Walt Disney World, watch out: Epic Universe is gearing up for a major expansion before it even opens.
Universal Orlando Resort is on the cusp of a transformation unlike any other with the highly anticipated arrival of Universal Epic Universe. This innovative theme park promises to whisk guests away to a world of vibrant lands, immersive experiences, and beloved stories.
A Journey Begins: Celestial Park
The adventure unfolds upon entering the park through the Emerald Gate and the Chronos device, the heart of Celestial Park. This celestial hub, inspired by astrology and mythology, serves as the “world between worlds,” connecting guests to the diverse lands surrounding it. As night falls, Celestial Park undergoes a breathtaking transformation, illuminated by a dazzling display of lights.
Celestial Park offers a variety of experiences for guests of all ages. Thrill-seekers can soar through the skies on the Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. For a more whimsical journey, the Constellation Carousel allows guests to embark on a celestial adventure aboard fantastical creatures.
Families can cool off and have fun at Astronamica, an interactive wet play area, while others can savor fresh seafood and captivating views of the park at the Atlantic Restaurant.
For those seeking culinary adventures, a variety of options await. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant offers a taste of Asia with dishes from China, Southeast Asia, and Japan. Landlubbers can indulge in delicious barbecue fare at The Oak & Star Tavern, while pizza lovers can grab a slice at Pizza Moon. For a touch of sweetness, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets offers a tempting selection of chocolates and delightful treats.
Power Up! Super Nintendo World
Step into the iconic world of Super Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong at Super Nintendo World. Blending the lines between reality and video games, this interactive land invites guests to become players in their favorite Nintendo games. Feel the rush of Mario Kart through augmented reality and projection mapping technology on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
Take a family-friendly ride with the Yoshis as you explore the Mushroom Kingdom on Yoshi’s Adventure, or help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the golden banana on the thrilling Mine-Cart Madness coaster. Refuel after your adventures at Toadstool Cafe, where delicious dishes inspired by Super Mario characters await.
Enhance your experience with themed Power-Up Bands that allow you to collect coins, complete challenges, and face off against Bowser Jr. Meet iconic characters throughout the Mushroom Kingdom and shop for souvenirs, apparel, and toys at 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors.
Soar with Dragons: How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Fulfill your Viking dreams and explore the world of Hiccup, Astrid, and Toothless at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. This vibrant land, set during the golden age of harmony between Vikings and dragons, features a variety of attractions for all ages. Take a thrilling ride aboard Hiccup’s new glider contraption and experience Berk from a dragon’s perspective on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
Witness a live stage show featuring Berk’s beloved Vikings facing off against a formidable foe in The Untrainable Dragon. Test your aerobatic maneuvers on the high-thrill flying attraction Dragon Racer’s Rally, or join Ruffnut and Tuffnut in an epic water battle on a Viking boat ride at Fyre Drill.
Aspiring young dragon riders can explore a sprawling play area hosted by Fishlegs at Viking Training Camp. Meet Hiccup, Toothless, and other iconic characters from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, and feast on hearty Viking meals and unique beverages at the fast-casual restaurant Mead Hall.
Enter a World of Mystery: Dark Universe
Dark Universe promises to breathe new life into classic Universal Monsters, such as the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. This chilling land will be shrouded in mystery and populated by iconic creatures.
A Magical Return: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal Orlando continues to expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with a brand new land. This all-new experience blends 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. Details about the spellbinding ride within this land remain under wraps for now.
Unveiling the Hotels
Universal Epic Universe will be complemented by three new hotels, each offering a unique experience. The Helios Grand Hotel, named after the Greek God of the Sun, takes inspiration from the Mediterranean and features cosmic characteristics throughout its decor. Universal Stella Nova Resort draws inspiration from distant galaxies, while Universal Terra Luna takes its cues from the diverse and awe-inspiring planetary elements of the universe.
Guests staying at these hotels will enjoy benefits such as Early Park Admission and resort-wide charging privileges, with convenient and complimentary shuttles providing access to Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk.
Expanding Epic Universe
Now, it is been unveiled that Universal is gearing up to expand Epic Universe past the 700+ acre land that it lies on. Orlando Business Journal shared that an additional 1300 acres of land has been purchased next to Epic Universe.
Wallin Ballin shared the news as well over X, “BREAKING: Universal’s development district (Shingle Creek) has added 1300 acres of land in addition to the 700 acres of land purchased for Epic Universe. Remember what I said about Epic Universe being the beginning? Remember what I said about Disney getting desperate?”
