Orange County

Universal Orlando Resort resumes construction on Epic Universe, resort’s fourth theme park

The company that owns Universal Orlando announced Thursday work on the resort’s new theme park “Epic Universe” will remain paused indefinitely. (Universal Orlando Resort)

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort announced Wednesday that work is resuming on Epic Universe, which will be the company’s fourth park in Orlando.

Universal paused construction on Epic Universe in July 2020 due to the pandemic.

The company said work will restart immediately, but it is “expected to take several months before reaching full-speed as Universal re-staffs for the project and reassembles its vendor and contractor teams.”

READ: Universal pauses construction on new Epic Universe theme park

Universal said the restart will result in hundreds of new jobs within the company and across Central Florida.

The project will also create more than 14,000 permanent jobs.

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“We are excited to begin work on Epic Universe again and for what this moment means for our industry, our community, our business and our team members,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO for Universal Parks & Resorts. “Our confidence in our collective future is as strong as ever.”

READ: Universal Orlando announces ‘epic’ new theme park

Epic Universe will feature a new theme park, an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more, according to Universal.

The park will be located a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current theme parks.

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“Our vision for Epic Universe is historic,” Williams said at the time the project was announced. “It will build on everything we have done and become the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created.”

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Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.

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