Universal Orlando Resort announces 'Epic Universe' theme park

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Universal Orlando Resort announced that a new theme park is coming to Orlando.

On Thursday, they said that the theme park will be titled 'Epic Universe.' It will offer "an entirely new level of experiences that will forever redefine theme park entertainment."

Guests will reportedly be able to travel "beyond their wildest imagination" and into "beloved stories and through vibrant lands on adventures where the journey is as astounding as the destination."

In addition to a theme park, Epic Universe will also feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants, and more.

“Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation. “It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”

“Our vision for Epic Universe is historic,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “It will build on everything we have done and become the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created. It is an investment in our business, our industry, our team members and our community.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Tom Williams and Brian Roberts were in attendance at the theme park announcement on Thursday.

“We look forward to the new level of entertainment and innovation Universal’s Epic Universe will bring to one of our state’s most important industries,” said Governor DeSantis. “We look forward to Universal’s continued contribution to our state’s economic growth and development. And we are especially grateful for Universal’s partnership in improving Shingle Creek, which plays a critical role in serving the Everglades.”

Mayor Demings spoke too, highlighting Universal's role in the Kirkman Road extension. This is 50/50 public partnership. Universal has reportedly invested $160 million to extend Kirkman into the area where the new park will be located.

“The Kirkman extension will improve transportation through a busy and growing portion of our county and open up the entire area for additional development – including an important expansion of our Convention Center,” he said.

Universal Orlando Resort said that they will hire an additional 14,000 team members for the new park. Positions will include professional, technical, and culinary jobs. Base pay will start at $15 an hour.

No opening date has been announced yet.