Epic Universe files paperwork for expansion: What we know about what's coming next
Epic Universe planning for first major expansion
FOX 35's Matt Trezza discovered that Universal Orlando has filled new permits for Epic Universe's first major expansion. However, what will fill the space has not yet been announced.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Universal Orlando Resort has officially filed paperwork with Orange County for a major expansion project at Epic Universe. The expansion paperwork comes less than two months after the new theme park opened in May.
What does the proposed expansion include?
What we know:
Universal Orlando Resort has submitted paperwork to Orange County for a new construction project at Epic Universe.
The site is located between the park's main entrance and Super Nintendo World. The permits suggest the project will be slightly under 40,000 square feet.
Epic Universe opens to thrill crowds, boost economy
After six years in development, Universal’s long-anticipated Epic Universe theme park officially opened its gates Thursday, marking the first major new park to launch in Orlando in over two decades.
What we don't know:
The paperwork is vague, describing the project only as "vertical construction," and classified as a shop, warehouse or restaurant.
There is no estimated timeline provided in the paperwork for when construction could start or finish.
What is Epic Universe?
The backstory:
Epic Universe, Universal's newest theme park, opened its gates in May.
Epic Universe features five distinct lands, each with unique attractions, dining and entertainment. The lands are: Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
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The park was six years in development and marked the first major new park to launch in Orlando in more than two decades.
The park is expected to drive major economic growth across Central Florida’s $92.5 billion tourism industry and is part of Universal's strategy to expand its offerings and compete with other major theme parks in the area.
What they're saying:
"It doesn't look like it's going to be a ride or show," Seth Kubersky, from TheUnofficialGuides.com, said. "Most likely, it is a support structure for special events."
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"They could open this up as a temporary space to say, 'Hey, we just opened this park, we're already building more. Here's whatever's coming next,'" Tharin White, from EYNTK.info, said.
Epic Universe opening fuels theme park rivalry
Economic leaders say Orlando has become an unrivaled destination in the global theme park industry, and the debut of Universal’s Epic Universe is adding new momentum — and new pressure — to an already competitive market.
Why you should care:
This expansion project highlights Universal's aggressive approach to building and expanding Epic Universe, which could lead to more attractions and amenities for visitors.
What's next:
Experts speculate the site could become a dedicated space for special events, seasonal attractions, or a visitor preview center for future park expansions.
Universal's next steps will likely involve clarifying the purpose of the construction and setting a timeline for development.
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The Source: This story was written based on information gathered by FOX 35's Matt Trezza from Orange County documents, as well as in interviews with Seth Kubersky, from TheUnofficialGuides.com, and Tharin White, from EYNTK.info.