Conceptual representation of the new Universal Orlando Resort theme park: Epic Universe.
NBC Universal
Finally, work resumes on Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, Epic Universe.
The park, which was announced in 2019, had already stopped construction in July 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, Universal revealed that it will take a few months to accelerate at full speed as it needs to restore the project and reassemble its vendors and contractors.
“The resumption of construction of Epic Universe is a fantastic time for our employees and for our theme park business in Florida,” said Brian Roberts, president and CEO of Comcast. “It is our largest investment in the state and represents our enthusiasm for the spectacular park and the economic opportunities it will generate.”
The company wants to turn its two-park complex into a one-week travel destination, not just a two- or three-day trip for families. The company also operates Volcano Bay, a water park located about a mile from Universal Studios Parks Road.
The new park will be located on a 750-acre plot just a few miles from the existing station. Universal said it will provide transportation between all its properties.
Universal Orlando currently employs 25,000 people and will hire an additional 14,000 workers, including professional, technical and culinary professionals. The company boasted Wednesday that restarting the construction of Epic Universe will infuse billions of dollars into Florida’s economy and create thousands of jobs during its development.
It usually takes three to four years to build a large-scale theme park. The land was cleared in 2018 and will be the first park Universal has built since 1999, when the Islands of Adventure opened. Over the past decade, Universal has expanded its two parks to include “Harry Potter” themed lands Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Analysts speculate that the new attractions could be based on universal properties like “Minions”, classic monsters and even Nintendo. Universal executives have stayed on the subject of details. Tom Williams, CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, scoffed at being “the most immersive and innovative theme park we’ve ever created.”
Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of NBCUniversal and CNBC.