Universal Destinations & Experiences is making moves both in Florida and around the world. While brand-new destinations are being imagined across the globe, Universal’s very first Florida resort is also in the middle of its own transformations.
The resort welcomed a major milestone on May 22 with the opening of Universal Epic Universe, now the third theme park gate alongside Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The park invites guests to step into worlds such as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park. Talk continues about what could come next for Epic Universe, with speculation pointing toward a Legend of Zelda-inspired area.
Yet even with the newest addition, many guests still make time for the original two parks. Popular lands such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and The Simpsons continue to draw large crowds. VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure remain top picks for thrill-seekers.
In Universal Studios Florida, a familiar shortcut connecting Diagon Alley to the Springfield area is temporarily unavailable due to refurbishment. The bridge has been stripped down to its framework as part of the project, with guests now directed along a path past Men in Black: Alien Attack to reach The Simpsons-themed land.
As reported, progress is underway as the park readies for the return of Halloween Horror Nights. New floorboards are already in place across much of the bridge, but fitting and cutting work continues on the Wizarding World side, where railings have yet to be installed. The Springfield end now has both flooring and railings complete.
Scaffolding remains around the bridge’s central section, where flooring has been replaced but new railings have not yet been added. Several columns that were once positioned in the middle are currently absent, and the lagoon’s water level has been lowered for the duration of the work.
While construction is happening in Orlando, Universal’s plans extend far beyond Florida. In the U.S., future projects include Universal Horror Unleashed experiences in Las Vegas and Chicago, and a Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
Internationally, NBCUniversal is developing a new destination in Bedfordshire with the working title Universal Great Britain, slated to open within the next decade. The park is expected to bring to life stories such as The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Back to the Future, and Paddington.
