Universal Epic Universe News Mega Update - SIGNS INSTALLED, DONKEY KONG FOOTAGE, & NEW LAND CLEARING

[@ThemeParkStop]

Is the Donkey Kong ride the best Nintendo ride yet?

[@nickrosen2621]

Yes 🎉

[@elizabethk7375]

Oh most definitely 👌

[@Kev-O33]

yep so far

[@chrisdelgado4621]

I think it definitely will be.

[@stevencoppola9556]

The idea alone should win it. So excited

[@dejonckheere100]

I am pretty sure Dark Universe will be such a smash hit , Universal will double the size of that land with a "Creature of the black lagoon" boat ride and a dark ride where the mummy breaks out in a nighttime "historical Museum" in years to come.

[@jocelynsantiago7154]

Agree!

[@MarkLLawrence]

I just hope the park stays open late enough to hang out there after dark for hours when it will really shine.

[@CobbleBompster]

I think that Mummy one might be hard to implement into Darkmoor

[@christinebainbridge3478]

Wanting a Dynamic Motion Stage for Phantom, too. :)

[@l.c.8798]

I hope so!!!!

[@blakegoff1739]

Man, I'm gonna miss these construction updates after everything is done. You 've done a great job on these the last several years 😊 Also, those images of inside the Battle at the Ministry ride are incredible!! 🤩

[@0dylan]

Same. These videos are the best.

[@remyd8767]

Will be following updates to islands and universal studios. Don't worry

[@Zveebo]

Universal Great Britain will just be getting started when Epic Universe opens - Alicia will not be short of stuff to cover!

[@janmartenlocher]

agree

[@SliceOfRandom]

"The very best part of waking up, is watching Theme Park Stop 🥰!" Oh geez I hope Universal hires me for Epic 😭! I've been applying forever, and I don't even care which land they'd put me in! Just let me make you money Uni!!!

[@liambobson48]

Good luck getting hired!

[@JasonLefevers]

Thematic weeds

[@skycreeper0173]

Huge congratulations on being a part of the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2025! That is really awesome to see. And thanks for the new update on Epic Universe!

[@carlllight3931]

The circus tent being a hidden mickey is hilarious

[@Sir-Ray]

Haha - i thought I was mistaken by noticing that!

[@johnnjohnn148]

But it’s Universal

[@Donyourmom]

@@johnnjohnn148it’s a joke, this isn’t the first time universal had mad a jab at Disney in their parks.

[@JudgeDunfeeTheParkitecter]

It is basically the forbidden finger to Disney.

[@Max_Studios-t1i]

Well, they did have Mickey ears on the Jurassic park river adventure and twister to poke fun at disney. Maybe if it’s a circus tent, universal is calling Disney a clown

[@jameyb8433]

It’s all coming together

[@Kev-O33]

5 more months is crazy to think about

[@dwayitis]

Your updates never disappoint. Thank you. So excited for this park to open.

[@JFrombaugh]

I looked up the SeaGlass Carousel in NYC to get a better idea of what Constellation Carousel will be like, and apparently it's actually a pretty famous local attraction that's NOT just for kids! That was one of my concerns, that it would come with a stereotype that it was a kids' ride, but actually I could see it being popular with the adults as well, especially at night when everything will be lit up and you can really appreciate the space theme.

[@elizabethk7375]

Every new ThemeParkStop Epic Update day is a great day!

[@zachdivis-x8m]

I know, right

[@Ihartwalrusguy]

3:07 I bet the splash section would be bigger in Orlando.

[@Aquariadragon]

The small Viking supposedly slaying a dragon is the wrong description if you remember the 2nd movie it was a games horn and they used it also to distract the enemy alpha

[@kentslocum]

Glad I wasn't the only one who noticed that! 😊

[@princegj84]

They don’t have to use “weighted dummies” for the Yoshi ride. They can just contact me and I will gladly volunteer their tribute.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Weighted dummy was my nickname in college

[@moneygrabbercodswollop8133]

And me too!

[@princegj84]

@@ThemeParkStop 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JohnS-ki2zf]

I often wonder what the inside of these show buildings look like, if the outside looks basically complete, the insides are probably mostly complete too.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Those official photos from inside of the Ministry of Magic ride look really incredible! I hope Monsters Unchained is just as far along too!

[@johnshoemakerpbc]

This park is going to be fucking incredible. It’s mind blowing what universal has built in less time it took Disney to build Tron. I am more than impressed and here’s hoping it blows everyone away. ❤

[@Primogen16]

When it opens, Epic Universe will have taken 6 years to build. Tron took 5 years.

