Big things are happening at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025, and visitors are in for an exciting year of new experiences. As the park continues to evolve, guests will notice several major changes, including the return of beloved features and the highly anticipated opening of Epic Universe in May.
One exciting change is the return of a once-popular perk at The Burger Digs, a quick-service restaurant in the Jurassic Park section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Prior to 2020, guests could load up their meals with fresh toppings at a self-serve station, but after pandemic-related restrictions, this feature disappeared.
Now, after a five-year absence, the toppings bar is back! Guests can once again enjoy customizing their burgers and sandwiches with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
While small in scale, this move signals Universal’s continued effort to bring back guest-favorite amenities, especially as competition in the theme park industry grows fiercer. The return of self-service topping bars could pave the way for more classic experiences making a comeback across Universal’s dining locations.
However, the biggest change coming to Universal in 2025 is the grand opening of Epic Universe, the resort’s third theme park.
This massive expansion, set to debut in May, will introduce brand-new themed lands, including Dark Universe, inspired by classic horror films, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and land-based on How to Train Your Dragon. The park will also feature a massive central hub with thrilling attractions, entertainment, and an all-new hotel.
Epic Universe is expected to revolutionize the Orlando theme park scene, bringing cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling to the forefront. With this addition, Universal is positioning itself as a true competitor in the vacation destination market, drawing in visitors from all over the world.
With so many changes on the way, one major question lingers: How will Disney react? In response to growing competition, Disney World has been gradually introducing its own updates, including the ongoing transformations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, as it faces increasing pressure to keep pace with Universal’s rapid expansion.
For those planning a trip to Orlando in 2025, Universal Orlando Resort is shaping up to be the ultimate must-visit destination. Stay tuned for even more updates as the park gets closer to unveiling its biggest expansion yet.
