Epic Universe construction update: Celestial Park adds water (!), Chronos medallions
Water, themed pavement, medallions, and more are now onsite at Epic Universe as construction of the new park rapidly continues.
The new Universal Epic Universe theme park will open in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort. Let’s take a look at construction progress in aerial photography captured in May and June 2024 by bioreconstruct.
The Way of Water
In a major milestone, construction workers added water to the huge ponds and fountains throughout Celestial Park.
Medallions in Chronos Tower
Last month, we celebrated vertical progress for Chronos, a tower that stands at the park entrance and which will set up the story of Epic Universe. In the brief time since our previous update, construction crews installed even more of Chronos. Check out the green archways on either side of the tower. The area immediately beyond Chronos will be called Luna Overlook, a spot to take in the vastness of Celestial Park.
Atop Chronos, recently attached medallions represent two of Epic Universe’s themed worlds: Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. These medallions will match the artwork displayed on the portals leading into each individual world from the Celestial Park central hub. Other medallions will be added later for Dark Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
From a ground-level vantage point (pictured below), those outside the park can already see a partial skyline of the fantastical stories of Epic Universe coexisting. Think of how you can spot Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hogwarts Castle within a single frame over at Islands of Adventure — their clashing visuals rendering as non-sequitur within the fabric of their individual stories, but nonetheless representing the unique collection of experiences only present in a theme park. The same will be true at Epic Universe.
Pavement Theming
In previous updates, we’ve highlighted the visible progress of buildings and structures. Now that most of those are in place, contractors’ attention turns to the ground level. Within the various themed worlds, Epic Universe construction crews are hard at work matching the pavement to fit the story of each area. Pictured below are Donkey Kong Country in Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and the village of Darkmoor in Dark Universe.
Universal will reveal more about Dark Universe, inspired by Universal Classic Monsters, on June 20, 2024.
Isle of Berk
Throughout How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, the community of Hiccup and Toothless comes alive with vibrant color.
Construction workers added new themed barrels above the ride track for the Hiccup’s Winged Gliders roller coaster.
While we already saw the coaster train for the Hiccup’s Winged Gliders previously, it’s always nice to see an upcoming ride testing.
Speaking of ride vehicles, bioreconstruct noticed boats from the Fyre Drill battle ride sitting idly, awaiting installation.
Crews also began work on Viking Training Camp, a play area.
Out and About
The outdoor spaces of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will depict Place Cachée from “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Progress such as chimney stacks, mural-like illustrations, and the framework of a circus tent all contribute to the ongoing placemaking of this future Wizarding World area.
Epic Universe construction crews continue adding kinetic elements and character figures to Super Nintendo World, including piranha plants and various fixtures that will continually move when complete.
The exterior of The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant in Celestial Park is taking shape.
Nearby, construction progress continues on Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the in-park lodging option that will provide overnight guests with a back entrance to Epic Universe.
Epic Universe Preview Center
Last week, a preview center for Epic Universe opened at Universal CityWalk. Inside, guests can view a scale model of the entire park, look at concept artwork, and purchase exclusive Epic Universe merchandise. Take a tour of the Epic Universe Preview Center for yourself with our video:
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