Universal’s Epic Universe has reached a major milestone as the first operational dining location within the park has officially opened—months ahead of its public debut. While guests won’t get to experience the highly anticipated theme park until May 22, 2025, employees have already begun enjoying the first available amenity.
Located in Celestial Park, the Starbucks has now opened its doors to South Campus Team Members, allowing Universal Orlando employees the first taste of what’s to come. Universal shared the news with a celebratory message.
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“A Starbucks in Celestial Park? Epic. ☕💫 South Campus Team Members can now enjoy a Starbucks beverage in Celestial Park before anyone else! It’s so exciting to see our Team Members starting to operate our venues in anticipation of Universal Epic Universe opening on May 22!”
Universal also provided an image of some of the Starbucks employees inside the brand-new location, marking the first sign of life within the sprawling new theme park.
A Glimpse at Celestial Park and Epic Universe
The Starbucks is located inside Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe. Designed as a lush, futuristic oasis, Celestial Park serves as the beating heart of the new theme park, where guests will enter before venturing into the park’s four themed lands. Inspired by mythology, astronomy, and technological wonder, the area features stunning gardens, water features, and what Universal describes as a “lushly landscaped promenade.”
Concept art of Stardust Racers in Celestial Park at Universal’s Epic Universe
At the center of Celestial Park will be the grand Constellation Carousel, an elaborate ride featuring an original music score, celestial-inspired ride vehicles, and dazzling light displays. Other attractions in the area will include the Astronomica interactive water feature and the park’s signature roller coaster, Starfall Racers, a high-speed, dual-racing coaster reaching speeds of up to 62 mph.
While Starbucks may be the first venue to open, Celestial Park will eventually house multiple dining and retail locations. Universal has already confirmed additional dining options, such as Atlantic—a full-service seafood restaurant inspired by Victorian-style oceanfront eateries.
Epic Universe: Universal’s Biggest Expansion Yet
When it officially opens, Epic Universe will become Universal Orlando Resort’s largest theme park, covering approximately 750 acres—nearly doubling the resort’s size. It will introduce four immersive lands, each accessed through themed portals from Celestial Park:
- Super Nintendo World – A land bringing beloved Nintendo characters and games to life, featuring attractions themed to Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and more.
- Dark Universe – A horror-inspired land featuring Universal’s classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman in an eerie gothic setting.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – A brand-new addition to Universal’s Harry Potter attractions, this land will take guests into the magical world of 1920s Paris, as seen in the Fantastic Beasts films, and the British Ministry of Magic.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk – A family-friendly land themed around DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon, featuring Viking villages, dragon encounters, and soaring attractions.
While full-scale operations won’t begin until May 2025, Universal’s first employees are already experiencing the excitement of Epic Universe. The opening of Starbucks is just the beginning, as more locations will continue testing and preparing for the grand opening in the months ahead.
Key art for the Dark Universe at Epic Universe
With construction nearing completion and team member training in full swing, Epic Universe is one step closer to becoming the most ambitious theme park Universal has ever built.
Are you excited for Epic Universe? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
It’s good that they have a park for boys somewhere in Orlando, since Disney doesn’t have anything for boys anymore.