As the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s new park nears, students at Cypress have varying opinions but an equally thrilled attitude. May 22 marks the opening of the Epic Universe portals. The park will feature five new sectors each with a large, grand entrance to “teleport” visitors into individual themed lands. According to a poll, Panthers are the most excited about How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. This portal will feature viking-themed events and food alongside the exciting new roller coasters that simulate dragon rides. The park is rumored to be releasing flying dragons that can only be seen from within the portal that will help encapsulate park-goers into the immersive experience. 

Ivy Ligon says, “How to Train Your Dragon was one of my favorite movies from when I was a kid, the pure nostalgia makes me feel like a kid again and the dragon animatronics look amazing.” This seems to be a common theme as 45% of students are most ready for the Isle of Berk. 

A close runner-up is the Super Nintendo World. This park will include Nintendo-themed rides and characters. For many, this is a reflection of their childhood, growing up playing Super Mario Bros. Senior Chino Cabaero says, “The whole “Nintendo World” thing was previously only in Universal Osaka Japan so being able to have that same kind of experience in Orlando would be great!” Many other students agreed with this statement and are ready to see the park open in the United States as well. 

Cypress Panthers are getting their theme park outfits prepared as many inches closer. This summer can expect a flurry of students eager to review the works of Universal engineers. Any Florida resident knows Universal like the back of their hand, but this addition is sure to cause all new excitement, the same kind that was felt the first time through the Universal Studios gates.