Universal Announces New Addition – Universal’s Epic Universe
Today, during a press conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Comcast Corporation Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts announced the newest addition coming to the Universal Orlando Resort – Universal’s Epic Universe. The new addition is set to add 14,000 jobs to Central Florida with a minimum base rate pay of $15 per hour, according to Richard Bilbao of the Orlando Business Journal. This will be on top of the 25,000 people that Universal Orlando already employs.
The new project will be built on the land south of Universal Orlando’s current campus that Universal sold off and reacquired. According to Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel, Universal’s Epic Universe is about 12 minutes away on what they are deeming the South Campus. Bevil also reported that Universal is pushing hard to get a stop on the Virgin Train that is coming to Central Florida. According to Universal Orlando, the new property will feature a theme park, entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants, and more. All of this will be located within a larger 750-acre site that will nearly double Universal’s total available acreage.
As of now, there is no timeframe on the project and mention of which properties will be included in the park. Currently, the biggest rumors point towards Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Fantastic Beasts), Universal Monsters, and How to Train Your Dragon.
In regards to the project, Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts said, “Our vision for Epic Universe is historic. 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.” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation Brian L. Roberts said, “Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall. It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”
Here’s a look at the full concept art for Universal’s Epic Universe!
Source: Orlando Business Journal / Orlando Sentinel
