Universal's Epic Universe Delayed, Layout Revealed!

Universal’s Epic Universe Delayed, Layout Revealed!

Universal has announced that the highly-anticipated extension of its Orlando Resort, Epic Universe, has delayed its planned 2023 opening as development on the park has been “paused,” but layouts for the park have been shared from permit plans. The proposed layout for the park can be viewed in the gallery below! (Via SlashFilm)

Though no new open date has been set for the park, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has revealed that senior officials at Universal told him that the project would be “delayed by a year.” The map for the new park has revealed the proposed attractions and areas being planned in the park, which includes:

Super Nintendo World: Yoshi-themed omnimover ride, Donkey Kong roller coaster, Mario Kart dark ride

How to Train Your Dragon: Roller coaster, boat ride, Gerstlauer Sky Fly rides, stage show

Universal Classic Monsters: High-tech dark ride, possible stage show

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Interactive dark ride, possible tower ride system, theater show

Sources report that Super Mario World is the only area to be officially confirmed by Universal, with patents having been filed in March, but the other areas are all properties currently owned by the studio and are being described as “open secrets.” Despite the pause on development, the Orange County mayor has said the company is “going to continue with the $300-plus million in construction that is really underway at this time.“

An entertainment center, hotels, shops, and restaurants will also be featured at Universal’s Epic Universe. Speculation has begun as to which entertainment franchises will be included in the new theme park.

Epic Universe will serve as Universal’s fourth Florida theme park. It follows in the footsteps of Universal Studios Florida, which opened in 1990, Universal’s Islands of Adventures that opened in 1999, and the Volcano Bay water park that opened in 2017. Super Nintendo World has also been confirmed for Universal Orlando down the road.