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

[lentesta]

I think the "Elon Musk" thing was added to the article to generate clicks. The Boring Company hasn't responded to the RFQ and I think the other two companies are looking at buses and autonomos cars.

 

[Andrew C]

I think the "Elon Musk" thing was added to the article to generate clicks. The Boring Company hasn't responded to the RFQ and I think the other two companies are looking at buses and autonomos cars.

Yeah. My takeaway is that universal is actually interested in doing this, regardless of who they work with.

 

[mkt]

Universal's looking to build a transportation network for its Orlando resort:

Elon Musk may bring underground transit between Universal parks

Newly released bid documents reveal the company is exploring a transit system connecting its properties that would reshape how guests move across the resort area.

www.wftv.com

A tunnel will not happen. Like I said back in July:

A tunnel between Universal Studios Florida and the new park by the convention center sounds cool on paper, but in Florida? Not realistic.

For it to even work, you'd need at least 40 inches of reinforced concrete to deal with the water table, soil conditions, and structural loads. That’s serious engineering. And the cost? It's absurd enough that a gondola, or even a monorail starts to look like a budget option.

This is why PortMiami is the only place in Florida with a vehicular tunnel. It made sense there because the port moves billions in cargo and passengers every year. PortMiami’s economic impact on Florida in a single year is more than Epic Universe will generate in a whole decade.

Different scale, different priorities.

No, it wouldn’t be worth the effort.

Just looking at the numbers: it took a $61 billion annual economic engine to justify a 4,200-foot, $1.5 billion tunnel in Miami. A 3.1-mile tunnel to connect both campuses of Universal Orlando would easily cost more - and while Universal’s impact on Florida is big (around $7–8 billion/year with Epic Universe), it’s still nowhere near what PortMiami contributes.

And to be fair, Miami faces a lot of the same tunneling challenges as Orlando... maybe worse. High water table, porous limestone, major flood risks. But the difference is PortMiami supports international trade, not just tourism. That’s a completely different funding conversation. It pulled in federal dollars and solved freight congestion for one of the country’s busiest ports.

A theme park, no matter how successful, doesn’t carry that same strategic value. So spending billions to tunnel under Kirkman Road just isn’t in the same league. For that money, you could fund a massive expansion toward Epic - or make a serious down payment on a fourth gate.

To connect both campuses in a meaningful way, buying above-ground right-of-way for a private monorail, light rail, or gondola system would likely be cheaper. You’d get more flexibility, faster deployment, and fewer engineering headaches. And if they wanted to go really cheap - but still cool - an elevated-lane BRT could be a smart solution.

 

[mkt]

I think the "Elon Musk" thing was added to the article to generate clicks. The Boring Company hasn't responded to the RFQ and I think the other two companies are looking at buses and autonomos cars.

Whew. I just read this, but still keeping my previous reply up to explain the reasoning,.

 

[DCBaker]

Universal Orlando confirms to the Orlando Business Journal that “exciting additions” are coming to Epic Universe:

Universal Orlando Resort officials have confirmed there will be “exciting additions” coming to its newest theme park — Epic Universe.

Epic Universe opened in May and features five themed worlds, each with multiple attractions, dining options and shopping venues. The park is roughly three miles away from Universal’s main campus.

“We are preparing for some exciting additions to Universal Epic Universe in the future," Vice President of Public Relations Alyson Sologaistoa told Orlando Business Journal in an emailed statement. "Details about specific developments will be shared in due time."

The theme park’s statement acknowledging the potential new development within Epic Universe follows earlier reporting by OBJ, which found Universal applied for a permit Nov. 7 to construct a 150,000-square-foot building at the park’s address at 1001 Epic Blvd.

No other details have been released for the permit since its filing, which shows design firm Orlando-based Baker Barrios Architects Inc. is involved in the project. Limited information is available in the filing, stating it is for “site utilities and foundation work" in the project description.

The firm previously worked on themed entertainment projects, including one in Punta Cana featuring a dark ride, retail and outdoor attractions.

The design firm's Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Kirby told OBJ it has a non-disclosure agreement with the theme park and isn’t “able to share any information at this time.”

Universal officials did not elaborate further or indicate whether the addition will be a new attraction or experience within one of the five themed areas at Epic Universe.

Concept art and fan theories fuel speculation​

Concept art from when the theme park was announced in 2019 may provide some clues as to what the development could be — the artwork shows some attractions and experiences that have yet to appear at the park.

For example, within Dark Universe, plans appear to show an amphitheater that could house live shows. Two large indoor attraction buildings are also shown within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic world.

Fans and independent outlets that cover the theme park industry believe the new addition is for a second ride within the Harry Potter area of the park. One of those is Alicia Stella with Theme Park Stop. She noted in a social media postthat Google Maps shows trailers are being added for contracted work right behind the land. She also points out there is a large space to accommodate a roughly 150,000-square-foot building.

Another theory surrounding the addition is tied to the first steps of building a new area at the park — with it being themed to the movie “Wicked.”