BREAKING: Universal’s development district (Shingle Creek) has added 1300 acres of land in addition to the 700 acres of land purchased for Epic Universe.
Remember what I said about Epic Universe being the beginning?
Remember what I said about Disney getting desperate? pic.twitter.com/2KvMIYdGxT
— Wallin Ballin (@wallin_ballin) June 12, 2024
Wallin Ballin also shared the land that Epic currently takes up, and what was recently purchased, “On the left, is the previous Epic Universe plot of land. On the right, is the new ginormous expansion. Universal isn’t messing around. They want their own WDW and by golly they’re going to do it.”
It is unclear at the moment if this land will be used to expand Epic Universe into a monster-sized park, or, if this will serve as a fourth gate theme park for Universal.
On the left, is the previous Epic Universe plot of land.
On the right, is the new ginormous expansion.
Universal isn’t messing around. They want their own WDW and by golly they’re going to do it. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ulZOIhx3oS
— Wallin Ballin (@wallin_ballin) June 12, 2024
If Universal does use this as a fourth gate, they would be neck in neck with Walt Disney World when it comes to theme park offerings. While Disney does have an extra water park, they have never had both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach open at the same time since the pandemic, which would leave their offerings equal to Universal’s if this fourth park is built.
Epic Universe will be opening in 2025, and there is already a preview center available for guests to check out at CityWalk, but no more information on this expansion has been shared just yet.
Orlando Business Journal wrote,
“Documents filed May 29 with Orange County by Universal City Development Partners Ltd., a subsidiary of Universal Orlando Resort, show the original plan to include 700 acres in the planned development has now expanded to over 2,000 acres. After a review, the Orange County Development Review Committee approved the plan on June 7, according to Fast Track online services.”
Currently, three significant expansions are underway within Universal’s parks and experiences team. In addition to Universal’s Epic Universe opening at Universal Orlando, Florida, in 2025, Universal Kids Resort will be established in Texas, and Universal Horror Unleashed will offer year-round Halloween Horror Nights experiences in Las Vegas, with a new section of AREA15 being developed.
Additionally, Universal has acquired land in the U.K. for the development of Universal’s Great Britain.
Will Disney Build a 5th Park in Orlando?
Months after Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees agreed to end a lengthy legal battle, both parties are poised to approve an agreement that could lead to Disney investing up to $17 billion in its Florida resort, potentially paving the way for a fifth major theme park at Walt Disney World.
Recently, the five DeSantis-appointed supervisors overseeing the Disney World district voted to give initial approval to a new development agreement, negotiated following a March settlement that ended their state court lawsuits.
A second vote for final approval is scheduled.
“We are heading towards a brand new day, and I’m excited about where this is going,” said Charbel Barakat, vice chair of the district’s board. “I only wish we could have gotten here sooner.”
Woody Rodriguez, director of external affairs for Disney parks, informed board members that the agreement would enable substantial investments in Disney World.
According to the deal, Disney would be allowed to build a fifth major theme park and two additional minor parks, such as water parks, over the next decade or two. The number of hotel rooms on Disney property could increase from nearly 40,000 to over 53,000, and retail and restaurant space would expand by more than 20%. Disney would maintain control over building heights to preserve an immersive environment.
In return, Disney would donate up to 100 acres of its 24,000-acre property for district-controlled infrastructure projects. Additionally, Disney would commit to awarding at least half of its construction projects to Florida-based companies and spending at least $10 million on affordable housing for central Florida.
As Disney recently stated, “The Walt Disney Company is developing plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Parks, Experiences and Products segment to nearly double capital expenditures over the course of approximately 10 years to roughly $60 billion, including by investing in expanding and enhancing domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity.”
While the amount is to be shared with Disney Cruise Line, it would still be heavily focused on park growth and development with the goal of increasing capacity.
“We’re incredibly mindful of the financial underpinning of the company, the need to continue to grow in terms of bottom line, the need to invest wisely so that we’re increasing the returns on invested capital, and the need to maintain a balance sheet, for a variety of reasons,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger.
“The company is able to absorb those costs and continue to grow the bottom line and look expansively at how we return value and capital to our shareholders.”
Knowing this, there is a chance we will see Walt Disney World fight back against its fierce competitor.
What do you think of this news of an Epic Universe expansion?
