Construction update: Chronos device rises at Epic Universe park entrance

Epic Universe’s Chronos Tower

When Universal Epic Universe opens in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort, the Chronos device will set a first impression of the new theme park to arriving guests.

Upon arrival, visitors will step through the circular Chronos portal, above which will emanate a tower with medallions representing each of Epic Universe’s worlds. Construction crews built the portal’s circular foundation awhile ago, but have just recently begun mounting the vertical tower segments of Chronos, as seen in May 2024 aerial photos by bioreconstruct.

From the perspective of the photos below, guests will enter Epic Universe from the bottom of the frame.

Flipping perspectives, the photos below show the reverse side of Chronos. From this vantage point, guests’ arrival path is at the top of the frame.

An edifice called the Emerald Gate will flank either side of Chronos when it’s all finished, as seen in the concept art below.

After stepping through Chronos or the Emerald Gate, guests will encounter Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe, which Universal unveiled in detail earlier this year (complete with the fly-through video below).

The Lore of the Chronos Device

Within the narrative of Epic Universe, Chronos is the means that transports guests to Celestial Park, and therefore connects us to the franchise-focused worlds emanating from that central hub: Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.

“In our story, Chronos is this giant machine used to harness the energy of the universe that powers all of Celestial Park, allowing us to open the portals to other worlds,” said Adam Rivest, executive producer for Celestial Park, on the official Discover Universal Blog in January.

According to Universal, “As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey of discovery, thrills, and excitement as they wander through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.”

These “elements” will include the previously announced dual-racing roller coaster, carousel, multiple table-service restaurants, and ground-level overlook.

Helios Grand Hotel Progress

On the opposite side of Celestial Park from the Chronos Device and the main entrance sits Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Construction workers recently installed themed ornamentation toward the top of the hotel building, as seen below.

Stay Up to Date with All Epic Universe News

Universal is expected to reveal more about Epic Universe in the coming months, including details of the unannounced attractions within the park’s worlds themed to “Harry Potter” and the Universal Classic Monsters films. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all the exciting news to come.

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