Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[Legacy]

Yeah, by that logic Bowser has been a Disney IP for 8 years seeing as the character was in Wreck-it Ralph. Just like Disney, all Illumination is doing is licensing the character.

Disney has permission to use Bowser, but only east of the Mississippi.

 

[shiekra38]

Disney has permission to use Bowser, but only east of the Mississippi.

Nothing good happens west of the Mississippi, it's all barren wasteland

 

[JoeCamel]

Nothing good happens west of the Mississippi, it's all barren wasteland

I've been out there
I didn't die
I came back.....

wasted

 

[shiekra38]

Speaking of wastelands, do we know if those other hotel expansion plots will come to fruition before or after EU opens?

It seemed like Universal was interested in continuing expanding down Universal blvd immediately

Then again, this was in 2019, before...well you know..

 

[Alicia]

Speaking of wastelands, do we know if those other hotel expansion plots will come to fruition before or after EU opens?

It seemed like Universal was interested in continuing expanding down Universal blvd immediately

Then again, this was in 2019, before...well you know..

Ask again later this year. Still watching for permits.

 

[OhHaiInternet95]

I have no idea how they fit Illumination into the parks without a massive overhaul...maybe they put Sing On Tour in the hub?

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

I have no idea how they fit Illumination into the parks without a massive overhaul...maybe they put Sing On Tour in the hub?

Expansion plot between HP and HTTHD, using some Nintendo expansion space, the small space between the hub and SNW, there’s room.

 

[Happytycho]

Last week there was a Notice of Commencement filed for work under permit B19917159, which is site work for P904 (Nintendo).

Said notice of commencement listed an expiration date of December 31, 2025, which is another sign that 2025 is the target opening year.

 

[Alicia]

BREAKING: Universal still planning on using the term "Epic Universe" lol

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

BREAKING: Universal still planning on using the term "Epic Universe" lol

Fantastic Worlds is 4th park lol

 

[Alicia]

Story by Katie Rice for the Sentinel today includes some interesting details and some new aerial photos. Pics were taken Jan 13 according to captions, by Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel .

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park starts to rise up

Ten months after Universal resumed work on its third Orlando theme park, Epic Universe, the first visible signs of the development have risen from the ground. But Universal remains tight-lipped abo…

www.orlandosentinel.com

The story includes quotes from Orange County spokeswoman Kelly Finkelstein:

...Orange County has issued 52 permits for the project so far: seven in 2019, 23 in 2020, 11 in 2021 and 1 in 2022, with 10 additional sub-permits issued over that period.​

​

A larger number of additional permit applications have been submitted, and are nearly ready to be issued, but the timing for the final steps of the permit applications and actual construction is, of course, totally up to the developer ​

As for Kirkman Extension (which has a deadline of Spring 2025):

The project is expected to be completed in late 2024​

​

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Story by Katie Rice for the Sentinel today includes some interesting details and some new aerial photos. Pics were taken Jan 13 according to captions, by Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel .

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park starts to rise up

Ten months after Universal resumed work on its third Orlando theme park, Epic Universe, the first visible signs of the development have risen from the ground. But Universal remains tight-lipped abo…

www.orlandosentinel.com

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View attachment 15787

View attachment 15788

The story includes quotes from Orange County spokeswoman Kelly Finkelstein:

...Orange County has issued 52 permits for the project so far: seven in 2019, 23 in 2020, 11 in 2021 and 1 in 2022, with 10 additional sub-permits issued over that period.​

​

A larger number of additional permit applications have been submitted, and are nearly ready to be issued, but the timing for the final steps of the permit applications and actual construction is, of course, totally up to the developer ​

As for Kirkman Extension (which has a deadline of Spring 2025):

The project is expected to be completed in late 2024​

​

2024!!!

 

[Alicia]

2024!!!

Just the road. Let's not get too excited here now

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Just the road. Let's not get too excited here now

Yes, but that’s the first thing I’ve heard completion of regarding anything for 2024. Would be great for an early/mid 2025 opening!

