Epic Universe! – Universal’s highly-anticipated fourth park in Orlando, Florida – is expected to open in the summer of 2025, and this author couldn’t be more excited. From what we know so far, the park is set to feature several themed lands based on popular Universal IPs. To prepare for Epic’s opening and fully appreciate the stories each land has to offer, here’s a list of movies and books to help you immerse yourself and prepare for each land. 

1. How to Train Your Dragon:

One of the most anticipated lands to debut in Orlando is the Viking-inspired Isle of Berk from the HTTYD franchise. While Universal Studios Beijing boasts the “Ride the Skies” stage production, Universal Orlando will become the hub for meeting dragons face-to-face and training to become a dragon rider.

• How to Train Your Dragon (2010) – The first film introduces the world of Berk. Join our unlikely hero, Hiccup, as he meets the untamable Night Fury.
• How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) – The multi-award-winning sequel continues the story, expanding on the dragon-riding world of Berk and how its citizens maintain harmony with their reptilian counterparts.
• How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) – The final installment of the trilogy that concludes the epic tale (although rumors of a fourth film and a live-action remake have been circulating). 

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

Universal expands on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with this latest addition that will take wizards and muggles alike into the world of Fantastic Beasts. Rumor has it, you will be able to visit the Ministry of Magic in both France and England and see the notorious Dolores Umbridge face justice. Finally! Huzzah!.

• The Harry Potter film series (2001-2011) – This author will admit to being a “the book was better” type – and, in truth, you have at least a year to read all 7 if you’re feeling ambitious – but you could just as easily binge all 8 movies in one weekend. This author has done both.
• The Fantastic Beasts film series (2016-2022) – This prequel to the Harry Potter films focuses on the many unique creatures in the Wizarding World and dives into the backgrounds of beloved characters like Albus (Percival Wulfric Brian) Dumbledore before he became the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

3. Dark Universe:

Universal is the home of classic horror given its long history of horror classics that revolutionized the genre. The Classic Monsters are a staple at Halloween Horror Nights every year, therefore it is only fitting that these titans of entertainment finally have a permanent home at Epic Universe.

• Dracula (1931) – Starring the one-and-only Bela Lugosi, this is the classic film that started the Universal Monsters legacy.

• Frankenstein (1931) – Based on the 1818 novel by Mary Shelley. People often mistake the monster as Frankenstein, but it’s actually the name of the mad scientist who brought “the creature” to life.
• The Mummy (1932) – While this author is a big fan of the modern adaptation starring Brendan Fraiser, this classic film is where it all started, starring Boris Karloff and the stunning Zita Johann.
• The Wolf Man (1941) – This is technically the second werewolf film in Universal’s lineup starring Lon Chaney as “The Wolf Man”.
• Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) – Before there was Jaws, this black-and-white made millions afraid to go in the water.

4. Super Nintendo World:

Super Nintendo World opened officially at Universal Studios Japan in March of 2021 to rapturous enthusiasm from both nostalgic and next-gen gamers. An almost identical version will finally come to Orlando next summer.

• Super Mario Bros. (1993) – While this film is hilariously cited as one of the worst movies ever made, it is loosely based on the Mario franchise, and it’s a fun way to get acquainted with some of the iconic characters and settings. 
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – This more recent animated film, starring Chris Pratt as the voice of Mario, provides a more modern take on the Mushroom Kingdom and its characters.
• The Super Mario games by Nintendo (1985-present) – If you really want to go deep, explore and experience the Super Mario universe first-hand through the franchise’s multiple video games. This author would suggest starting with the classic Super NES versions, but you can also get a taste of Nintendo World through other popular games like Super Mario Party, Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Super Smash Brothers.

5. Celestial Park:

While not based on any specific IP, Celestial Park is the heart of Epic Universe through which visitors enter and explore all the other lands. To enter the park, all guests must walk under the clock tower named Chronos after the god of time. The on-property hotel also bears the Greek name Helios after the sun god. Given the overall Grecian vibes from the initial concept art of the area, it might help to brush up on some ancient history. 

• Clash of the Titans (1981 & 2010) and Wrath of the Titans (2012) -These films depict the adventures of Perseus and explore various Greek gods, including Zeus, Hades, and Chronos.
• Immortals (2011) – This film is loosely based on Greek mythology, centering around Theseus and his quest against King Hyperion, with appearances by several gods. Did I mention it stars the swoon-worthy Henry Cavil?
• Percy Jackson & the Olympians series (2010 & 2013) -These films are based on the popular book series by Rick Riordan and modernize Greek mythology, making it perfect for younger audiences. 
• Theogony (8th-7th century BC) by Hesiod – One of the earliest sources on Greek mythology, this epic poem details the origins of the gods, including Chronos (Cronus) and his role in the cosmos.
  • Spoiler alert! He eats his own children! Hopefully, that won’t become a ride at Epic.
• Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes (1942) by Edith Hamilton – A classic retelling of Greek myths, Hamilton’s book covers a wide range of classic stories and mythological figures, including Chronos.

Did I miss anything? What are you doing to prepare for Epic? What are you most excited about? This author is diving into classic monster movies while hitting the stair climber – with five new areas to explore, you’ll definitely be getting in your daily steps. Time to start training!