Universal Epic Universe News Mega Update - BOWSER'S FORTRESS, STARDUST RACERS FOOTAGE, & HELIOS INFO

[@ThemeParkStop]

Will Epic Universe have its grand opening before or after summer 2025?

[@scarlettpabst1865]

I hope before

[@spongeonate-dr8so]

@@scarlettpabst1865 before would be amazing!

[@scarlettpabst1865]

@@ThemeParkStop I'm getting my annual passes soon so I hope we can see it before 😊

[@JohnS-ki2zf]

I think it’ll be mostly done by the end of the year, the second they remove scaffolding and pour concrete it starts looking really complete.

[@wadewilsonwhonewalls]

I think they will shoot for a June opening. I think they look like everything is on time for June. Their video annoucements have had a regulat cadence and they could slow those down if that were an issue. I think the hotels will open in December in time for New Years eve. If they can get that their hospitality services working flawlessly that will make any park hiccups less devastating.

[@fifthrider]

Re: "the baton passed from day to night." This is really smart. Every theme park knows it's a different park after dark but here they're making it a daily event. The lights don't just pop on at sunset, there's going to be a co-ordinated event in the Celestial Courtyard. Brilliant.

[@wadewilsonwhonewalls]

that is a neat concept. maybe fire effects turn on and the kronoss from different lands synchronize. im a very excited for this park but I WILL not engage in any form of virtual queue like Guardians, Tiannas, or Tron. Getting up at 6am to book rides is not my definition of a vacation. There are enough books and content on my phone to spend 3 hours in a line. I try to maximize my time. i am not going to miss my scheduled ride window because i was enjoying shopping or met some cool people. Oh see you later its my turn to ride something. Disney and Universal can keep thet stuff. Paying for the skyride at BGT sucks too.

[@suninmyeyesyes]

Let's just hope this one actually stays open late. universal parks close SO early, typically.

[@Carl19p]

@@suninmyeyesyesmight do. Those parks close early because of a noise ordinance in the community they are in. Epic universe seems to have a lil more freedom since they are allowed to do big fireworks now.

[@bobbyswanson3498]

this is the first update that really makes me feel like they’re close to the finish line. so many final touches and small details instead of new ground breaking

[@the_ssas_squad]

This is unbelievable to watch come to life! I cannot wait!!!! ❤

[@michaelfritts7464]

What tells me we’re really close is the fact I’m able to drive up to the loading docks.

[@the_ssas_squad]

@@michaelfritts7464whoa, so cool!!

[@samara.ariel.jpg_]

wondering when they put out when they r looking for actors and starting training them and rehearsals for their shows! so so many opportunities on that front in different worlds! theirs gonna be so many cast members and staff. let alone the 500 room hotel!

[@FAFO4wisdom-s9o]

Its so exciting......... Yet, bittersweet. There's no denying that this project is inching towards the final update. I've gotten so accustomed to these updates, I'm already dreading the day we don't get another. You've been a champ from the word go Alecia, cheers to what you do next!

[@UmmYeahOk]

Indoor stroller parking? Such a brilliant idea! It protects the strollers from rain, and animal thieves, but also removes strollers from not only clogging up pedestrian traffic, but from destroying the immersive theming.

[@ThemeParkStop]

There’s another one like this in the side alley too! Very well integrated into the theming!

[@JH-lu5yg]

That sounds awesome. Which part of the park was it? I missed it.

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@JH-lu5ygWizarding World

[@anonemous9495]

In terms of project management, it is likely Nintendo World is being worked on last because it is the most risk tolerant of all the worlds, seeing as how they already have two Nintendo Worlds completed, with lessons learned and all the rides needing less testing/refinement. Any rides that are going to need more time for testing and calibrating they want done earlier, any lands that require more experimentation and changes to get the visuals right, those are going to need to be done earlier. I would guess they have a timeline to have this park's construction completed in another six months.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Permit extensions last year blamed supply issues and waiting for preliminary work to be completed before a lot of exterior work could begin. The extensions continued through this year, so it is definitely behind. Helios has similarly missed milestones and had to have extensions filed earlier this year. Universal seems to be actively throwing more money at it to speed things up and get back on track though.

