Big Fireworks Test, More Tickets Released, and New Interactive Wands – Orlando ParkStop

Universal Epic Universe is acting more and more like an operating theme park, as Team Members stress test each of the worlds of the park ahead of official previews this weekend.

An impressive firework test has occurred, despite no nighttime show announced. While smaller construction projects continue, now behind work walls as Epic Universe transitions from a work site to an operating theme park.

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Let’s check in on all that, plus new ticket information, in today’s news update. See the video version of this story above for additional visuals.

New Florida Resident & Military Tickets

The phased approach to releasing tickets to Epic Universe continues, with Florida Resident discounted ticket packages being the latest to drop.

These multi-day tickets once again only offer one day at Epic Universe, and 2 days at the existing Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay parks, but now at a discounted price for Florida residents only.

Discounted vacation packages are also available that include a 4-night hotel stay and other perks.

The Epic Military Freedom Pass now offers an add-on option, where Freedom pass holders can purchase 1-day Epic Universe tickets, similar to the existing single day ticket option for Annual Passholders.

Single day tickets for everyone else are still not available as of the release of this video. The official press release says “Additional ticket options for Universal Epic Universe – including Single-Day Tickets for the general public – will go on sale in the weeks ahead.”

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More Fireworks Testing

Local residents around the theme park were stunned by an impressive fireworks display over Epic Universe last week. Lasting around 25 minutes, this new fireworks test seemed different than prior tests, and may have been a complete demonstration.

In the video below, by Adventuring with Annie, it is notable that this fireworks test appears to have three launch sites utilized. Prior tests only launched from one spot. The main site for fireworks being launched is still in the middle of the pond behind the Helios Grand Hotel, but now two smaller launch sites are in use.

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The two smaller launch sites appear to be coming from both Dark Universe and the Wizarding World. All together, this creates a wide field of view for guests inside the park watching the fireworks display.

Despite testing, Universal has not yet announced a nighttime show for Epic Universe. Fireworks can be seen in many promotional pieces for the park, including the very first piece of concept art from 2019, (seen above,) which just so happens to show fireworks in three spots, including over Dark Universe and the Wizarding World.

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Celestial Park

Looking at what’s happening on the ground within the theme park itself, thanks to new aerial photos by @bioreconstruct, the portal inscriptions are now visible on the portal into Celestial Park, which acts as the main entrance into Epic Universe.

The front of the portal features the words “Beyond this gate find gardens green, and epic worlds to fill your dreams.”

We can also get a good look at the decoration around the sides of the front of the portal, as well as the small bit of landscaping in front.

But that’s not all, as the back of the entry portal has been uncovered, revealing a message guests will see when exiting the park. It reads “You wonder next which path to chart, the answer lies within your heart.”

The Chronos machine in the tower above this portal can be seen spinning regularly now, and with the statues installed on the sides it appears that this icon for the new park is just about ready for opening day.

Inside of the park, the area surrounding the Luna statue and the Luna Overlook looks nearly complete as well, just missing water within the cascading water features for Celestial Park.

At the opposite side of the park, the statue in front of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel has been revealed, as all scaffolding has been taken down.

A personification of the sun, standing opposite of the Luna statue, which represents the moon, many believe his arrow may feature a fire effect, but that’s not something we’ve seen testing yet.

The Stardust Racers roller coaster has been spotted testing with riders in recent weeks, but now while its two trains are actually dueling.

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In the video from Amusement Insider above we can see riders seated in every row of the two trains, as they make their way through the Celestial Spin, wrapping around each other, and through the rest of the course.

In the nighttime video by Bioreconstruct below, we can get a good look at the sparkly lighting effects used to create a sense that these are comets soaring through the night sky.

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Despite continuous testing, minor cosmetic work is continuing on the attraction’s main comet icon at the front facing the park’s central areas.

Within these central areas, the four Concierge kiosks are getting their signs. These kiosks will act as small guest services for guests within the park, and there is one located near the entrance to each of the portals into the four worlds.

