Universal Begins Work on 54-Acre Expansion Next to Epic Universe
The next chapter is finally starting. A deep dive into the 'West Parcel' mass grading permits and what they mean for the resort's future.
ORLANDO, FL – While the theme park world is still absorbing the massive scale of Epic Universe, Universal is already making its next move. In a series of new permit applications filed with the South Florida Water Management District, the company has officially begun the process of preparing a massive 53.76-acre parcel of land located right next to its new theme park for a major new development, igniting a firestorm of speculation about what could be coming next.
This is not a minor development. The project, officially titled "West Parcel Mass Grading," is a significant and costly first step in turning a huge plot of vacant land into a shovel-ready site for a future project. The permits, filed by Universal City Development Partners Ltd. and signed by Vice President Michael Denny, detail the plan for the mass grading and construction of a stormwater management system on four specific tax parcels located on Universal Blvd, just northeast of the intersection with Pointe Plaza Avenue. For those unfamiliar with the terminology of large-scale construction, "mass grading" is the foundational process of leveling and preparing a vast area of land for future building. It’s the expensive, time-consuming, and essential groundwork that must be completed before any vertical construction—such as hotels, show buildings, or ride structures—can even begin. A company does not undertake a mass grading project of this magnitude unless they are serious about building something significant.
The application for an Environmental Resource Permit, currently under review, confirms that Universal is moving beyond simply holding the land and is now actively preparing it for a specific, albeit currently undefined, future purpose. This move from passive ownership to active development is a concrete signal that the next phase of Universal's Orlando expansion is officially underway.
This development is not a sudden decision, but rather the next logical step in a long-term master plan. The application documents reference a previous permit modification from just a few months ago, on June 9, 2025, with the project name "UNIVERSAL SLRC CONCEPTUAL PERMIT MODIFICATION." The repeated use of the word "conceptual" in past permits confirms that Universal has been engaged in high-level, blue-sky planning for this very area for years. The move from "conceptual" permits to a physical "mass grading" operation represents a tangible advancement, a sign that the theoretical is about to become physical. This, of course, leads to the billion-dollar question: what are they planning to build? The sheer size of the 54-acre site offers a canvas for a number of tantalizing possibilities, and the rumors that have swirled around these satellite parcels for the last eight years have already provided a list of compelling candidates.
The most logical and widely speculated possibility is a new hotel or hotel complex. With the opening of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando is now a true three-park resort, a destination that can easily command a week-long vacation. This creates a massive demand for more on-site hotel rooms. A 54-acre plot could easily accommodate one or even two large-scale resorts, complete with their own unique theming and amenities, to help support the massive crowds now flocking to the south end of the property.
Another strong possibility is a new water park. While Volcano Bay is a world-class and highly popular park, a second water park would allow Universal to compete more directly with Disney's duo of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. It would give them the capacity to capture more of the lucrative water park market and offer a compelling reason for guests to extend their stay even further. Some have also speculated that this could be the site for a new entertainment district, a second CityWalk-style complex designed to serve the southern end of the resort and the many nearby hotels. This would capture guest spending in the evenings with a new slate of unique restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, keeping guests on Universal property after the theme parks close.
Finally, there's the possibility of another park. While 54 acres is not large enough for a full-scale theme park like Epic Universe, it is more than enough space for a smaller, boutique park, such as the Universal Kids Resort concept being built in Frisco, Texas. A park aimed at the youngest of visitors would be a perfect complement to the high-thrill offerings of the main parks and would further solidify Universal's appeal for families. While these documents do not yet reveal whether the West Parcel will become a hotel, a water park, or something else entirely, they provide the first piece of concrete, undeniable evidence that Universal is actively preparing for its next major move. The long-term conceptual planning is over, and the physical work is beginning. The digging has started, and now, so has the real wait to see what new universe will rise next.
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Attached are all of the sources/official permits:
