NEWS: Epic Universe Permits Reveal Drones, Pyro, and Celebrities for Grand Opening

By Samantha Kendall Leave a Comment

We’ve had the chance to explore Epic Universe quite a bit thanks to multiple previews, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still STOKED about the official grand opening!

Epic Universe

The park is officially opening on May 22nd, and we’re expecting some serious fanfare to celebrate the occasion. In fact, a new permit shows just that!

Epic Universe is currently in its preview and technical rehearsal stage, but that all ends on May 22nd, 2025, when the park officially opens! And, according to a new permit filed with Orange County, it’s going to be quite the spectacle. We’re talking pyrotechnics, DRONES, and celebrity guests, people!!

The permit is for backstage preparation and staging operations in an area behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, and shows the locations of tents, trailers, and other things set up for the event.

Epic Universe Permit

It looks like the TODAY Show will also be in attendance — a home base area has been set up for things like unloading gear, food & beverages, and production. According to the permit, Arena Americas is setting up the tents — they’ve worked on other Universal events in the past, like Halloween Horror Nights.

TODAY Show

Permit documents show that the tents will be placed from May 1st to May 30th and are referred to as EPIC Grand Opening Support Tents in another document.

Permit document

There will also be celebrity trailers in “Talent Trailer City” between May 18th and May 22nd, which hopefully means we can expect to see some familiar faces at the grand opening!

Talent Trailer City

A Media Center will be set up in the large, semi-permanent tent structure located near Stardust Racers, which has been marked for training and special events as well. We also spotted a Legend on the permit that indicates outlines for a “Pyro Launch and Fallout Zones” along with a “Drone Zone.”

Of course, Universal has not announced anything for the grand opening officially, but it’s possible we could see a drone show AND fireworks!

Drone Zone!!!

We’ll be on the lookout for additional information about Epic Universe’s official opening. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Universal and theme park news!