It has been 20 years since Universal Orlando Resort opened Islands of Adventure (the last major theme park to open in the Orlando area), but this morning they finally confirmed what many of us had suspected since 2015: a new theme park is coming! And though there is still plenty to be revealed, here’s everything we know about the new park so far!
Introducing Universal’s Epic Universe
Image: Universal
Contrary to early rumors, the name of the third Universal Orlando Resort theme park will be Universal’s Epic Universe. Universal describes this new park as one that will introduce an “entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment”.
“Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” said Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. “It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”
No details yet about specific IP or attractions
Image: Universal
Though we were all kind of expecting Universal to at least confirm Nintendo Land for this new park, specific attraction details weren’t shared during the park announcement today. However, we can see from the concept art above that this park will have dueling roller coasters, multiple indoor rides, and what looks like an outdoor performance stage.
Where will Universal’s Epic Universe fit in?
Image: Universal
As rumored previously Universal’s Epic Universe will be located on a 750-acre site south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard. The new park will be part of a larger complex, complete with entertainment district, restaurants, hotels and shops (similar to the existing CityWalk area).With this new addition, Universal Orlando Resort will double its current size,even though the location is several miles away from the current Universal Orlando Resort theme park complex.
When will this park open?
Sadly, even though we now know what Universal’s new park will be called and where it will be located, Universal declined to provide an opening target for this new park during today’s event either. Rumors suggest that the park could be ready as soon as 2021, but of course nothing has been confirmed, and with vertical construction not begun yet (only land clearing has happened so far), there’s unfortunately no real way to know when we will be able to visit Universal’s Epic Universe right now.
Though it was a little disappointing that no rides, attractions, or IP were announced for Universal’s new Epic park, and there is no opening target or estimation yet, it’s nice that this project has finally been confirmed!
