A 1:1 Scale Epic Universe is Being Built in Minecraft

Meet the team whose last project was the first Minecraft map sent to space, and who have now turned their attention to creating a perfect, block-by-block replica of Epic Universe.

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of digital creation, some projects transcend the boundaries of the game they were built in to become cultural artifacts in their own right. While guests now walk the physical pathways of Universal's newly completed Epic Universe, a parallel world, "Epic Universe in Minecraft," is being meticulously crafted by a team whose last achievement wasn't just celebrated on Earth—it was launched into the stars. This new project is not just a fan recreation; it's the next chapter from a team that has already proven their work is, quite literally, out of this world.

At the heart of this monumental undertaking is Aaron Nelson, a professional Minecraft builder, SCAD filmmaker, and digital designer known to millions online as "Dippy." His work and the projects he leads have garnered immense credibility, seen by millions across YouTube, social media, and global publications. Ranked among the top fifty American Minecraft builders, Dippy's creations have been featured in videos by titans of the platform like MrBeast Gaming and Unspeakable, reaching audiences in the tens of millions and solidifying his status as a master of the craft.

This is not a mere hobbyist. Dippy is a recognized professional whose work has been profiled in leading gaming and tech publications, from PCMagazine and VG247 to ScreenRant. His portfolio of large-scale group and solo builds is a testament to his team's versatility and dedication. They have recreated the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter, painstakingly rebuilt Pewdiepie's famous Hardcore World, and even contributed to the unprecedented "BuildTheEarth" project, digitally preserving real-world locations from Antarctica to North Korea.

Before setting his sights on Epic Universe, Dippy’s most celebrated work was the breathtaking Super Nintendo World in Minecraft (SNWMC). This one-to-one scale replica of the Universal Studios Japan land was a landmark achievement, praised for its stunning accuracy and technical ingenuity. The team didn't just build static structures; they created a living, breathing world with functional rides, allowing players to experience a virtual version of the Mario Kart attraction and the Yoshi's Adventure ride.

The SNWMC project culminated in an accomplishment that remains unique in the history of gaming and space exploration. In a move that blurred the line between digital art and physical space travel, the completed SNWMC map was etched onto a specialized VLC microSD card and included as a payload aboard the Peregrine Mission One lunar lander. It was, by all accounts, the first Minecraft map to ever leave the planet, a piece of fan culture and digital art included alongside scientific instruments and commercial payloads on a journey to the Moon.

This achievement cemented the team's legacy, sending a message that these digital worlds, born from passion and countless hours of work, hold a tangible and lasting value. The mission itself may have ended before reaching its final destination, but the act of inclusion was a powerful statement about the cultural significance of these fan-made creations.

Now, having returned from their metaphorical journey to the stars, Dippy and his team have embarked on their next great quest: Epic Universe in Minecraft. With the real-world park in Orlando now finished, the team's work has shifted from speculative building based on concept art to a meticulous, detail-oriented recreation. Their goal is to create the most accurate and immersive theme park replica ever conceived.

The project is a massive undertaking, requiring the digital construction of all five of the park's worlds, from the cosmic gardens of Celestial Park to the gothic spires of Dark Universe and the Viking villages of the Isle of Berk. Every pathway, every light fixture, and every hidden detail is being painstakingly translated into the game's blocky aesthetic. The team’s commitment is not just to build a model that looks good from a distance, but to create a world that feels alive and explorable up close.

While the release of the final, downloadable map is still "To Be Announced," the project represents the pinnacle of what is possible within Minecraft. It is a fusion of architectural study, digital artistry, and profound fandom. It serves as a digital companion to the real park, a place for fans to explore, relive memories, and appreciate the art of theme park design on a new level.

For Dippy, it is the continuation of a professional journey that has seen him collaborate with the biggest names in entertainment and build worlds both real and imagined. Through his Patreon, fans can support this ambitious work and even download some of his celebrated creations, owning a piece of this unique digital history. From a virtual Japan to the lunar trajectory of Peregrine 1, and now to the gates of Epic Universe, this team isn't just playing a game; they are building a legacy, one block at a time.