[@hollybabyyy]

From 5 years to 5 months

[@UmmYeahOk]

My theory is that all the portals into the lands have doors. It’s similar to the reason that bathrooms in Animal Kingdom have exterior doors. If the monsters escape, they can’t seal off the land, shielding them from harm. But it goes both ways, should a fantastic beast break free, they can close the doors and keep it inside the land, making it easier for wizards to recapture.

[@KyaneTiger]

The future development space between Dark Universe and Super Nintendo World should be Luigi’s Mansion dark shooter ride. It would be a perfect second entrance between both Nintendo World and Dark Universe to help with crowd control in the future. It’s also a great way to seamlessly Segway into the 2 worlds without it being jarring.

[@dazblue5515]

Look at that tent in the Harry Potter land... a hidden Mickey! 😂

[@bensalisbury6535]

9:01 This is a horn they blow. In the movie it’s used during the dragon racing scenes ( and another part). Wonder if it will be a part of that ride or maybe just blow every 30 minutes or so.

[@tracyhoneck9177]

Just got home from Orlando. Stayed at the condo's across the street from Stella & Terra, so cool!! Also, it's awesome the Unofficial Guide is still going strong - will for sure be purchasing the Epic edition.

[@hollybabyyy]

The rooftop lighting is incredible

[@BirdCraftSSB]

I find it funny that several of the portals are nearing completion but the Nintendo portal has not seen any theming progress since the pipe was removed

[@Lantana1]

You do an amazing job and I hope you book sells well!

[@ThemeParkStop]

Thank you!!

[@RankingTheMouse]

As someone staying at Stella Nova in January, I couldnt believe it when you said "just a few weeks away." Didnt sound real but cant believe it is 😩😩 Exciting stuff!! We're so close!!!

[@georgepratt3721]

Kindle and physical book ordered

[@loganeverett6886]

HTTYD land gonna be the best in the park no doubt

[@mimikyueevee6917]

Maybe the doors at the portals are for rope drop.

[@ThemeParkStop]

For sure a good use for them.

[@HarrisonStrange]

Which Land Is your Favorite? personally I think Dark Universe is incredible.

[@josiericaro3347]

It’s crazy how soon the opening is !!! These updates are have been a crazy ride

[@whatafreakinusername]

I'm most excited for Celestial Park. It's the only land, now and likely in the future, to not be based on some kind of IP. The turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau/Art Deco/Neo-classical aesthetic really has me.

[@ThemeParkStop]

It truly is gorgeous

[@calistogasteve3128]

This is the best source for updates. Thank you

[@elizabethk7375]

OOOOOOO Here within the first 30 seconds let’s goooooo

[@GTNover]

Subscribed and have the bell clicked but had to manually search for this to find it 😞

[@ThemeParkStop]

Maybe that’s why it’s not doing as well as usual

[@sunnygirl523]

still can’t believe I’m going to this next year and can’t believe it opens one day before my birthday so excited 😆

[@fjordpitsky4486]

I just found my love for coasters a few months ago, this should be an exciting opportunity for my first trip to Universal. I already need to go ride Velocicoaster and I'm a lifelong Nintendo fan too so this will be great!

[@joshuagregorio2299]

Probably to prevent too much from being seen outside the land. It's multi leveled in Japan but you can see the hogwarts Castel nearby. Not thematically pleasing

[@kurtzwaldo]

Soooo excited for thissssss

[@roblifebetter]

I don't think the stairs going into SNW is that ergonomic of an idea...

[@waxabi2336]

Always love the content you bring us about epic! Appreciate your hard work and dedication to bringing us new info. Been here since they first announced epic and I remember being so stocked hearing that Mario and DK will be added in a new theme park in florida! This park is looking great! Love to see that there might be a possibility of Nintendo world getting an expansion!!!

[@trippekauffman4728]

Hey i forgot your name whoever does the voice over i’m so sorry but i have some stuff you might want to know. My dad got the chance to walk around epic like 2 weeks ago and he said it was amazing. he started in ministry and saw there was stuff moving around in the tall buildings in the land. also he said that they started construction back to the the front so that’s why some lands seem behind then other. when he went into how to train your dragon the coaster was resting and it was so quiet you can have a basic conversation right next to each other same with wolf man to. sorry if this is chaotic tell me if you want more

[@benm6893]

Were you escorted by 2 Universal staff members?

[@trippekauffman4728]

@ i don’t know. my dad was the person in the park not me

[@cisbetterthanyou6658]

I have my ticket booked for June! I can’t wait!!!

[@themeparkdragon]

Outstanding update as always.

