By Juliana OctaviniO Captain Cocoa has reached the Epic Universe, and this novelty arrives at a very special time: the park's first anniversary I'm sorry, but I'm not going to be able to tell you how much I've covered every detail of this amazing park since before I opened the doors, and I couldn't help but talk about this new character who promises to delight everyone who visits Celestial Park.
So get ready: in this post, in addition to introducing Captain Cocoa, I will remember this incredible 1 year journey from Epic Universe and give you everything you need to know to plan your visit with even more excitement.
Who's Captain Cocoa, the original character of Epic Universe?
First of all, it's important to understand who this nice character is. Captain Cocoa It's a bear — not any bear, but the navigator of Maya of the Skies's moonboat, a young explorer who travels the cosmos in search of the best ingredients in the universe.
According to Gina Scheraldi, show producer of Universal's creative design team, Maya of the Skies is a girl who travels the cosmos in her moon and met Captain Cocoa during an adventure, making him her navigator so that he could continue traveling alongside his best friend.
Together, therefore, they travel through galaxies in search of the best ingredients, which are then brought back to Celestial Park. In fact, this whole story comes to life in the store. Moonship Chocolates & Celestial SweetsIt has special doors dedicated to the duo.
How's Captain Cocoa from Epic Universe?
The charm of this character is in the details. Captain Cocoa appears complete with his shoulder band, his big blue hat and a white chocolate star — ready to find new explorers while traveling the cosmos in search of the best ingredients to sell in his shop.
In other words, he is cute in the shape of an astronaut bear — and it will definitely be impossible not to want to take a picture with him!
Where and when to meet Captain Cocoa at the Epic Universe?
Now that you've fallen in love with the character, the question you don't want to shut up about is: where to find him? The answer is simple and, at the same time, charming.
Captain Cocoa makes his official debut at Celestial Park on May 22nd — just in time for the park’s one year anniversary. Visitors can find it near the The Oak & Star Tavern.
So if you are planning to visit the Epic Universe in the coming months, mark this point on the map! Meeting characters is always one of the most memorable experiences in any Universal park — and a completely original character like this has an even more special charm.
Warning: The appearance and time of the characters are subject to changes without notice. It is always worth checking the Universal app on the day of the visit!
Epic Universe: 1 year of history and news!
It seems that yesterday the whole world vibrated with the opening of Universal Epic UniverseAnd yet a year has passed — and what an incredible year that was!
The Epic Universe opened its doors on May 22, 2025, debuting with five completely new worlds: Celestial Park, Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Berk Island and Dark Universe.
Since then, the park has also proved that it has come to stay. Comcast has confirmed in its financial results from this year’s first quarter that Epic Universe continues to drive the visitation and revenue in the theme park segment.
And now, to celebrate this first anniversary, Universal presents fans with the official arrival of Captain Cocoa for character encounters — the first completely original character to gain dedicated space in the park.
Why is an original character so important?
Unlike IPs like Harry Potter, Mario or Dragon, Captain Cocoa does not come from any movie, book or game. He was born within the Epic Universe itself, specifically within the universe of Celestial Park. That is therefore something historically relevant: Universal creating its own mythology of characters from scratch.
Besides, it makes the park even more unique — because you will only find this story here in Orlando at the Epic Universe. All the more reason to put the trip on the plan!
Everything you need to know to visit the Epic Universe
If this news has cheered you up — and I'm sure you have! — here on the blog you will find everything you need to plan your visit with tranquility. Over the past few months, I have prepared complete content about the park for you to arrive in Orlando well informed. Check:
Do you want to see every corner of the park before you even get there? Epic Universe complete guide, where I explain each area, each attraction and how to organize to make the most of it.
First of all, financial planning is fundamental, so I prepared a post dedicated exclusively to Epic Universe ticket value, with all categories of prices and tips to save.
Going with children? So, this content is essential! Check out the full list of Minimum heights of the Epic Universe attractions to avoid frustrations on the day of the visit.
Finally — and not least — the park also impresses in gastronomy. over 100 Epic Universe food options for you already know what to expect (and getting water in your mouth!).
Is it worth visiting Epic Universe now, for the 1 year anniversary?
The short answer is: Yes, definitely! However, I go further: visiting the park at this time is especially interesting for some reasons.
First, the park has completed its "period of adjustment" — the queues are more predictable, the systems are already well run, and the team already knows every detail of the operation. Secondly, the news continues to come, as is the case with Captain Cocoa. So even those who have visited in the first year have reason to return.
In addition, Epic Universe remains one of the most popular destinations in the world of theme parks — and consequently visiting soon still guarantees that hot feeling of being at the forefront of something historical.
Conclusion: Captain Cocoa is just the beginning of the Epic Universe!
Finally, what I am most excited about is not just the character himself — although he is absolutely adorable. What I am most moved about is what he represents: Universal building its own mythology, its own universe of characters and stories that belong exclusively to Epic Universe.
So keep an eye on the blog! As soon as I have more news — or when I visit the park to meet Captain Cocoa personally — you will be the first to know here on the Orlando Journey.
Meanwhile, take the opportunity to explore all the contents I have prepared about Epic Universe and tell me in the comments: You ever visit the park? I'd love to know!
Sources: Discover Universal Blog, Blooloop