[@3Gads]

​@@ThemeParkStop Yeah, I overheard that Epic is behind on construction from some people that work in Epic's construction at the Hogwarts Express train queue during UOAP Nights.

[@Atyomommahouse-p2m]

😂 no bro. As an engineer you obviously didn’t work on or keep updated of the previous worlds in Japan and Hollywood. Most of the work is being don’t know the interior. If they worked on just the exterior it wouldbedone in a week. There isn’t much left other than painting on exterior.

[@FAFO4wisdom-s9o]

I would say it's the most complicated of the 5 worlds and is more time consuming.

[@alexislennon4973]

​@@ThemeParkStop LOL "QUICK throw more money at it! Get it on track people!" 😂❤

[@ComradeSeanski]

I love celestial park's aesthetic, an art deco-esque garden was such a great idea

[@TiffanySNett]

This park is going to look amazing in person.

[@calistogasteve3128]

Great update! Outside of attending a project management meeting with the Epic Universe team, this Theme Park Stop weekly update is the best place on the internet for regular well organized and detailed updates.

[@matthewmalin6940]

30 years from now I'm going to look back on these bi-weekly videos, imagining myself walking through the parks, and realize these were the good days.

[@carsonjohnson3169]

The torch passing is gonna be amazing, really hoping they are open late it’s seems the park is really gonna come alive after the sun is down

[@GotA-do4ob]

It seems to me that they fully intend for the park to operate for at least a few hours after the sun goes down. Stardust Racers, for example, is not going to be lit up as a traditional roller coaster would. The only light on the ride itself will be on the cars so that it actually looks like two comets racing across the sky. Monsters also seems to lend itself to a nighttime experience through aesthetic alone.

[@portercbl]

Universal, take your time finishing up this remarkable project! Everything must be perfect!!!!

[@CoasterWatch]

My gf and I have been binging this series. Super stoked to see how this park turns out

[@michaelj2276]

Came for the Dark Universe updates, stayed for your hypnotic voice... 😄 Thanks, Alicia!

[@imlewisblackman]

I can’t believe how far they’ve come building this?! I’ve been following since the very start and it’s crazy how every time I check in this amazing theme park grows!

[@Muffin_Maam]

I've been following these videos for YEARS and this one got to me for some reason, I'm SO excited for this park! I hope this time next year and I can be just as excited (or more excited) standing in the park!

[@MelkhorX]

Incredible update as always. I liked that we could see a small peak of the Constellation Carousel ride through the windows on top. This is one of the biggest changes and updates we've seen in a long time. I'm so hyped.

[@FelipeWWoHP]

Eternal gratitude to @Bioreconstruct for the footage and to you, Alicia, for putting it together so well along with your additional research. These progress report videos are my absolute favorite! Love seeing the park come together. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ❤

[@kenkealey7574]

Anxiously awaiting the next update!!!!!!!

[@michaelfritts7464]

This place is incredible up close in person. I’ve gotten to go inside on numerous occasions throughout the whole construction process and it’s amazing how much it changes every week. My last time in there was this past Monday and it was probably my coolest trip inside. Felt very exclusive considering how close I was to all 3 hotels and having my truck parked right outside Super Nintendo World. I truly cannot wait to go with wife and son. It’s gonna be an experience like no other.

[@bradkoerner1]

Thanks Alicia for such fantastic coverage! You and Bio make a powerful media team!

[@wrc5557]

awesome update as always! ......I'm gona miss these videos when it finally opens - but maybe we'll have phase 2 developments or Universal GB to look forward to by then!

[@ThemeParkStop]

Absolutely!

[@Carl19p]

Bioreconstruct just uploaded a photo of Helios statue being placed it looks awesome.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Impeccable timing!

[@mikeyvangelism]

It would be pretty cool to have a POV of a day in the life of one of the construction workers 🤔

[@brianorozco1074]

Agreed

[@JP-1990]

Seriously. There are probably thousands of young people who would dream of doing stuff like this or learning how it's made.

[@alexeatsit]

Been with you guys and Midway Mahem for like 5 years now TYSM! 🎉

[@felvkitties8]

I'm thinking they'll say official open after hurricane season. Too much rain and wind could damage stuff and delay construction. Maybe that will be our Christmas gift a opening date.

