Universal Didn’t Just Expand Epic Universe. They Declared War on Disney

Universal Epic Universe just revealed that it has some big expansion plans for the new theme park.

Universal Epic Universe: New Expansions Announced Just Weeks After Grand-Opening

Two months after Universal’s Epic Universe officially opened its gates, the conversation has already shifted from “what’s inside” to “what’s next.” Despite the new park still breaking in its operational flow, Universal’s top executives are already confirming what fans have long speculated: this is just the beginning.

Permits are being filed. Expansion pads are in place. Construction walls are going up. And now, we finally have quotes from the people at the top to back it all up.

Universal Confirms It: Epic Universe Is Already Growing

During a recent media briefing on-site at Epic Universe, Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, made it clear that expansion plans aren’t theoretical—they’re active:

“There’s a lot of room for expansion. We’re already thinking about how that plays out… new attractions coming, new intellectual property coming.”

This follows earlier comments from Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, who shared that Epic Universe’s future is already being mapped out behind the scenes:

“We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic!”

Photos from aerial photographer Bioreconstruct show dirt-cleared land and multiple untouched pads circling the park. In particular, Project 915, a 40,000-square-foot site, has already received permit filings—located between Celestial Park and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Aerial overview of Epic Universe expansion pads. pic.twitter.com/O6uM143Co6

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) June 14, 2025

What It Means for Guests Right Now

While the expansion details are still under wraps, the effects are already being felt in the park. With current wait times soaring due to limited ride capacity and high interest, an expansion could eventually ease the pressure—but for now, guests need to plan smart:

• Visit during shoulder months like late August or mid-January

• Use mobile ordering and the official Universal app for real-time updates

• Start your day in Dark Universe or How to Train Your Dragon before lines grow

• Avoid peak entry times—arrive 45 minutes before official open

And for those eager to revisit when new areas debut, keep tabs on permit databases and Universal’s hiring pages—early clues often appear there first.

Insider Tips You Won’t Find on the Park Map

Frequent visitors are already spotting subtle signs of what’s to come. For instance, backstage construction noise near the north end of the park has increased, and fencing has been adjusted near rumored expansion zones.

Here’s what seasoned fans suggest:

• Look for temporary menu changes—they often hint at upcoming themes

• Follow construction vloggers on YouTube—drone footage reveals a lot

• Talk to team members (off the clock!)—some are already whispering about possible IPs

Some fans believe a Ministry of Magic Harry Potter land is coming, while others are betting on Zelda for Nintendo or more monsters for Dark Universe.

Why This Expansion Is a Big Deal

Epic Universe already feels like a love letter to immersive design, but if Universal pulls off this expansion correctly, it could shift the balance of power in Orlando. For the first time in decades, Disney has real competition.

The fan reaction has been electric. Reddit boards are lighting up. TikToks are hitting millions of views. And with Super Nintendo World already a hit and Dark Universe attracting cult attention, the possibilities are endless.

Not since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 has Universal had this much buzz.

The Universal Epic Universe Era Is Just Beginning

• Expansion is confirmed by Universal execs

• Permits filed for 40,000 sq. ft. build near SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

• 4–5 expansion pads sit undeveloped around the park

• Guest tips: Visit early, use mobile tools, follow construction updates

• Speculation: New Potter land, Zelda, or more monsters?

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