Epic Universe Expansion Leak Shows Why Disney Might Be in SERIOUS Trouble
Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World have always pushed each other to go bigger, bolder, and more ambitious. Fans love watching that back-and-forth unfold, especially when both companies unveil new attractions meant to outshine the other. But this time, the dynamic feels different. Universal’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, is barely out of its opening-phase excitement, and already whispers of expansion are surfacing. The early clues point to something substantial—something Disney probably didn’t expect to deal with this quickly.
What Epic Universe Already Brings to the Fight
Epic Universe opened as a dramatic statement. Universal didn’t add a land or upgrade a corner of an existing park; they built an entirely new world from scratch. The park blends high-end technology, massive theming, and richly detailed lands into one seamless experience.
Guests can stroll beneath the glow of Celestial Park, take flight in a How to Train Your Dragon-themed environment, wander through the eerie Dark Universe, or race into the vibrant chaos of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Everything feels polished, confident, and purposely designed to elevate Universal’s standing in the Orlando theme park race. With all that in place already, the idea of another major expansion is enough to make any competitor nervous.
The Expansion Leak Everyone’s Talking About
What sparked the latest wave of speculation is a permit update that appeared quietly but quickly caught the attention of fans. The filing links to a massive 150,000-square-foot space referred to as area P905. The initial version of the permit looked routine—utilities, foundation work, the typical first steps of a big construction project. However, the updated description and scale align with rumors that fans have discussed for months: a major expansion connected to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, centered around the Ministry of Magic.
The proposed footprint is even larger than the building set to house Disney’s Monsters Inc. coaster, which is no small benchmark. The land size alone suggests Universal isn’t planning a simple add-on. Everything indicates an attraction or mini-land designed to draw in massive crowds and bolster the popularity of the Harry Potter franchise. Universal hasn’t made anything official yet, but the dots are lining up in a way fans find hard to ignore.
The Rumors Don’t Stop There
Epic Universe appears to be intentionally designed for expansion. Several oversized parcels sit along the park’s border—rare for a new development unless future growth is part of the plan. It’s no surprise fans are treating those open spaces like a wishlist playground. One recurring rumor imagines Luigi’s Mansion joining SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which feels like a natural fit given the success of the Mario attractions.
Other speculation leans even bigger: a Lord of the Rings land, Pokémon experiences, or an attraction dedicated to The Legend of Zelda. With franchises as huge as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom dominating gaming, the timing couldn’t be better. Any one of these additions could transform Epic Universe from a massive new park into a cultural powerhouse.
Disney’s Slower Pace Isn’t Helping
Meanwhile, Disney appears to be moving through its expansion plans at a gentler speed. Magic Kingdom has announced a large-scale expansion—including the much-hyped Villains land—, but the timeline stretches deep into the late 2020s and possibly even 2030. EPCOT and Hollywood Studios also have projects underway, but none match the scale or momentum of a brand-new park plus rumored expansions. And that’s Universal’s advantage. They opened Epic Universe and almost immediately started signaling their next moves. If the upcoming additions land before—or even at the same time as—Disney’s future projects, the narrative shifts in Universal’s favor.
The Bottom Line for the Orlando Theme Park Race
Universal seems determined to build more than a park; they’re building long-term dominance. The leaked permit and expansion rumors show a company operating with urgency and ambition. Disney, on the other hand, feels stuck in planning mode rather than showtime. And that’s why many believe Disney should be worried. If Universal maintains this pace and leans into beloved franchises with powerful fan bases, Disney may find itself reacting instead of leading. Right now, Epic Universe isn’t just competing with Disney. It’s pushing for the crown.
