© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Universal Building An ‘Epic’ Theme Park That Will Bring 14,000 Jobs To Orlando

Universal Orlando announced they’re building a new Epic Universe-made up of themed lands and a resort-to the south of its current properties.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Universal Orlando announced they’re building a new Epic Universe-made up of themed lands and a resort-to the south of its current properties.";

Universal Orlando announced they’re building a new Epic Universe-made up of themed lands and a resort-to the south of its current properties.

CEO Tom Williams wouldn’t say much about what visitors can expect from Epic Universe - or even when it will open when asked at the Orange County Convention Center on Thursday.

The map of where the new park will be located.
Credit UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
The map of where the new park will be located.

“It would blow you away, but I’m not going to. It really would. But we will over time on our website. We’ll have epic reveals.” 

But Williams did say the park will create more than 14,000 high-tech jobs.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said these jobs which will pay a minimum of $15 dollars an hour will contribute to the growth of the I-4 corridor.

“I mean it’s great to see that there’s going to be thousands of jobs available. Even some of the ones at the bottom are going to start at a good rate and I know many of those jobs will be much more than that.”

Universal Orlando has contributed more than $160 million to support the Kirkman road expansion that will help visitors move between its properties.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says the project will improve transportation options for local commuters as well.

“The extension of the project will connect Carrier Drive on the North all the way to the Convention Center on the South. This road extension will improve regional mobility in this area and increase local accessibility to the transportation network.”

Demings says the County is opening a permitting office to expedite the work the engineers, skilled tradespeople, and construction workers will do on the site.

Universal has two theme parks in Orlando: Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Islands of Adventure and a water park, Volcano Bay.

Sketch of the new park which will contain themed lands, and hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Credit UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Sketch of the new park which will contain themed lands, and hotels, restaurants, and shops.

You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.