Just weeks after its debut on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe at Universal Orlando is already showing signs that it’s just getting started. Packed with immersive lands based on fan-favorite franchises and original concepts, the park has made a strong impression—but there’s more coming down the pipeline.
And some of it might involve a very familiar gaming hero.
Guests have spotted Zelda-themed merchandise in stores, stained glass artwork with Link, Zelda, and Ganon, and even a parking area called “Hero” that showcases a design similar to the Master Sword and Hylian Shield. Inside the Nintendo Super Star Store, a map of Hyrule is displayed next to maps for Mario and Donkey Kong, both of whom already have their own lands.
Could these be subtle hints at a future Legend of Zelda expansion?
While fans have long speculated about Zelda coming to Islands of Adventure, especially after the Lost Continent’s Poseidon’s Fury attraction closed, attention has shifted to Epic Universe. And with two major expansion plots built into the park’s footprint, it’s not hard to imagine Hyrule joining the lineup.
Still, Epic Universe’s Executive Creative Director Steve Tatham is setting expectations. Speaking to The Direct, he said, “I have no comment about that. I mean, that’s a beloved character… So that’s a character we have included.”
“I wouldn’t read too much into that,” he added. “If people want to speculate, that’s up to them… There’s plenty to do. We now have a week’s worth of fun and entertainment with four theme parks and 11 resort hotels.”
Universal hasn’t officially confirmed anything Zelda-related, but top executives have been open about the company’s growth mindset. Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said, “The future is super bright… We’re already thinking about how that plays out. New attractions coming, new intellectual property coming…”
And Karen Irwin, President of Universal Orlando, shared that “We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic.” So while nothing is confirmed, a Zelda-themed land doesn’t seem out of the question.
Outside of Epic Universe, Universal’s expansion continues nationwide—and globally. Plans include the horror-centric Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, a family-friendly Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas opening in 2026, and a long-term vision to bring a Universal theme park to the United Kingdom by 2031.
Back in Orlando, Epic Universe continues to impress with worlds inspired by franchises like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Classic Monsters, plus the original wonderland of Celestial Park.
This diverse collection has helped the park strike a chord with both older fans and young families. Analyst Craig Moffett weighed in: “In the past, Disney really had the under-10-year-old segment more or less to themselves… The new Epic Universe brings whole worlds to life for younger children.”
Even with reports of early refund requests, Epic Universe has managed to spark attention and excitement on a global scale—and now, it’s sparking curiosity too.
With Disney investing in new expansions of its own—such as the Piston Peak addition to Magic Kingdom and plans for its first Middle Eastern park—the next few years could mark one of the most dynamic periods in theme park history.
And if Hyrule does join Epic Universe in the future? It might just become the centerpiece of a whole new adventure.
Tell us what you think: Should Zelda finally get its own land?