[@yankeesusa1]

Hurricane season will not slow it down. It’s already being designed to withstand Florida weather.

[@brian8928]

Yes Christmas gift for 2025 it will not open earlier than 2025

[@christiankim5904]

I think they should add a Jurassic world themed area in the future because it was really cool and successful in islands of adventure. They can also add their canceled ideas from islands of adventure as attractions.

[@ratbones620]

I just can’t believe we are so close to this park opening. I remember when all we had was the one piece of concept art, and now we have a massive theme park being built right before our eyes. I cannot wait to make my first visit there.

[@stevelionheart]

Every day this channel releases this update videos is a good day

[@denisesteil1890]

Iger is going to blow his top when he sees this park finished. It will be magnificent!

[@RafaelHernandez-vt8fu]

We are literally waiting for Universal to announce the date for opening and will purchase our vacation package! Cheers from Texas!

[@happiestplace3754]

This is so amazing to watch this kind of constant update on a project in this day and age. The last major theme park to be built in the US was Animal Kingdom in the late 90s. The internet, social media, communications, camera technology, and now drone technology has come leaps and bounds since then. I truly appreciate this channel and everyone that works on it for this amazing behind the scenes look at the building of a major theme park in a way that has never been done before. We all feel like we already know Epic Universe in such a way, even though not one guest has stepped through its gates yet. ❤

[@danasandoval624]

The park is not only going to be fabulous & fun but also beautiful. I think Helios should include express pass I am sure it is considered a premier hotel and it won’t be cheap.

[@kentslocum]

I imagine it will eventually have that benefit included, but not for quite some time after opening. Universal is pulling a Disney and not including that benefit because they know guests will pay for the hotel rooms regardless.

[@clairisalong126]

I’m super disappointed they won’t have express pass with a helios stay, it’s what makes the expensive hotels worth it in my mind.

[@Endoe.McKronic]

Am looking forward to waiting in LINES!!! 55 MINS!

[@ErikHeimdallr]

Thanks for the update! This entire park looks amazing and we can't wait to visit in October 2025!

[@madysen.km31]

I was at Aquatica and saw both tracks testing and going over the large hill simultaneously!! it was so cool to see it in person even though it was farther away!! the hotels look excellent as well!!

[@cstrouts]

Regarding Express passes, I'm assuming the entire park will not have Express at all for the first year or so, just like any new ride in the other parks. My guess is that once Express is added to the park, the Helios hotel will make Express passes included with the room price.

[@tftf715]

Not a chance. Only the original 3 hotels are covered for only the original 2 parks because of the original contract they signed with Loews to get them on board. There will be no expansion for other hotels or parks. And I seriously doubt Universal bypasses the revenue potential of having express passes at Epic Universe for the first year.

[@batlady2]

I doubt that unless they have problems with not having enough bookings for Helios. If that happens they might throw them in to boost sales but that won't be for a long time because the first couple of years it will probably stay booked.

[@councilofkarens729]

very interesting, informative and enjoyable video. Also, really cool of you to shout out Annie. Her channel is fervidly building up subscribers all the time.

[@Tsutaru]

This is my number one channel for getting updates on this park. Thank you for keeping me in the loop!

[@LovethisNation]

Celestial park will be magical, somehow they managed to eclipse Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter. Good stuff

[@WhitneySellsOKC]

Boy! This will be so freaking insane when it opens in 2025!

[@delaneytyler4910]

The park is coming along beautifully. The end is near for these wonderful videos that keep me posted on the construction. You’ve done an amazing job with them😊😊 Also, would some worker please uncover Toothless for me from that red cloth!?🤣🤣😊. I’d like to see him please

[@karstenbursak8083]

Wow , those Stardust racer trains look stellar ... in recent years Mack Rides continues to set new benchmarks for roller coaster train designs, both visually and technologically

[@CarlosMartinez-tj9ju]

I've never watched any of the How To Train Your Dragon films but I don't care cause that land is looking absolutely fantastic. Also, the facade of the Wizarding World at 14:20 ?! Just WOW. Best theming I've ever seen.

