Universal Officially Delays Epic Universe Theme Park

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Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort

Credit: Universal Orlando

Universal has just revealed that they are delaying the construction of their Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.

The company announced Thursday that they are halting the construction of Epic Universe, the massive new park that is planned for the Orlando resort, which already hosts two theme parks, a water park, and several on-site hotels.

Epic Universe was originally announced to open in 2023, but since the company revealed that construction is now put on pause, it is currently unclear if this delay will lead Universal to push back the opening, Orlando Sentinel reports. An exact opening date has not yet been announced, however.

Universal Halts Construction at Theme Parks

The update about Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe came during the Thursday earnings call for Comcast, the parent company of Universal. During Comcast CEO Brian Roberts’s report, he shared that revenue for Universal’s theme parks decreased by 32% for the first quarter. Many executives believe that the impact the current pandemic has had on the parks will continue to worsen in the second quarter.

“Society is being challenged like never before in our lifetime,” Roberts said as he praised Comcast’s employees for how they have handled the crisis. “We have a strong balance sheet, terrific portfolio of assets, and a world-class management team. This is a moment in time; and when it passes, I am very confident that the decisions we are making now will enable us to emerge from this crisis as a healthy, strong company that is well-positioned to continue to grow and succeed.”

Universal's Epic Universe logo
Credit: Universal Orlando

Universal’s decision to halt construction for Epic Universe comes weeks after Disney made the call to halt all construction that was previously scheduled for both of Disney’s U.S. resorts — Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Even though Disney was not in the process of building an all-new theme park like Universal was, the company was in the stages of completing Phase 1 of the all-new Marvel-themed land, Avengers Campus, which was originally supposed to open at Disney California Adventure but has since been pushed back as a result of the pandemic.

Construction on other Disney projects — including the makeover of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the complete revamp of EPCOT, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland — has also been put on hold at this time.

Right now, all U.S. Disney and Universal parks are temporarily closed until further notice. Even though both Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and Governor Gavin Newsom of California have outlined their plans for each state, neither Disney nor Universal have publicly stated when their theme parks on each coast will reopen.

About Universal’s Epic Universe

Epic Universe Map
Credit: Universal Orlando

Inside the Magic readers and Universal fans have been itching for more information about Universal Orlando Resort’s third theme park ever since it was announced in 2019. So far, not many details have been revealed, although many are excited for their favorite characters and franchises to possibly come to life: Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, classic monsters, and more.

Universal has already confirmed that a Nintendo World is coming to Epic Universe, and we’re still waiting for more information on what else we can expect from the theme park.

According to Universal, “Universal’s Epic Universe will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands–and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination.”

The park will be the third theme park and the fourth park overall at Universal Orlando Resort. Epic Universe will join Universal Studios park, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park.

 

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