As Universal Orlando's Epic Universe prepares to open its gates officially, guests and media received an early look inside one of the park’s most mysterious and haunting portals: the Dark Universe.

Thursday marks the official opening of Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe, the first major new theme park in the United States in over a decade.

Orlando's addition of the Donkey Kong Country zone is a sign that 'Epic Universe will never be done,' creative director Steve Tatham tells io9.

In anticipation of the grand opening, WESH 2 is providing live coverage with insights and updates directly from Epic Universe | Watch:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding deeper into the wizarding world with an all-new land themed to the Ministry of Magic, blending British and French magical worlds in one.

From Harry Potter to Super Mario Bros. to Frankenstein’s monster, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the pop culture stops at its newest and largest theme park in Florida. With five distinctively-themed sections and a 500-room hotel,

An epic adventure awaits at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park set to open on Thursday.