The intellectual property already had a presence within the parks, via a themed gift shop and snack cart at Universal Studios Florida. This experience was also recently updated to reflect the sequel “Wicked: For Good" coming out Nov. 21

International Theme Park Services CEO Dennis Spiegel previously told OBJ it’s only a matter of time before attractions from this IP were being added to Epic Universe. He said the opportunity for expansion was something he noticed on his first trip to the new park in February.

“If there was ever a movie or franchise that fits a theme park like Harry Potter does, it's 'Wicked,'" he previously said.
"It has all the trappings, all the bells, all the whistles, the colors, the lights — all the things. What they have to do is mesh the story with the correct technology."

Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury noted the potential of “Wicked” coming to the theme parks as well.

During a question-and-answer session Sept. 3 at the Bank of America Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, a Bank of America analyst asked Woodbury what the potential is for the franchise coming as a “sixth world” at Epic.

“I think I might have stirred that pot when I saw the Wicked sets and said it was a theme park waiting to happen,” Woodbury said.

Universal executives tease long-term expansion​

The analyst also asked about the potential for expansion at Epic Universe. Woodbury explained there weren’t any new attraction announcements at this time, but added the park is strategically positioned for future growth.

“If you fly over Epic or you look at Google Earth, you'll see how we plan the park, and you'll see greenfield space between the existing worlds, and that is strategically positioned to give us flexibility to expand a world or create a new world," Woodbury said. "And so that's how we look at it."

Meanwhile, the development activity the theme park giant confirmed could bring more opportunities for the region, as there could be more jobs created to help in executing the “exciting addition” that is forthcoming at Epic Universe.

Article here:

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2025/11/14/florida-orlando-universal-epic-universe-additions.html

 

[MisterPenguin]

Universal Orlando confirms to the Orlando Business Journal that “exciting additions” are coming to Epic Universe:



Article here:

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2025/11/14/florida-orlando-universal-epic-universe-additions.html

Preparations for expansion is here (and shh... it's gonna be Wicked)!!!!!!!!

“We are preparing for some exciting additions to Universal Epic Universe in the future," Vice President of Public Relations Alyson Sologaistoa told Orlando Business Journal in an emailed statement. "Details about specific developments will be shared in due time."​

​

International Theme Park Services CEO Dennis Spiegel previously told OBJ it’s only a matter of time before attractions from this IP were being added to Epic Universe. He said the opportunity for expansion was something he noticed on his first trip to the new park in February.​

​

Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury noted the potential of “Wicked” coming to the theme parks as well.​

Or maybe not Wicked and no preparations are underway??!!!!

​

...[they] asked Woodbury what the potential is for the franchise coming as a “sixth world” at Epic.​

​

“I think I might have stirred that pot when I saw the Wicked sets and said it was a theme park waiting to happen,” Woodbury said.​

​

Woodbury explained there weren’t any new attraction announcements at this time, but added the park is strategically positioned for future growth.​

Did you know that things not happening right now are in... the future!!!!??

“We are preparing for some exciting additions to Universal Epic Universe in the future,"​

​

strategically positioned for future growth.​

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I saw a video posted that one of the flying dragons was out testing. Was this an old video or did it recently take place?

 

[Animaniac93-98]

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Wicked feels too time-sensitive to me. It's popular now but will it stay that way?

The show is still running on Broadway 22 years after its debut. It's one of the highest grossing musicals ever with productions around the world running all the time in several continents.

Wizard of Oz has been a thing for 125 years. The Sphere version of MGM's movie has been financially (if not artistically) successful, despite the movie almost being old enough to exist in the public domain and still shown on TV

It's certainly proven its staying power more than Minions, How to Train Your Dragon or Fast and Furious.

 

[ToTBellHop]

The show is still running on Broadway 22 years after its debut. It's one of the highest grossing musicals ever with productions around the world running all the time in several continents.

Wizard of Oz has been a thing for 125 years. The Sphere version of MGM's movie has been financially (if not artistically) successful, despite the movie almost being old enough to exist in the public domain and still shown on TV

It's certainly proven its staying power more than Minions, How to Train Your Dragon or Fast and Furious.

I’m not convinced a Broadway musical running a long time means we should have Ariana Grande’s G(a)linda in a theme park land. And that’s what they’d do. It’s the best way to make a timeless thing no longer timeless.

Personally, I think Berk works, not because it’s a HttYD land, but because it’s a Viking land.

 

[Timothy_Q]

A land themed to Emerald City is as timeless and universally beloved as you can get for an IP

Whichever way they choose to represent Glinda and the Wicked Witch (classic, modern, unique park version) is pretty inconsequential to the insane appeal of an immersive Wizard of Oz land

 

[Sorcerer Mickey]

I was not expecting Potter to get the first new attraction in EU. All the rumors for years had pointed to either Luigi's Mansion in SNW or Creature from the Black Lagoon in Monsters.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

I was not expecting Potter to get the first new attraction in EU. All the rumors for years had pointed to either Luigi's Mansion in SNW or Creature from the Black Lagoon in Monsters.

True, but I think the first month at Epic Universe changed everything. My only trip Universal this year happened from September 16th through September 25th. I was at Universal theme parks for 8 days included 4 at Epic.

