Credit: Inside The MagicUniversal Orlando Resort is getting closer to opening its newest and most massive theme park yet, Epic Universe. The park is expected to draw in millions of guests from around the world in 2025, and one major Florida airport is already getting ready by spending nearly $2 billion to make room for more planes and more flight paths to Orlando.
Epic Universe Set To Change, the Theme Park Industry as Universal, Reveals It All
Universal Orlando Resort is finally unveiling its most ambitious project: Epic Universe. Slated to open in 2025, this highly anticipated theme park promises to draw millions of visitors from across the globe and significantly boost Florida’s already booming tourism industry.
As Universal prepares to welcome guests to its fourth theme park, Epic Universe is set to redefine the theme park experience with groundbreaking attractions, immersive lands, and unparalleled entertainment.
Epic Universe will be more than just a theme park; it’s a colossal expansion that will transform Universal Orlando Resort into an even more formidable competitor in the global entertainment industry.
Positioned as the most extensive and expensive theme park project in Universal’s history, Epic Universe is poised to attract a diverse crowd of thrill-seekers, families, and international tourists, all eager to experience the next level of immersive entertainment.
Located just a few miles from Universal’s existing parks, Epic Universe will introduce new themed lands, offering unique attractions, dining experiences, and entertainment options.
While specific details about the lands are still under wraps, there are strong hints that guests can expect to explore fantastical worlds inspired by popular franchises such as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Universal’s classic monsters through the Dark Universe.
The park’s innovative design will allow guests to seamlessly transition from one themed area to another, offering a fully immersive experience that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. With cutting-edge technology, including advanced ride systems and interactive experiences, Epic Universe aims to set a new standard in theme park entertainment.
The Epicness Is Coming
Epic Universe will offer a variety of attractions and experiences tailored to all age groups.
Among the rumored highlights are a Mario Kart-themed ride at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a Universal Monsters land dubbed the Dark Universe featuring attractions inspired by iconic characters like Dracula and Frankenstein, and an expansive DreamWorks-themed area with rides and shows based on beloved How To Train Your Dragon animated films.
Additionally, a state-of-the-art hotel called the Grand Helios Hotel will be integrated into the park, providing guests with direct access to the themed lands, further enhancing the immersive experience, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.
This Universal destination is also investing heavily in infrastructure to support the anticipated influx of visitors. The development includes new roadways, parking facilities, and transportation options to ensure smooth access to the park. These enhancements are part of Universal’s broader strategy to accommodate the expected surge in tourism, which will significantly impact the local economy.
As Universal Orlando Resort gears up for the grand opening of Epic Universe, another key player in Florida’s tourism ecosystem is making significant strides to handle the expected increase in visitors.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) recently unveiled renderings for its new Airside D terminal, marking its first new airside terminal in almost two decades. The new terminal responds to the growing population and the increasing demand for air travel in the region.
Smitha Radhakrishnan, Executive Vice President of Planning, Development, and Maintenance at TPA, emphasized expansion.
“We support 25 million passengers a year, and we are slated to grow to 35 million passengers by 2037,” Radhakrishnan said. “This airside will support that growth.” Airside D, strategically positioned between Airside E and the Air Traffic Control Tower, will feature two levels, two airline lounges, an international passenger arrival processing area, and various shopping and dining options.
The terminal is designed to enhance the passenger experience by providing a seamless journey from check-in to boarding. Travelers who frequent TPA have expressed optimism about the upcoming changes. “I’ve been through this airport quite a few times,” said Zachary Altman, a frequent flyer.
“It looks like it’ll be a really nice renovation. I know this is a pretty busy airport, so I can imagine that it’ll probably help with some of the traffic.”
Indeed, managing the flow of passengers is one of the primary goals of the Airside D project. “Many people probably don’t know that we have been building capacity across the airport, slowly but surely,” Radhakrishnan added. “So the puzzle pieces have been falling in place, and Airside D is the last piece.” The $1.5 billion project, currently in the design phase at 15% completion, will open to the public in 2028.
New renderings released for $1.5B Airside D at Tampa International Airport
New renderings released for $1.5B Airside D at Tampa International Airport https://t.co/3CtYyZ2Q7v | @MarilynParkerTV reports
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) September 4, 2024
While the renderings provide a glimpse of what’s to come, Radhakrishnan noted that the design could evolve as the project progresses. The simultaneous development of Universal’s Epic Universe and Tampa International Airport’s Airside D underscores Florida’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure.
As Epic Universe prepares to draw millions of new visitors, Tampa International Airport is ensuring it has the capacity to accommodate the growing number of travelers.
Both projects highlight the state’s proactive approach to managing its role as a premier tourist destination. As Florida continues to evolve and expand its attractions, visitors can expect an even more seamless and enjoyable travel experience in the years to come.