Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Now Open!

[Bob Harlem]

We did have that one video where they said they have plans for new attractions at each of their Orlando parks, including Epic

So far they have announced closures of rip-ride rockit in September (Now August 17th), and shutting down Volcano Bay for 6 months starting in Fall 2026.

That's about the most detail you'll get until much closer to the opening of what they are doing. Universal didn't announce velicoaster even when much of the structure was up.

There is stuff moving. There's already prep work for Rip Ride Rockit stuff visible in citywalk right now. And they went through the trouble of rerouting walkways and building a new ADA ramp to do so.

Simpsons has got about 3 years left. There's expansion space next to MIB, and whatever they can clear out now that epic offices are open, Fear Factor Stage area. Expansion next to Cat in the Hat in IOA, all of Lost Continent, and Toon Lagoon (and the toon theater) with tentative plans. They still could come back to Marvel also.

Very long term you can spot where parking garages are likely to go at Epic if they ever decide to build another park down there. (look for open faced intersections to nowhere).

Difference is Universal won't say anything at all about them until whatever they do is nearly 100% complete. The 6 month VB closure is a huge one. That's so tied into the vibe of Cabana Bay, Aventura, and Sapphire, it won't be for just a refurb.

 

[The Mom]

Anyone who engages in the personal arguments among the same handful of posters will no longer be part of the discussion.

Do not use PMs to continue the argument/insult other posters.

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[Sirwalterraleigh]

“Plans” is a very loose term.

As are “new” and “coming soon” down the road

 

[Gusey]

“Plans” is a very loose term.

Oh, 100%. At least we can see where the current plans for the parks seem to be, it's just whether they''ll A) stick to the current plans and B) announce said plans. The current plans seem to be in three categories:

• Definitely happening: Rip Ride Rockit Replacement, Volcano Bay major refurbishment, Celestial Park phase 2 dining (Italian/Mexican), Dragon drones at HTTYD,
• Inevitable: Lost Continent replacement, Simpsons replacement,
• Potentially happening at some point in the near-future: SNW expansion plot used, Fear Factor replacement, Wicked attractions somewhere at the resort

 

[MisterPenguin]

Celestial Park phase 2 dining (Italian/Mexican)

Are we sure that will happen like sooner than later?

Universal (and Disney) is known for letting empty buildings and plots remain empty indefinitely.

 

[Andrew25]

Supposedly, the SNW plot will be touched sooner than later. All of it? I'm unsure. But they know that Epic needs capacity additions.

They already started work on Rockit, and once they close it September, that should go up fast.

Are we sure that will happen like sooner than later?

Universal (and Disney) is known for letting empty buildings and plots remain empty indefinitely.

As early as December, if they want it. I think Epic has enough quick service dining capacity currently, so I'm very surprised this building got approved during construction and rushed to complete the exterior.

I'm hoping this place opens as more of a food hall with unique snack creations versus a traditional quick service. Epic is a lovely park to grab a snack/drink and walk around.

 

[JusticeDisney]

Supposedly, the SNW plot will be touched sooner than later. All of it? I'm unsure. But they know that Epic needs capacity additions.

They already started work on Rockit, and once they close it September, that should go up fast.


As early as December, if they want it. I think Epic has enough quick service dining capacity currently, so I'm very surprised this building got approved during construction and rushed to complete the exterior.

I'm hoping this place opens as more of a food hall with unique snack creations versus a traditional quick service. Epic is a lovely park to grab a snack/drink and walk around.

Have they announced what is going to replace RockIt?

 

[lazyboy97o]

Again, there is no plot that was intended for Super Nintendo World. Because they copied Japan it was not designed for expansion. The space next to the entrance was slated for a special events facility. Using it for Super Nintendo World expansion means ripping out a nice chunk of Toadstool Cafe. It is more likely that Super Nintendo World expansion would utilize one of the portal pads.

 

[celluloid]

The expansion plots are just that. Good Park design will feature at least some.

They are two portals worth of plot as the main ones.

Restructuring in everything else.

There are like two things that are maybe 20 to 30 percent likely if the rest of the greenlight gets development...but not crossed in t's or dotted in i's.

The other thing. Nothing, zilch and could be a property that reinvents or just coming out to the world like Potter was in the late 1990s when no one would think it for IOA. Exciting.
'
The first one likely used within ten years and the second near 20. That is how these things tend to go.

 

[Bob Harlem]

Again, there is no plot that was intended for Super Nintendo World. Because they copied Japan it was not designed for expansion. The space next to the entrance was slated for a special events facility. Using it for Super Nintendo World expansion means ripping out a nice chunk of Toadstool Cafe. It is more likely that Super Nintendo World expansion would utilize one of the portal pads.

Orlando SNW does have an expansion opening wall on the north side that's there close to the Donkey Kong tunnel and restrooms. (Right now it's where they have some coke freestyle machines).

