We’re SO close to the opening of Universal Orlando’s new theme park, Epic Universe, which is officially happening on May 22nd, 2025!

Epic Universe

Epic Universe brings five new themed lands as well as three new hotels to Universal Orlando, and to say the hype is real is a major understatement. We’ve had the chance to explore the new theme park and we can’t wait to go back again and again. And, if you can’t make it to Epic Universe to see the Chronos Tower anytime soon, you can always plan a trip to New York City instead!

Universal went and put a whole dang Chronos Tower in the middle of New York City! The statue work and coins for the actual portals at Epic Universe can be seen here — just like they are at the real park. It’s located about 10-15 feet from where the Rockefeller Tree is at Christmastime, which is a prime spot, and with the nice weather when we visited, the area was crowded and people were meandering over pretty regularly.

Epic Universe Chronos Tower in New York City!

Essentially, you walk up through a small queue with an employee dressed up in Epic Universe garb. They’ll take your photo in front of the Chronos, which has the concept art of the park entrance.

The other side with a screen

From there, you walk around to the other side, where the map is replaced by a screen that plays a CGI sizzle reel of each of the lands. It’s about a 60-second loop and shows off the 4 different portals and Celestial Park. At the end, a QR code pops up on the screen, and employees encourage you to scan it for the chance to win a 5-day trip.

Sweepstakes

All-in-all, there’s not really much to it at all — the whole experience was probably about 2 minutes. But just from placement alone, the NYC installation is being seen by a lot of people.

As far as the remaining stops on the Epic Universe Portal Tour, you can see them below:

• May 16th-18th: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The Rocky Steps)
• June 13th-18th: Chicago, Illinois (Pioneer Court)

Ministry of Magic

Hours are from 10 AM to 8 PM (although hours are subject to change). Those who visit the portal will get a photo op beside it, PLUS see a night show with “dynamic lighting and all-encompassing music.” You can also get a chance to enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to Universal Orlando to check out Epic Universe for yourself.

Isle of Berk

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Epic Universe and Universal Orlando. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news!

Will you be going to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando? Tell us in the comments.