Carson Daly Discovers Portal to Epic Universe on the Set of The Voice: "You've Got to See This"
When a portal appears backstage on The Voice, host Carson Daly leaps into adventure at Universal's Epic Universe.
Carson Daly is no stranger to epic experiences, from his time as a VJ on MTV’s TRL (boy, that’s a lot of acronyms) to 27 seasons as host of NBC’s The Voice. In fact, it was on the set of The Voice Season 27 that Daly recently stumbled onto something remarkable backstage that he's excited to show off.
No, it wasn’t the next superstar singing Act Daly might have expected, but a portal to the magical worlds of Epic Universe, a new theme park opening May 22, 2025, and Universal Orlando.
Carson Daly Finds Epic Universe Portal Backstage at The Voice
Viewers of The Voice may have been surprised by a brief in-episode diversion when the host encountered an Epic Universe portal backstage. For those unfamiliar, Universal Orlando's new theme park is made up of five unique worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, all connected by literal portals that guests will step through. While everyone else will have to physically go to the park but Carson Daly had the adventure come to him.
The backstage moment begins ordinarily enough, with Daly talking on the phone between Acts. He’s discussing the quality of the talent when his eyes open in amazement, lit with a supernatural glow is one of the portals that will bring him to a world of adventure, in this case, a Viking adventure.
RELATED: How to Get The Most Out of Orlando’s In-Depth Epic Universe Preview Center Before Opening Day
When the camera flips, we see what Daly sees, a rugged stone archway supporting a slightly smaller metal one. The design implies a full circle with the bottom third buried underground. It's very similar to what guests will see when they go to Epic Universe and is decorated with symbols, markings, written in plain language at the top, “We, my friends, have dragons!” It's pretty clear this portal will take the host to the How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk world within Epic Universe.
A low grumble, both inviting and ominous, fills the space as Daly says, “let me call you back.” He steps through the portal and enters the Isle of Berk, a world where humans and dragons coexist. But that’s only the beginning. Universal’s Epic Universe contains portals to 5 distinct lands based on or inspired by some of the world’s most popular stories. Daly's adventure offers viewers a quick glimpse at all of them before he emerges from the portal decked out with all kinds of Epic Universe gear.
How to get tickets to Universal’s Epic Universe
Universal Orlando already offers an immersive trio of parks at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. On May 22, 2025, Epic Universe joins the family as the newest Universal Orlando Resort location.
Tickets have been on sale for some time, as part of bundle packages including multiple days to Universal Orlando’s other parks and one day at Epic Universe. Guests now also have the option to buy single-park tickets to Epic Universe. Tickets purchased as part of a bundle can be used as early as opening day. While single-park tickets won’t be valid until June 1, 2025.
Visit the Epic Universe website for more details and to check out all available ticket options.
