Credit: UniversalSomething big is coming to Epic Universe, as Universal is quietly working on an interesting expansion that will cost upwards of $20 million.
Universal Epic Universe Expansion: New Major Project Set To Cost $20 Million
For decades, guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort have expected the unexpected. From groundbreaking coasters to immersive lands that blur the line between fiction and reality, the destination has built its reputation on scale, spectacle, and surprise.
When Universal Epic Universe opened in May 2025, it wasn’t just another theme park—it was positioned as the next chapter in Central Florida’s theme park arms race. Featuring five fully realized themed worlds connected through the lush central hub of Celestial Park, Epic Universe immediately sparked conversations about what the future of themed entertainment could look like.
But even as guests are still discovering its attractions, dining, and shopping, something new is quietly unfolding behind the scenes. A subtle shift. A strategic addition. And fans are already speculating about what it could mean.
Guests Have Come to Expect Expansion at Universal’s Newest Park
Epic Universe was never designed to stay static. During a Bank of America conference last fall, Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury made it clear that the park was intentionally built with room to grow.
“If you fly over Epic — or you look at Google Earth — you’ll see how we plan the park,” Woodbury said. “You’ll see greenfield space between the existing worlds. That is strategically positioned to give us flexibility to expand a world or create a new world.”
Those comments immediately fueled speculation among theme park analysts and die-hard fans. Would a sixth world eventually rise? Could one of the existing lands expand with new attractions? Or was Universal planning something entirely different?
Now, newly obtained county records suggest the first major post-opening investment is already in motion.
County Records Reveal a $20.6 Million Project Tied to Epic Universe
According to documents obtained by the Orlando Business Journal from Orange County on Feb. 9, a new two-story building is planned at 1001 Epic Blvd.—the official address of Epic Universe.
The construction permits, filed in January, list the project—nicknamed “P915”—as an event space with a construction value of $20.6 million. The building will span approximately 53,886 square feet.
Site plans included in the records show a distinctive “hexagon canopy” roof design. The canopy may incorporate a colorful LED component, a visual style consistent with the futuristic aesthetic already seen throughout Celestial Park.
On the first floor alone, roughly 19,000 square feet is dedicated to event space. One proposed layout shows a stage configuration, with approximately 9,600 square feet allocated for tables, chairs, and guest seating. Total occupancy could range between 1,200 and 1,400 guests, depending on the setup.
Additional first-floor spaces include a kitchen, storage closets, and a breakroom for employees—clear indicators this venue is being designed for large-scale gatherings.
Signs of Construction Are Already Visible in Celestial Park
While the documents do not explicitly confirm where within Epic Universe the building will sit, mapping tools from the Orange County Property Appraiser show more than 100,000 square feet of space available within Celestial Park, the park’s central hub.
The same tool appears to show approximately 20,000 square feet of land within vacant Celestial Park space being cleared in preparation for construction. Independent theme park watchers have also taken notice. On Jan. 30, aerial photographer Bioreconstruct shared images on social media showing active land clearing in the area.
Universal Orlando Resort officials did not respond to Orlando Business Journal’s request for comment prior to publication. However, representatives have previously confirmed that “exciting additions” are coming to Epic Universe.
On X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, fans are already debating what this investment signals. Some speculate it could host corporate conventions and private buyouts, similar to how Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have long operated after-hours events. Others believe it could become a high-profile launch venue for new attractions within Epic Universe, offering an exclusive setting for media previews and industry showcases.
“Universal doesn’t drop $20 million without a plan,” one Reddit user wrote. “This feels like infrastructure for the long haul.”
What This Means for the Future of Epic Universe
The addition of a nearly 54,000-square-foot event venue signals more than just extra square footage—it underscores Universal’s commitment to positioning Epic Universe as a flexible, expandable destination.
With capacity for up to 1,400 guests, the space could accommodate corporate gatherings, fan conventions, product launches, and private celebrations. Its location within Celestial Park—if confirmed—would place it at the heart of the park’s design, reinforcing the hub’s role as both connective tissue and centerpiece.
For future travelers, this likely means more private events and potentially more exclusive experiences woven into the Epic Universe ecosystem. It may also signal Universal’s long-term strategy: using greenfield space not only for new rides and lands, but also for high-revenue, multi-use venues that diversify the park’s offerings.
Fans are heartbroken whenever expansion rumors hint at possible operational changes—but in this case, most reactions skew toward excitement. A shocking development? Perhaps not. But it is a bold one.
Epic Universe was built for growth. And if these filings are any indication, the end of its opening chapter is just the beginning of something much bigger.
What do you think about Universal’s $20 million investment at Epic Universe? Could this be the first of many major expansions at the park? Let us know your thoughts.