 

[lazyboy97o]

Orlando SNW does have an expansion opening wall on the north side that's there close to the Donkey Kong tunnel and restrooms. (Right now it's where they have some coke freestyle machines).

That space was not designed for expansion. There is structure (I’ve previously linked to photos) and infrastructure in the way that will have to be dealt with if it is used.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Anyone who engages in the personal arguments among the same handful of posters will no longer be part of the discussion.

Do not use PMs to continue the argument/insult other posters.

And using emojis to mock other posters will not be tolerated. Please remove them.

Thank You, The Mom! I was hoping something would be done about the rudeness and hatefulness that has been on this thread. I like the thread, but the old arguments, name calling, and laugh emoji's just to irritate, were getting old. Thanks again for a great job

 

[Purduevian]

Again, there is no plot that was intended for Super Nintendo World. Because they copied Japan it was not designed for expansion. The space next to the entrance was slated for a special events facility. Using it for Super Nintendo World expansion means ripping out a nice chunk of Toadstool Cafe. It is more likely that Super Nintendo World expansion would utilize one of the portal pads.

Yeah I don't see any easy way out on the bottom right of this screen... maybe the tunnel could be on the second story? I think that's bowser Jr. right?

 

[Gusey]

That space was not designed for expansion. There is structure (I’ve previously linked to photos) and infrastructure in the way that will have to be dealt with if it is used.

This is the other side of those freestyle machines. There is a clear gap in the wall they could use if they were going to expand Nintendo into the plot between SNW and Dark Universe. Is this not the space SNW would be expanding into?

 

[Andrew25]

I don't care if it's Zelda, Luigi's, etc., just please make it partially indoors lol

 

[Purduevian]

This is the other side of those freestyle machines. There is a clear gap in the wall they could use if they were going to expand Nintendo into the plot between SNW and Dark Universe. Is this not the space SNW would be expanding into?

I think the general idea is that the plot between DK and Dark universe is for a new portal (just like the plot between stardust and HP).

There is a small expansion pad between SNW and the park entrance:

Side note... I wish google earth would update

 

[Andrew25]

I think the general idea is that the plot between DK and Dark universe is for a new portal (just like the plot between stardust and HP).

There is a small expansion pad between SNW and the park entrance:
View attachment 862011

Side note... I wish google earth would update

This area highlighted was marked as a special event/entertainment area. There is no way for SNW to connect this way. The area between DU and SNW has a portal entrance marked, but it can easily lead to another SNW area.

Universal can get creative, and build another multi-level structure with Zelda taking up the 2nd floor and Luigi's Mansion on the first in an all-indoor area.

 

[lazyboy97o]

This is the other side of those freestyle machines. There is a clear gap in the wall they could use if they were going to expand Nintendo into the plot between SNW and Dark Universe. Is this not the space SNW would be expanding into?

The other side of the freestyle machines is back of house space. That opening in the walls is an emergency exit for the land and is closer to the restrooms. It would have to be reconfigured to make work with a change in use as there are a number of constraints due to its nature as an emergency exit.

That plot is one of the two future land plots. It is also the smaller of the two. If it is used for Super Nintendo World expansion then it is at a minimum reducing the size of a future land. Those roads that divide the lands also contain utilities and park infrastructure. In this particular case, it is also the direct service access for the Nintendo store and Pizza Moon. All things that can be dealt with if desired, but were setup that way because of the assumptions made years ago that the plot would be for a new land.

The expansion pad at Epcot between the France Pavilion and Morocco Pavilion was intended for another country pavilion. It was instead used for France Pavilion expansion by way of the pavilion’s back of house space. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey sits on a plot that was envisioned as Jurassic Park expansion, and instead because the marquee ride of a land that was not at all anticipated resulting in one “island” becoming two lands. Assumptions about how a park will expand are blind assumptions. This plot in Epic Universe was intended as a future land, but that doesn’t stop it from being used as Super Nintendo World expansion, Dark Universe expansion, Celestial Park expansion, all of the above or even nothing.

I think the general idea is that the plot between DK and Dark universe is for a new portal (just like the plot between stardust and HP).

There is a small expansion pad between SNW and the park entrance:
View attachment 862011

Side note... I wish google earth would update

This is the plot that was intended for an event space. That’s the one that would involve going through Toadstool Cafe to access.

 

[Andrew25]

The likely scenario is SNW expansion w/ a secondary portal themed to Zelda/another green portal, and a connection via Freestyle or DK Country area.

 

[Purduevian]

The likely scenario is SNW expansion w/ a secondary portal themed to Zelda/another green portal, and a connection via Freestyle or DK Country area.

I still think they will take the HP route with Nintendo and spread it out between all three parks. IMHO SNW and Burke are the two lands that least need an expansion (other than maybe a donkey Kong flat ride)