ORLANDO – Dragons, monsters, Super Mario and more. Epic Universe, the biggest new theme park in Orlando in 26 years, opens to the public on May 22. 

And it is indeed epic. Themed “lands” extend from an expansive central garden where weary guests can decompress. To reach each one, you pass through “portals” that use music, clever landscaping and visual effects to create suspenseful, surprising reveals intended to transport guests through time and space, be it 1920s Paris or the monster-filled Darkmoor Village.

The US$7 billion (S$9.2 billion) resort from Comcast’s Universal Destinations & Experiences division was announced six years ago. Spanning more than 40ha, it has over a dozen rides and attractions, 32 dining options, two shows, 21 shops and multiple places where guests can meet and greet characters, from the creepy Invisible Man to Princess Peach from the Nintendo video games.

But that does not convey the way in which Epic is most inventive, which is its ability to immerse guests in highly believable, fantastical worlds. All throughout are spontaneous opportunities to interact with characters, test your skills at games – such as trying to smash enough ringing alarm clocks to put a giant Piranha Plant back to sleep – and even cosplay as a Viking, wizard or monster. 

Epic is a direct shot at Walt Disney’s empire next door, aimed at the same families with younger children, but also appealing to thrill-seeking teens and adults.

With Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, Universal now has three theme parks in Orlando, plus three new hotels in a partnership with Loews that offer perks such as early park access. All that will help the company market its Florida resort as a full-fledged weeklong destination – not just a place to spend a day after visiting Disney. 

In early April, early access was given to a group of journalists, online influencers and Comcast employees. Here is what you need to know about navigating the resort.

Dark Universe 

The concept: The spooky backstory for this land – Universal’s first permanent tribute to it...