Universal Announces New Theme Park In Florida

ORLANDO, FL — Universal Orlando announced plans for a fourth theme park in the United States on Thursday that will be called Universal's Epic Universe and promises to deliver an "entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment."

The theme park will be built on a 750-acre tract that will nearly double's Universal's acreage in Central Florida. Epic Universe will be located a few miles from the existing resort in Southwest Orange County, south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard.

Officials did not immediately release the planned opening date and other information about the new park.

"Universal’s Epic Universe will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands — and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination," park officials explained.

“Universal’s Epic Universe will take Florida’s tourism industry to new heights and build on the foundation Universal has established here in Central Florida," declared Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who participated in Thursday's announcement.

The new theme park will also feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops and restaurants. DeSantis was joined by Universal Parks CEO Tom Williams, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts. Universal Orlando already has two of Universal's existing theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Universal Hollywood is located in California.

According to state officials, Universal has contributed $73 billion in economic benefit to Florida’s economy since 1990.

Universal plans to add 14,000 jobs to the 25,000 people it already employs. It contributes an estimated more than $300 million in state and local taxes annually and is expected to nearly double the annual tax revenue to about $600 million, according to state officials.