Secret Expansion Uncovered by News Site Reveals $20 Million Project Coming Soon to Epic Universe
What We Know So Far
When guests walk through the gates of Universal Orlando Resort, they expect immersion on a grand scale. From cinematic attractions to meticulously designed lands, the Florida destination has built its reputation on pushing creative boundaries and redefining what a theme park experience can be.
That expectation only intensified with the May 2025 debut of Epic Universe—Universal’s most ambitious park expansion to date. Featuring five themed worlds filled with cutting-edge attractions, restaurants, and retail spaces, Epic Universe was positioned as the future of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
And now, just months after opening, something new is quietly taking shape behind the scenes.
A Subtle Shift Has Fans Wondering What’s Coming Next
Theme park fans are always watching. Construction walls, cleared land, and permit filings rarely go unnoticed in Central Florida—especially when they involve a park as closely followed as Epic Universe.
Recently obtained county records reveal a significant new project tied to the park’s address at 1001 Epic Blvd. While details were initially sparse, the scope of the filing suggests something much larger than a routine operational addition.
For a park designed with expansion in mind, any new building footprint raises questions. Is this the beginning of a new land? An attraction? Or something entirely different?
Universal Designed Epic Universe With Growth in Mind
Long before opening day, executives made it clear that Epic Universe was built for flexibility.
Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury previously explained during a Bank of America conference that the park was strategically master-planned with greenfield space between worlds—areas intentionally left open for future growth. A quick look at aerial imagery supports that claim, revealing significant undeveloped parcels woven into the layout.
Orange County Property Appraiser mapping tools show more than 100,000 square feet of available space within Celestial Park—the park’s central hub connecting the five themed worlds. Independent theme park outlets have also documented recent land clearing in that same area, with aerial photographer Bioreconstruct sharing images on social media Jan. 30 showing visible construction activity.
At first glance, the activity seemed routine. But the newly obtained documentation paints a much clearer picture.
Newly Filed Documents Confirm a $20.6 Million Event Venue at Epic Universe
According to county records received Feb. 9 by Orlando Business Journal, Universal Orlando Resort has filed construction permits for a two-story building valued at $20.6 million.
The project—nicknamed “P915”—is identified as an event space spanning approximately 53,886 square feet. Plans show the first floor will include roughly 19,000 square feet dedicated to flexible event space. Layout examples indicate the venue could accommodate between 1,200 and 1,400 guests, depending on configuration. One design shows a stage setup with approximately 9,600 square feet allocated for tables, chairs, and attendees.
Additional first-floor amenities include a kitchen, storage areas, and a breakroom for employees.
Architecturally, the roof is described as featuring a distinct “hexagon canopy” design—reportedly incorporating a colorful LED component consistent with the aesthetic seen throughout Epic Universe.
While the documents do not specify the exact location within the park, mapping tools suggest the construction may be taking place inside Celestial Park. Approximately 20,000 square feet of land in that vacant area appears to be cleared in preparation for development.
Universal Orlando Resort officials did not provide comment before publication, though representatives have previously confirmed that “exciting additions” are on the way for Epic Universe.
What This Means for Future Visitors to Universal Orlando Resort
For travelers planning a visit to Epic Universe, the addition of a large-scale event venue suggests one thing clearly: Universal is investing heavily in the park’s long-term growth.
A 53,886-square-foot building capable of hosting more than 1,000 guests represents a substantial commitment. Whether used for corporate gatherings, private celebrations, or themed entertainment experiences, the venue expands the park’s operational versatility.
It also reinforces the broader strategy hinted at by Universal leadership—Epic Universe was never intended to remain static.
The end result may not be another roller coaster or immersive land, but it underscores a reality fans are beginning to recognize: Epic Universe is evolving.
And if early expansion is already underway less than a year after opening, it raises an intriguing question for theme park enthusiasts: How quickly will Universal continue to build?
Are you excited about a new event venue at Epic Universe, or were you hoping for another attraction instead? Let us know your thoughts as Universal Orlando Resort charts its next chapter.
