Epic Universe Reportedly On Track to Open in 4 Years

in Universal Orlando

Epic Universe

Credit: Universal

Yesterday brought Universal fans some great news when it was announced that Epic Universe construction will restart immediately. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the construction on Epic Universe had to come to an indefinite pause and many Universal fans were left unsure about whether or not the park would actually open. Well, it seems now we not only have the confirmation that things are back up and running, but also a new opening date.

Universal's Epic Universe logo
Credit: Universal Orlando

When Universal Orlando Resort announced that Epic Universe would be joining Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure as the theme park’s third gate, it was back in 2019 and the park had a four-year construction period with a planned 2023 debut. Once the pandemic hit and construction came to a halt, that timeline went out the window. All Universal could tell fans was that the park would be built “at some point”, while the land behind ICON Park in Orlando Florida would lay barren and empty for months.

Epic Universe Map
Credit: Universal Orlando

As we have previously reported, Universal announced that Epic Universe was once again back in action and that construction would resume. The announcement read:

“The restart of construction of Epic Universe is a terrific moment for our employees and for our theme park business in Florida,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. “It is our single largest investment in the state and represents our enthusiasm for the spectacular park and the economic opportunities it will generate.”

“We are excited to begin work on Epic Universe again and for what this moment means for our industry, our community, our business and our team members,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO for Universal Parks & Resorts. “Our confidence in our collective future is as strong as ever.”

“The resumption of the Epic Universe project couldn’t come at a better time,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Our community has so many talented workers who will benefit from this massive project. I am confident it will deliver a huge economic boost to Orange County.

Universal's Epic Universe
Credit: Universal Orlando

Due to the pause that Epic Universe had to take, the theme park is now having to push its completion date back. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Universal recently told him the park’s grand opening is planned for early 2025. Before the pandemic and the construction delay, Universal set a 2023 opening date but did not release a new timeline Wednesday.”

So, it seems that Epic Universe has encountered around a two-year delay. All of that being said, Universal has not yet confirmed publicaly when Epic Universe will open, so it seems that that date could currently be in flux. That being said, 2025 does match up with the previous four-year estimate to complete the park, considering Universal is basically starting from the beginning, so this reporter is crossing her fingers that all will stay on track.

super nintendo world
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

For now, it seems fans are super excited that Super Nintendo World — a confirmed Epic Universe land — will shortly be coming to Orlando after its incredible debut at Universal Studios Japan, with more continuing to speculate what the rest of the park will hold in terms of lands. At the moment, the rumors of what lands will fill the park have focused on How to Train Your DragonFantastic Beasts / The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, and, of course, Super Nintendo World.

For all the up-to-date information on Epic Universe, click here.

Continue to follow along with Inside the Magic as we track Epic Universe’s construction and progress as it heads towards the finish line!

Do you think that Epic Universe will be the most immersive theme park in Orlando? 

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