Universal Orlando Resort held a press conference today to announce their newest park, which will be called ‘Epic Universe.’
The announcement was made with Florida Governor Ron Desantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Chairman, and CEO of Univeral Parks and Resorts Tom Williams, and CEO of Comcast Corporation Brian Roberts.
They also sent out a press release:
Universal’s Epic Universe will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands – and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination.
What I really like about this quote is that it almost sounds like a “choose your own adventure” type adventure. What we were hearing about the “portals” to worlds, kind of sounds like this too. I find that to be a exciting and a lot of fun.
Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation had this to say:
Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall. It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”
Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, Tom Williams added:
Our vision for Epic Universe is historic. It will build on everything we have done and become the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created. It is an investment in our business, our industry, our team members and our community.”
The new theme park will be located in a 750-Acre site that nearly doubles the size of Universal’s total acreage in Orlando.
The new theme park will also feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more. It will be located within a larger 750-acre site that nearly doubles Universal’s total available acreage in Central Florida. Universal’s Epic Universe is just a few miles from the existing resort in Southwest Orange County. Specifically, it will be south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard.
The themes for the various worlds in the park have not yet been released, although it’s pretty much certain Nintendo will theme one section. Also hearing that perhaps Star Trek might take up another and more Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Orlando is excited to have this new addition to the city and the economic growth and jobs that will come with it according to Governor Desantis and Mayor Demings:
“We look forward to the new level of entertainment and innovation Universal’s Epic Universe will bring to one of our state’s most important industries,” said Governor DeSantis. “We look forward to Universal’s continued contribution to our state’s economic growth and development. And we are especially grateful for Universal’s partnership in improving Shingle Creek, which plays a critical role in serving the Everglades.” “The investment Universal is making in our community and the benefit all of us will see is substantial,” said Mayor Demings. “This will benefit nearly every segment of our economy – from tourism to high-tech.”
Mayor Demings also spotlighted Universal’s role in the Kirkman Road extension. This is a 50/50 public-private partnership in which Universal is investing $160 million to extend Kirkman into the area where the new park will be located.
“The Kirkman extension will improve transportation through a busy and growing portion of our county and open up the entire area for additional development – including an important expansion of our Convention Center,” he said.
During the announcement, Governor DeSantis, Mayor Demings and Tom Williams released information about Universal’s economic contribution to the state and local economy.
Universal Orlando currently employees 25,000 people and will hire an additional 14,000 team members as part of Epic Universe, including professional, technical, culinary and other specialized positions. The company currently contributes more than $302 million in annual state and local taxes – a number that will nearly double when the new theme park opens.
This new addition will add 14,000 jobs which is a huge increase from the 25,000 currently working there. Wow!
Comcast probably has a lot more money available to spend on this park. They were outbid on the Fox deal and Disney kind of stretched themselves on that one.
I am really excited about this! It’s a huge deal for Orlando and for pop culture lovers. Hopefully we will get more specific confirmations and information soon. I am loving the Nintendo land idea!
This will give Disney a real run for it’s money and Universal is offering “value resorts” that are much more of a “value” than what Disney has been offering. I think this could really be something Disney needs to worry about. If Disney keeps pricing families out, they will have no problem going to Universal instead and with the offerings they will likely be getting they are becoming a true rival for vacation dollars. A lot of people love them both and will spend just as many days at Universal with 4 parks as they do at Disney with 4 parks.
It’s something to watch for sure!
We will keep you updated as we get more information!
What do you think? Comment and let us know.
Source: PR Universal Orlando Resort
Pirates & Princesses (PNP) is an independent, opinionated fan-powered news blog that covers Disney and Universal Theme Parks, Themed Entertainment and related Pop Culture from a consumer's point of view. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of PNP, its editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. PNP is an unofficial news source and has no connection to The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal or any other company that we may cover.