UniversalParksBlog News for July 13th, 2025
We’ve got some confirmed new Houses, a not-quite confirmed new House, and a genuinely strange rumor to discuss. This is a VERY odd week for UniversalParksBlog News.
Let’s Start with Rumor
I’ve got actual news of a sort about Universal’s upcoming London theme park, but I’ll level with you.
That report was kind of a bust. So, I’m going to lead with some fascinating speculation instead.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, Universal Studios is working with Elon Musk on a surprising venture.
Are you familiar with the Las Vegas Loop? If not, here’s a video to catch up on what it is:
Las Vegas uses this series of underground tunnels to reduce traffic congestion at the various tourist hotels.
You can probably guess where I’m going with this, as Universal Studios faces a similar issue.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s nothing like Las Vegas in terms of congestion, but traffic can be frustrating.
Photo: themeparkcenter.com
So, Universal’s corporate boss, Comcast, is liaising with Musk’s Boring Company about the project.
Specifically, Universal would like to build a series of underground tunnels at Orlando’s International Drive.
Photo:theparkprodigy.com
I’m highly skeptical about how this would work, as the city of Orlando would need to be involved.
Also, any construction of this sort would wreak havoc with current traffic until such a time as the work is completed.
Photo: Facebook/ universal
That strikes me as a non-starter, but I’m keeping an open mind since the rumor is suddenly rampant.
What We Know about the Project
Photo: Universal
The ever-reliable Orlando Business Journal has also published a (paywalled) article about it.
Here are two important quotes from that article, one of which comes from an informed source:
Image: Brightline
“Maria Triscari, president and CEO of The International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, said she has heard the discussion of a project like the “Vegas Loop” coming here — and she believes it will happen one day.”
“(A) real estate expert familiar with the matter did corroborate Triscari’s…comments of The Boring Co…and added that other players in the tourist sector possibly could be involved.”
Image: Brightline
As for the explanation, it’s rather obvious. Universal Studios lacks monorails or a Disney Skyliner.
As the younger sibling, Universal has watched Walt Disney World carefully to understand why it’s so successful.
Photo: Miami New Times
Comcast would like Universal to become every bit as thriving a tourist destination as Disney World.
That’s an ambitious goal, as the other Orlando theme park is the most popular paid tourist destination in the world.
Photo: sun-sentinel.com
Creating an underground transportation system could greatly enhance Universal’s logistics.
Ostensibly, people could get from one park to another without ever riding a bus, which is the goal.
CNN
But that’s entirely speculative on my part. This is a rumor right now, and we don’t know any of the plans.
Still, this story is one to monitor over the next few years. It could be nothing, but it could be everything.
New HHN Houses at Universal
universal
Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed a new House for Halloween Horror Nights since the last time we talked.
And there’s another one that sounds like it’s happening, although Universal hasn’t mentioned it yet.
Universal
So, the one we know for sure is happening is the most predictable IP this year. Yes, it’s Terrifier.
During October 2024, Terrifier 3 became one of the most shocking box office stories in recent memory.
Deadline
The movie cost a paltry $2 million to film, which is less than five percent of what Robert Downey Jr. is making for Avengers: Doomsday.
Somehow, Terrifier 3 earned $54 million domestically and $76.3 million worldwide.
Universal
Nobody is quite sure why, but it was a foregone conclusion at the time that HHN would make a House.
Sure enough, we don’t even have to wait a calendar year to get one. And the setting is perfect.
Photo: Universal Orlando
You’ll visit Art the Clown’s Funhouse from Terrifier 2, which makes me wonder whether a showdown with Jack the Clown is inevitable.
Then, we have the rumored House that Universal hasn’t mentioned yet. It’s apparently licensed by the WWE.
AEW Wrestlers Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker
Wrestling sites, which aren’t exactly known for their accuracy, are all over this story.
According to Fightful, which is more reliable than most, a WWE House at HHN will be announced later in July.
Hangman Page surprised
Nobody knows details yet, but I presume it’ll involve the late Bray Wyatt, a spooky character and Florida resident.
This wouldn’t be the first WWE-related House, as the Undertaker got one all the way back in 2000.
Kenny Omega Belt Collector
I presume I’ll have more details for you in the next update. Until then, you should check out All-In highlights. AEW is better.
Universal Miscellany
As I mentioned at the top, we got the Universal Studios London paperwork the other day.
Honestly, it wasn’t very informative, though, which isn’t very surprising.
Universal
Disney did the same thing with DisneylandForward where it mentioned theoreticals rather than specific.
You can read the details on BBC here, although this article came out before the paperwork was officially filed.
Universal
Universal stated, “At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.”
The other story of note is kind of dry, but it also makes a point.
Attractions Magazine
Orange County set a record for tourism tax in May, improving 5.7 percent year over year to nearly $30 million.
That right there is the impact of Universal Epic Universe on the local economy.
Attraction Insight
You should expect similar record-setting numbers throughout the summer and well into the fall.
With Epic Universe now up and running, the rising tide will lift all boats in the tourism industry.
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Feature Photo: Universal