Harry Potter: the battle of Ministry had long wait times during the day and the ride did breakdown when was there. Basically this land with capacity issues and needs a 2nd ride very bad.

 

[BrianLo]

I give back my Debbie doubter card.

I’m pro Pokemon/Zelda/Wicked. But my request is they have four very good concept lands already. Improve those ones, save their other strong IP hits to save their other two parks.

Other than Nintendo, the rate limiter at Epic never really seems to be the lands physical footprint. They don’t need more land to spread guests around yet - or dining; they just need more attraction capacity - ride or sit down entertainment.

My want list can basically be summed up as a dark ride. Preferably boat. Any of the four, take your pick. The probably not going to happen preference is Berk.

But I’m a ok with Potter (which makes the most logistical sense and now seems the most supported), because the highest odds of a well done attraction always come from Potter.

 

[CoastalElite64]

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I’m not convinced a Broadway musical running a long time means we should have Ariana Grande’s G(a)linda in a theme park land. And that’s what they’d do. It’s the best way to make a timeless thing no longer timeless.

Personally, I think Berk works, not because it’s a HttYD land, but because it’s a Viking land.

I just wonder what will be the longer term legacy of this single-IP land era.

Universal has been especially unsentimental in the past about ripping out attractions based on older IPs and replacing them with whatever new IPs they want to get into the parks. That will be a lot harder to do when the decision about bringing new additions into the parks becomes increasingly whether to replace or add an entire land.

That issue is already reflected in this discussion about Wicked: it is probably popular enough as an IP to add an attraction without too much debate, but building a whole land around it suddenly seems like going overboard without knowing more about its cultural penetration and likely longevity. But, if they want to add it to Epic, that is basically what they have to do.

I do wonder whether they will be cursing themselves for embracing this model sooner rather than later.

 

[Alice a]

They also need to look at the respective fanbases and what makes people want a land.

Zelda fans would definitely travel from across the world to, probably repeatedly, to visit Hyrule. It’s also a strong, decades-old IP where there is a multitude of unique physical spaces to choose from.

A dedicated Pokémon space would probably have a similar reaction, but I don’t really know that community.

In the case of Wicked, a film that, at least in my area, was successful because it was a fun ride and a hit play and came out a time of year when people are particularly nostalgic for Wizard of Oz.

This feels to me like the knee-jerk Avatar reaction- it’s popular, but I don’t know if people who experienced it necessarily walked out wanting to visit that world, like Harry Potter or Zelda or LOTR, where the physical landscapes and communities are practically characters of their own.

Maybe I’m missing something and people are desperate to visit some part of Oz other than Emerald City

It just feels short-sighted.

 

[ednamodedarling]

They also need to look at the respective fanbases and what makes people want a land.

Zelda fans would definitely travel from across the world to, probably repeatedly, to visit Hyrule. It’s also a strong, decades-old IP where there is a multitude of unique physical spaces to choose from.

A dedicated Pokémon space would probably have a similar reaction, but I don’t really know that community.

In the case of Wicked, a film that, at least in my area, was successful because it was a fun ride and a hit play and came out a time of year when people are particularly nostalgic for Wizard of Oz.

This feels to me like the knee-jerk Avatar reaction- it’s popular, but I don’t know if people who experienced it necessarily walked out wanting to visit that world, like Harry Potter or Zelda or LOTR, where the physical landscapes and communities are practically characters of their own.

Maybe I’m missing something and people are desperate to visit some part of Oz other than Emerald City

It just feels short-sighted.

Oz is timeless.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Ministry is the only area of the park with less than 2 rides, and that's the result of 1 being cut before construction began.

Adding another ride now is less expansion and more catch up to bringing it back to its intended opening state

The real expansion comes with whatever else they add after

 

[Gusey]

They also need to look at the respective fanbases and what makes people want a land.

Zelda fans would definitely travel from across the world to, probably repeatedly, to visit Hyrule. It’s also a strong, decades-old IP where there is a multitude of unique physical spaces to choose from.

A dedicated Pokémon space would probably have a similar reaction, but I don’t really know that community.

In the case of Wicked, a film that, at least in my area, was successful because it was a fun ride and a hit play and came out a time of year when people are particularly nostalgic for Wizard of Oz.

This feels to me like the knee-jerk Avatar reaction- it’s popular, but I don’t know if people who experienced it necessarily walked out wanting to visit that world, like Harry Potter or Zelda or LOTR, where the physical landscapes and communities are practically characters of their own.

Maybe I’m missing something and people are desperate to visit some part of Oz other than Emerald City

It just feels short-sighted.

As someone not into Zelda or Pokemon, they's have to make sure any dedicated space is not something completely dependent on already knowing lore. Universal have already done it well with Nintendo, Berk and Darkmoor, and Disney had done it well with Avatar. I feel like an Oz themed land has enough cultural presence that even if not themed to just Wicked or with an attraction telling the Wicked story, it could be a really well-themed land. It especially helps that for Wicked, they built physical sets like the Potter Movies, so there are these real locations fans can want to visit, but if you haven't seen the films, the sets will look impressive to any theme park fan.