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What’s coming to Universal in 2021 and beyond

At Orlando Informer, we work diligently to keep information up to date. This page was last updated on January 4, 2021.

Since 2012, one of the most striking characteristics of Universal Orlando Resort has been its ever-changing roster of attractions; thanks to the phenomenal success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the unceasing drive of Comcast, NBCUniversal’s corporate parent, not a single year has gone by without a new experience of one sort or another debuting, whether that be a ride, restaurant, store, or hotel.

It can be a lot to keep track of, especially with a whole new parcel of land being developed – including a whole new theme park, Epic Universe, along with it. But don’t worry! Every announced addition, expansion, or replacement is listed here, starting with this year, 2021, and then moving on into the near future.

Given everything that has transpired last decade and everything that’s lined up for this one, we can honestly say this is the single most exciting time in Universal’s history – yes, even with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has injected some uncertainty into the future-attraction proceedings. (For example, Epic Universe’s expected opening date got pushed back from 2023 to some indefinite point in the future.)

Skip to: Islands of Adventure | Epic Universe

Islands of Adventure

Universal’s first non-Studios-branded park in the world hasn’t seen anywhere near the amount of attention as its counterpart has next door, but that doesn’t mean it’s been left alone; what construction projects it’s received have tended to be on the more impactful side, such as adding whole new islands on the map or replacing long-lived (and massive) rides.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Opening: summer 2021
Location: Jurassic Park

The most extreme ride experience Universal has yet crafted for any of its five theme parks anywhere in the world, Jurassic Park VelociCoaster is a massive roller coaster that will have guests race alongside a pack of velociraptors. Beyond its top speeds of 70 mph and its mammoth 155-foot hill (replete with an 80-degree drop), expect the attraction to also feature the core cast of the Jurassic World film franchise.

You can find out everything there is to know about the VelociCoaster on our guide page.

Epic Universe

The fourth theme park at Universal Orlando has currently – and indefinitely – been put on hold, due to the worldwide economic difficulties brought about by COVID-19. Still, here is what we do know about one of Universal’s biggest projects yet: it will be erected on the recently acquired south campus of the resort, which is located some 10 or 15 minutes away from the other parks and CityWalk. The concept art that has been released suggests that there will be four themed lands, but only one has, thus far, been revealed: Super Nintendo World, the potential game-changing addition that was first installed at Universal Studios Japan on February 4, 2021.

Epic Universe concept art
Epic Universe concept art

Although Epic Universe was originally announced to bow sometime in 2023, there is, as of now, no updated opening window.

The swath of real estate that the new theme park will sit on actually has a long and convoluted history with Universal, and you can read all about it here.

Do you have a question about Universal’s newest additions? Please let us know by posting in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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