“We are already planning the next thing at Epic.”
What’s opening this May is just a speck in Universal’s cosmic scale, but to hear Karen Irwin, president & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, say plans are in motion for further expansion at Universal Epic Universe has me over the moon.
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Hi friends, it’s Haley, here with the latest Epic Universe news as we count down the days until park opening.
When Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park was first announced in August 2019, we learned then the park would not take up the entire acreage.
Fast forward to today and looking at newly-taken aerial shots of Epic Universe in operation for Universal Team Member previews, we can pick out areas for potential expansion near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Stardust Racers, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Super Nintendo World.
So what is “the next thing” or “things” at Epic Universe?
Universal hasn’t given any hints. Attractions come to mind, particularly putting more at Ministry of Magic and Super Nintendo World.
There’s also potential for more parking and another Universal CityWalk-type strip.
In the meantime, we’ve got portals to explore.
Universal Orlando
Next-gen wands 🪄
If you’re looking for an immersive experience at Universal Orlando Resort, wands are where it’s at.
Nearly two months before the next Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens, second-generation interactive wands are now on sale.
These wands will have a touch more of magic in them, including a wand burst icon. For a more elaborate experience, you can also connect to Universal Play within the Universal Orlando Resort App.
These wands will be available at all the Wizarding Worlds, including Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, which will have its own line of wands too.
Legoland Florida
Let’s play 🧱
Another bricktastic festival is in the works at Legoland Florida Resort.
Legoland Florida will be one of seven resorts worldwide hosting the inaugural LEGO Festival, featuring five interactive zones and 49 all-new LEGO builds.
Click here to see when the fun starts.
Walt Disney World
An “UP”date on Bakso 🐅🐕
SQUIRRELL!.... TIGER!
Bakso, the Sumatran tiger, has been drawing crowds and characters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ever since he made his debut in January.
On a recent outing on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, Dug, Russell, and Carl from Disney Pixar’s “Up” said “hi” to Bakso and his mom, Sohni. The encounter highlights the park’s Wilderness Explorers Program, which allows families to connect with nature and learn about conservation.
Welcome to spring 🪷
Ready for some EPCOT eye candy?
I can never have a fill of all the floral displays at the International Florida and Garden Festival. This year, Disney World is celebrating 30 years of the springtime festival, which kicked off this week.
Topiaries are peppered throughout the park, including a brand new “Moana 2″-themed display at the park entrance.
There’s plenty of themed food offerings and a lengthy lineup for the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
More eats and beats 🍽️
The festival season lives on in Florida.
Today marks the opening of the 2025 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival.
Guests can find and dine at culinary cabins. There’s also a pretty decent concert lineup to look at.
Thanks for reading through the latest edition of In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops.
I can say a lot of Epic news will ramp up this month.
If you have any theme park news or rumors, connect to me by email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.
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