 

[Happytycho]

Story by Katie Rice for the Sentinel today includes some interesting details and some new aerial photos. Pics were taken Jan 13 according to captions, by Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel .

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park starts to rise up

Ten months after Universal resumed work on its third Orlando theme park, Epic Universe, the first visible signs of the development have risen from the ground. But Universal remains tight-lipped abo…

www.orlandosentinel.com

The story includes quotes from Orange County spokeswoman Kelly Finkelstein:

...Orange County has issued 52 permits for the project so far: seven in 2019, 23 in 2020, 11 in 2021 and 1 in 2022, with 10 additional sub-permits issued over that period.​

​

A larger number of additional permit applications have been submitted, and are nearly ready to be issued, but the timing for the final steps of the permit applications and actual construction is, of course, totally up to the developer ​

As for Kirkman Extension (which has a deadline of Spring 2025):

The project is expected to be completed in late 2024​

I would love to know what Orange County is counting here for permits because the fast track site shows 72 permits with a status of "Issued" and an application date after 1/1/2019 on Universal's Epic Universe property.

Edit: Corrected the number (again)

Yes, but that’s the first thing I’ve heard completion of regarding anything for 2024. Would be great for an early/mid 2025 opening!

If all you care about is completion of *something*, the chiller plant is probably going to be operational by the end of this year.

At this point we've seen enough signs pointing to a early/mid 2025 opening to assume it unless/until we hear something official to the contrary.

 

[Scott W.]

I would love to know what Orange County is counting here for permits because the fast track site shows 72 permits with a status of "Issued" and an application date after 1/1/2019 on Universal's Epic Universe property.

Edit: Corrected the number (again)


If all you care about is completion of *something*, the chiller plant is probably going to be operational by the end of this year.

At this point we've seen enough signs pointing to a early/mid 2025 opening to assume it unless/until we hear something official to the contrary.

Over the last 2 years, my whole concept of time has gone.

Having said that, 2025 being only 3 years away is kind of wild.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

I would love to know what Orange County is counting here for permits because the fast track site shows 72 permits with a status of "Issued" and an application date after 1/1/2019 on Universal's Epic Universe property.

Edit: Corrected the number (again)


If all you care about is completion of *something*, the chiller plant is probably going to be operational by the end of this year.

At this point we've seen enough signs pointing to a early/mid 2025 opening to assume it unless/until we hear something official to the contrary.

Yes but the road to the park itself is a massive thing in this process so I see that as a great sign in particular.

 

[Happytycho]

A notice of commencement was posted online today for work associated with B1000, B1030, and B1035, which we know to be the big office building and two large warehouses. The attached property descriptions further identify them as "admin/ops building (B1000)", "tech services warehouse (B1035)", and "food and beverage warehouse (B1030)."

It also appears that a bunch of building permits for the hub have been issued today, although there are still many that haven't been issued. It's not yet clear what the distinction is between the two sets or if the rest are just waiting to get updated online.

 

[Viator]

During the NBCU Quarterly Earnings, it was highlighted that Epic Universe is being prioritized to ramp up construction.

 

[Alicia]

During the NBCU Quarterly Earnings, it was highlighted that Epic Universe is being prioritized to ramp up construction.

Mentioned in the intro on the call too!



EDIT: Capital expenditure for Epic this year just mentioned




EDIT 2: 2025 BABY!



EDIT 3: Some quotes from the end of the call:

"Epic [Universe] is full steam ahead. I was down there a few weeks ago and the construction is going really well... We expect that park to open '25, and certainly in time for the summer of '25. We will get back to you when we get more granular on the date."
-Jeff Shell, NBCUniversal CEO

"If you build wonderful attractions, there is pent up demand, and we are going to make a fabulous park at Epic. We are full steam—we're going as fast as we can now to make up for lost time."
-Brian Roberts, Comcast CEO (I think?)