Universal’s 90-Acre Mystery: What’s Being Built Near Epic Universe?

Something big is happening right across the street — and Universal hasn’t said a word about it.

Land clearing has officially started on a nearly 90-acre parcel along Universal Boulevard, located just west of Epic Universe near Topgolf and Andretti Indoor Karting. Crews are actively moving dirt, laying mesh material across flattened land, and bringing in fill by the truckload. This isn’t speculative anymore. The boots are on the ground.

What exactly Universal plans to build on this West Parcel is still unknown — but the scale of what’s happening right now gives us a lot to work with.

Quick Summary

• Active land clearing is underway on an 87.2-acre parcel along Universal Boulevard
• A March 2026 permit approved the import of 175,000 cubic yards of clean fill material
• The current drainage and grading work permit expires December 15, 2030
• Possible uses include a water park, hotel complex, transit hub, or future entertainment district
• A tree buffer between the parcel and Topgolf is being preserved for now — but full removal is planned

What’s Actually Happening on the Ground Right Now

Current permits are for the grading of a 35-acre section along the south side of the parcel, to support future development on an 87.2-acre parcel along Universal Boulevard. Land clearing is active and mesh material is being laid down on the flattened land — this is full-scale prep work, not light maintenance.

A March 10, 2026 permit approves the import of approximately 175,000 cubic yards of clean fill material. That’s an enormous volume — the kind you bring in when you need to raise or shape land significantly before building on it. Orange barricades are also wrapped around existing utility connections and drainage infrastructure, marking them for the next phases.

How Far Does This Land Actually Reach?

Larger than you’d expect. The nearly 90-acre parcel is located just on the other side of Universal Boulevard from the back entrance to the Orlando Eye’s entertainment plaza, ICON Park. A section of trees has been retained to buffer Universal’s property from nearby Topgolf — but permit communications confirm Universal’s plan eventually includes the removal of all trees within the property.

The Timeline Universal Is Working With

The current permits list an expiration date five years from issuance — meaning Universal has until December 15, 2030 to complete this phase of the project. That’s a long runway, which suggests whatever goes here is a major, multi-phase build — not something going up quickly.

What Could This 90 Acres Become?

The actual theme park areas of Epic Universe itself aren’t much larger than this nearly 90-acre West Parcel. So we’re talking about a significant chunk of developable land. Here are the most credible possibilities:

A New Water Park or Universal Kids Park — Universal has the demand, and this location gives easy access from the broader resort.

A Hotel Complex — The parcel sits roughly between Epic Universe and Endless Summer Resort, making it ideal for a mid-corridor hotel strip serving both parks.

A Transit Hub — Universal’s special district is actively negotiating with The Boring Company for a tunnel transit system. This parcel sits directly along the path connecting the southern resort areas to the northern ones near CityWalk.

A Future Entertainment District — A CityWalk-style district here would also free up the current Epic Universe parking lot for a potential future fourth park.

None of these are confirmed. But a parcel this large doesn’t get 175,000 cubic yards of fill and a 2030 permit timeline for something small. Whatever Universal is planning, they’re playing a long game — and they’ve already started the clock.

This is one of the most interesting stories in Universal’s pipeline right now. We’ll keep tracking every permit and update. Follow DisMornings so you don’t miss anything.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!