Orlando Business Journal has compiled a list of firms hired by Universal Orlando Resort for the construction of the upcoming Epic Universe theme park.
Epic Universe Construction Contractors
The contractors have filed over 130 documents with Orange County between May 1 and May 3. Most of the notices expire in December 2025, but Epic Universe is scheduled to open that year.
Bowling Green, Ohio’s LF Studios filed four notices for “creative elements” at Epic Universe. LF Studios specializes in performance animatics and sculptural scenery, including animatronics, figures, architecture, and special effects. Their website states, “Our blend of physical and digital experiences enrich the visitor journey and the teams that we collaborate with to craft breakthrough experiences.” LF Studios has worked on, among other projects, the indoor theme park Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi. They created over 100 animatronics inspired by Hanna Barbera, DC Comics, and Looney Tunes characters.
The Nassal Company of Orlando filed notices for specialty construction. Nassal previously worked on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan. They completed the interior and exterior of Hogwarts Castle, all carved stucco, fake rockwork, and themed retail in Hogsmeade. They may be working on the rumored third The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Epic Universe.
Universal Orlando Resort has also employed Wild Creations Ltd., a Cardiff, Wales-based company that creates sculptures, models, scenery, and more. They created a gravity-defying replica of a Dodge Charger from “Fast & Furious 8” that went on a UK tour. They also created life-size T. rexes, a replica Gyrosphere, and Blue the velociraptor for various “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” displays.
Epic Universe is rumored to have a “How to Train Your Dragon” land, and Wild Creations does have some experience with Toothless the dragon. They worked with Steller to create nine models of Toothless that were installed at malls around the world for guests to interact with. They could be working on something similar for Epic Universe.
In terms of theme parks, Wild Creations created figures of “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs” characters for a Dubai Parks & Resorts water ride.
Another Orland-based contractor is Dynamic Attractions. The attraction designer will be working on mechanical equipment installation. Dynamic Attractions has worked on several Universal rides over the years, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, E.T. Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, King Kong: 360 3-D, and Revenge of the Mummy.
Disney fans may recognize the name Dynamic Attractions for their work on attractions like Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin’, Journey to the Center of the Earth (Tokyo DisneySea), and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Finally, Universal Orlando Resort has hired the Michigan-based Kuka Robotics Corp. for electronic equipment work. Kuka created the robotic arm used for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey so could be constructing a similar ride system for Epic Universe or working on any number of robotic projects.
Epic Universe
Epic Universe is expected to open in summer 2025. Though only Super Nintendo World has been confirmed, rumored Epic Universe lands include a Universal Classic Monsters land, a How to Train Your Dragon land, and a third The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal trademarked the names Starfall Racers — potentially for the new dual-racing coaster — and Constellation Carousel. Both of these rumored rides can be seen in the above concept art. Alongside recently trademarked hotel names, it seems Epic Universe will have an astronomical theme.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be inspired by Place Cachée, the Parisian version of Diagon Alley seen in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Construction photos reveal a version of Porte Saint-Denis, an arched gateway built in the late 1600s in Paris. The Wizarding World ride, however, will transport guests to the U.K. Ministry of Magic for a ride featuring Dolores Umbridge.
The How to Train Your Dragon land will resemble the Isle of Berk. According to trademark filings, attractions may include The Untrainable Dragon, a version of the Universal Studios Beijing stage show “Untrainable”; Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a roller-coaster; Fyre Drill, a water ride; and Dragon Racer’s Rally.
The Universal Classic Monsters land will have its own roller coaster, rumored to be a spinner. “Curse of the Werewolf” was recently trademarked and may be the name of the coaster. “Dark Universe,” which was the name of a canceled series of Universal Monsters movies, was also trademarked, along with The Oak & Star Tavern, possibly a restaurant.
Super Nintendo World will open with the Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure rides from Universal Studios Japan as well as a Donkey Kong roller-coaster. Guests will enter through a green warp pipe into the enclosed land, just like in Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood.
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