Outside the Disney BubbleUniversal

Universal Orlando Confirms Resort-Wide Overhaul That Changes Everything

Get Ready for New Rides, Experiences and So Much More

Universal Orlando Resort has come a long way since opening in the 90s. But no matter what they did, Disney has always held a seat above them, leading to many fans calling for a theme park war. Over the last 30 years, Disney has reigned supreme in Central Florida.

But as of 2025, it appears the tide is finally changing. CEO Mark Woodbury has made some pretty big announcements, which have millions of people wondering about the future of these theme park giants.

Guests heading into Universal Studios Florida as a Universal guest was struck with a flying object.
Credit: Universal

Universal Orlando To See a Major Expansion and Overhaul Unlike Anything Anyone Has Ever Seen

Picture standing on the edge of a construction zone at Epic Universe, watching cranes and colorful façades rise amid the Florida sun. Every new detail sparks speculation among theme park enthusiasts, social media chatter explodes, and fans can barely contain their excitement.

Universal Orlando has a history of dropping subtle hints long before major announcements—and the latest statements from executives have fans guessing what comes next. One comment in particular has sparked a wave of speculation across fan communities.

A group of people scream and smile while riding an indoor roller coaster with fiery special effects and dramatic lighting in the background, creating an intense and thrilling atmosphere.
Credit: Universal Studios Orlando

Woodbury Confirms: More Attractions Are in Development

At the Bank of America 2025 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, teased new projects.

I don’t really have anything to announced specifically as attractions, but I can tell you that there are multiple attractions in the works, not just at Epic [Epic Universe], but when you have 3 parks, the cadence of product delivery across the resort to continue to drive the resort is really a key part of our strategy.

– Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts

“I don’t really have anything to announce specifically as attractions,” Woodbury said, “but I can tell you that there are multiple attractions in the works, not just at Epic [Epic Universe], but when you have three parks, the cadence of product delivery across the resort to continue to drive the resort is really a key part of our strategy.”

In other words, Universal is actively building the future—and Epic Universe is only the beginning.

The image captures the iconic Universal Studios globe, featuring a large, rotating Earth with "UNIVERSAL" in bold letters. Palm trees and buildings rise in the background under a clear blue sky. The globe, set amidst a misty fountain, hints at the excitement of Epic Universe to come, along with Universal Horror Unleashed, next to Disney World.
Credit: Universal

How Guests Can Stay Ahead

For those planning trips to Universal, these hints signal something important: the experience is about to evolve dramatically. Epic Universe opens in 2025, but Universal tends to stagger new ride launches, keeping fans coming back year after year.

Pro tips for visitors:

  • Book your trip early—Epic Universe is expected to draw massive crowds.

  • Consider annual passes for flexible entry as new attractions debut.

  • Track construction updates and park announcements on social media for early insights.

Four people are experiencing a haunted house attraction at Universal Studios. Three of them appear frightened, with one woman screaming and clutching another's arm. A performer in costume and makeup, meant to look scary, leaps out from a hidden doorway, adding to the fright at Universal Halloween Horror Nights.
Credit: Universal Studios

Insider Secrets: Expansion Potential and a Wicked Possibility

Woodbury dropped another subtle but fascinating hint: space has been reserved for future expansions.

“If you fly over Epic or you look at Google Earth, you’ll see how we plan the park,” he explained. “You’ll see greenfield space between the existing worlds. That is strategically positioned to give us flexibility to expand a world or create a new world.”

This means Epic Universe was designed to grow beyond its original layout. And then came the teaser that set fan communities abuzz:

“I think I’m going to stir that pot when I saw the Wicked sets and said it was a theme park waiting to happen.”

Could Wicked become the park’s sixth world? While not confirmed, the possibility has already sparked widespread excitement.

A group of people walk towards a large, elaborate castle with tall spires and intricate architectural details. Set against a partly cloudy sky and surrounded by greenery and rock formations, the scene evokes a universal sense of wonder and adventure.
Credit: Universal

Why It Matters to Universal Orlando Fans

These updates aren’t just about new rides—they signal Universal’s ambition to outpace its competition. Disney has seen its share of challenges in Florida, leaving room for Universal to innovate and capture fan attention.

For theme park lovers, these developments bring anticipation, excitement, and the promise of experiences that may define the next decade of Orlando entertainment.

Universal is clearly preparing for a major evolution. Whether it’s Epic Universe expansions, entirely new lands, or a Wicked-themed world, one thing is clear: Universal is just getting started.

Fans should stay ready—this is the start of a very exciting journey.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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