Theme parks are known for building fantasy worlds above ground—but Universal Orlando might soon be thinking below the surface.
In one of the more unexpected developments in Florida’s theme park industry, Universal is reportedly exploring a partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to build an underground tunnel connecting its two campuses. The proposed system would shuttle guests in Teslas beneath International Drive, linking Universal’s original parks with its newest: Epic Universe.
The Distance Problem Universal Wants to Solve
When Epic Universe opened earlier this year, it added a bold new chapter to Universal’s story in Orlando. With lands themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the gothic Dark Universe, the park delivered on its promise of immersive new IP. It also expanded Universal’s footprint significantly—geographically speaking.
The new park sits on the resort’s “south campus,” several miles away from Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk, which make up the “north campus.” That distance presents a challenge: unlike Walt Disney World, where guests can stay within a seamless transportation bubble, Universal’s two main areas are separated by public roads and traffic.
For a resort now operating on multiple fronts, the disconnect risks diminishing the on-property guest experience.
The Vegas Loop, Florida-Style
To address the gap, Universal is considering an ambitious solution. According to the Orlando Business Journal, the company is in early talks with Musk’s Boring Company about constructing a version of its Las Vegas Loop beneath International Drive.
That system—first unveiled in 2021—uses twin tunnels to transport Tesla vehicles between destinations within the Las Vegas Convention Center campus. The long-term vision involves fully autonomous Teslas running point-to-point between stations across the city.
A similar concept is now being pursued in Dubai, where the Boring Company is working with the city’s Road and Transport Authority on a 10.6-mile tunnel network designed to cut through the emirate’s notoriously dense traffic.
But the company has also drawn criticism. In February 2024, OSHA fined the Boring Company $112,000 for workplace safety violations, a charge the company is contesting. By April, it had been named to the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health’s “Dirty Dozen” list of U.S. safety offenders. Since then, safety oversight in Las Vegas has shifted to local authorities.
Fans Split on the Feasibility of a Florida Loop
While the proposal is still in its early stages, public reaction has been swift—and divided. Some fans question the practicality of tunneling in Central Florida, where the water table is high and the limestone bedrock is porous. Flooding has long been a concern in Orlando, especially in areas surrounding Universal’s parks.
“There’s a reason why Florida doesn’t have subways,” one X user wrote.
Others offered suggestions for simpler solutions. “Honestly, just copy Disney and do a Skyliner between north and south campus,” one user posted. “Go between Harry Potter areas and call it a Floo. I dunno… That seems a lot easier and quicker.”
Another added, “Great way to drown people. How about some sort of elevated train instead? Maybe a ultra high capacity monorail?”
Even with logistical hurdles, the idea speaks to Universal’s ambition to transform its guest experience beyond themed lands and thrill rides. Creating seamless movement between parks could give the resort an advantage in competing for multi-day visitors, especially as the demand for resort-style vacations grows.
A tunnel may or may not get built. But Universal’s willingness to explore one—especially with a partner as unconventional as Elon Musk—shows just how serious it is about staying one step ahead.
Do you think a Loop system is a good idea in Orlando?
