Universal’s Epic Universe is racing along in development and construction, with new attractions, shops, dining establishments and more all taking shape behind construction barriers on Universal Boulevard, just past the current Universal Orlando Resort. Though we already have a pretty good idea of what guests will be able to experience when this brand new extension of Universal Orlando Resort opens in 2025, let’s take a look at some new rumors that have popped up in recent weeks with regard to the progress on this much-anticipated project.
As is always the case with rumors and speculation, it is important to note that none of this is final, or has been officially announced by Universal. However, based on current rumors, here are some interesting things that seem to be happening with this exciting new project:
1. Epic Universe’s central hub area will have its own attractions, including a roller coaster
One area that has featured prominently in early concept art for Universal’s Epic Universe has been the central hub area, which usually features a big fountain and bright lights. And according to rumors, it looks like this central area will also have a number of attractions, shops, a restaurant, a large water feature and even a roller coaster as well. This area wouldn’t be themed to any specific property, so Universal could really get creative with this central area’s concept and design, which we’re hoping to learn more about soon!
2. Individual lands will be separated via themed portals
When it opened over 20 years ago, Universal’s Islands of Adventure was unique among theme parks in the way that it physically separated different themed lands from one another with moats. And it looks like Epic Universe will be evolving this concept somewhat with rumors swirling about the theme park using different “portals” to lead guests to the various areas of the park.
This would be similar to what we’ve seen at Super Nintendo Land in Japan, where guests are transported to the video game world of Nintendo through a big green pipe that looks like a giant version of the ones Mario uses to get around in the video game world. If these rumors prove true, there would be portals just like this one separating the different lands in this theme park from one another, which would allow guests to really immerse themselves in the different worlds inside the Epic Universe as they travel from land to land via these special structures.
3. New “boom” roller coaster technology is reportedly in testing off-site ahead of construction for a new Donkey Kong ride inside Super Nintendo World
One of the most exciting attraction rumors concerning the Super Nintendo World area of Universal’s Epic Universe is the expansion of the original Japanese land with a new Donkey Kong “boom” roller coaster. This new roller coaster concept is completely unique and uses a hidden roller coaster track that connects to ride vehicles via a boom arm. Because the actual ride track can’t be seen and the track that guests see under their ride vehicle is just for show, the ride vehicle can be made to look like it is “jumping” from track to track, imitating the mine cart stages of the Donkey Kong Country games.
And while construction on this rumored attraction hasn’t started yet, a Reddit thread shows that the ride concept seems to be in testing off-site in preparation for construction to begin soon. You can check out the thread and see the video of this exciting new ride type here. In the video, the track isn’t hidden, but you can clearly see the boom arm connecting to what looks like simulated ride vehicles above the track.
4. Construction work begins on one of three new on-site hotels
Project 912, which many believe is the codename for one of the three new hotels planned for Universal’s Epic Universe, has been mentioned on a new permit earlier this month, seemingly signaling that work on this property is set to begin imminently. The expiration date of the permit is June 30, 2025, which lines up nicely with the projected opening date of Universal’s Epic Universe in just under two years. No information on a name or theme for this hotel has been rumored thus far, but perhaps as the new structure begins to take shape in the coming months eager Universal fans will get a clue or two about what this upcoming hotel will look like.
5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is possibly downsized and will only include one attraction when the park opens
Though unconfirmed, rumors strongly suggest that a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter is being built inside Universal’s Epic Universe. However, while this land originally was rumored to have two rides, plans may have changed slightly, as insiders suggest that there may now only be one ride in this new area, as a second ride that tied into the Fantastic Beasts series of films may have been scrapped.
The singular ride remaining will reportedly be themed to the British Ministry of Magic, and will allow guests to enter this iconic part of the Wizarding World using the Floo Network, as seen in the films. Construction on this ride is well underway, with a giant ride building able to be seen from social media photos posted online.
If it is true that the second ride for this area has indeed been scrapped, Universal may come up with a quickie replacement idea or simply leave just one attraction in this area for the time being, potentially leaving space for an expansion in the future.
When it opens in 2025, Universal’s Epic Universe will be the biggest Universal theme park in the world. Though we already know a lot about what to expect from this new land, Universal will likely continue to make changes in the months to come and may even surprise us down the line with something that we were not expecting! Which part of Universal’s Epic Universe are you looking forward to the most?
