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Convenient Hotels near the Orlando Convention Center
March 29, 2025
Epic Universe is well on its way to being accessible to the public as we approach the opening on May 22. Ever wonder what it looks like after you step through the big front gates? Picture this, you're walking and you see a massive portal gate in front, you pause to take glory. Then you approach the portal as you step through, transporting you into a world unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A place where lush gardens glow with an ethereal light, shimmering fountains dance in rhythm, and the sky above feels like it stretches into the cosmos itself.
Welcome to Celestial Park, it's the heart of Epic Universe. In this area, the wonders of nature, technology, and imagination blend seamlessly, creating a breathtaking experience. This isn’t just another theme park entrance, it's an entrance into a new theme park reality. Universal has crafted Celestial Park to be more than a hub; it’s designed to transport you before you even set foot in any of the lands. The heart of the park is meant to captivate you, inspire you, and it will set the tone for your whole experience. There’s a lot more to discover, let's step through the first portal.
Imagine stepping into a realm where the vastness of the cosmos intertwines with the tranquility of meticulously crafted gardens. Celestial Park, at the heart of Universal's Epic Universe, is precisely that: a place where the boundaries between earthly beauty and celestial wonder blur. It's as if ancient astronomers, inspired by the dance of the stars, decided to craft a living, breathing observatory. Every pathway, every fountain, every building seems to whisper tales of constellations and cosmic journeys. The very air feels charged with a sense of discovery, a feeling that you've stumbled upon a hidden nexus where different realities converge.
Celestial Park is the gateway to the universe. It’s a place where an advanced civilization has figured out secrets of the universe, and they have learned to harness cosmic energies. This innovative society is inspired by nature and the power of the stars. As a result, they have created a thriving environment where celestial forces shape everything. The glowing waterways, kinetic structures, and radiant gardens aren’t just for show – they’re the mastery of cosmic energy, science, and wonder combined that powers the park. Every detail from the planetary pathways to the light shows tells the story of a people who have gone beyond the unknown, using the power of the universe not for conquest but for beauty, innovation, and endless discovery. Celestial Park is what’s possible when humans go beyond the galaxy and build new wonders.
But Celestial Park is more than just a beautiful space; it's the very soul of Epic Universe. From its central location, it acts as a grand hub, a cosmic crossroads connecting the other incredible worlds within the park. Each pathway leading from Celestial Park is a portal to a different adventure, whether it's the vibrant, digital landscapes of Super Nintendo World, the shadowy mysteries of Dark Universe, or the magical realms of the Wizarding World. The park designers have essentially created a beautifully designed transportation hub. So when you are within the park, you will be able to easily flow from one fantastic world to the next. Celestial Park isn't just a land; it's the starting point and cosmic gateway to the rest of Epic Universe.
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Picture yourself taking a break by an illuminated fountain, where the gentle sound of cascading water harmonizes with ambient music and distant laughter, creating a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. You can savor a delicious meal at a celestial-themed restaurant or explore hidden interactions that reward your curiosity with delightful surprises. Universal has meticulously crafted this space to do more than just dazzle your eyes, it’s meant to stir emotions and inspire wonder. In Celestial Park, every detail is a deliberate part of the narrative, setting the stage for the epic adventures that await in the rest of the park, and reminding you that the journey itself is as thrilling as the destination.
Imagine beginning your day wandering along winding paths where the sunlight glistens on sparkling water features. As the sun reaches midday, you're struck with the amazing sight of cosmic Celestial Park covered in sun rays. It gives such a calming feeling. Then, as the sun begins to set, the magic truly awakens. The park transitions seamlessly: pathways light up with soft, ambient glows, and holographic projections suddenly bring the sky to life, painting an ever-changing canvas of stars and swirling cosmic patterns. Exploring the park at night is a stark contrast to the day, similar to exploring Pandora at Animal Kingdom.
The main part of all theme parks is the rides! Universal brought some innovative design when creating the rides for Epic Universe. Standing tall is the Celestial Park flagship ride, Stardust Racers, a high-speed journey through the cosmos. This dual-launch coaster catapults riders into a head-to-head race through the stars, reaching speeds of up to 62 mph as they soar across 5,000 feet of track. The ride vehicles, designed to look like glowing comets, twist and turn through an intricate course, reaching a towering height of 133 feet. The most breathtaking moment? The “Celestial Spin” is an inverted crisscross section where both racing vehicles flip past each other in a dazzling display of color and synchronized movement.
At night, Stardust Racers transforms into a spectacle unlike anything seen before in a theme park—the vehicles light up while the track remains dark, creating the illusion of comets streaking through the sky. There is a lot of hype for this to potentially be better than both the Hulk and Velocicoaster in Islands of Adventure. Also, Stardust Racers is shaping up to be the longest queue in the park, luckily for those who want to save time, Universal has added a single-rider line. This is set to be Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster, designed for thrill-seekers and adrenaline enthusiasts.
Constellation Carousel is a whimsical storybook-inspired ride with a celestial twist. Guests board beautifully crafted, rotating carriages shaped like mythological creatures such as celestial lions, dragons, peacocks, and more. What makes this carousel different is that it can spin in a 360-degree motion with the ability to lift riders 6 feet into the air, creating the sensation of floating among the stars. The entire experience is surrounded by a light show with cosmic colors swirling around the ride as celestial music plays. Above, the Star Tracker ceiling rotates, showcasing the constellations in motion and bringing the Milky Way to life. In the center, the Mesmerizer creates a ribbon cone effect, adding to the magical atmosphere. Constellation Carousel is a magical ride with celestial creatures as an immersive experience that feels like you’re stepping into another reality.
