Universal’s most ambitious project in years, Epic Universe, is nearing its highly anticipated debut. Designed as a fourth park for Universal Orlando Resort, the park promises groundbreaking attractions, richly themed lands, and a new chapter in Central Florida’s theme park competition. But for guests visiting during technical rehearsals, the future of entertainment is arriving with a few unexpected jolts—some wetter than others.
In recent weeks, a limited group of visitors has been allowed early access to Epic Universe. Annual Passholders, Universal team members, and select ticket holders have all had the chance to explore the park ahead of its official opening on May 22. While enthusiasm for the park is high, so is the scrutiny—and the glitches.
Among the more headline-grabbing moments so far: lengthy downtime for major attractions such as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a virtual queue system that’s drawing criticism, and now, an impromptu soaking that caught more than a few guests off guard.
A Rogue Fountain Showers Guests in Celestial Park
The latest hiccup unfolded in Celestial Park, the heart of Epic Universe. During a scheduled performance of the park’s Cosmos Fountain Show, one of the fountains malfunctioned—spraying directly into the gathered crowd. Guests were seen fleeing the scene, some laughing, others visibly annoyed.
“A rogue fountain fired into the crowd tonight in Celestial Park. It was worse before this and the guests in this area scattered 😂,” said one parkgoer, who caught the moment on video, on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A rogue fountain fired into the crowd tonight in Celestial Park. It was worse before this and the guests in this area scattered 😂 pic.twitter.com/evpvk8lInb
— Universal Parks News Today (@UniNewsToday) May 10, 2025
Reactions online were swift and divided. Some cited the incident as a sign the park isn’t ready for prime time. “I’m sorry but this park is not ready for grand opening next week lol,” one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. (The park opens May 22, not next week.)
Others were more forgiving, noting that Disney’s own parks have had their fair share of similar issues. “Let us all remember the condition Disneyland was in on opening day,” one commenter wrote. “Epic is just carrying on tradition.”
Fans also drew comparisons to World of Color, the nighttime fountain show at Disney California Adventure. “World of Color at Disneyland has a couple of ones that go rogue,” said another user. “It’s fun being in the wet zone.”
What Epic Universe Has in Store
Despite the setbacks – and poor guest behavior – the scale and ambition of Epic Universe remain undeniable. Set across five immersive lands, the park is being hailed as a bold evolution of Universal’s theme park portfolio.
Celestial Park serves as both entrance and centerpiece, offering lush landscapes and attractions like Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster, and the ornate Constellation Carousel. From there, guests enter four themed worlds through portal-like gateways.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is among the most anticipated, featuring Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Mine-Cart Madness, and Yoshi’s Adventure, along with interactive play areas inspired by the beloved video game series.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic invites fans into 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic, with a headline attraction that thrusts riders into a high-stakes magical trial involving Dolores Umbridge. A stage show, Le Cirque Arcanus, adds to the wizarding immersion.
Over in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, guests will find family-friendly thrills, splash zones, and animatronic dragons in a village setting brought to life through Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer’s Rally, and The Untrainable Dragon live show. Some guests are, however, behaving inappropriately towards Hiccup, which puts a bit of a damper on the land.
Dark Universe, a land steeped in gothic horror, rounds out the lineup with Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and the high-speed Curse of the Werewolf. Dining options like Das Stakehaus keep the theme alive even during mealtime.
With just days left until opening, all eyes remain on Epic Universe. A few loose fountains aside, Universal is betting big on its newest offering—and hoping opening day delivers on years of buildup.
What are you most excited for at Epic Universe?
