We know the new earthwork is sizable and related to Universal development, but details on the project are still unknown.
Bioreconstruct Spots Mass Grading at Universal Orlando Resort
Aerial photographer bioreconstruct has caught one of the earliest stages of development on some form of expansion coming to Univeral Epic Universe.
Dump trucks have been spotted unloading sand over a very large area of land owned by Universal and located to the southeast of the park proper. The property is immediately adjacent to a Topgolf facility and across the road from Pointe Plaza Ave.
Dump trucks have been spotted unloading sand over a very large area of land owned by Universal and located to the northeast of the park proper. The property is immediately adjacent to a Topgolf facility and across the road from Pointe Plaza Ave.
Dumping large quantities of sand on a given construction site is typically known as “mass grading”. Large sites are often covered with a broad layer of sand due to its use as a grading (leveling or sloping work on natural uneven terrain), drainage, and load-distribution material.
The mass quantity of sand primarily serves to create a level working platform. Large construction projects, namely new theme park projects, typically start on new plots of rough, uneven ground, and sand can be spread and shaped quickly to bring the site to the proper elevation before roads, utilities, or foundations go in. It also helps crews control the exact slope of the site so water flows where engineers want.
Sand also helps with drainage, allowing for ease of water flow and lowering the risk of muddy conditions interfering with construction efforts. This is especially relevant in subtropical environments like Central Florida, where major developments are built on naturally sandy ground already. In those cases, sand is both part of the native condition and a practical imported fill material.
An attached low-lying area is also seen through these photos connected to the larger land spur. Sand filling has not commenced on this area yet, though it appears likely based on the earthwork already visible.
The area featured in these photos does not appear to align with earlier permits or reports we’ve seen regarding Universal Expansion. Just last month, we did see a permit filed for mass grading specifically related to a new attraction, located elsewhere on property. Apart from Epic Universe, the area featured in these photos is comparatively distant from other central Universal Orlando Resort properties – the land is actually closer to the Orange County Convention Center and SeaWorld Orlando.
You can check out a short clip of the sand work in motion from bioreconstruct embedded below:
Aerial video of site preparation in a spur of the Epic Universe property.
Only Universal knows the plan. It’s a large site! The acreage spans (across Universal Blvd) between The Wheel at ICON Park and Pointe Plaza Ave.
Second clip is a street view. pic.twitter.com/gK3Qw1hI9D
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 4, 2026
Have you had the chance to visit Epic Universe yet? Tell us about your experience on social media.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.