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Get ready, movie and theme park lovers: Universal Orlando Resort is making 2025 its most “epic” year yet. Universal Epic Universe, the destination's brand new theme park, opens on May 22, 2025, and while we know kids will love the family-friendly lands like How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Super Nintendo World, there's a pretty good chance Epic Universe will be perfect for grown-ups, too.

Whether you've already bought your tickets for opening day at Epic Universe or you're debating planning a future visit with your sweetie to check out the adult activities at Epic Universe, we've got you covered with our list of six things adults will love about Universal Epic Universe.

Best Lands for Adults

Dark Universe

Perhaps the most anticipated-by-adults area of Epic Universe, Dark Universe is all about the Universal Monsters and the frightful delights they can bestow on brave guests. We can't wait to experience the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experience attraction and think strolling through Darkmoor Village with our partner sounds like the perfect evening out.

The Wolf Man animatronic for Epic Universe
The Wolf Man – image provided by Universal Orlando

Here, monsters like Frankenstein and his Bride roam the village and guests can dine among vampires at Das Steakhouse or sip drinks at The Burning Blade Tavern. This scary, dark, and brooding theme park land just may be the most adult-friendly theme park land in the U.S., and we're here for it.

Celestial Park

The heart of Epic Universe, Celestial Park will offer beautiful places to stroll, a romantic carousel, rides, restaurants, and more. Simply walking around this area full of green trees and dancing fountains will feel romantic enough, but paired with dinner at fine-dining seafood and steak restaurant The Atlantic or the bustling, Asian-themed The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, time in Celestial Park alone feels ultra grown-up and date night-worthy to us.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Adult fans of the Harry Potter franchise will love strolling through 1920s wizarding Paris, then traveling to the British Ministry of Magic for more wizarding fun in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic land. In addition to the new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction, there'll be shops, cafes, and new ways to use those interactive Wizarding World wands.

Fountain of Magical Brethren - image from Universal Orlando
Fountain of Magical Brethren – image from Universal Orlando

Walking through quaint “Parisian” streets sounds pretty romantic to us, and we can't wait to experience the thrill of a new Harry Potter attraction with the one we love.

For Kids at Heart

Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe will have two areas: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Both will offer exciting attractions and scenery. And, with Nintendo-themed Power Up Bands, you and your date will be able to compete in interactive challenges and track your score to see who's the best at all things Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong. The loser buys a meal (or a sweet treat) at Toadstool Cafe — an adorable Mario-themed restaurant that serves up some of the cutest theme park food we've seen.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

With a coaster, a live show, and quite a few rides, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is sure to delight guests of all ages, even adults. Beyond the adventures of beloved characters like Hiccup and Toothless, there's also a mead hall where grown-ups will surely enjoy trying Viking-style sips and snacks.

Romantic Spots at Epic Universe

Epic Universe Romantic Restaurants

Celestial Park:

  • Atlantic: A full-service surf and turf restaurant set within a Victorian aquarium, offering views of Celestial Park.
  • The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant: Serving authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes in a vibrant setting adorned with neon dragons and lanterns.
  • The Oak & Star Tavern: A quick-service spot specializing in barbecue cuisine.
  • Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets: A haven for those with a sweet tooth, featuring an assortment of chocolates and confections.
Seabass at Atlantic in Universal Epic Universe

While strolling through the heart of Universal Epic Universe, guests can find a diverse slate of cuisine across more than 15 dining locations, including the Atlantic restaurant – which sits across the shimmering waters of Neptune’s Pool and lives by the motto “Sea food? Eat food;” The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – where guests can dine under the constellations alongside two neon dragons adorning the walls, The Oak & Star Tavern – where guests can gather around an oak tree and relish in savory barbecue, and so much more.

  • Sea Bass (Atlantic)  a delectable portion of Sea Bass nestled amid the subtle sweetness of carrot mochi and vibrant crunch of fresh sugar snap peas. Aromatic lemongrass broth complements the buttery bass, while starfruit slices add a splash of tropical citrus notes
  • Landlubber's Snickerdoodle Loot (Atlantic) – a fun beach-style dessert perfect for young explorers featuring a snickerdoodle cake served in a beach pail with cookie butter ganache, surrounded by Biscoff sand and gummy sharks
  • Tonkotsu Ramen (The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant) – this Asian comfort food features delicate ramen noodles immersed in a rich pork broth, topped with tender chashu pork, tare egg, shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant togarashi oil
  • Platter with Mango Bread & Pickles (The Oak & Star Tavern) – guests can choose from smoked brisket, smoked ribs, pulled pork, cheddar jalapeno sausage or spit-roasted herbed-infused chicken and pair with sides like braised greens, mac and cheese, and more
  • Harvest Moon Pizza (VG) (Pizza Moon) – this vegan masterpiece features rich tomato sauce adorned with grilled artichoke hearts, Divina tomatoes and roasted peppers, topped with Castelvetrano olives and arugula for a crisp finish

