On August 1, 2019, Universal Orlando announced it would be building a brand-new theme park. The new park would be named Epic Universe. The new park will be Universal’s largest theme park in the United States. The theme park will be Universal’s second-biggest overall (Universal Studios Beijing comes in first).
Construction was paused on the project in July 2020. Construction then resumed on March 3, 2021.
It’s been a bit since Universal’s Epic Universe was originally announced so this is your refresher course on Universal’s Epic Universe!
Location of Epic Universe
This helpful graphic first and foremost shows the massive scale of Universal’s Epic Universe. It also shows us how far removed the location is from the typical Universal area. It’s clear Universal’s footprint in Orlando is growing.
Epic Universe will be located in the South area which has 750 acres. The North area that contains the two original theme parks, Volcano Bay, CityWalk, and the six hotels is only 735 acres.
Universal will be running complimentary shuttles from the North area to the South area when Epic Universe opens. More details will be revealed soon on how the two areas will operate together.
Universal’s Epic Universe is east of Universal Boulevard. Universal is also paying millions to help the state expand Kirkman Road as Universal’s Epic Universe will cause quite the traffic buildup.
What Will Epic Universe Have?
This will be the first Universal theme park to adopt the wheel-and-spoke design that was utilized by Disneyland. Epic Universe will also feature a resort as seen in the concept art and its own CityWalk features inside the actual theme park.
It will be Universal’s largest park and will be anchored by Nintendo, DreamWorks, and Illumination properties. Super Nintendo World featuring Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, and a Donkey Kong attraction. A How to Train Your Dragon land also seems all but confirmed. Universal Classic Monsters is also another heavily rumored land.
It’s currently unclear if there will be a Wizarding World presence at Epic Universe. Despite heavy rumors, Universal may opt to stick with its own IP like Illumination and DreamWorks instead of a Warner Bros. IP. After all, when Universal announced construction was resuming on Epic Universe they did say the park would be anchored by Nintendo, DreamWorks, and Illumination IP. Not mentioning Potter seems pretty specific considering that it’s a major theme park draw.
There is also plenty of room for expansion.
When Will Epic Universe Be Completed?
Epic Universe will be completed in 2025 unless something else crazy happens. The park was originally rumored to be Universal’s Fantastic Worlds. Read about what the Boardwalk Times staff originally wanted to be included in Epic Universe.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