At the center of Celestial Park is Astronomica, a massive interactive water play area that is both an attraction and a directional guide for the entire land. The design isn’t just for show - it’s meant to point guests towards the portals and key attractions throughout Epic Universe. During the day, guests can play in the water features, cool off, and admire the celestial designs embedded in the structure. As the sun sets, Astronomica becomes a glowing beacon with shimmering water jets and lighting effects that bring the cosmic theme to life. Like Stardust Racers, at night it adds to the otherworldly feel of Celestial Park. Whether you will use it as a meeting spot, a place to rest, or just to admire the views, Astronomica ties the whole land together in a way that is both practical and amazing.
Atlantic will be the premier full-service restaurant in Celestial Park, where the mystery of the deep sea meets the grandeur of the universe. This upscale dining experience will feature a menu of fresh seafood, gourmet entrees, and dishes that will transport your taste buds to the cosmos. The design will be a flowing wave-like architecture, a blue glow, and an ambiance that will make you feel like you are underwater in the celestial ocean. Whether you are looking for a meal after a day of adventure or a fancy dinner under the stars, Atlantic will be the spot.
If you’re looking for big flavours from across Asia, The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant will take you on a journey where cosmic meets culinary. Expect a dynamic menu with dishes inspired by China, Japan, Thailand, and Korea. With options that may inspire you to feel adventurous, plus you will have sure favorites.. The theming will be celestial with traditional Asian design, so it’ll feel futuristic and rooted in storytelling. Whether you’re slurping a steaming bowl of ramen, sizzling stir-fry, or sharing small plates of dim sum, this place will be as beautiful as it is tasty.
Beyond only sit-down restaurants, Celestial Park will have quick-service kiosks and snack stands, offering a variety of cosmic-themed desserts, snacks, and convenient grab-and-go options. These stands are expected to serve many unique options, from glowing beverages that shimmer like stardust to creatively designed desserts that resemble celestial bodies. Some of the potential locations are: Pizza Moon, Frosty Moon, Comet Dogs, and Meteor Astropub. If you need a quick energy boost between attractions or want to try something out-of-this-world, these locations will ensure that guests can enjoy themed snacks without missing a moment of the action. The combination of signature dining experiences and on-the-go options makes Celestial Park an enchanting food journey within Universal Epic Universe.
In Celestial Park, you'll find two sides to Other Worlds Mercantile and Sensorium Emporium. The Other Worlds Mercantile is the central hub where you can find all sorts of themed merchandise from across Epic Universe's unique realms. That means park-exclusive collectibles, souvenirs inspired by the different lands-you name it. As you explore more shops, you’ll step into the Sensorium Emporium, a bazaar filled with unique items, clothes, and memorabilia. The Sensorium Emporium is the perfect place to get a little lost and find something that speaks to you.
For the holiday spirit, North Star Wintry Wonders is a year-round shop filled with seasonal gifts, holiday ornaments, and winter-themed souvenirs. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Halloween, or just the magic of the season, this store keeps that feeling alive with its themed merchandise. Lens Flare helps you capture the essence of your visit to Epic Universe. You can find apparel, accessories, and photo souvenirs there that will remind you of your time in Celestial Park. And when you leave, you'll have a tangible piece of that time with you.
Guest Services in Celestial Park is conveniently located at a kiosk near Constellation Carousel, assisting with any questions, concerns, or special accommodations you may need during your visit. Restrooms are strategically placed throughout the area, including by the front entrance of Epic Universe, next to Pizza Moon, and near the entrance of Stardust Racers, ensuring easy access no matter where you are in the park. For those needing secure storage, daily locker rentals are available to the left of the Chronos, offering both small (12″ x 13″ x 16.9″) and large (12″ x 16.25″ x 16.9″) sizes to accommodate your belongings while you explore everything Celestial Park has to offer.
Celestial Park features two First Aid locations to ensure guest safety and well-being throughout the park. The first is conveniently positioned near the front entrance of Epic Universe, next to the Chronos, while the second is located on the opposite end of the park, to the left of the portal leading to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. This second location also serves as a family care center, providing additional resources for those traveling with young children or individuals with special medical needs. For added convenience, guests can also find rental services for strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs just to the left of the Chronos, making it easier for everyone to explore Celestial Park comfortably.
If you happen to misplace an item during your visit to Celestial Park, the only Lost and Found station in Epic Universe is conveniently located near the front entrance, just to the left of the Chronos. For guests visiting with service animals, the park offers two designated relief areas to ensure their comfort. The first is located just outside the park entrance, near the parking lot, making it an easy stop before entering or upon leaving. The second is positioned near the entrance to Stardust Racers, providing a convenient option for those spending time in the heart of Celestial Park.
Celestial Park at Epic Universe is the kind of place where the line between fantasy and reality gets delightfully blurred. That's where you'll find Stardust Racers, those high-speed thrills that will get your heart racing. And right next to it, the whimsical Constellation Carousel—where the little ones (and the little kid in all of us) can let their imaginations soar. At the park's heart is Astronomica, an interactive centerpiece that's as much a visual stunner as a refreshing splash area. You can grab a bite at Pizza Moon or Atlantic, where comfort food and upscale flavors blend just right. The Moon Trader is where you can take a piece of the universe home with you. With guest services, locker rentals, and first-aid locations all taken care of, Universal's made sure convenience matches the adventure you're after.
Epic Universe is going to be a real must-visit destination, and Celestial Park is just the beginning. If this is your first taste of Universal's newest theme park, just wait until we explore the other lands—like the mysterious Dark Universe and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. We'll be diving deep into every inch of Epic Universe in our upcoming guides. When you're ready to start planning your Universal Studios and Epic Universe vacation, Sol Paradise Destinations can help you craft the perfect trip. We'll take care of booking your hotel and securing the best park tickets for you. Stay up-to-date, and start planning your next big adventure now.
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