The Ultimate Epic Universe Guide: Celestial Park
Inside the world that connects all of the Epic Universe Portals.
SIMPLY PUT, CELESTIAL PARK IS A WORLD BETWEEN WORLDS, WHERE EVERYTHING BEGINS AND ENDS. Celestial Park holds the entrance (portals) to the other immersive areas of the theme park (worlds) and it’s also where you’ll find some of the best restaurants on property, must-do attractions, retail options and the most unique hotel in Universal’s portfolio. It was created as a space for people to reconnect with each other and with nature. “We’ve made a conscious effort to put the ‘park’ back into ‘theme park’ and made sure not to design it with lots of concrete and asphalt streets,” says Rivest.
Constellation Carousel
Celestial Park also has a transformative function between day and night—during the day, it’s this beautiful, lush living garden with spectacular fountains, and at night, the entire area lights up and transforms into a completely different environment. It’s breathtaking.
Within the narrative created around the lore of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is the center of an ever-evolving universe that, throughout centuries, people—artists, musicians, explorers, adventurers, inventors—have visited for inspiration and connection, and maybe left a little piece of them behind.
“I think that’s what’s really at the emotional core of it: our desire to belong, to connect, to meet new people, to discover new places, to have experiences. That’s what sets off great explorers, why people climb mountains, why they go on adventures. And also, why they go through these portals.”— Steve Tatham, executive creative director for Universal Epic Universe
What to Ride in Celestial Park
Constellation Carousel
This beautiful carousel has a wonderful spin to it—quite literally.
Constellation Carousel. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
It may seem like a traditional carousel, with an array of celestial creatures to choose from, but as it goes round and round, the creatures are also turning 360 degrees, making you feel like you’re caught within the Milky Way, riding on constellations through the galaxy.
“Constellation Carousel is the most enchanting carousel ever made,” says Lander. “The design, the colors and tones, the dome that covers it, all the elements used in this experience are the perfect combination to create a unique moment while enjoying Epic.
Constellation Carousel transforms into an otherworldly experience at night.
The traditional carousel of our childhood is being redefined by the stars!” The ride is also covered in hundreds of points of starlight, creating a breathtaking cosmic ambiance.
Stardust Racers
Ride the embodiment of a comet on Stardust Racers, designed to feel like an old wooden coaster—but with a smooth ride. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
“Celestial Park is all about the heavens. And on Stardust Racers you’re physically riding the embodiment of a comet,” says Rivest. This attraction is a racing dual-launch coaster that reaches 62 mph and a maximum height of 133 feet.
“While it’s giant and looks really intimidating at first, it’s designed to feel like an old wooden coaster, but smooth as a button. So, you’ll rise up in your seat and get those zero-G feels,” explains Rivest. “Although there are a couple signature moves in there, most of the 1.8-mile track is a side-by-side race between two comets to see who gets to the end first,” he adds. With no break zones, by the way.
Riding it at night is an attraction in itself—because the coaster is covered with hundreds of points of light, the vehicles look like shooting comets racing across the sky. Pretty cool. And although we can’t give this easter egg away, just know that there’s a gift for true Universal fans on the back of each coaster vehicle. Truly outatime!
Astronomica
At the center of Celestial Park lies Astronomica, an interactive wet-play attraction designed as a compass rose that points to the portals and attractions around Epic.
Pro Tip: Make sure you stop by at night too, as Astronomica comes alive with light, color and music.
Where to Eat in Celestial Park
Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.
An Elevated Experience
Celestial Park houses two visually breathtaking restaurants, and the only two restaurants on property that take reservations, Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant. “These two venues set the tone for what our culinary mission continues to be: quality fresh food with amazing storytelling,” says chef Robert Martinez Jr., executive chef at Universal Orlando Resort. “I feel like my whole career has been leading up to the Epic Universe project. There is nothing more fulfilling than being part of it from its inception and watching it blossom into an amazing atmosphere with delicious food.”
When creating the menus for Epic’s restaurants, the food and beverage team took all guests into consideration, making sure to cover dietary restrictions and preferences. “Once upon a time, food played a part in the Universal experience, but today, in some cases, the food is the experience!” says Martinez. “The menus touch on Universal’s great storytelling and immersive experiences.”
Panoramic view of the Atlantic Restaurant. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.
Nestled in the middle of Celestial Park, Atlantic is Martinez’s “precious gem.” The restaurant is surrounded by the shimmering waters of Neptune’s pool and has floor-to-ceiling Victorian glass walls. “It gives our guests the illusion of dining in an ‘out-of-this-world’ glass aquarium,” says Martinez. Find the freshest seafood here, along with surf-and-turf options.
Interior The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant
Blue Dragon is a legitimate flavor bomb. Staying true to the electric neon dragons that snake the interior of the dining room, the restaurant has a vibrant and delectable menu. “Our guests have the chance to enjoy flavors from China, Southeast Asia and Japan, all while dining under the constellations, as lanterns dance overhead in this beautiful indoor courtyard,” says Martinez.
If you need a break from the bustling environment, grab a seat at the cozy Tiger Bar for a drink or two.
A glimpse at the ceiling inside the Blue Dragon.
