To say the creative and construction teams at Universal Orlando Resort have been busy lately would be an understatement. Construction on the all-new Epic Universe theme park is well underway, the Epic Universe preview center is slated to open to guests in CityWalk tomorrow, DreamWorks Land is in technical rehearsals ahead of an official opening this week, an all-new nighttime show on Hogwarts Castle and the CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular lagoon show both also debut this week, and a new parade will kick off at Universal Studios Florida in July.
Related: Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Preview Center Merchandise First Look
These developments mark significant achievements for Universal, yet they seemingly represent the beginning of Universal’s extensive plans for expanding Universal Orlando Resort. According to reporting by the Orlando Business Journal, the size of the improvement district in which Epic Universe is located has just increased drastically in size, from around 700 acres to over 2,000 acres!
Universal City Development Partners Ltd., a subsidiary of Universal Orlando Resort, received approval from Orange County on May 29th to increase the size of the Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District. Universal received authorization to establish the new district in October 2023, providing Universal with the means to fast-track approvals for construction projects in and around Epic Universe in a similar manner Disney enjoyed before the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Related: Universal Orlando Resort’s Unveils New Butterbeer Cart Collectible
Epic Universe took up most of the approved land when the district was first established, with the new expansion providing a ton of new space for Universal to construct hotels and other projects around Epic Universe. Given the size and scope of Epic Universe, it is apparent the 3 currently planned resort hotels will not be enough to accommodate guest demand. Universal now has the space to construct additional on-property hotels to keep up with the increased demand Epic Universe will bring to the resort, while also enabling both the future growth of Epic Universe as well as the development of entertainment options in the area.
Universal has pledged 13 acres of land within the district for the construction of Sunrail’s planned convention center station as well as a substantial section of the new rail corridor in the area. Universal, along with Orlando’s Right Rail partners, have also pledged to contribute and collectively guarantee $13 million in annual ticket sales for the new Sunshine Corridor through the district. This amount is the current estimated operating cost for the year-round operation of this corridor, ensuring the new Sunrail extension can operate without reliance on taxpayer funds.
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