Universal Epic Universe just made Celestial Park a whole lot sweeter with Captain Cacao, the chocolate-obsessed moonship navigator and one of Epic Universe’s most beloved original characters, is now meeting guests in person. He officially debuted on May 22, 2026, right as the park celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Meet the Bear Behind the Blue Hat
Captain Cacao is a fully fleshed-out original character with real lore attached to him. The story goes that he travels the cosmos searching for the finest treats in the universe, which he sells at his shop, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, inside Celestial Park. He shows up to his meet and greet decked out in his signature shoulder sash, big blue hat, and white chocolate star, and he’s stationed near The Oak & Star Tavern.
This is a big deal for Epic Universe fans who have been buying Captain Cacao merchandise since day one but couldn’t actually meet the character. He’s been a merch staple and a fan favorite since the park opened, so getting a proper walk-around meet and greet feels long overdue and perfectly timed for the anniversary celebration.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Here’s the essential info for planning your Captain Cacao meet and greet visit:
- Location: Near The Oak & Star Tavern in Celestial Park
- Debut date: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Captain Cacao is an original Epic Universe character… not tied to any existing IP
- His shop, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, is also in Celestial Park
- Appearance times are subject to change without notice, so check the Universal app on the day of your visit
Celestial Park is the central hub of Epic Universe, connecting all five worlds, so you’re going to walk through it multiple times per visit anyway.
Why This Matters for Epic Universe’s Identity
One of the smartest things Universal did with Epic Universe was create original characters like Captain Cacao who belong entirely to the park itself. He’s not borrowed from a film or a TV show. He exists because of this park, full stop. Having him walk around Celestial Park reinforces that identity and gives guests a reason to emotionally invest in Epic Universe as its own place, not just a collection of licensed lands.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. If Universal is paying attention (and they are), this debut is proof that original characters with strong stories and great design can absolutely compete with the Harry Potters and Marios of the theme park world.
