Construction of Universal’s Epic Universe Theme Park Shelved For Time Being

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So we’ve got some Universal news that is admittedly a bit of a downer but not unexpected.  Details are coming in from the Comcast quarterly earnings call that construction on “Epic Universe,” the theme park expected to be the fourth gate at Universal Orlando has been delayed indefinitely.

According to a piece appearing on Fox23, NBC Universal, the parent company that owns the theme parks said that development is paused until “our future becomes more certain.” This is according to a report by WFTV.  The park was initially announced last August and was expected to open in 2023.

Impact of COVID-19

Though Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan reopened in June, revenue from the theme parks decreased by 94% because of the nearly three month closures.  It should also be noted that Universal Studios Hollywood remains closed.

Universal CEO Jeff Shell said, “While attendance in both locations is much lower than our typical summer levels, we are still doing better financially than if we were closed.” However not good enough to follow through on massive construction plans on the new Epic Universe project which by all accounts was expected to be a HUGE undertaking.

Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

The possibility of a new theme park has excited a lot of Universal fans as it would contain several new lands including Nintendo Land!  Guests to this area of the park would apparently have the feeling of walking into your very own video game.  There was expected to be a Mario Kart Ride, Donkey Kong themed attraction and more!

In addition, other themed lands included one based on the Classic Monsters from the Golden Age of Cinema (think Dracula, Frankenstein and Swamp Thing) as well as a recreation of Berk which if you have small children you’ll know as the fictitious land from the popular How to Train Your Dragon films.

Photo: Pinterest

And don’t forget Harry Potter, the new Epic Universe was expected to contain a land themed after the Fantastic Beasts films continuing the Universal/Wizarding World partnership. Harry Potter-themed lands can already be found at both Universal and Islands of Adventure.

As of going to print, this is all very new information so we aren’t quite sure yet whether the project is being scrapped permanently or just delayed indefinitely.  We will continue to follow along with this story closely.  Readers are encouraged to keep following along with Universal Parks Blog for further news and updates!

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Sources; WFTV, Fox23