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Credit: Inside the MagicIn one of the wildest reports to emerge about Orlando’s theme park industry in recent memory, it seems like Universal wants to work with Elon Musk to build a series of tunnels to connect its sprawling campus.
Universal Orlando Resort offers an immersive theme park experience comparable to Walt Disney World, but there’s one thing it doesn’t have: the bubble. At Disney World, guests staying on property can spend their entire vacation within the resort’s self-contained world. Universal, by contrast, requires leaving the property to visit all of its parks. Its newest park, Epic Universe, is located on what’s known as the “south campus.” That means anyone wanting to explore the likes of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe needs to travel farther afield from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
It seems like Universal is more than aware that this flaw may impact a guest’s decision to stay on property – and has come up with an innovative solution.
Universal Explores Elon Musk Partnership To Connect Its Parks
Universal Orlando is reportedly exploring a partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to build an underground tunnel that would transport Teslas along International Drive.
This would connect Universal’s north (home to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk) and south (where you can find Epic Universe and Universal Helios Grand Hotel) campuses, according to the Orlando Business Journal.
Orlando business leaders tell @OBJUpdate Universal Orlando may be looking to partner with Elon Musk’s Boring Co. on a “Vegas Loop”-style tunnel along International Drive.
Orlando business leaders tell @OBJUpdate Universal Orlando may be looking to partner with Elon Musk’s Boring Co. on a “Vegas Loop”-style tunnel along International Drive. pic.twitter.com/eYJqhb12s9
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 11, 2025
The Boring Company (yes, that’s its real name) previously developed a similar system in Las Vegas called the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, or simply The Loop. Opened in 2021, it features twin tunnels where Tesla vehicles, currently driven by employees, shuttle passengers between stops at the Las Vegas Convention Center and nearby transport hubs. The long-term goal is for the system to operate with fully autonomous vehicles.
It has since also signed a partnership with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to build the Dubai Loop, which will provide a high-speed transport network spanning 10.6 miles to lessen the notoriously dense traffic in the emirate.
But the road hasn’t always been smooth for The Boring Company. In February 2024, the Boring Company was fined $112,000 by OSHA for eight safety violations, which it has contested. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has since taken on a safety oversight role. In April, the company was named one of the “Dirty Dozen” workplace safety offenders by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
Whether or not an equivalent system is ever constructed for Universal Orlando Resort remains to be seen. However, reactions have been extremely mixed among theme park fans so far.
Many have called for Orlando’s existing train system to simply be extended in the area. Others have suggested alternative transportation methods. “Honestly, just copy Disney and do a skyliner between north and south campus,” said one X, formerly known as Twitter, user. Go between Harry Potter areas and call it a [Floo]. I dunno… That seems a lot easier and quicker.”
Some have also raised the logistical issue of Florida’s low water table. Groundwater sits very close to the surface in most parts of the state. This is due to Florida’s flat terrain, porous limestone foundation, and high rainfall (for proof of the latter, just see the many times Universal has had to battle flooding). Several fans have suggested that this raises the risk of flooding in a potential loop system. “Great way to drown people,” said one user. “How about some sort of elevated train instead? Maybe a ultra high capacity monorail?”
After all, as one user put it, “There’s a reason why Florida doesn’t have subways.”
Do you think a Loop system is a good idea in Orlando?