Universal Orlando has restarted construction of its new theme park, but it will be a while before it opens to the public, according to reports.
Earlier this week, the resort announced that construction of its new Epic Universe park in Orlando, Florida, will begin again after a break of nearly a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result of the delay, the opening of the Epic Universe will be delayed for another two years.
According to Orlando Sentinel, Universal told Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings that the Epic Universe is scheduled to open in early 2025. Previously, it was due to open in 2023.
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Universal did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request to comment on the delayed schedule.
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In its announcement on Wednesday, Universal said the Epic Universe “will create an entirely new level of entertainment for theme parks”. The 750-acre site is expected to have a new theme park, entertainment center, hotels, shops and restaurants when it opens, the announcement said.
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However, Universal did not say exactly what the park’s rides and attractions will include.
Universal Orlando announced this week that construction of its new 750-acre Epic Universe park has resumed.
(Universal Orlando)
Many speculated that the park could be similar to the company’s Super Nintendo World in Japan, or that it could be inspired by the company’s Minions brand, CNBC reported.
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The construction of the Epic Universe had to stop in July 2020 because of the pandemic. According to the announcement, development was restarted this week, but it will take “several months before reaching maximum speed”.
Universal has promised that the construction of the new park will bring hundreds of jobs to Universal, thousands of jobs to Central Florida and billions of dollars to Florida’s economy.
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Epic Universe is also expected to generate an additional 14,000 permanent jobs.
“The restart of building the Epic Universe is a wonderful time for our employees and for our Florida theme park business,” said Brian L. Roberts, Comcast president and CEO, in a statement. “It is our biggest investment in the state and represents our enthusiasm for the spectacular park and the economic opportunities it will generate.”