In recent months, dedicated crews have been ceaselessly at work. Epic Universe is destined to feature four distinct themed areas, set on a sprawling 750-acre property. Rides, roller coasters, exterior structures, and landscaping are progressively taking shape, forming an impressive spectacle.
Universal's top executives anticipate this to be their most technologically advanced park to date. John Sprouls, the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, couldn't contain his enthusiasm, proclaiming it as "the coolest thing we ever built."
Epic Universe, in line with other Universal parks, will implement photo validation for guest convenience. Sprouls emphasized their commitment to a seamless guest experience, where options like facial recognition can be utilized, though not obligatory. He cited their successful use of facial recognition in their Beijing park, where guests could link their credit card to their face, facilitating a hassle-free day at the park.
Universal has also revealed one of the themed lands will be Super Nintendo World. Excitingly, the construction is on schedule, aiming for an anticipated opening date in 2025.
Epic Universe is anticipated to offer a diverse array of attractions, not only from Nintendo but also inspired by the enchanting world of Harry Potter and the timeless appeal of Universal's classic monsters. Announced in 2019, Universal Epic Universe stands as the fourth addition to the Universal Orlando theme park portfolio, which includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. This expansive venture covers 750 acres and comprises a theme park, along with a complement of hotels, retail outlets, and dining options.
Tom Williams, the chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, describes their vision for Epic Universe as groundbreaking, with the ambition to create the most immersive and pioneering theme park in their history. This endeavor represents a substantial investment in their business, industry, team members, and the local community.
Brian L Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation, emphasizes that this new park marks Comcast NBCUniversal's most significant investment in its theme park enterprise and in Florida overall, reflecting their immense enthusiasm for the future of their theme park business and the broader prospects in Florida.
Initially planned for a 2023 debut, Epic Universe faced a delay due to the pandemic, but it is now set for an opening in 2025. According to Jeff Shell, the former CEO of NBCUniversal, the construction is progressing well, with infrastructure and steelwork already in place. Originally scheduled for a 2023 launch, construction was temporarily halted in the spring of 2020 but resumed in March 2021. This revitalized construction phase is not only a significant moment for employees but also a substantial investment in Florida, representing a catalyst for economic opportunities.
In January 2022, Jeff Shell confirmed that Epic Universe is on track for a summer 2025 opening. In 2020, Orange County commissioners approved a $5 million credit to support the construction costs of Universal Epic Universe. The park's strategic location, adjacent to Universal Orlando's existing entrances, near the Orange County Convention Center, provides unique opportunities to cater to convention-goers and diversify pricing strategies to stimulate more demand.
In 2019, Orange County commissioners approved funding of up to $125 million to facilitate the extension of Kirkman Road to Epic Universe. Universal is contributing $160 million to this project, which is expected to cost $315 million. It involves creating a six-lane route from Carrier Road to Universal Boulevard, where Universal's Epic Universe will be situated.
The expansion plans also involve a new road, 'Epic Boulevard,' connecting to the Kirkman Road extension. Furthermore, Universal Orlando, in collaboration with Orlando's Right Rail coalition, is planning a SunRail route connecting Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). A new community development district will manage the rail station at OCCC, with Universal Orlando pledging 13 acres of land to support its development.
The anticipated attractions at Epic Universe are set to include Super Nintendo World, as well as experiences inspired by How to Train Your Dragon and The Secret Life of Pets. Rumors suggest the possibility of a Wizarding World of Harry Potter and an area dedicated to Universal's classic monsters. Trademark filings offer insight into potential ride and attraction names for these areas.
New patents and trademarks hint at a tower-like ride system for the classic monsters' land at Epic Universe. Meanwhile, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter within Epic Universe may draw inspiration from Place Cachée, featured in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Accommodation options include three new hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort.
Super Nintendo World, an immersive land based on Nintendo's iconic video games and characters, is already open in Japan and under development in other Universal locations, including Epic Universe. It offers an array of groundbreaking rides, interactive experiences, and themed shopping and dining opportunities.
Rumors suggest that Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World may include a section dedicated to Donkey Kong, potentially featuring attractions like Mine-Cart Madness, Donkey Kong's treehouse, and Funky Kong's plane. However, it's worth noting that these plans may have evolved since the original scale model photos from 2016.
Universal Studios Japan is expanding its Super Nintendo World to include the world's first Donkey Kong-themed area, set to open in 2024. This expansion aims to recreate the arcade game experience and tap into the enduring popularity of the Donkey Kong franchise.
In a conference call in 2019, Comcast executives expressed their belief that Nintendo's intellectual properties have the potential to drive attendance to the same degree as Harry Potter in some of their parks, emphasizing the significant appeal of these properties to visitors.
