Universal Teases Next Big Project Inside of Epic Universe

The Legend of Zelda: Beneath the bright Florida sun, a quiet buzz has begun to ripple through Universal Orlando Resort as Epic Universe opens to the public in two days.

It’s not from a new roller coaster whirring to life or a parade marching through the parks—but from something far more mysterious. Something… legendary.

The Legend That Won’t Die: Universal Epic Universe Bringing the Hero to Life?

Just 48 hours before the highly anticipated opening of Epic Universe, whispers of Hyrule have returned—and this time, they come with evidence. Could it be that The Legend of Zelda is finally on its way to becoming Universal’s next immersive world?

Legend of Zelda merchandise has arrived the Nintendo Store in Celestial Park.

– @insideuniversal on X

Legend of Zelda merchandise has arrived the Nintendo Store in Celestial Park. #EpicUniverse @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/aqze3UuOzz

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) May 20, 2025

What’s hidden in plain sight, and what does it mean for the future of Epic Universe—and possibly, the end of an era at Islands of Adventure?

Rumors of a Legend of Zelda land at Universal Orlando have swirled for years, ever since the debut of Super Nintendo World overseas and later at Universal Studios Hollywood. With Mario and Donkey Kong receiving dedicated lands, fans of the iconic fantasy franchise have long wondered: when will it be Zelda’s turn?

Early reports pointed to a massive transformation of Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent, a section of the park now running on nostalgia and ancient architecture. After the closure of Poseidon’s Fury, many insiders speculated that Universal had cleared the way for a Hyrule reimagining.

But if recent clues are to be believed, those plans may have shifted. And they might just point to something even bigger.

Zelda’s Subtle Footprints at Epic Universe

As Universal’s game-changing theme park, Epic Universe, prepares for its grand opening, fans and eagle-eyed insiders have started spotting subtle—but striking—signs of The Legend of Zelda already embedded within the park.

Let’s break them down:

• The “Hero” Parking Medallion
  Each parking section at Epic Universe has a unique medallion design, reflecting its name. The “Monster” section shows a hand reminiscent of Frankenstein’s Monster. But the “Hero” medallion? It features a sword and shield—eerily similar to Link’s Master Sword and Hylian Shield. Coincidence, or clever foreshadowing?

• Nintendo Super Star Store Windows
  Outside Super Nintendo World, the store features stained-glass artwork of major Nintendo icons. Amid the obvious stars—Mario, Peach, Donkey Kong—are three more: Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganon. There’s no Zelda land yet, and no official Zelda merchandise in the store… so why include them?

• A Mosaic Map of Hyrule
  Inside that same store lies perhaps the boldest tease: a floor mosaic depicting the world of Hyrule. It sits alongside similar tributes to Mario and Donkey Kong—both of which do have lands in the park. Could Zelda be next in line?

• Brand-New Zelda Merchandise
  Recently, new Zelda-branded items have appeared inside Epic Universe—despite the land not existing. This isn’t random stock placement; it feels more like a signal that something larger is on the horizon.

Expansion in Mind: Could Zelda Be Next?

While Universal has yet to officially announce a Zelda-themed land, President Karen Irwin recently confirmed: “We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic.” That next thing, fans suspect, could very well be Hyrule.

Epic Universe has two large expansion pads, both designed to accommodate future lands. With Zelda lore offering castles, forests, mountains, dungeons, and temples, Universal has no shortage of theming opportunities to craft an epic adventure that rivals any other land in the park.

Legend of Zelda references can be found in the Celestial Park Nintendo Store.

– @insideuniversal on X

Legend of Zelda references can be found in the Celestial Park Nintendo Store. @UniversalORL #EpicUniverse pic.twitter.com/nOgPOygHKS

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 6, 2025

This also aligns with Universal’s broader strategy of continuing to expand successful IP-based worlds—and with the immense popularity of Zelda, especially following the success of Tears of the Kingdom, the franchise is a prime candidate.

Why Zelda Matters: Universal Epic Universe Is the Perfect Home for This Beloved Franchise

Beyond just another theme park rumor, the idea of a Legend of Zelda land touches on something deeper. For fans, it’s about finally seeing a beloved world fully realized in a tangible, immersive way. It’s about stepping into Hyrule—not just playing it.

For Universal, it’s a potential game-changer. While Disney continues to dominate with established IPs like Star Wars and Avengers, Universal is making bold plays in gaming IPs—arguably the entertainment industry’s next great frontier.

If Hyrule does make its way to Epic Universe, it won’t just be another ride or themed restaurant. It will be a statement—that Universal is ready to lead the next era of theme park innovation.

With Epic Universe opening in just two days, speculation is bound to intensify. The subtle nods, hidden artwork, and new merchandise all seem to point to one conclusion: the kingdom of Hyrule might be closer than we think.

While nothing is confirmed (yet), the signs are too deliberate to ignore. And if history is any indicator, when Universal teases—they deliver. So now the question is no longer if Hyrule is coming…but when.