Epic Universe Stuns Orlando as TIME Names It One of the World’s Greatest Places, Beating Out Disney’s Own Parks

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Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, has earned a coveted place on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2026 list, highlighting its status as one of the most talked‑about destinations in North America. Recognized in the “Places to Visit” category, the park stands out not only for its scale but also for the way it blends storytelling, technology and design into a single, highly immersive experience.

Opened to the public in May 2025, Epic Universe marks the first completely new, large‑scale theme park development in the United States in more than twenty years. Its arrival expanded Universal Orlando Resort from three to four parks, significantly strengthening Orlando’s position as a global theme park capital.

Five Fully Realized Themed Lands

Epic Universe is built around five distinct themed lands, each accessed through dramatic portal gateways that separate the outside world from carefully crafted fantasy environments. Guests move between these areas by walking through architectural “portals” designed to create a sense of crossing into another universe.

The lands include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe and Celestial Park. Each zone offers its own rides, dining, entertainment and atmosphere, giving visitors multiple ways to spend a full day inside the park without repeating the same experience.

Immersive Portals and Standout Set Design

TIME’s editors highlighted Epic Universe for the way it uses portals to frame each entry into a new land. These gateways are more than decorative arches: they function as theatrical transitions, using architecture, lighting, sound and visual effects to transport guests from one narrative world to another.

Within the park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic drew particular praise for its “showstopper” sets and environments. Here, visitors can explore scenes inspired by the magical government at the heart of the Harry Potter universe, including a stylized interpretation of 1920s Paris tied to the wider wizarding storyline. A key attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, puts guests into the middle of a high‑energy adventure using advanced ride technology and immersive sets.

Celestial Park and the Stardust Racers Coaster

At the centre of Epic Universe is Celestial Park, a lush, visually rich area that serves both as a hub and a destination in its own right. Landscaped walkways, water features and architectural elements are designed to evoke a cosmic garden, where guests can relax between rides or enjoy nighttime shows.

Among Celestial Park’s headline attractions is Stardust Racers, a dual‑launch roller coaster that sends two trains racing around a star‑themed layout. The ride combines speed, airtime and synchronized onboard audio to create a sense of soaring through space, with track elements rising to significant heights above the park. The mix of physical thrills and carefully composed soundscape has helped cement Stardust Racers as one of Epic Universe’s signature experiences.

Helios Grand Hotel: A New Standard for Park Access

Epic Universe is also supported by new lodging options, including the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which opened alongside the park. Operated in partnership with Loews, this property features a dedicated entrance leading directly into Epic Universe, making it the first Universal‑branded hotel to offer guests a private gateway straight to a park.

This design creates a seamless connection between accommodations and attractions, allowing visitors to move quickly between their room and the park’s lands for early starts, afternoon breaks or late‑night visits. TIME’s recognition specifically noted this integration of hospitality and theme park design as a factor in the destination’s overall appeal.

Disney Also Recognised for the Disney Destiny Cruise Ship

While the spotlight in this case is on Universal Orlando, TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2026 list also includes a separate honour for Disney. Instead of a theme park, Disney appears on the list with Disney Destiny, a cruise ship that began sailing in late 2025 as part of Disney Cruise Line’s growing fleet.

Disney Destiny is notable for its heroes‑and‑villains concept, which shapes onboard entertainment and design for both families and adult fans. The ship’s size and themed spaces position it as a floating extension of Disney’s storytelling approach, complementing but not competing directly with Epic Universe’s land‑based experiences.

How TIME Selects Its World’s Greatest Places

TIME compiles its World’s Greatest Places list each year by drawing on submissions from its network of correspondents and contributors, along with nominations gathered through an application process. The final list spans a variety of categories, including hotels, restaurants, museums, theme parks, natural attractions and cruise ships.

Epic Universe’s inclusion reflects a broader trend toward destinations that offer layered, highly curated experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in fictional worlds as thoroughly as they might explore real‑world cities. In parallel, TIME notes that global tourism has continued to grow, with international trips rising again in 2025, strengthening demand for standout places that justify long‑haul travel.

Epic Universe’s Role in Orlando’s Tourism Future

By earning a place on TIME’s list so soon after opening, Epic Universe has reinforced Orlando’s image as a destination that continues to reinvent itself. The park’s blend of established franchises, original environments, integrated hotel access and forward‑looking design suggests it will remain a focal point for visitors planning Florida holidays in the coming years.

For travellers choosing where to spend limited vacation time, this recognition signals that Epic Universe is not just another new park, but a large‑scale, next‑generation experience designed to rival the most ambitious themed destinations anywhere in the world.