It didn’t take long for Epic Universe to feel the full force of guest excitement.
With Universal Orlando’s newest theme park currently in Passholder Previews and its official opening still a month away, some elements are already straining under the pressure — especially when it comes to dining.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant was quietly added to Universal’s reservation system with available bookings starting May 23, 2025 — just one day after the park’s grand opening. But in a surprising twist, Universal suddenly halted all reservations shortly after they went live. There was no official announcement, just a quiet update: reservations have been paused indefinitely.
While no specific reason was given, it’s clear that demand quickly outpaced expectations.
A New Park That’s Already Drawing Crowds
Epic Universe is one of the most anticipated theme park projects in recent memory. Even during its preview phase, the buzz is hard to miss—and the guest demand is very real. The park features five themed lands, including:
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Celestial Park: The entry area and central hub of the park, home to The Blue Dragon, Atlantic, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
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SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: A vibrant, interactive land packed with rides, games, and familiar faces from the Mario universe.
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Dark Universe: Universal’s darker, moodier land inspired by its classic monsters.
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Isle of Berk: A family-friendly section based on How to Train Your Dragon, with outdoor coasters and interactive attractions.
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Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic: A completely new take on the Harry Potter universe, inspired by magical governance and French wizarding culture.
From tech-driven attractions to immersive theming and high-end food experiences, Epic Universe is aiming to deliver a complete package from day one.
Why The Blue Dragon Is Such a Draw
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant was already generating buzz well before guests had a chance to eat there. Located in the middle of Celestial Park, the restaurant features a glowing evening courtyard atmosphere, neon dragon projections, and a signature cocktail bar known as The Tiger Bar. Its theming alone made it a must-do for foodies, and Universal hyped it as a culinary journey through Asia—one designed to compete with top-tier dining found at Disney Springs or EPCOT.
Reservations opening during previews seemed like a big win for eager guests. That is, until the system went dark. The only message from Universal? A quiet pause on bookings with no timeline for when they’ll return.
What Comes Next?
It’s still unclear whether Universal underestimated the number of Passholder Preview guests or simply ran into technical difficulties. But one thing is obvious: The demand is there.
Another Celestial Park restaurant, Atlantic, is also listed in the system without available dates—adding to speculation that Universal may be holding back to work through internal testing before the full launch.
For now, guests hoping to enjoy a meal at The Blue Dragon will need to wait—and keep an eye out for updates. It’s likely the reservations will return once Universal is confident the venue can handle the demand.
But this early hiccup is telling. Even before its official debut, Epic Universe is attracting crowds and energy that rival any theme park rollout in recent memory. And if one restaurant’s soft opening can generate this kind of reaction, it’s a sign that Universal might’ve built something truly game-changing.
