Universal celebrated the grand opening of its fourth Orlando theme park over two days. There was a blue carpet event last night that lasted about four hours. This morning they hosted guests from around the world for the first official day the park is open, May 22, 2025.
Many celebrities from film to sports were in attendance. There were interviews on the blue carpet as well as appearances in the portals.
Danny Elfman is an American film composer, singer, songwriter, and musician. His works include scores for Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, Scrooged, Batman, and The Corpse Bride . He composed an amazing original score for Dark Universe. The vinyl album is highly coveted and I can only hope that I can get my hands on one.
Cast from the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon live action movie were in the park to experience Isle of Berk. Dean DeBlois directed, Gerard Butler reprises his animated role as Stoick the Great, Nico Parker is Astrid, and Mason Thames is Hiccup. The film hits theaters June 13, 2025.
Much beloved stars from the Harry Potter franchise Warwick Davis, James Phelps, and Oliver Phelps were on hand to welcome guests to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Ministry of Magic.
Bowen Yang is an American actor, comedian, podcaster, and writer known for Saturday Night Live and Wicked. He was at Epic Universe with Matt Rogers who is an American comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, television host, and recording artist. He is best known for co-hosting the pop culture podcast Las Culturistas with Bowen.
During their interview we learned of a new show that will be out. “COASTARS is a new YouTube series that follows celebrity co-stars as they go for a spin on Universal’s most thrilling roller coasters. Viewers will get a front-row seat to every laugh, scream, and unexpected moment as their favorite celebrities face their fears, share behind-the-scenes stories, and let loose in the parks. From pre-ride jitters to post-ride adrenaline, COASTARS is all about connection, chaos, and coasters.” It looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Makeup artists Eryn Krueger Mekash and Michael Mekash spent some time discussing Dark Universe and the Universal Monsters. They have both worked on The Mandalorian, American Horror Story, and The Last of Us.
The legendary Academy Award winning special effects artist Rick Baker walked the blue carpet with his family. Rick has worked on The Wolfman, Men in Black, Batman Forever, Michael Jackson: Thriller, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, and many others. His works are discussed in the Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show in Universal Studios Florida. It’s a must-see! Side note, his wife is wearing the most amazing Bride of Frankenstein dress!
Visual and special effects artist Mark “Crash” McCreery stopped for an interview. He’s known for Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Rango, Van Helsing, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl among many other films.
Andy Cohen of The Real Housewives franchise was also on the blue carpet. He is s an American radio and television talk show host, producer, and writer.
JoJo Siwa is an American singer, dancer, actress, and media personality. She is know for being a talent with Nickelodeon and starring on Dance Moms.
We also saw Broadway performer and emerging musician Frankie Grande, older brother to Ariana Grande. He was in Broadway’s Mamma Mia! and Rock of Ages.
Howie Mandel is a judge on America’s Got Talent. He is a Canadian comedian, television personality, actor, and producer. He is known for voicing Gizmo in Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
We heard from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. He was excited to experience the park with his family.
Former WWE wrestlers Brandi Rhodes and Cody Rhodes were there to celebrate the grand opening.
A wide variety of talent helped usher in a new era for Universal Orlando. I’m sure many more celebrities will visit this amazing park in the coming years.
Theme Park MoJu 