Epic Universe Preview Center
Have you visited the Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk?
Before Epic Universe opened, this spot became ground zero for hype, rumors, and “I swear I’m just going to look” impulse merch. And even now that Universal Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, 2025, the Preview Center still works as a smart orientation stop for anyone who wants a big-picture view of what Universal built and how the new park fits into the resort’s future.
The review center is located in Universal CityWalk, in the former space of the Universal Legacy Store.  Inside, the main attraction is the experience itself: displays designed to introduce Epic Universe’s lands (the “portals”), a detailed model/exhibit area (depending on the current setup), and plenty of visual storytelling meant to get you excited without requiring you to commit to a full park day. It’s basically a free “trailer” you can walk through, which feels very on-brand for Universal. 
Back when ticket sales first dropped for opening season, the internet did what the internet does: some people scored dates quickly, while others spent a painful amount of time refreshing, waiting, and wondering if the queue was sentient. That initial frenzy made sense. Epic Universe marked Universal Orlando’s evolution into a four-park destination, and it also became a rare modern milestone: a major new Orlando theme park opening in an era when “new gate” launches are few and far between.
Did you go to the Preview Center?
I visited the Epic Universe Preview Center and recorded a spoiler-light overview video. I’m not a big fan of showing every detail (let the park have its big reveal), so this is more of a “here’s what the space feels like” walkthrough than a full deep-dive.
Epic Universe Preview Center overview video:
So what about you?
Did you visit the Preview Center before you stepped through the portals? And now that Epic Universe is open, do you think this kind of preview space is still worth it, or was it best as a pre-opening hype machine?
- Check out my video essay on Celestial Park at Epic Universe