[@cpt.walker6273]

You need to watch the movies. They are really good.

[@UmmYeahOk]

It’s worth watching if you like the land. I must say that I used to not be a Harry Potter fan. It was ok, but felt like it was overhyped. I went to Wizarding World for the first time in 2020 (yes, that 2020), and was blown away by the theming that I became a fan, and even had to buy merch. I am hopping that the Isle or Berk land will make me a fan of HTTYD. Toothless is so adorable, but being a popular DreamWorks franchise, it has several movies, specials and series. They just like to run things into the ground. But maybe the land will make me want to love it.

[@kentslocum]

Dreamworks is developing a live-action How To Train Your Dragon film.

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@kentslocumSo they copied Disney then? I know Katzenberg had it out for them, but seriously? Live action reboots? The movies already were CGI. Maybe they’ll really go full Disney and give Toothless fur, like they did with Elliot from Pete’s Dragon. At least Disney live action reboots classic films. The HTTYD is still too recent. If they’re serious about remaking successful IPs into live action reboots, then they should consider something like An American Tail. That way, at least a generation hasn’t been exposed to the original.

[@kentslocum]

@@UmmYeahOk The jury is out on how the live-action reboot will look or feel, but yes, I am sure they got the idea from Disney. After all, Disney is now doing a live-action Moana--and Moana is even more recent than How To Train Your Dragon!

[@leecrawley9862]

We've never seen anything like it. The theming and attention to detail is mind blowing. It's going to be the best park in the world 🌎

[@GotA-do4ob]

I like that there is a reference to the Japanese rabbit on the moon with the Luna overlook statue.

[@thaismoeller2935]

I’ll start working there TOMORROW!!! So excited!!!

[@RankingTheMouse]

Club Level at Helios Grand is going to be unbelievable 👀👀😩😩

[@rickordonez1439]

Thanks for the great update videos. We can’t wait to be celestians gallivanting in EPIC UNIVERSE ! 😀

[@mikey_owens]

You keep me excited and keep getting me more yet for the opening of this park. You do an amazing job !

[@jaysonpida5379]

wow...just wow. If you're a painter, you're gonna have a permanent job > all those colors are gonna need constant re-do from the Florida sun and rain 😊

[@frrrfrrr9177]

Update on the roadways for the big roundabout….None! Because FDOT moves at a snails pace Vs Universal which can build almost 3/4th of a park in the same amount of time FDOT can build a road

[@richhoughton]

Loving the coverage. Thanks for always keeping us up to date

[@Stu3q]

Thank you for these videos. I've been watching since Epic Universe was still just dirt. Watching it come to fruition through your eyes and naration has been immensely enjoyable! Thanks again.

[@ryancampbell955]

Here's Universal adding all sorts of water features, all the while you've got Disney down the road planning on paving over all their rivers at the Magic Kingdom. Crazy.

[@Themersive]

Amazing update. Thanks. One topic that we are still curious about is the waste water treatment area.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Universal is paying for temporary measures that reduce the smell until the long term plan developed by the Shingle Creek special district they oversee is implemented to upgrade the plant so it never stinks again.

[@liamcollinson5695]

Other channels try to compete but themeparkstop is the best imo for epic universe updates

[@pescaoPR]

Your videos always hit different ❤

[@Quokkasstayy]

I think that dark universe is very cool, so far its my favorite! Very pretty as well

[@lbjcb5]

Everything is looking so good! Can't wait!!

[@jonathanwelch8406]

Thanks for all the info and I can’t wait for Epic Universe to open

[@MartinAlexanderVideos]

You literally have the BEST updates on Epic Universe and your commentary is also perfect! Thank you! ❤💯

[@TheFirstDrop1]

On the face of it, they need to up the pace, but I have faith they will pull it off. In Universal we trust!

[@muchachoCDMX]

Disney will feel this! Especially among those 17-27years of age. But hey, I will enjoy emptier Disney parks!

[@Cowgirlfrom_Hell]

I cannot wait for this!! Love seeing the progress

[@jannettehunter2930]

Wow, Wow, and WOW!!!!! Cant' wait!!!

