Universal Epic Universe: News Chopper Gets Glimpse Of New Orlando Ride In Action

In January, Universal Orlando shared the first official “look” inside its highly anticipated new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, a development that the company expects to be a game changer.

On offer was a rendering of the park’s front gate and plaza — not exactly click bait for fans eagerly awaiting more news about the development. You can see that rendering at the bottom of this story.

Yesterday, however, NBC affiliate WESH 2 in Orlando captured aerial footage of what it said was one of the rollercoasters already operating in the new park, which isn’t expected to open until 2025.

The helicopter footage shows a five-car coaster running along twisty black tracks. As they move through the turns the cars, which are blue, spin with g forces pull them this way and that.

Watch the video below.

NEW: Chopper 2 flew over @UniversalORL's #EpicUniverse today and spotted ride testing in the 'Dark Universe' world: https://t.co/FIjpshRZ13@WESH pic.twitter.com/tZB6Olmeot

— Christina Watkins (@CWatkinsWESH) March 14, 2024

WESH reporter Christina Watkins posted the footage online, saying that the testing was happening in the “Dark Universe” section of the new park. Dark Universe is thought to be an area devoted to horror and Universal’s classic monsters. The black track and all-black buildings would seem to agree with that assessment.

Deadline has reached out to Universal Orlando Resort representatives for comment and will update this post when one is received.

The park “invites guests to explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations,” Universal Orlando said in a January blog post. Specifically, five immersive worlds with 50 dining, shopping and entertainment experiences.

The lands are set within “the breathtaking gardens in the heart of Epic Universe” and start with Celestial Park, the first world visitors encounter, that serves as a portal the to the other four — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; and Dark Universe. Enough for a weeklong vacation destination, Universal is betting.

Jill Goldsmith contributed to this report.