[@scotsmith2391]

A great job as usual. Meanwhile, OSHA noting worker using bucket as a ladder on top of the Monsters Unchained attraction. 🤣

[@TheWASHINGMACHINEBOY]

i think the wait time/safety warning sign for harry potter and the battle at the ministry will not be outside, but instead will be somewhere in the queue area

[@christinebainbridge3478]

In the Metrofloo passages, maybe.

[@ThemeParkStop]

They're visible inside the Metrofloo tunnel in concept art, right before the queue goes outside.

[@frrrfrrr9177]

I doubt that traffic circle will be complete by opening, FDOT takes forever on things and it funny how universal can build basically an entire theme park in the same amount of time FDOT can do some road work improvements

[@nn17fi99]

I had heard a long while back that the “universe” motif was in place so that individual lands could be closed off for rentals/corproate events/etc.

[@AmusementLabs]

So on the parking lot, are they not doing moving walkways or shade structures at all? Just having us walk down a concrete skillet to the front? 😬

[@ThemeParkStop]

I am thinking shade at least, but still willing moving walkways into existence.

[@dimetime35c]

I REALLY hope they will be bringing HHN to epic universe in its first year!!! I cant imagine what they will do for Darkmoore!!!

[@TheQuantumMindLlifeitself]

Nice 👍

[@williamantico7768]

This is all supposed to open on May 22nd. Do you think they'll have it all done by then ? It looks like they still have a lot to do !

[@tonyclaxton93]

Was waiting on my girl lol thank you 🎉

[@williamantico7768]

1 Question, so I got a interactive wand a few years ago. Will my wand still work in Epic Universe, Harry Potter area ?

[@ThemeParkStop]

Yes.

[@vikingshelm]

Has anyone heard anything about the water treatment issue?

[@ThemeParkStop]

The special district, controlled by Universal, will be paying for chemical solutions to help manage smell in the short term. And then a long term plan to modernize the plant is in the works as well.

[@ducktails1695]

This has largely been fixed. IDK if you've been by there recently but you rarely smell it anymore or if you do its no where near as bad as it used to be. I don't see this being a big issue like some thought it would.

[@erichoward8852]

it’s getting reaaaalllllll

[@mcghee1001]

I can't wait to go in October

[@TheBacklogBuilder]

I don’t know why, but I find it very interesting that HP: MoM’s portal has visible doors at its entrance! Really makes me wonder what they’ll be used for 🤔

[@remconet]

13:10 for grass. They already changed it on the model.

[@ThemeParkStop]

That’s what I was hoping for honestly. Guess that means they don’t mind us seeing the wheel at Icon Park from there then. Or at least not blocking sightlines isn’t as important as not having an ugly foam berm lol

[@onehorseopensleigh]

@@ThemeParkStopI hate that Ferris wheel so much. 🤣 It’s visible from several spots around WDW too

[@ashleymarzan7506]

I am super excited that in 162 days the opening of epic universe is going to be so epic that everyone is going to enjoy the park the moment they enter celestial park and go all over the park and see other places and rides to god on so epic universe here I come I am coming to your very very soon. I hope that everything will be ready in time for the opening of epic universe and I am going to enjoy myself going on rides and having the best time ever.

[@rabooey]

I can't believe this park opens in a month. That's nuts. It's a shame the comet in front of the coaster isn't chromed/reflective silver. With lights and everything bouncing off them It would give it a lot of life.

[@HackWeight]

Just the Stella Nova hotel opens in a month. The park doesn't open until May 22.

[@JasonBonillaspiderfan]

Stella nova opening got pushed back to march also its not opening in January like was planned

[@ThemeParkStop]

Stella Nova still listed as opening January www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/universal-stella-nova-resort

[@hollybabyyy]

I wish the dk coaster jumping was more obvious. If I didn’t know it did jump I would think it’s a normal ride

[@matthewxbradley7102]

I just hope the Donkey Kong coaster in Florida will be a big or slight improvement to the Japanese one.

[@a.y.greyson9264]

Florida has an actual waterfall, so I'm leaning towards improved.

[@randolphwilliams2365]

Best updates

[@edwcory]

Where can we pick up signed copies Alicia. 😂 But in all seriousness, how many YEARS have you been giving us the scoop?!

[@ThemeParkStop]

If you spot me in the parks and happen to have your book on you I’ll be happy to sign it!!

[@Talos2u]

IT'S OVER FOR DISNEY! It's almost impossible for them to keep up or even compete with UNIVERSAL.

[@olgagachaphoenix9130]

YES!!!!!!!

[@Exequter13SP]

13:10 wtf this guy doing???

[@RiGoRmOrTiSUK]

Can they extend the build so I can keep enjoying these videos 😅

[@GLJosh]

I can't wait for next year's traveler vlogs all about this park. It looks truly Epic! My family is excited for each land it looks like a true multi day park so many things to see, do, and eat.