An information sign can be spotted installed near this Concierge kiosk near Dark Universe.

The top parts for all of these kiosks have yet to be installed. It’s possible these spires and decorative elements being staged backstage near Stardust Racers may be for the tops of these structures.

Signage has been installed for The Oak & Star Tavern, a barbecue restaurant and bar within the middle of the park. Scattered star lights can be seen on the front of this building as well, around the signage.

New decorative housings are being placed over fountain sprayers all facing the center of the large show fountain in this area.

Work walls have gone up in this area as work continues. This marks a change in the way construction is being handled throughout Epic Universe, as the park transitions away from work site to operating theme park.

Team Members who work at the park are currently experiencing limited previews around the park, but previews for all Team Members at Universal Orlando will begin in just a few days, so areas like these need to be blocked off from guest access until completed.

The sign has not yet been installed at the entrance to Constellation Carousel.

In the next photo the sun is shining through the glass sections of the domed roof, casting colorful light on the ground below.

A view we often don’t see, the next photo illustrates how different the elevation can be between different areas of Celestial Park.

The entrance to Constellation Carousel is set below the portal entry into Super Nintendo World, and stairs can be spotted here between the two levels.

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Super Nintendo World

We are heading into Super Nintendo World next, where the tall beacon atop its portal entry has started testing its nighttime lighting package.

In the video below we can see the rainbow wrap around the Power-Up supports are fading between different color schemes.

Video: Color changing tower above the portal of Super Nintendo World.

With a glimpse of Stardust Racers. pic.twitter.com/Ltb3Du2iXS

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 26, 2025

This world was the latest to begin what appear to be stress tests for the park, where Team Members experience the offerings of specific worlds to help test not just the rides themselves, but operations as well.

A table for what could be check in for these special previews was set up in front of the portal into Super Nintendo World.

This view with people gives us a sense of scale for these portals, with the gold circle character decoration on the side of the portal looking quite large by comparison.

The world itself looks to essentially be ready, with things that weren’t finished just a week ago now done, like the paint on the roof for Peach’s Castle.

During this limited preview Team Members working in their Super Nintendo World wardrobe can be seen stationed at greeter positions in front of the rides, the main retail location, and the entrance to Toadstool Cafe.

People can be spotted riding the Yoshi’s Adventure ride above the area.

There appear to be guests utilizing interactive experiences as well, including the Power-Up Band games and the AR Binoculars on the second level.

The Donkey Kong Country area of Super Nintendo World is also filled with activity.

Guests can be seen riding Mine Cart Madness, which was running continuously during the event.

Every mine cart looks to be filled with riders as they pass.

Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy is fully stocked and appears to be open for purchases.

New water fountains themed as tree stumps can now be spotted around this area, (seen on left in next photo).

The interactive drum game is being barricades, so may not be ready for this preview event.

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Dark Universe

Over at Dark Universe, the land that features all of the Universal Monsters, filming was taking place while these photos were being taken.

This could be a marketing production, as it features what look like families and guests exploring the entrance area of Dark Universe.

A camera rig on a dolly track can be seen in the photo below.

While looking at this shoot, which may be for a future commercial, we can spot this skeleton in a cage.

Below we can see how this cage appears in official concept art, on left side of the image.

Looking deeper into the world, something is being loaded into the maintenance bay for the area’s main attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

New gray paint is now visible peaking out above and between the rows of scaffolding in front of two walls facing the park for this massive ride building.

Here is a good look at the DeLacey’s Cottage food kiosk, with its menu board ready.

The last minute installation of nets around most of the track for the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster is nearly completed.

When these photos were taken it looked like just like this last section here was still being added.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

At the entrance area for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic new location signs have been installed.

The signs are seen at the arrows in the photo below. They will show where you are, as if we are leaving a Métro station when exiting the portal into the world.

What could be a unicorn is on a sign located near the back side of the Phoenix arch.

Tables and chairs for the outdoor cafe seating on two of the Parisian streets are being placed and arranged.

