Universal Parks CEO Says Epic Universe has Lots of Room to Expand

“A Lot of Room for Expansion”: Universal Teases the Future of Epic Universe and Beyond 🚀🌌

Just months after the grand opening of Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, Universal Destinations & Experiences is already hinting at what’s next, and spoiler alert: this cosmic adventure is just getting started.

During a recent interview with USA Today inside the stunning Celestial Park, Universal Parks Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury made it clear that Epic Universe was built with the future in mind. “There’s a lot of room for expansion,” he said, gesturing beyond the themed lands guests can currently explore. “We’re already thinking about how that plays out… new attractions coming, new intellectual property coming.”

Related: Mel’s Die-In and Club Horror Street Experiences Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 34

Let the speculation begin! 🌀

🚧 Expansion Pads Already in Place

Aerial overview of Epic Universe with expansion pads in view. pic.twitter.com/pisAzTl0by

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 10, 2025

As aerial photos (thanks to @bioreconstruct on X) have shown, Epic Universe was designed with multiple expansion zones between existing lands. You’ll find wide stretches of land:

• Between Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe
• Around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
• Behind Stardust Racers
• And open areas behind the Ministry of Magic, some currently occupied by backstage buildings

Even the green space between the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and the Wizarding World? Prime real estate for future park magic.

🎭 IPs Already in the Works?

Universal execs aren’t just thinking big, they’re thinking Broadway. One major rumor swirling is a Wicked-themed land. Woodbury has expressed interest in bringing Wicked to the parks “in a bigger way,” beyond the current Universal Studios Florida gift shop and Elphaba & Glinda meet-and-greets. Past events like Universal Fan Fest and Universal Studios Singapore’s pop-up Emerald City show that Universal’s already testing the waters for more Oz.

And let’s not forget that Legend of Zelda rumor that keeps surfacing as a possible expansion to Super Nintendo World. It’s dangerous to go alone… so maybe bring a park map and some rupees?

🎢 What About the Rest of Universal Orlando?

Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, confirmed that Epic’s expansion isn’t the only thing on their radar. “We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic,” she said—but also nodded to developments coming across the entire resort.

One major update? Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is closing soon to make way for a brand-new attraction at Universal Studios Florida. Construction walls are already hinting at possible themes tied to Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, and Fast & Furious—so buckle up, because nostalgia might be making a high-speed return.

Related: Universal Orlando Passholder Appreciation Days Set for Aug.15th to Sept.30th

🏨 A Destination-Worthy Resort

With Epic Universe adding three new hotels, including the eye-popping Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Orlando is leveling up its vacation game. “It not only cements us as more than a full weeklong destination vacation,” Irwin said, “but it also adds incredible capacity and variety to the resort experience.”

Woodbury echoed that the whole goal was to give guests more than a few-day trip. “We needed another park to garner a full week vacation and make this the destination of choice.”

And with the foundation laid, Universal is poised to keep expanding both physically and creatively—bringing new lands, new stories, and maybe even a few defying gravity moments to fans in the coming years.