Universal Orlando Announces New Epic Universe Theme Park
Exploring the concept art, possible lands, rides, and map of this new resort!
After months and months of heavy speculation, Universal Orlando has confirmed the development of their third theme park. Universal’s Epic Universe promises even more immersive elements and experiences for visiting guests. The new expansion will include a theme park, resort hotels, and a shopping and entertainment complex.
Epic Universe will be constructed about 5 miles south of the resort where Universal has recently purchased land. The new resort area will take up about 750 acres which is plenty of room for all that is proposed (the entire Islands of Adventure theme park is only 110 acres). Universal has also expressed that they will build several new hotels in the coming years, which could open even sooner than the theme park if needed. The new and affordable Universal’s Endless Summer Resort is perfectly placed in the center of the current area and the new theme park.
Unfortunately, Universal hasn’t released a projected opening year or even a list of what franchises the new theme park will contain. So we took a closer look at the Epic Universe concept art, and here’s what we’ve gathered:
(Note: the following is speculation based on previous information)
Attached Hotel — Like in its rendering for Universal Studios in Bejing, this theme park appears to have a hotel connected to it. This site allows views of the theme park, its water fountains, and even some of its entertainment right from guest hotel room windows. So far, Universal Orlando does not offer anything like this at its theme parks.
Super Nintendo World — It appears that an immersive world with Nintendo attractions might come to Epic Universe. After striking a deal with Nintendo in 2015, Universal has the rights to several franchises for rides and other entertainment options. It appears here that guests will enter through Peach’s Castle from Super Mario Bros before emptying into the land. To the left, we see Bowser’s formidable-looking palace connected to a large, gray show building. We expect this to be a Mario Kart attraction like the one coming to Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood. We also noticed the yellow track that appears in the background of Super Nintendo World. The nearby huts suggest a Donkey Kong-based attraction that could feel like a newly styled roller coaster. Click here to see footage of how the Donkey Kong coaster will likely appear.
Universal Classic Monsters Area — This new area shows weathered buildings and dark hues near a stadium. We’ve known for a while that Universal wanted to implement its famous Classic Monsters franchises into their theme parks. This new land allows for spooky surprises, thrilling rides, and even a large-format theatrical show with Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, and more—it’ll be like year-round Halloween!
Dreamworks Land — The largest land represented for Epic Universe is also a bit cut off. However, we do see waterways and plenty of coaster track. This might mean animated franchises like How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, and Madagascar will have representation here. While all of this sounds like a land built for kids, the two coaster tracks signal that the rides are intended for guests of all ages.
Water Dining Center — One of Universal Orlando’s most raved about dining experiences is Mythos in Islands of Adventure. The gorgeous exterior and water-view tables make this dining spot one of the most desired — even if the food is a bit lackluster. So it’s no surprise that two buildings at Epic Universe appear placed right on the central lakes. Imagine dining and watching views of shows and other exciting attractions while you eat! Whatever these two complexes hold, it’s likely an extra-paid experience that you won’t want to miss.
The Wizarding World — Universal couldn’t open a theme park without the presence of its biggest crowd bringer: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While we expect more than a rehash of butterbeer and Hogwarts Castle (not that we don’t love those things), the next Harry Potter area could likely bring new storylines. One popular theory is the Fantastic Beasts prequels with sets of New York City filled with magical creatures. Whatever this area holds, we’re hoping for some immersive rides, our favorite characters, and plenty of new spots to wield a wand and create magic!
Nighttime Shows — We always thought it was odd that Universal Orlando’s theme parks close early. Even during the busy seasons the parks might close as early as 7pm. However, Epic Universe’s concept art is purposely shown during at night with fireworks bursting overhead. This means that the resort is meant for visiting in the evening hours, hopefully pulling crowds from the other parks to complete their stay at the next new thing.
Transport — We don’t expect Epic Universe to open until 2023 — at the very earliest. So this gives Universal some time to hopefully build a secondary transport between its two theme park areas. We know that guests staying near both halves of the resort will want something better than busses to move them around, so stay tuned for an announcement about that!
Universal is undoubtedly a force when it comes to providing breathtaking theme parks. To many, they’re the only entertainment creators that rival Disney in terms of guest and attraction experience. The new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure roller coaster opened this summer with some bugs, but guests — including our team — rate it one of the best rides ever built. With animatronics, magical effects, and a thrilling coaster track, it’s an experience like no other!
We’re incredibly excited to see what Universal has in store for Epic Universe. Keep in mind that most of the details we listed above are purely our speculation and educated guesses based on previous information. The concept art could drastically change, and Universal is somewhat notorious for waiting a while before giving out details. Still, we won’t be surprised if several of our guesses make the cut!
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