Planters that will be used to block this seating area were being positioned while these photos were taken.

The scaffolding that is up in this area, on the roof of the cafe, appears to have been to add painted theming to the backside of the upper facades.

The statue from the second Fantastic Beasts film is visible on the staircase at the back of the area.

The vine-style art nouveau structure, which was inspired by the entrance to the French Ministry in that film, is looking more complete now.

This is shown as a photo op in official concept art for the world.

Chairs are visible hanging on the wall above a doorway in the dark side alley street, tucked away in the corner of the area.

Universal has announced the long-rumored second generation of interactive wands for use within all of The Wizarding World lands in Orlando, including at Epic Universe.

Debuting this weekend, the new wands will connect to the app, allowing you to collect achievements, track your progress on leaderboards, and use a digital map—similar to how Power-Up Bands work in Super Nintendo World.

Equipped with new lighting effects and haptic vibrations, these new wands also unlock several new spell-casting experiences within the current lands, plus they add new enhancements to existing ones.

Additional features include customizing your wand using the app, earning points for your Hogwarts House, and casting your own Patronus at one of the new experiences at Knockturn Alley. The House Cup will be awarded digitally daily through the app.

The wand shop in Epic Universe will open with these next generation wands from the start, but they go on sale everywhere else on March 1st.

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How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Moving now to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, a new official blog post has confirmed the types of dragons we may see overhead. We have seen these dragons testing their flight paths over the world, which utilize robotic drone technology.

The official blog post from Universal reads: “In Berk, you’re constantly surrounded by the endless number of dragons that take flight in the skies. A Monstrous Nightmare or a Gronckle might be soaring above, so be on the lookout.”

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The blog post also confirms the location for the Fyre Drill interactive boat ride, which it says takes place at Berk’s Fyre Skööl.

The story for the attraction has us training to learn how to put out fires started by the many dragons living in the village. Riders will aim water cannons at the targets with the fire icon on them.

The canopy over the seating area for the Spit Fyre Grill quick service restaurant, located behind the boat ride, is nearly complete.

We can see the Snow Wraith animatronic dragon behind this canopy. The small icy wall beneath the figure has been installed into place. Coke Freestyle self-serve machines have been placed to the right of this dragon.

To the right of that are the main ordering windows for Spit Fyre Grill, now with queue stanchions in place.

On the left side of this building we can spot another well-themed dragon-shaped bench, located beside the entrance to the restrooms.

New interactive elements are being added to the back of the play area, named Viking Training Camp.

The official blog post says the are will feature climbing towers, allow kids to launch sheep and play drums and chimes, among other interactive elements. These new additions back here may be some of the drums and chimes mentioned.

A section of the walkway in front of the candy store in the village plaza is receiving its vibrant dirt color.

The roofs of the coaster station, as well as its main entrance and exit gift shop look to be just about completed.

The ride sign for this coaster, named Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, features a small wind meter, which currently shows the wind as “GOOD.”

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Could Wicked Come to the Parks?

Before we wrap up, a new story in the New York Times discussed Epic Universe, and mentioned that analysts estimates put the total cost for the new park at roughly $7 billion.

The story, which was focused on Universal’s desire to take some of the market away from Disney in Central Florida, also discussed possible future projects on the horizon for the company.

One possible project mentioned was to bring Wicked to the theme parks. The story claims that the chairman of the company has “still-secret plans for significant attractions themed to ‘Wicked.’

Of course the story stops short of saying where such new attractions would go, but with a mention in the New York Times, this is the most solid sign we have that more Wicked in the parks could be coming, and soon.

That’s all for this update, but be sure to check out the video version of this story for additional visuals. A huge thank you to Bioreconstruct for the amazing aerial and on the ground photographs. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, or Mastodon for more incredible theme park photos.

Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Official Art: Universal Destinations & Experiences | Aerial and On the Ground Photos: Bioreconstruct | Permit Documents: fasttrack.ocfl.net | Graphics and Overlays: Alicia Stella | Other Images as Captioned

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