[@1956pms]

Do you have any information on the rooms at the Helios Grand's rooms and their views, I am especially interested in the side next to the Dark Universe. I can't tell if those are patios on the end of the floors for guests to walk out on and if those slots are doors or just windows. Any guidance or how to find out. I am very interested in staying there if I have a overlooking view of The Dark Universe.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Only the largest presidential suites have real balconies. You can see a couple simulated window views in renderings on the official website for the hotel, (which show Celestial Park,) but that’s all for now.

[@1956pms]

@@ThemeParkStop Thank you so much. I appreciate that info. I'll take a look on the website.

[@mario-mario822]

I hope to see the cute 🐑🐑 move

[@haydehoo]

really the only thing that is up in the air is whether or not the indoor rides are amazing or just screen-reliant slop

[@a.y.greyson9264]

According to past press releases. Dark Moor is "designed to be almost entirely screen-free." So, there's that.

[@Lando42069]

I just want a new jaws ride

[@Sillylilguy_altv3]

Wait they’re adding the Yoshi ride in the US???

[@iusetheforks]

How do they get the footage for the overhead shots? Do they have permission to fly a drone or?

[@ThemeParkStop]

These aerial views were taken from a licensed helicopter flying high overhead.

[@hollybabyyy]

@@ThemeParkStopI thought it was a drone this whole time

[@Budgie_Studios]

Where is the entrance for the future Luigi’s Mansion mini land

[@DarMar106]

Is it me or does that parking lot not look big enough?

[@disneylandx123]

Still no firework launch points or new firework testing eh? Not even any mention of the firework show, The Cosmos, in any of their marketing.

[@ThemeParkStop]

While a show has not yet been announced, fireworks have tested before, and are launched in the middle of the pond behind the hotel. Here is our video on the testing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZbFnnp4jN10bKs

[@ducktails1695]

The fireworks launch area is the center peninsula of the pond behind the Helios Grand hotel. This will support large fireworks, similar to what MK sets off every night.

[@disneylandx123]

@ yes, but still no permanent launch pad like the permits say. They are still rolled out on carts for the test launches. The storage bunker isn’t even finished yet.

[@ducktails1695]

@@disneylandx123 I don't think its a priority for them at the moment. There won't be a fireworks show at Epic initially. Probably for opening day/night but there isn't a nighttime fireworks show planned for Epic at the moment.

[@disneylandx123]

@ missed opportunity on selling “firework view” rooms for Helios.

[@dominicanheat2790]

That portal can’t close because of a safety hazard. You can’t enclose all those people in there

[@ThemeParkStop]

All of the worlds have several emergency access points that lead out of the park. But I was suggesting the doors would be closed when there are not any guests inside of the world.

[@dominicanheat2790]

@ understood

[@kentslocum]

I believe the portals are entrance-only; there are separate exits from each land

[@clarabarton8350]

The decision to go with open parking lots is baffling. Why not save space and protect guests from the sun by providing garages like the ones in CityWalk (speaking of which where is the City Walk? Where are the boats? The kinetic energy outside the park? ). Also baffling are the two atrocious hotels. Zero theming at the pool and good luck hiking to the pool if you are stuck in the back. Sad to see that Universal is learning all the wrong lessons from Disney.

[@jasonyau326]

Universal will probably build Parking Garages when they need the space for expansion just like when they had to so they could build Islands of Adventure (IOA) (where do you think the space for IOA came from?) Disney did not build Parking Garages @ Disneyland till they built DCA. As for another City walk, probably not till there is demand for it.

[@teresayoung4924]

I can't wait for Universal Kids in Frisco, which is 3-4 hours from my home in Abilene, TX. However my husband & I would like to visit Universal Orlando to see all of the parks.

[@jeandavidnau8314]

Any truth to the recent food video done by another you tuber?....no steak at Das Stakehaus???...WTF?

[@moneygrabbercodswollop8133]

Assume not truth until proven otherwise

[@ThemeParkStop]

They've already announced that the steak at Das Stakehause will be served as Kabobs... since that means they're served on stakes! I do not know which video you're talking about.

[@hollybabyyy]

@@ThemeParkStopthink attraction ideas video

[@ducktails1695]

Steak at a quick service restaurant just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. I can't see that succeeding and would most likely end up being more expensive than people want to spend for theme park food.

[@erikagray9883]

Come 2026, only wealthy people are going to be able to go to the parks. 😞

[@Angie2343]

@ThemeParkStop Here 2we go! Hey, what lands do you want ADDED to Epic Universe in the future? A SEGA world to complement Super Nintendo World? =D