Dark Universe:

  • Das Stakehaus: A dining hall run by vampire “familiars,” serving kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and ribs in a setting filled with vampire-themed artwork.
  • De Lacey’s Cottage: A snack stand serving cinnamon bread, ice cream, and twisted taters, inspired by the cottage from the Frankenstein story.
Blood Orange Chicken Sandwich at Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe

While exploring Darkmoor, guests will find the ghastly dining locations Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern and De Lacey’s Cottage – each featuring food and beverage offerings that are to die for, including:

  • Stakes (Das Stakehaus) – guests can sink their teeth into a scrumptious meal on a stake with a choice of three protein options – Fish on a Stake (blackened salmon steak), Bird on a Stake (grilled dry rubbed chicken tenderloin) or Bits and Pieces (seared and glazed wild mushroom brisket meatloaf) – all served with roasted veggies and charred green onion mashed potatoes
  • “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich (Das Stakehaus) – flash-fried marinated chicken breast tossed in a tantalizing blood orange sauce served in a sinister black bun with tangy pickles, a slaw and crispy fries
  • Our Favorite Vegan Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage (VG) (Das Stakehaus) – featuring impossible meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves nestled in a rich bell pepper tomato sauce and accompanied by a vibrant beet bucatini
  • Hunter’s Garlic Stake (The Burning Blade Tavern) – a crispy cheesy garlic pretzel perfectly prepared to a golden brown served with a rich garlic dipping sauce

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic:

  • Café L’Air De La Sirène: A charming café offering French sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts, with indoor and outdoor seating.
  • Le Gobelet Noir: A mysterious venue where international Dark witches and wizards gather, serving soups, salads, a variety of entrées, and desserts.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic Rue - concept by Universal Orlando
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Rue – concept by Universal Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will include a variety of enchanting dining locations – Café L’air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir and more – filled with French-inspired cuisine and new iterations of familiar favorites, including:

  • Butterbeer Crêpe (Café L’air De La Sirène) – for the first time ever, guests can enjoy the flavors of Butterbeer in a crepe that includes shortbread cookie butter, Bavarian cream, Butterbeer cream, strawberries, Butterbeer drizzle and a Butterbeer shortbread cookie
  • Baguette de Dinde (Café L’air De La Sirène) – a charmingly scrumptious dish featuring sliced cracked black pepper turkey piled high with arugula, crisp apples and creamy Brie served with a warm crusty baguette with zesty mustard butter and apple butter
  • Alchemist’s Platter (Le Gobelet Noir) – an exquisite spread featuring smoked sausage, potato and cheese pierogies, tangy pickled eggs, vibrant marinated beets, savory caramelized onions, and a warm pretzel served with zesty German mustard and cheese fondue      
  • Lentil Stew (VG) (Le Gobelet Noir) – a hearty stew of lentils, savory vegan bacon, and vibrant root vegetables served with artisan bread                                      
  • Quiche Lorraine (Café L’air De La Sirène) – a savory dish featuring egg custard baked in a flaky pie crust filled with crispy bacon, gruyère cheese and caramelized onions with mornay sauce, and a side of fresh berries topped with a lavender honey drizzle
Butterbeer Crepe at Cafe L'air De La Sirene in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe

Bars & Lounges

Dark Universe:

  • The Burning Blade Tavern: A hangout for Darkmoor’s monster hunters, offering burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels, and drinks, with decor showcasing monster “trophies.”

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic:

  • Bar Moonshine: An American-themed bar offering exclusive beers, wines, and cocktails, decorated with U.S. Quidditch team memorabilia.

Celestial Park:

  • CelesTiki: It’s the trendiest tiki bar in the cosmos! Explorers can enjoy exotic drinks that can’t be found anywhere else in the universe, like Waturi Punch, a refreshing rum cocktail. Sip up and chill out.
Waturi Punch at Celestiki in Universal Epic Universe

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Adding to the charm of Epic Universe is its Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a super-romantic new hotel that opens on May 22, 2025 and has its own dedicated entrance to Epic Universe.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Bar Helios View - concept provided by Universal Orlando
Universal Helios Grand Hotel Bar Helios View – concept provided by Universal Orlando

With dining, a rooftop bar with 360-degree views, and a Mediterranean-inspired feel throughout, Helios Grand is bound to become one of the most romantic spots to stay at Universal Orlando Resort. And, like all Universal hotels, Helios Grand will offer theme park perks like transportation and early park admission.

The Helios Grand Hotel is the perfect crowning jewel to the Epic Universe experience!