Universal Orlando Clears 87-Acre Site Near Epic Universe

Speculation swirls around potential transportation hub or 'CityWalk 2.0' concept for the massive plot of land.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:51pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping architecture and forced perspectives of a large-scale transportation hub or entertainment complex, conveying a sense of grandeur and vision without any specific details.An artist's rendering envisions the grand scale and bold design of Universal's mysterious new 87-acre development project near Epic Universe.Today in Orlando

Universal Orlando has cleared an 87.2-acre site along Universal Boulevard near International Drive in Orlando, Florida, sparking speculation about a potential new development project. The site is located less than 2 miles from Universal's upcoming Epic Universe park, leading to theories it could be connected to a transportation hub or an expansion of the existing CityWalk entertainment district.

Why it matters

The scale of the cleared land, which rivals the footprints of Universal CityWalk, Epic Universe, and Disney Springs, suggests Universal is planning something substantial. This could reshape the family-oriented entertainment corridor around International Drive and further cement Orlando's status as a global theme park destination.

The details

Aerial footage shows the 87.2-acre site has been cleared, with a Topgolf and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando already present on the land. Universal has not officially commented on the project, but the proximity to Epic Universe and the recent vote by the Orlando-area Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District to potentially work with Elon Musk's The Boring Company on 'transportation infrastructure improvements' has fueled speculation about a possible transportation hub or tunnel system connecting the new park to CityWalk.

  • In early 2026, the Orlando-area Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District voted on commissioning Elon Musk's The Boring Company for 'transportation infrastructure improvements'.
  • The 87.2-acre site along Universal Boulevard was recently cleared, though the exact timeline is unclear.

The players

Universal Orlando Resort

A theme park resort complex owned and operated by NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. It includes the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as the CityWalk entertainment complex.

Epic Universe

Universal's upcoming fourth theme park in Orlando, currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2025.

The Boring Company

An infrastructure and tunnel construction services company founded by Elon Musk, known for projects like the Las Vegas Loop.

Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District

A special district in the Orlando area that oversees transportation and utility infrastructure projects.

Topgolf

A global sports entertainment company that operates high-tech golf entertainment complexes.

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What’s next

The Orlando-area Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District will continue to work on the potential transportation infrastructure improvements, which could provide more clues about Universal's plans for the 87-acre site.

The takeaway

The scale and location of the newly cleared land near Universal's Epic Universe park suggest the company is planning a major new development that could significantly expand the family-friendly entertainment options along the International Drive corridor in Orlando.