A towering and immersive structure known as the Epic Portal has arrived in downtown Chicago, offering fans a rare and interactive glimpse into Universal Orlando Resort’s newest and most ambitious theme park—Universal Epic Universe. The massive 30-foot replica of the park’s grand gateway now stands at Pioneer Court on North Michigan Avenue, marking the final stop of a four-city promotional tour that’s been building excitement across the country.
The Epic Universe portal officially opened to the public Friday morning, drawing in curious visitors, families, and theme park enthusiasts to experience a taste of what awaits in Orlando. The event features scenes and sounds from some of the new park’s major attractions, designed to give attendees a multisensory preview of the adventures they can expect when visiting the park in person. Patrick Braillard, a senior show writer for Universal Creative, was present at the site and explained how the structure replicates the actual entrance to the Epic Universe park, including fantastical visuals like dragons flying through the sky. For many visitors, it's the closest thing to stepping into the park without leaving Chicago.
The theme park itself, which officially opened on May 22, is divided into five meticulously themed and highly immersive worlds. Among them are fan-favorite franchise lands like Super Nintendo World, inspired by the colorful universe of Mario and friends; the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which continues to expand its magical reach; and How to Train Your Dragon, which invites guests into the fantastical Viking world of Berk. These are joined by Celestial Park, which serves as the park’s central hub with a cosmic, otherworldly aesthetic, and Dark Universe, a thrilling realm dedicated to classic monsters and gothic horror set within the eerie fictional village of Darkmoor.
The portal display in Chicago offers more than just a static structure. It brings to life action-packed sequences pulled straight from the park’s lineup of over 50 immersive attractions. Organizers have carefully curated the experience to highlight not just the rides and visuals, but the emotions and wonder behind each world. The portal’s lighting and sound elements evolve throughout the day, culminating in a stunning nighttime display that combines dynamic lights with an all-encompassing soundtrack designed to capture the spirit of Epic Universe.
Located at 401 North Michigan Avenue, the Epic Portal will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through June 18. During these hours, guests are encouraged to explore the space, interact with staff, and learn more about what Universal Epic Universe has in store. As an added incentive, visitors can also enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, including the chance to explore the new theme park in person. This opportunity is especially appealing to families planning vacations or fans eager to witness the park’s attractions firsthand.
This promotional event not only showcases Universal’s dedication to immersive storytelling but also highlights how major entertainment brands are increasingly using urban pop-ups to build buzz and engagement. By transforming a prominent public space in Chicago into a fantasy gateway, Universal is inviting passersby to momentarily step into a different world, one filled with magic, adventure, and the promise of unforgettable experiences. With Orlando’s Epic Universe promising a new chapter in theme park innovation, this traveling portal is a fitting introduction to the journey that awaits.
