The video is embedded below and now let's explore the developments land by land...
Dark Universe
The Entrance Beacon has been installed in the Dark Universe and more trees have been planted at the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster where we can see a forest appearing.
At the Dark Manor further theming has been added including a fountain, a small building and stone wall theming. The Show building is completed but theming is likely to be added to obscure this from site when Epic Universe opens.
Wizarding World
The Entrance beacon was installed in this land which has been confirmed as being a golden hand holding a wand. A lot of scaffolding is still evident.
Super Nintendo World
Concrete forms are rising and theming is developing on the entrance portal. Temporary fencing around the track for potential ride testing. Supports have been added to the Donkey Kong roller coaster. Brick theming has been added on the buildings.
How To Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk
The entrance beacon of a dragon has now been installed. The bay and land is now filled with water and theming is being developed including stairs and a dock near a sculped concrete Viking boat. Ride testing has been happening on the pair of spinning dragon rides.
Further rock work has been added to the second launch of the How To Train Your Dragon coaster and we are also likely to see a barn scene. There is also expected to be a kids play area in this land which is being worked on.
Celestial Gardens
Further work has been achieved on the kids splash pad area as can be seen above.
Hotels
The colorful tiles shine in the sunlight on the off park hotels. The in park hotel continues to progress and work is taking place on the dome sitting on top. Work is also taking place on the pool bar.
We will continue to update you on further developments at Universal's Epic Universe throughout 2024.
December 29 - A new photo has been posted online to X showing the Yoshi carts on the track for Yoshi's Adventure in Super Nintendo World at Universal's Epic Universe.
The Yoshis are out in full force today
👀🚁🎢💯 pic.twitter.com/7pTaxhv9VV— Peaceful Thrill Seeker (@P_T_S_342) December 28, 2023
In a previous update we got to see that work continues on Universal's massive new Epic Universe project as this new project speeds towards its projected summer 2025 opening date. When open, Epic Universe will feature three hotels, one theme park, and a shopping and dining district, similar to CityWalk.
Though Universal hasn't officially confirmed much about its new expansion, there have been some exciting new developments over the past few weeks that those eagerly anticipating this project will definitely want to know about! From the accidental reveal of a probable opening date to a key component of the Universal Monsters land taking shape, here's the latest:
1. Construction on new Epic Universe transportation project scheduled to finish next year
In order for guests to effectively get to Universal Epic Universe, some epic roadways are being constructed, including an eight-lane extension of Kirkman Road, which will include dedicated bus lanes and a massive elevated traffic circle to help funnel guests to the destination without disrupting local traffic. And while this new road project is still heavily under construction, it has been confirmed that work will conclude by the end of 2024.
Though Universal Epic Universe isn't set to open until summer 2025, this road may actually be in use several months earlier, especially if a new leak is to be believed...
2. Universal Stella Nova Resort potentially opening in January 2025
Though the Epic Universe theme park is currently targeting a summer 2025 opening date, a leak from an accidentally published website may indicate that the hotels being built to support the new theme park could open sooner.
According to an official hotel page that was hosted on the Lowe's website (but then quickly taken down) the new 750-room Universal Stella Nova Resort, (which is half of the two-hotel complex that includes the adjoining Terra Luna hotel), may be opening as soon as Jan. 21, 2025, which is well in advance of the opening of the theme park.
Though this date could have just been a placeholder on a temporary page that was not meant to be published, it would make sense for the hotels to open before the theme park, especially if they are fully built out and ready to accept guests. Not only would an early opening give these hotels the opportunity to train staff fully, but guests who stay at these hotels could enjoy a little taste of the Epic Universe experience before the rest of the resort opens, with potentially a lower room rate as well.
And of course while these hotels are closest to Epic Universe, they're not that far from the existing Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, and guests could enjoy convenient transportation using the bus lines on the aforementioned roads to get from their hotel to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
3. Universal Monsters Land entrance portal revealed
Aerial first look at the portal of Dark Universe.
Scaffolding down, revealing the beautiful sculpture of rock, tree roots, and vines.
Entrance of classic Universal Monsters land in Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/VcdPFNGKUt— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) November 4, 2023
As construction forges ahead at Epic Universe's Universal Classic Monsters land (which is expected to be called "Dark Universe") new aerial photos show what the land's entry portal will look like, with dark trees, roots, and vines covering a dark and foreboding tunnel, which will serve as entrance to this land.
This portal will be one of many themed entryways that will lead to each land in Epic Universe, the iconic green pipe that will lead guests into Super Nintendo World, already having been spotted by eagle-eyed fans checking out construction photos.
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