It’s been less than a year since Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe opened in Orlando, and there’s new buzz at a construction site nearby that fans are speculating about. So far, it appears land has simply been cleared, so there are no public confirmations on plans for the site just yet.
However, fans are lobbing guesses as to what the mystery project could be, with many speculating it will be home to a new hotel.
Photos by aerial photographer @bioreconstruct show that the plot is adjacent to Orlando Topgolf and Andretti Racing — meaning it would be a short drive or bus ride from Epic Universe. It’s also close to two Universal resorts: Stella Nova and Terra Luna.
Crews Spotted Clearing Nearly 90 Acres Near Epic Universe
Local news outlet WESH 2 reported that crews have started clearing a parcel of just over 87 acres of land near Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe park — home of the Super Nintendo World “land”— sparking speculation that another major expansion could already be underway.
The land sits close to Epic Universe, which opened in 2025 as the resort’s fourth theme park and its biggest expansion in decades. According to local reporting, workers were observed clearing trees and preparing the site, but the company hasn’t announced what the property will be used for.
“It’s a large project, and I think it’s exciting to see something happening, especially so close to Epic Universe, and not know exactly what it is, yet,” said Alicia Stella, from Orlando Park Stop, to WESH 2.
Although Universal hasn’t confirmed its plans for the site, that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating and even making suggestions for what they think would make the theme park even better.
Speculation Is Growing About Universal Orlando Resort’s Mystery Project
Because the newly cleared land sits just west of Epic Universe, many believe it could be used for future park expansions or a new Universal resort. Large-scale resort developments are typically planned years ahead of time, so securing nearby land early is a common practice.
According to land permits examined by Theme Park Stop, a mesh material is being laid down onto the cleared land. Photos also show infrastructure for some sort of water connections. The entire parcel reaches down Universal Boulevard to just across the street from the Orlando Eye, one of the most photo-worthy spots in Orlando besides Disney.
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While some have speculated a hotel will go on the site, Theme Park Stop points out that its location could make it “prime real estate for some sort of midway transit hub for Universal Orlando.” We already know that Universal’s Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District is reportedly working on a transit system with The Boring Company. The system would essentially connect all the different Universal parks and resorts.
Theme Park Stop also says that if that is the end goal, it leaves a large parcel connected to Epic Universe available for future projects — perhaps even an additional park. Only time will tell. Fans in the comment section were quick to share their ideas, though.
When Universal first revealed details about Epic Universe, Universal’s CEO told USA Today, “This will be the exciting culmination of our amazing growth over the past 30-plus years and will transform Universal Orlando into a weeklong vacation destination filled with the most thrilling experiences imaginable!”
Universal has been steadily increasing its footprint around Epic Universe, its fourth park, with additional land permits for mystery projects. That means Epic Universe could trigger a new wave of tourism growth in the area, making the surrounding land especially valuable for future attractions.
Universal Is Proving To Be A Growing Competitor For Disney World
The clearing activity linked to Universal has fans buzzing because of how Epic Universe seems to be reshaping Orlando’s theme-park landscape. Epic Universe has already introduced lands themed around Nintendo, Harry Potter, and other major franchises, positioning Universal as a strong competitor to Walt Disney World.
Although Disney World is a GOAT in the world of theme parks, it has seen some trouble lately. Last year, Disney’s CEO responded to frustrated park guests concerned that its parks had become too expensive, and guests were also on edge after several tragic deaths at Disney World in 2025.
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Franchise-themed amusement parks are in hot demand — consider the buzz surrounding Arizona’s Barbie World at Mattel Adventure Park as an example. Theme-park expansions often begin quietly well before official announcements. The added benefit to that is stirring up hype and excitement among fans.
“I’m never going to say no to more theme parks, to more attractions, to more rides, to more anything,” Stella told WESH
Many Epic Universe fans online share the belief that the project is probably for a new resort or transit hub, or maybe both. Meanwhile, other fans have their fingers crossed for specific concepts, like a Zelda-themed land or a reimagined CityWalk.
One thing’s for sure, though — less than a year after Epic Universe’s opening, Universal already appears to have big plans for what comes next. While there’s already plenty of things to do in Orlando other than Disney, this is surely a sign that Orlando’s theme-park competition is far from slowing down.