Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicUniversal Orlando Resort has been on fire lately. In just a few short years, the company has completely transformed its original parks, introduced major new attractions, and built an entirely new theme park from the ground up.
And while that would be enough for most theme park giants to coast on for a while, Universal seems to be far from done. A new wave of construction activity and recently filed permits suggest the company is quietly working on something massive beside Epic Universe.
Fans are buzzing. Theories are flying. And if even half of these ideas come to life, Orlando’s theme park landscape could be changed forever.
Epic Universe Is Already a Game-Changer
Epic Universe has quickly become the crown jewel of Universal Orlando Resort. The park features several fully immersive lands, each with an entrance portal and breathtaking detail.
There’s the whimsical world of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, the thrilling Dark Universe based on Universal’s classic monsters, the enchanting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and the sweeping How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Every inch of Epic Universe has been carefully designed to draw guests deeper into its stories. From the Celestial Park hub to next-level ride technology, it’s not just another theme park—it’s a statement. And now, Universal appears to be getting ready to add even more to the area.
New Permits Hint at Something Big
According to newly filed permits and recent on-the-ground activity, movement is happening on the massive plots of land adjacent to Epic Universe. Heavy machinery has been spotted, land is being cleared, and work is quietly taking shape just outside the park’s footprint.
This isn’t just a minor utility project. The scale of the prep work has convinced many fans that Universal is laying the foundation for something truly significant. Some believe they are considering expanding the park, while others are convinced it could be something entirely new—a sort of “Phase Two” to Epic Universe that would rival anything Disney has planned in the coming years.
Theories Are Running Wild
Speculation among theme park fans has exploded. Message boards and social media threads are filled with guesses about what this mystery project could be. Universal has a history of keeping its most significant moves under wraps until the perfect moment, which only fuels the hype.
Could it be a brand-new land? A themed resort? A shopping and dining district? A mix of all three? The possibilities are endless, and with Universal’s recent track record, fans expect something bold.
The “Boring” Rumors
Some of the more conservative theories suggest Universal may simply be building additional parking structures or hotels to support Epic Universe’s expected surge in attendance. After all, the resort is already drawing massive crowds, and expansion on the hospitality side wouldn’t be shocking.
But here’s the thing: Universal didn’t buy up all that land just to park cars. If it were just a garage or a standard hotel, the scale of the prep work likely wouldn’t be this extensive. That’s why most fans believe the plans are far bigger and more exciting than a few extra parking spots.
CityWalk 2.0 Could Be on the Horizon
Some fans think Universal could be planning a second CityWalk—an entertainment and dining district built near Epic Universe. This would give visitors another reason to hang out in the area even after the parks close, creating a resort-style atmosphere similar to Disney Springs.
A second CityWalk could include exclusive restaurants, themed lounges, nightlife, and boutique shops, making it a natural extension of the resort.
A Lord of the Rings Expansion
Let’s start with one of the most talked-about ideas: a Lord of the Rings land. The franchise has a devoted fanbase, and Universal has long been rumored to be exploring ways to bring Middle-earth to life. Imagine stepping through the gates of the Shire, wandering past Bag End, and boarding a groundbreaking boat or dark ride through the Mines of Moria.
An attraction like this could easily match the scale of Universal’s best rides. A sprawling themed land would also be a perfect fit beside Epic Universe, giving the park another massive intellectual property that can stand toe-to-toe with Disney’s heavy hitters.
Zelda Land Could Be a Perfect Fit
Another major fan theory is the addition of a Zelda-themed area. The Legend of Zelda is one of the most beloved video game franchises ever, and it would fit seamlessly alongside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Picture this: walking into Hyrule, with a towering castle in the distance, a boat ride through Lake Hylia, or even an interactive “Temple” attraction with puzzles and animatronics. A Zelda expansion would not only boost Nintendo’s footprint in Orlando. Still, it could also bring in a different style of gameplay-based interactivity than what Mario and Donkey Kong currently offer.
Pokémon Land Could Be a Crowd Magnet
Then there’s Pokémon. This would be massive. Pokémon is one of the biggest entertainment franchises on Earth, and if Universal secured the rights to bring it to life in Orlando, it would be a game-changer.
A Pokémon land could feature a trackless ride where guests “catch” Pokémon, interactive battle arenas, themed eateries, and character meet-and-greets. It would instantly become one of the most in-demand destinations in the park—possibly even surpassing Mario in popularity.
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Epic Universe already features Dark Universe, but rumors suggest the land might grow even larger. One particularly intriguing idea floating around involves a boat ride themed to Creature from the Black Lagoon.
This would be a perfect atmospheric addition—imagine drifting through eerie swamp scenes, encountering classic monsters in new ways, and experiencing another high-tech attraction that blends suspense and storytelling.
Harry Potter Expansion: Escape from Azkaban
The Wizarding World is already a powerhouse, and Universal expanding it again wouldn’t be a shock. One of the most popular rumors is an “Escape from Azkaban” coaster.
This could be a high-intensity dark ride combined with coaster elements, plunging guests into the infamous wizarding prison. Dementors, Patronus spells, and intense storytelling would make this a must-do attraction. It would also keep the Harry Potter brand front and center in Orlando tourism.
Luigi’s Mansion: A Ghostly Adventure
Another playful rumor gaining traction is a Luigi’s Mansion attraction. This would be an incredible addition to the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD lineup—a dark ride where guests explore a haunted mansion, interact with ghosts, and maybe even compete for high scores with interactive tech.
It would appeal to kids and adults, giving Universal a whimsical yet thrilling new experience that rounds out its Nintendo offerings.
Endless Possibilities Ahead
Whatever Universal is planning, it’s clear that this isn’t just a small expansion. Between the massive land acquisitions, visible prep work, and the company’s ambitious streak lately, this mystery project could become one of the most exciting announcements in theme park history.
Whether it’s Lord of the Rings, Zelda, Pokémon, Harry Potter, Dark Universe, Luigi’s Mansion, or something no one has guessed yet, Universal’s next move will shape the future of Orlando’s theme park wars.
And if their track record tells us anything, whatever’s coming next to Epic Universe will be huge.