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Credit: Andrew Boardwine, ITM / CanvaWhen Universal files new permits, fans pay attention. Those filings often hint at things coming long before they’re announced. That’s precisely what happened just recently—fresh paperwork, construction materials onsite, and demolition already in progress.
Something big is unfolding in Orlando, and Universal isn’t waiting long to expand its brand-new theme park.
Epic Universe: The Newest Jewel of Orlando
Epic Universe opened its gates in May 2025, but the hype hasn’t slowed down. The park instantly stood out as Universal Orlando Resort’s boldest project yet. With entire lands dedicated to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and Universal Monsters, it set a new standard for what theme parks can deliver.
Guests are welcomed by Celestial Park, a central hub that ties together the storytelling and atmosphere with lush gardens, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind rides. Just months into operation, Epic Universe already feels like a living, breathing world that fans want to revisit over and over again. With Universal already moving dirt again, the big question is: what’s next?
Permits, Steel, and Walls Going Up
According to new permits, Universal has started construction on a massive wall behind the Stardust Racers roller coaster along the back edge of Epic Universe. Green steel beams and materials spotted onsite confirm that crews aren’t wasting time shaping what’s ahead.
This area was always considered reserved for expansion, but the fact that walls go up soon after opening suggests that Universal has a long-term roadmap.
A New Parcel in Play
The permits don’t stop there. Universal also appears to be eyeing an additional 50-acre parcel of land near the Epic Universe site. While the company hasn’t revealed plans yet, its size leaves the door open for nearly anything—another themed land, additional hotels, or even brand-new entertainment offerings.
For a resort with three theme parks, two water parks, and a sprawling CityWalk district, grabbing more land means Universal is thinking years, if not decades, ahead.
The Future of Epic Universe
The possibilities for this new land are endless, and that’s precisely why fans are buzzing. Universal could expand one of its franchises, like Harry Potter or How to Train Your Dragon, with fresh attractions and dining.
On the other hand, this 50-acre stretch could introduce something entirely new—maybe a franchise Universal hasn’t tapped yet or even an original concept explicitly designed for Epic Universe. The space is large enough to house a full-sized land with multiple rides, shops, and restaurants, making it one of the most exciting “what ifs” currently in the theme park world.
Farewell to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
At the same time, demolition has been moving fast at Universal Studios Florida. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the towering roller coaster that dominated the park’s skyline for years, is almost gone just days after its closure.
Its removal frees up a massive footprint, and while Universal hasn’t said what’s replacing it yet, it’s clear that the company wants to reshape its original park in sync with the growth happening at Epic Universe.
Why Universal Is Moving So Quickly
Theme park expansions usually take years of planning, but Universal seems determined to strike while the iron is hot. Epic Universe has been a blockbuster success, pulling attention away from Disney and proving that guests are hungry for new experiences.
By diving straight into expansion, Universal keeps momentum on its side. Visitors who just checked out Epic Universe in 2025 may find themselves planning return trips sooner than expected, knowing that new lands and attractions could be right around the corner.
The Bigger Picture for Orlando
The Orlando theme park rivalry has always been fierce, but these new moves raise the stakes. Disney is in the middle of overhauling lands at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, yet Universal’s fast-paced strategy makes it look like the hungrier competitor.
Epic Universe was already a game-changer when it opened. With construction and land development continuing almost immediately, Universal is positioning itself as the resort that never stops growing.
What Fans Should Watch For
So, what should guests expect in the near future? Here are the big takeaways:
Expansion Walls at Epic Universe – Construction is underway at the back of the park, suggesting a new land could be in development.
50+ Acres – A new chunk of land near the resort is being prepared, though its exact purpose is still a mystery.
Rockit Demolition – The removal of one of Universal Studios Florida’s signature rides means a primary replacement is on the way.
Long-Term Growth – Universal is clearly building out its resort footprint with an eye on the next decade of competition.
Looking Ahead
Epic Universe may have just opened, but Universal isn’t slowing down. The walls going up, land acquisitions, and coaster demolition all point to a future where the resort keeps reinventing itself. Fans might not know exactly what the new expansion will bring, but one thing is certain: the next few years in Orlando will be wild.
Universal is playing the long game, and if this is just the beginning, Epic Universe might live up to its name in ways no one imagined.