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ORLANDO, Fla. - Universal Orlando has officially opened its highly anticipated Epic Universe, a 1,300-acre theme park and one of the largest theme park expansions in Florida’s history. On Wednesday, celebrities walked the blue carpet and fans lined up in droves to mark one of the biggest expansions in Florida theme park history.
Who Showed Up?:
Composer Danny Elfman attended the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. Best known for scoring films like Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Spider-Man, Elfman toured the new theme park and met with fans during the celebration.
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Legendary composer Danny Elfman made a surprise appearance at the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. Best known for scoring films like Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Spider-Man, Elfman toured the new theme park and met with fans during the celebration.
What would a Universal Orlando theme park opening be without the famed Harry Potter stars James and Oliver Phelps, known for playing the Weasley twins?
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Harry Potter stars James and Oliver Phelps, known for playing the Weasley twins, attended the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. The actors explored the park’s attractions and greeted fans, celebrating the next chapter of immersive entertainment at Universal.
Warwick Davis, known for his roles in Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Willow, appeared at the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando.
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Warwick Davis, known for his roles in Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Willow, appeared at the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. The beloved actor toured the park and greeted fans during the star-studded celebration.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins made an appearance on the blue carpet.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins made an appearance at the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. Cousins toured the new theme park, posed for photos with fans, and joined in the celebration of the highly anticipated entertainment destination.
Oscar-winning special effects artist Rick Baker joined the celebration at Universal’s Epic Universe grand opening in Orlando.
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Oscar-winning special effects artist Rick Baker joined the celebration at Universal’s Epic Universe grand opening in Orlando. Known for his work on films like An American Werewolf in London and Men in Black, Baker explored the park and connected with fans of his iconic movie monsters.
Former WWE professional wrestler Cody Rhodes was in attendance, along with his wife, Brandi.
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Brandi Rhodes and Cody Rhodes attend the grand opening of the much-anticipated fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe.
Below is an image gallery of other notable celebrities who walked the blue carpet on Wednesday night.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Nico Parker and Mason Thames attend Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Mason Thames and Dean DeBlois attend the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Oliver Phelps, Warwick Davis and James Phelps attend Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Warwick Davis attends Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Andy Cohen attends the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: JoJo Siwa attends Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers attend the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Laila Lockhart Kraner attends Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Chris Colfer attends the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Matt Iseman and Britton All Iseman attend Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Mario Lopez attends Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Guests attend Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Tasha Amber Ghouri attends Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Keltie Knight attends Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Danny Elfman and Oliver Elfman attend the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Joe Manganiello attends the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Howie Mandel attends the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Jason Blum attends the live-action How to Train Your Dragon special screening during the Epic Universe Nighttime Celebration Event at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Universal Pictures) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Allyson Felix (R) and daughter attend the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Brandi Rhodes and Cody Rhodes attend Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Heather Hayslett Packer and Will Packer attend the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: James Wan attends the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Tom Williams, Former Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts attends Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: (L-R) Brian Roberts, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Corporation, Donna Langley, Chairman, NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios, Mark Woodbury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Destinations & Experiences and Mike Cavanagh, President, Comcast Corporation attend Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Frankie Grande attends the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 21:(L-R) James Wan and guest attend the Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Much-Anticipated Fourth Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe at Universal Epic Universe on May 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Universal Orlando Resort) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 20: (L-R) Nico Parker and Mason Thames of Universal Pictures' live-action How to Train Your Dragon cast at Universal Epic Universe on May 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Universal Pictures) ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 20: Nico Parker (R) of Universal Pictures' live-action How to Train Your Dragon cast at Universal Epic Universe on May 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Universal Pictures) The project took several years of planning, design, and construction. Though slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, development resumed full pace and culminated in this week’s grand unveiling.
Local perspective:
Locally, the opening of Epic Universe is being hailed as a generational event. It cements Orlando's status as the global epicenter for theme park innovation and tourism. Many residents and tourists alike see the park as a boost to the local economy and a source of pride.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Universal Orlando Resort.