Universal Epic Universe Shares Big News Ahead of Celestial Park Closure
What’s Going on With All Those Walls?
In Universal Epic Universe news, Celestial Park closed down a large portion of the area without notice. What’s going on and what can guests expect in 2026?
Universal Epic Universe News: Celestial Park Shuts Down Large Portion of Entry Area Without Notice
When Universal’s Epic Universe officially opened in May 2025, it was already clear the park was built with growth in mind. Now, less than a year later, new evidence suggests that growth has officially begun — quietly, strategically, and right in front of guests.
Recent aerial photos and newly filed permits indicate that Universal Orlando Resort has started early-stage work on one of Epic Universe’s expansion pads, signaling the park’s first major expansion phase ahead of 2026.
At ground level, it’s easy to miss. Guests wandering through Celestial Park may notice construction walls or freshly leveled land without realizing what it represents. But for those watching closely, the signs are unmistakable: Epic Universe is already preparing for what comes next.
Aerial Photos Reveal Early Construction Activity
On December 14, 2025, trusted theme park photographer @bioreconstruct shared aerial images showing active dirt work and land leveling inside Epic Universe. The location sits between Other Worlds Mercantile and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, directly across from Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets — a central and highly visible area of the park.
Aerial photos of Back of House of Dark Universe where there’s fencing staged near recently added concrete. Nearby are statues from the former Monsters Cafe.
Aerial photos of Back of House of Dark Universe where there's fencing staged near recently added concrete.
Nearby are statues from the former Monsters Cafe. pic.twitter.com/Otzsr5KTlJ
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 13, 2025
While no vertical construction has begun yet, groundwork of this nature typically marks the first phase of a long-term project. Universal is known for moving deliberately, and this appears to be the opening step in a carefully planned expansion timeline.
Exciting update from Epic Universe! Walls are officially up in Celestial Park, as construction kicks off on the rumored event space! – @DuelingParkNews on X
Exciting update from Epic Universe! Walls are officially up in Celestial Park, as construction kicks off on the rumored event space! pic.twitter.com/k5WaJod7CH
— Dueling Park News (@DuelingParkNews) January 6, 2026
New Permit Points to Large-Scale Addition
Further confirmation comes from a construction permit filed for 1001 Epic Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32819, the official address of Epic Universe.
The permit outlines:
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150,000 square feet of new construction
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Work involving site utilities and foundation preparation
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A projected completion date of May 7, 2026
That end date is particularly notable. If accurate, the project would be completed less than a year after Epic Universe’s grand opening — a remarkably fast turnaround for a brand-new theme park.
Initially, some fans speculated the permit was connected to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. However, the visible construction activity now suggests the permit more likely applies to the empty expansion pad located within Celestial Park.
Universal Leadership Already Foreshadowed Expansion
Universal executives have previously confirmed that Epic Universe was never intended to remain static.
Earlier this year, Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, stated:
“We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic.”
At the time, the comment seemed like a long-term promise. Now, with physical work underway and construction walls appearing inside Celestial Park itself, that promise appears to be materializing faster than expected.
What This Could Mean for Epic Universe Guests
Because of its location, the new expansion could logically connect to:
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SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, potentially through an indoor or franchise-based addition
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Celestial Park, which continues to evolve as the park’s central hub
Guests have also noticed new construction walls inside Celestial Park, fueling speculation that Universal may be planning a large entertainment venue, nighttime experience, or immersive show space.
Universal has historically allowed new parks to “settle” before adding layers of entertainment, dining, and interactivity — a strategy that appears to be playing out here as well.
What’s Coming to Epic Universe in 2026
While the expansion itself remains unannounced, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of refinement and enhancement across the entire park.
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New Ticket Options
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Multi-day tickets
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Park-to-park access with Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
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Celestial Park Enhancements
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Additional dining and retail locations
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Possible nighttime fountain or projection shows
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Ongoing drone show testing for a new after-dark experience
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Land-Specific Additions
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New themed Coca-Cola flavors unique to each world
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Expanded food and merchandise offerings
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Interactive Improvements
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Expanded use of Power-Up Bands
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Park-wide interactive experiences
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Epic Universe was designed for longevity, and this early expansion activity reinforces that Universal sees the park as a long-term cornerstone of its Orlando resort.
As Universal continues to evolve Epic Universe, guests can expect each visit to feel increasingly layered — and increasingly competitive with everything else Central Florida has to offer.
