Universal Orlando Announces New Theme Park 'Epic Universe'

Big things are coming to Universal Studios!

Universal Orlando Resort just announced a major addition is being added to it's collection of Florida theme parks. On Wednesday (July 31), the popular vacation destination unveiled its upcoming fourth park Universal’s Epic Universe. While Universal didn't reveal too much about the new park, they believe Epic Universe will introduce an "entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment."

Epic Universe will join Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and water park Volcano Bay in the near future, though no official opening day has been announced. Universal promises to “take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands” with “experiences beyond your wildest imagination” when they visit Epic Universe. The new land is expected to have two new roller coasters, additional rides, restaurants, retail outlets and a hotel. Here's the concept art for Universal's Epic Universe:

The new land will be located a few miles away from the rest of Universal's parks and properties. The new park will exist on a 750-acre site that "virtually doubles Universal’s total available acreage in Central Florida," according to Entertainment Weekly.

"Our vision for Epic Universe is historic,” Tom Williams, chairman and CEO for Universal Parks and Resorts, said in a press release. “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.”

NBCUniversal chief executive Stephen Burke confirmed the expansion's goal is to transform Universal Orlando resort from "a two-to-three-day destination to potentially a week-long destination.” Universal's biggest competitor, the nearby Disney World, currently has four theme parks, two water parks, an expansive outdoor shopping center and more than 25 hotels.

According to Attractions Magazine, there's widespread speculation the new park will have themed lands centering around Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, Fantastic Beasts, and Universal Classic Monsters. Despite the rumors about the new themed lands in Epic Universe, Universal has not released any concrete information about that just yet.

Photo: Getty/Universal