A New Epic Universe Expansion Confirmed
Epic Universe’s First Expansion: Project 915, Dining Phase 2, Coaster Mods & Thoughtful Speculation
Just weeks after its grand opening, Epic Universe is already evolving. Public records in Orange County show permits have been filed for a building project labeled Project 915—a roughly 40,000 ft² vertical construction contract with utility relocations, site grading, and foundation work expected to wrap by December (Orlando Park Stop). The location aligns with a backstage pad between Super Nintendo World and the park entrance, directly across from Atlantic restaurant, where temporary offices were recently removed and a construction wall erected (Orlando Park Stop).
Given the relatively modest footprint, Project 915 doesn’t seem designed to create an entirely new land. Realistically, Universal would need to convert parking lots—perhaps with garages—before committing to that level of expansion. And that’s unlikely to happen for decades if at all. Instead, rumors point toward a small-scale indoor attraction or interactive experience—something on par with the Kirby Playground style or a walk-through zoo like Madagascar, rather than a full coaster or new IP land.
That assumption is bolstered by just four acres of buildable area—just enough for a moderate-size show building or seasonal event space. The structure could house a projected indoor venue, perhaps part of Celestial Park’s festival infrastructure, or a modest interactive attraction tied to existing IPs like SNW or Dark Universe. One insider theorizes it might be a "flex space"—a building that can pivot between a splashy seasonal show, a boutique immersive experience, or a retail pop-up (Orlando Park Stop).
Meanwhile, Project 914, focusing on Phase 2 dining, confirms that a dual-restaurant complex is set to open in 2026. Permit signage promotes “a galaxy of flavors,” with tentative plans for separate Italian and Mexican concepts (Orlando Park Stop). Official confirmation from team members supports the delay into next year, despite early rumors suggesting a January launch. The design allows flexibility in theme or menu, indicating Universal may pivot based on guest preference as the build progresses.
Another ongoing effort, Project 375, addresses ride inclusivity. Universal is updating seating on attraction vehicles—new, wider seats have been installed on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, with redesigned rows rolling out soon on Stardust Racers, and adjustments made to Dragon Racers Rally (Orlando Park Stop). These modifications underscore a deliberate move to accommodate larger body types and improve guest comfort—a subtle but important shift in park ethos.
Beyond rides and dining, infrastructure upgrades continue. Behind the Helios Grand Hotel, new pipe fittings in the pond indicate groundwork for a permanent fireworks launch pad, replacing the temporary setup used during grand opening demonstrations (Fox 35 Orlando; Orlando Park Stop). Additionally, show director quotes and drone technology permits confirm that flying-dragon drones are still being fine-tuned for nighttime shows—designed not just for spectacle, but for noise and pollution control (Orange County Register via Orlando Park Stop).
What does all this mean for Epic Universe’s future? Project 915 isn’t the next island of IP land—it’s a smart, adaptable indoor building. It may follow patterns we've already seen—with Universal creating “hub-adjacent” attractions that are immersive but compact. Examples include the Welcome Center at Volcano Bay or the entertainment venues at Islands of Adventure. A small-scale show building nestled between existing lands could enhance guest flow without necessitating massive parking restructuring.
Dining enhancements and stroller-friendly ride adjustments are more straightforward improvements—but paired with the drone shows and fireworks setup, all point to a park that’s refining its offer, rather than scaling upward immediately. Over the next few years, expect Project 915 to house a walk-in experience—perhaps a seasonal gala, an IP-side hobby like interactive animation, or an environmental exhibit tied to Celestial themes.
Of course, in the long term, converting parking to garages remains the path to real estate freedom. But in the next 24 months? Guests are more likely to see an indoor theater, a themed walkthrough, or even an immersive retail-retro attraction than a new land. Epic Universe may yet grow in footprint—but first, it’s growing in depth and versatility.
Epic Universe opened with ambition. Now, in its fledgling months, it’s showing practical foresight. Project 915 isn’t a whole new map—it may just be the spark of a more dynamic park, flexible enough to shift with crowd demands, seasonal storytelling, or creative festival programming. The magic isn’t always in how big you build—but how wisely you evolve.