Joe Jonas’ Album May Be Delayed, But You Can See Him Perform Soon

Universal Studios has been working on something epic — quite literally — with its third theme park for Universal Orlando. Epic Universe is expected to open on May 22, and will include an all-new Universal Monsters-themed land and Orlando’s version of Super Nintendo World.

Before that epicness begins, Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating Mardi Gras from Feb. 1 through March 30. Along with a new International Flavors of Carnaval menu of food to try and a vibrant parade, the Mardi Gras concert series is returning this year with a star-studded lineup that includes T-Pain, Lawrence, Coco Jones, and Joe Jonas.

The Jonas Brother was expected to release his second solo album, Music for People Who Believe in Love, last October. However, in September, he announced the album was delayed because Jonas found himself “flooded with inspo and want to add some final touches.” Fans may have to be patient for new music, but they won’t have to wait long to see the “Sucker” singer perform live in 2025.

Jonas is a former Disney star, but the 35-year-old is scheduled to perform at Universal Studios Florida at the Music Plaza Stage, following the Mardi Gras parade, on Feb. 8. You just need a standard theme park ticket to get inside. While you’re at Universal Orlando Resort, check out some of the new attractions like Shrek’s swamp area of DreamWorks Land. The full Mardi Gras lineup includes:

• T-Pain — Feb. 1
• Joe Jonas — Feb. 8
• Kool & The Gang — Feb. 15
• Juanes — Feb. 16
• Scotty McCreery — Feb. 22
• Foster the People — March 1
• Illenium — March 8
• All Time Low — March 15
• Lawrence — March 16
• Coco Jones — March 21
• DJ Pauly D — March 22
• TLC — March 29

Of course, Universal Orlando Resort isn’t the only property with something exciting happening in 2025. There’s plenty to look forward to at all the parks around the world, and below, you’ll find info on the additions coming to Universal this year.

Universal Orlando Is Getting A New Harry Potter Ride

The most exciting thing coming to Universal Studios Florida has to be Epic Universe in 2025. This massive Universal Studios theme park will include portals to new lands like the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic and Celestial Park — which will be right next to a brand-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel. In each area, you’ll find attractions, eateries, and shops.

On Harry Potter’s birthday last year, Universal Orlando Resort announced new details for the Wizarding World area at Epic Universe, themed to the Ministry of Magic and Paris from the Fantastic Beasts series. The main attraction will be Harry Potter and the Battles at the Ministry, where guests will travel via the Floo Network to the British Ministry of Magic.

With Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Higgledy (yes, a new character!), Umbridge’s former house-elf, guests will try to capture Dolores Umbridge after she escapes her trial. In this first-of-its-kind ride for Universal, you’ll encounter Death Eaters and other Wizarding World creatures while flying up, down, and sideways through the attraction.

The new land will also have dining, shops, and even more entertainment at Le Cirque Arcanus. The theater show features creatures from Newt Scamander’s suitcase like Demiguise, Diricawl, and Mooncalves along with aerialists, puppetry, and special effects.

Just like the previous Wizarding Worlds in Universal Studios theme parks, Epic Universe will have its own wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In addition to wands you might find at Ollivanders, guests can purchase exquisite designs packaged in unique three-sided boxes that show you where you can cast spells around the land. These interactive wand spots in Paris will allow you to cast spells on creatures like Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and a Demiguise.

Universal has been slowly unveiling details on everything coming to Epic Universe, including Super Nintendo World. Florida’s version will be closer to Japan’s Mario-themed land, with attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and the U.S. debut of Yoshi’s Adventure. For foodies, there will also be the fan-fave Toadstool Cafe along with Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats.

Over at Donkey Kong Country, the main attraction will be the family coaster Mine-Cart Madness with a unique design that will make you feel like you’re in the video game. You can also meet all your fave characters in Super Nintendo World, like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and even Donkey Kong.

