It’s been just under two months since the Universal Orlando Resort opened its newest park, Epic Universe, to the public, and thus far, the reviews have been glowing. Like any new park, there were some technical hiccups at the start, but since then, Universal appears to have everything flowing smoothly.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe
Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

With their eyes on the prize of Central Florida theme park dominance, Universal executives are already starting to consider Epic Universe’s next phase and potentially beyond that. However, those expansion projects seemed to be in the future until now.

This week, the Universal Orlando Resort filed paperwork with Orange County for an expansion project at Epic Universe. According to Fox 35 Orlando, the paperwork calls for an expansion between the park’s main entrance and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The new structure will be less than 40,000 square feet.

A large, ornate archway with a golden and bronze design marks the entrance to the Epic Universe theme park area. People walk through the arch, set against rocky terrain and lush landscaping under a blue sky.
Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

While the paperwork on this expansion lacks specific details, it does say that it will be for “vertical construction” classified as a shop, restaurant, or warehouse. While it is not a new ride or land, it is the first step in that direction.

Tharin White, from EYNTK.info, told Fox 35:

They could open this up as a temporary space to say, ‘Hey, we just opened this park, we’re already building more. Here’s whatever’s coming next.

Stardust Racers Celestial Park Epic Universe
Credit: Universal

It may not be the significant expansion that fans were hoping for, experts that Fox 35 spoke to said that this shows just how aggressive Universal has become in its attempts to unseat Disney World as the world’s theme park capital. The new space could also be used for special holiday events or to showcase other upcoming expansion projects.

Universal has shown its aggressiveness in recent years with expansion projects in Texas and the United Kingdom. It is also bringing Universal’s “Horror Unleashed” to Chicago in 2027 and Las Vegas later this year.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe
Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

So, stay tuned. Universal isn’t satisfied with the Epic Universe—it’s already built—and they have plans for something even better.

What would you like Universal to include in an expansion of Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments. 

The post After Only Two Months, Universal Orlando Already Files Paperwork To Expand Epic Universe appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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