[@TrainsAndMarvelFan202]

I’m so excited for this park Epic universe is gonna be amazing In person

[@daledonaldson3672]

This park is going to be stunning

[@kenwoodruff3415]

Awesome job longer videos plz! 🫡

[@justimagine2403]

Isn't the golden statue ... Celestial ... like the sister to Promethus... whose gold statue is at Rockefeller Center - Home to NBC Universal Comcast?

[@JFrombaugh]

Part of me thinks it would’ve been funny if the soundtrack for Stardust Racers was the Shooting Stars meme song, but really, I think going for a custom orchestral soundtrack similar to Space Mountain de la terre a la lune is the right move. Again, Universal probably taking a shot at Disney for destroying the charm the original version of that ride had.

[@stevencoppola9556]

Very cool. Excited to see when I can book a room for helios

[@theboyscout0156]

Will you and Ethan share your thoughts on the hotel reveal?

[@l.c.8798]

Dark Universe is looking so cool!!! 👌

[@Fayefaye013]

The HTTYD Land looks like so much fun! It's really coming together with all the colors and themed elements!

[@alandancer79]

Love the updates!

[@kratosbelmont]

This update videos are awesome . keep up the great work. 🙂

[@WillBillBilly]

Yay new video Been waiting Thanks!!!

[@AbdielDC]

Yayy always a great day when Alicia posts 🙌🏼 I think what I worry about most is the completion of the Kirkman road extension. Florida is infamous for taking years to finish road work, so what do you think the timeline is looking like for the road? Any delays or issues that you might know of?

[@batlady2]

Ive read several people's posts who live in Orlando saying the road work for Universal's Epic Universe is very far behind. This is not good. Unless they can use the construction workers that are working on the park to go and work on the roads after their done with the park. That might help.

[@thatgingerannie]

I wish there were plans for Harry Potter themed hotel rooms 😢

[@batlady2]

I would love a Harry Potter themed hotel too!

[@jewelowens9249]

8:46

[@blakegoff1739]

Ah yes. It's all coming together nicely 😊

[@lizciampa]

This is looking so good!

[@ottot3221]

Love to see the progression. thank you as always for a very informative video. I was surprised Helios hotel doesn't get fastpass (for the 2 (old) parks).

[@greatgentre]

Thank you 🙏 ❤😊

[@TechKingGame]

No express for Helios? Kinda crazy, no?

[@batlady2]

Its a business. They don't need to include express pass with it because people will book Helios any way. If they don't get enough bookings for it they might decide to add it later.

[@KathrynTestBot]

On some strange level I am somewhat relieved that the Grand Helios will not include express passes. Because I actually kind of prefer the theming of the twin space-themed hotels and want to try them first. Also this means people are less likely to be fighting over the Helios for those who want to stay there.

[@attractionshubno1]

Great news update Alicia

[@LuciaChaurand]

Epic universe is getting there and even Super Nintendo world is coming up at Orlando Florida 🇺🇸 that it will open in 2025. 💜

[@Kev-O33]

hopefully less then a year to go! im ready for an escape from reality!

[@jewelowens9249]

0:36

[@rindordrums]

Keep it coming!

[@FailedSociety321]

Ahhhhhhh I’m so excited

[@truvlife2753]

8:24 The name for this scene is Mosquito Rave. Please update this in your next video.

[@e-manr.486]

Still hoping to hear more from Universal about initial tix run, opening date, and possibility of passholder previews 🤞🤞🤞

[@keouine]

Over a year ago, I was disappointed to learn about Fyre Drill having been on one like it at Silver Dollar City years ago. It was fun. I gotta admit. The targets and colorful theming make Epic's version look very interesting.

[@pigeonplumtree3]

AmazinG! Thank yoU!!!

[@friendlyneighborhoodfangir1956]

I’m going to say I’m slightly disappointed that The Helios Grand Hotel doesn’t have space/sun/star themed rooms. I understand the Mediterranean style is inspired by the Greek origins of Helios, but I feel like “Helios’s palace” should have more celestial imagery in its rooms

[@cswnow7]

I bet the lighting works in Celestial park, unlike the crap lights in the center of the new Epcot area.