Universal May Humiliate Disney World With a Fifth Park Bombshell
Disney fans always assumed that Walt Disney World would lead the way if a fifth theme park ever appeared in Orlando. But the latest buzz hints that Universal may actually strike first.
Strange construction activity spotted along Universal Boulevard has fans whispering about something bigger—possibly a fifth gate. If that’s true, the long-standing theme park rivalry might enter a new era.
Building the Universal Empire
Universal Orlando Resort already packs a serious punch. Universal Studios Florida, which opened in 1990, set the tone with its blend of movie magic and immersive rides based on blockbusters like E.T. and Back to the Future. A few years later, Islands of Adventure raised the stakes with superheroes, dinosaurs, and eventually The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Not wanting to be left behind in the water park game, Universal unveiled Volcano Bay in 2017, a sleek “water theme park” centered around the towering Krakatau volcano. And just this past May, Universal cut the ribbon on Epic Universe, its boldest venture yet.
Epic Universe Raises the Bar
Epic Universe isn’t just another theme park—it’s a game-changer. The park has already captured global attention with lands dedicated to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and an expanded Wizarding World. Guests are racing through Mario Kart, soaring over Berk, braving gothic castles, and once again diving into Harry Potter’s world of magic.
Most assumed Universal would pause after such a colossal effort. But early signs suggest the company isn’t slowing down—in fact, it may already be planning what comes next.
A Filing That Feels Bigger Than Maintenance
In August, Universal submitted paperwork to the South Florida Water Management District covering more than 50 acres along Universal Boulevard. Officials downplayed the move, saying it related to routine upkeep. Yet the filing itself raised eyebrows. The permit category was for new construction, not maintenance, and called for “mass grading,” a land-shaping process typically used before major projects.
Parts of the filing were withheld from the public record to make matters even more intriguing. That doesn’t confirm a fifth park, but it keeps the speculation alive.
Disney’s Current Playbook
Disney has long faced calls for a fifth park, with fan ideas ranging from a villains-only land to global cultures that never made it to EPCOT. But instead of building from scratch, Disney is busy reimagining its existing parks.
EPCOT’s overhaul brought Guardians of the Galaxy and refreshed neighborhoods. Magic Kingdom is adding Piston Peak and Villains Land. Animal Kingdom is preparing expansions tied to Encanto and Indiana Jones.
That approach makes sense for a company whose parks remain the most visited worldwide. Still, by playing it safe, Disney may have left a window open for Universal to steal the spotlight.
Imagining a Fifth Gate
If Universal does move forward, fans have no shortage of ideas. A retro-themed land could resurrect classics like Jaws and Back to the Future. A Legend of Zelda area would pair perfectly with the success of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Lord of the Rings remains a dream franchise for many, and a Fantastic Beasts expansion could give The Wizarding World of Harry Potter new life.
Whatever direction Universal chooses, it can make history as the first in Orlando to launch an actual fifth gate.
The Rivalry Heats Up
Disney has been the unquestioned leader for years, with Universal chasing behind. But Epic Universe’s arrival and new construction buzz may flip that story. Universal looks ready to take the risk Disney won’t, and that boldness could change the landscape of Orlando theme parks forever.
