It feels both like not long and too long since Universal and Comcast announced the third theme park at Universal Orlando Resort—Epic Universe. Site prep began shortly after its announcement in 2019, but was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, it seems that construction is set to resume on Universal Orlando’s third gate in the immediate future.

Universal Orlando Resort made the official announcement this morning, with Comcast CEO Brian Roberts saying “The restart of construction of Epic Universe is a terrific moment for our employees and for our theme park business in Florida. It is our single largest investment in the state and represents our enthusiasm for the spectacular park and the economic opportunities it will generate.” The restart will begin immediately, but is expected to take several months before reaching full-speed as Universal restaffs for the project and reassembles its vendor and contractor teams.

With vaccinations in the United States moving quickly and the potential for a fairly normal summer entering the public consciousness, there’s reason to believe on Comcast’s part that the theme park industry will rebound quickly from the pandemic slump. Additionally, there’s a strong resolve to get Super Nintendo World open in Florida as quickly as possible.

Additionally, Universal Parks & Resorts President Tom Williams sent the following letter out to Team Members today:

Dear Team Members,

I hope you and your families are healthy and well. Because of your great work, we already have much to look forward to this year. There is Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, the Jurassic World: Velocicoaster at Universal Orlando, the opening of Universal Beijing Resort – and the opportunity to reopen Universal Studios Hollywood.

Today, I’m happy to share that we’re resuming work on our new Orlando theme park, Universal’s Epic Universe. As you know, the project had been paused while we focused on managing our business through the pandemic. The restart will begin immediately – but will take several months before reaching full-speed as we re-staff and reassemble our vendor and contractor teams.

The vision for Epic Universe is historic. It will be the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created and will feature a new theme park, an entertainment center, hotels, shops and restaurants. It will be located on a separate 750-acre site just a few minutes away from Universal Orlando.

All of this is great news for our business, our communities – and each of you. And none of it would be possible without the heroic and great work you have done over the past year. Because of you, our confidence in the future has never been stronger.Thank you, and please stay safe.

Additionally, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said “The resumption of the Epic Universe project couldn’t come at a better time. Our community has so many talented workers who will benefit from this massive project. I am confident it will deliver a huge economic boost to Orange County.”

Epic Universe will feature a new theme park, an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more on a 750-acre site that nearly doubles Universal’s total acreage, located a few miles south from Universal Orlando’s current theme parks. No updated opening timeframe has been given, so be sure you stay tuned to Universal Parks News Today in the months and years beyond as the Epic Universe project evolves!

Spencer Lloyd