While a lot of these rides are ones you can find in other parks, Epic Universe will also have four new attractions in the Isle of Berk. One of these How To Train Your Dragon-themed rides is a family-friendly roller coaster, where you’ll get to fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless. Speaking of Toothless, guests will have the chance to meet the adorable Night Fury dragon in the park and recreate one of the most iconic moments from the first film by petting him.

Along with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders roller coaster at Epic Universe, Universal announced that the Isle of Berk will also have a Fyre Drill boat battle (where you will get wet), a Dragon Racer’s Rally high-flying dragon simulator, and a Viking Training Camp playground. For entertainment, The Untrainable Dragon is a stage show with characters like Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid.

Foodies will have plenty to enjoy as well. The new land features Mead Hall from the film, a quick-service Spit Fyre Grill, and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel for quick bites. This How To Train Your Dragon area is just the cherry on top of all the new DreamWorks Animation additions coming to Florida.

On June 20, Universal Orlando Resort also announced details about its monster-themed land, Dark Universe. The main attraction will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, where guests travel into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor and are confronted with Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more. It’s like a more thrilling version of a Halloween Horror Nights maze.

As scary as some of these monsters can be, the land is meant to be family-friendly. There’s even the Curse of the Werewolf, Darkmoor’s family coaster, similar to Flight of the Hippogriff in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can also dress the part by visiting the land’s makeup experience.

It sounds like Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but instead of transforming into a princess, you’ll be made into a monster. Afterwards, stop by Meet the Monsters to encounter Ygor, The Invisible Man, and the Bride of Frankenstein to grab selfies for Insta.

For a bite to eat, Darkmoor has a vampire-inspired Das Stakehaus with menu items like kebabs and burgers, as well as Burning Blade Tavern with German cuisine like bratwurst and pretzels. Looking for something sweet? De Lacey’s Cottage near Monsters Unchained has cinnamon bread and ice cream, but also the twisted taters — a go-to snack at Halloween Horror Nights. It’s like an HHN land you can visit every season, and not just the fall.

While Epic Universe may be a major upgrade to Universal Orlando, the resort isn’t forgetting its other parks. In fact, Universal Studios Florida has an all-new DreamWorks-themed land, featuring characters from the Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda franchises.

Along with Epic Universe opening in 2025, Universal Studios Orlando will also be unveiling two new resorts. Universal Stella Nova Resort will arrive Jan. 21, 2025, and be a galaxy-themed hotel near Epic Universe. It will have a pool, standard rooms for families, and restaurants to enjoy, along with transportation to the other Universal Studios theme parks — Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Adjacent to Universal Stella Nova Resort will be Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, 2025. Similar to Stella Nova, this space exploration-themed resort will be close to Epic Universe and have a pool, standard rooms, and dining options.

Hollywood Is Getting A Fast & Furious Roller Coaster Next Year

Universal Studios Hollywood is also planning something epic, a Fast & Furious roller coaster. It was reported in 2023 that Universal Studios Hollywood was constructing a new attraction themed to the Fast & Furious franchise where the Animal Actors and Special Effects Stage shows used to be, and it was announced the outdoor coaster is expected to open in 2026. In the meantime, guests can still experience the Fast & Furious - Supercharged as part of the backlot tour.

Halloween Horror Nights will also return in the fall to both Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Studios Japan.

Universal Studios Japan Has Donkey Kong Country

While Hollywood has had Super Nintendo World for over a year, the Mario-themed land actually opened at Universal Studios Japan first in 2021. Guests who have been to both parks would also argue Japan’s version is better. Not only does it have an additional Yoshi-themed ride, but Universal Studios Japan expanded Super Nintendo World to include Donkey Kong Country in 2024.

The Donkey Kong-themed area has Mine Cart Madness and interactive areas where you can use your Power-Up Band. If you’re planning a trip overseas, you might want to wait for Universal to announce dates for its expansion in Singapore, and make it a big international trip. According to Klook, Universal Studios Singapore is working on a Minion Land to open in 2025, and its own version of Super Nintendo World will arrive later this year as well.