From Childhood Memories to Epic Universe: Why I’m Ready to Step Into Universal’s Newest Park
Discover What Makes Epic Universe Special-and Why You Should Join the Adventure -Inspired by My Story!
I grew up just down the street from Universal Studios Hollywood-about a 20-minute drive, all on surface streets. If you happened to look in the right direction at the right time, you could catch a glimpse of fireworks from the stunt shows lighting up the sky.
As a kid, I was captivated by Universal: the movie-making magic, the thrill of riding Elliot’s bike past the moon with E.T. in the basket, the excitement of being picked from the audience to help make a movie on the spot, and the awe of riding the tram through a real working studio.
I craved those experiences over and over.
As a young adult, I became part of the opening crew for the E.T. Adventure. Every morning, I’d ride the looooong escalator down to the attraction and welcome guests from around the world. On evening shifts, we’d walk the ride track, scraping gum off the miniature city E.T.’s bike soared over each day.
Vintage pictures from E.T. Adventure’s opening in 1991.
Theme parks have always been my happy place-Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal. I have countless stories and memories from each one.
What drew me in most, especially at Disneyland, was the feeling of being inside the story. As an introvert with a vivid imagination, I loved being transported into new worlds, feeling like a character in the adventure.
Over time, some of Universal’s movie-making sparkle faded for me.
Working in the film industry as a background actor, and the shift toward more motion-simulator rides (which my body never loved), made it harder for me to feel that same magic.
Meanwhile, Disney kept upping the ante-not just with rides, but with entire lands like Cars Land and Galaxy’s Edge that let you truly live the story.
So why am I getting really, really excited for Epic Universe?
Because Universal has taken a page from Disney’s playbook and is about to open a whole new chapter in immersive storytelling.
Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025, promises five breathtaking lands where you don’t just visit-you become part of the adventure. Imagine exploring a world of classic monsters in Dark Universe, casting spells in the all-new Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, soaring with dragons in How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, or collecting coins in Super Nintendo World. And at the heart of it all? Celestial Park-a lush, imaginative hub that brings the “park” back to “theme park”.
A glimpse into living your favorite video games, strolling through dreamy Celestial Park, and wondering what monsters live in Darkmoor Castle.
It’s been a while since I’ve set foot in a Universal park, but it’s always been part of my heart, my home, and my DNA. I even have a wild story about my grandfather and Universal that I just might share as we stroll through Epic Universe together.
For me, theme parks have always been about stepping into the story.
If you feel the same, Epic Universe is calling your name. Click here to join my Epic Insider list and be the first to get updates, tips, and maybe even a few more family secrets along the way.
Whether you want to travel with us or chart your own course, I’d love to help you make your next adventure truly epic.
Cathy Weiss is a huge Disney fan and lover specializing in trips to Disneyland, Disney World, and Aulani - a Disney resort in Hawaii, along with Disney Cruise Line, Universal and Epic Universe, Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean. She has the expert answers you need for a truly magical vacation.
Planning and booking your next vacation with her is EASY…so you have the BEST TIME!
Whether you’re booking your first Disney - or other type of - vacation or 100th, having Cathy on your side as your personal go-to - especially as new informaiton and exciting announcements come out all the time - means you’ll have an unforgettable experience! Get started today.