PHOTO: An attendee uses her phone to take a selfie before entering the "Dark Universe" world at Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

FILE PHOTO: An attendee uses her phone to take a selfie before entering the "Dark Universe" world at Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS)

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People attend Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People attend Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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A general view shows "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

A general view shows "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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People interact with a game at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People interact with a game at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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People ride The Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People ride The Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS)

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People attend a fireworks and light show during the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People attend a fireworks and light show during the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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A woman uses her phone as performers play at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

A woman uses her phone as performers play at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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People walk near Phoenix Gate at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People walk near Phoenix Gate at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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People enjoy drinks at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People enjoy drinks at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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People ride The Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People ride The Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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A woman uses her phone as performers play at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

A woman uses her phone as performers play at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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A woman uses her phone to create social media content at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

A woman uses her phone to create social media content at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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A man walks into the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry roller coaster at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

A man walks into the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry roller coaster at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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People attend a fireworks and light show during the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 24, 2025 05:38 pm IST

People attend a fireworks and light show during the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.

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