Is Universal Orlando Secretly Working on a New Expansion? New ‘Zelda’ Clues Spark Major Speculation
Epic Universe Could Usher in More Lands
A sword pierces the sky. A kingdom awaits its hero. And inside Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park—opening in just two days—fans are discovering something extraordinary: Hyrule may be closer than we ever imagined.
With the opening of Epic Universe nearly upon us, excitement is already off the charts. But amidst the buzz, something unexpected has captured the attention of die-hard Nintendo fans: a quiet but powerful emergence of “The Legend of Zelda” inside the park’s most mysterious corners.
So…is Universal really building a Zelda-themed land? Or is this just another wild fan theory gone viral?
Let’s unravel the clues—and what they could mean for the future of Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal New Expansion Project on the Way? Rumors Once Pointed Elsewhere…
The dream of exploring Hyrule in real life isn’t new. Ever since SUPER NINTENDO WORLD launched in Japan and California, fans have wondered: could Link and Princess Zelda be next?
Legend of Zelda merchandise has arrived the Nintendo Store in Celestial Park.
Legend of Zelda merchandise has arrived the Nintendo Store in Celestial Park. #EpicUniverse @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/aqze3UuOzz
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) May 20, 2025
Early speculation suggested that The Lost Continent—an aging area within Islands of Adventure—would be transformed into a Legend of Zelda land. With Poseidon’s Fury permanently closed and the area long overdue for a refresh, the theory made sense. Leaks even hinted that construction could begin in 2024 for a 2027 opening.
But that narrative seems to be shifting.
Universal has never confirmed a Zelda expansion, but what’s recently been spotted in Epic Universe suggests that if Hyrule is coming, it may be making its debut on an even bigger stage.
Hidden Clues Inside Epic Universe
Despite not being on the official land roster, The Legend of Zelda is showing up in places that feel far too deliberate to be coincidence:
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The “Hero” Parking Lot Medallion – Epic Universe has themed parking sections, each with unique medallions. The “Hero” section features a sword and shield design that strikingly resembles the Master Sword and Hylian Shield—iconic Zelda imagery.
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Stained Glass Windows in the Nintendo Super Star Store – This retail space, just outside Super Nintendo World, includes stained-glass art of various Nintendo characters. Among them? Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganon—even though Zelda merchandise isn’t officially sold yet.
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The Hyrule Floor Mosaic – Inside the same store, a beautiful mosaic on the floor showcases three franchises: Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda. The Hyrule mosaic is not just a nod; it’s a visual declaration.
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New Zelda-Themed Merchandise – Most recently, brand-new Legend of Zelda items have quietly appeared inside Epic Universe, marking the first time such products have been seen in the park.
Combined, these elements form a picture that’s hard to ignore—and fans are taking notice.
Could Zelda Be the First Expansion?
Universal Orlando President Karen Irwin recently dropped a curious hint: “We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic.”
Epic Universe, while massive, was built with two major expansion pads. One of them borders Super Nintendo World, making it the most logical location for a Zelda-themed land—if such plans exist.
Legend of Zelda references can be found in the Celestial Park Nintendo Store.
Legend of Zelda references can be found in the Celestial Park Nintendo Store. @UniversalORL #EpicUniverse pic.twitter.com/nOgPOygHKS
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 6, 2025
Given how Universal has rolled out Super Nintendo World in phases (first Mario, then Donkey Kong), it makes strategic sense that The Legend of Zelda would be the next major expansion in the Nintendo lineup.
Not only would it keep the Epic Universe momentum going after its grand opening, but it would also deliver something fans have been dreaming of for years: the chance to walk through the gates of Hyrule itself.
Why This Potential New Universal Expansion Project Matters
The implications go beyond just another theme park rumor. If Zelda really is in the pipeline:
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Universal continues positioning itself as Disney’s biggest rival, investing in immersive lands that tap into powerful pop culture fandoms.
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Nintendo fans gain more than a ride—they get a destination. Just as Mario got his kingdom, Zelda could bring Hyrule, dungeons, castles, and quests to life.
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Orlando tourism gets another boost. As if Epic Universe wasn’t enough of a draw, a future Zelda expansion would push crowd interest—and spending—even further.
In many ways, it feels like Universal has already hidden Hyrule in plain sight. The question now is whether the company is simply teasing fans… or slowly revealing the next epic adventure that awaits. Whether it lands in Islands of Adventure or rises within Epic Universe, the signs are growing louder: The Legend of Zelda might finally be making its way to Universal Orlando Resort.
And if that’s true, then the next time you walk through Universal’s gates, don’t just look for Mario or Donkey Kong. Look for a sword in a stone. A princess in stained glass. A land waiting for its hero. Because Hyrule may be calling… and Universal just might be answering.
