Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies for each portal
The grand opening of Epic Universe is here, and the portals of the new theme park each opened with a special ceremony for invited guests.
Last updated May 22, 2025; original version published May 20, 2025.
On May 20 & 21, 2025, media and content creators previewed How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic prior to Epic Universe’s official opening date (May 22). While there were opening-day moments for guests in the park on the big day, Universal hosted brief ceremonies for each individual portal during the media preview.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Solaris, a Celestian (citizen of Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe), harnessed the power of the cosmos to open the portal to Berk first. Abridging the couplet written on Epic Universe’s main entrance Chronos portal (“Beyond this gate find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams”), Solaris declared, “Beyond this gate find a rocky isle where dragons and Vikings greet you with a smile.”
With that, the Berk portal filled with fog, and silhouetted figures approached the gathered crowd including, of course, Hiccup Haddock. “This is Berk,” Hiccup proclaimed, “the best-kept secret this side of, well, anywhere!”
Watch the full Berk ceremony in our video:
Super Nintendo World grand opening ceremony
Solaris again greeted the crowd later outside of the portal leading into Super Nintendo World. She orated, “Beyond this gate find a world of play with epic fun to fill your day.”
Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong then emerged, accompanied by a heavy helping of confetti.
Watch the full Super Nintendo World opening ceremony in our video:
Dark Universe opening moment with Dr. Victoria Frankenstein
“Beyond this gate find catacombs deep, filled with monsters and the secrets they keep.”
Upon opening the portal to Dark Universe on May 21, Solaris summoned some of the monsters of Darkmoor: Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, Ygor the lab assistant, and, making her live character theme-park debut, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein — the main character of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Universal team members told us Victoria’s appearance in the May 21 opening ceremony at Epic Universe was a one-time occurrence; she will not be available for regular meet & greets in the park alongside the other characters.
Watch the full ceremony in our video:
‘Harry Potter’ actors open Ministry of Magic
“Beyond this gate find streets magique with wizards, witches, and beasts fantastique.”
For the final portal at Epic Universe, Solaris’ summoning first beckoned a trio of students from various wizarding schools: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Ilvermorny. Moments later, a fantastic beast known as a Demiguise (which guests can see in the live show “Le Cirque Arcanus”) joined the festivities, as did three actors from the “Harry Potter” films: Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick, Griphook) and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley).
Watch the full ceremony in our video:
Epic Universe opening ceremony nighttime spectacular
On the evening of May 21, the night before Epic Universe’s official opening day, Universal presented a nighttime spectacular in an official livestream event. The presentation featured drones, fireworks, fountains, and special audio messages from Tom Woodbury (CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences) and Steven Spielberg (who, in addition to his well-known film career, is also a creative consultant to Universal Creative).
Watch the full Epic Universe one-time-only nighttime fireworks spectacular in our video:
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