As Universal Destinations & Experiences makes waves with global developments, Central Florida remains at the heart of it all, and the original Universal Orlando Resort is seeing some changes of its own.
Over at Universal Studios Florida, an important pathway has recently been closed. The bridge connecting the Diagon Alley section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Springfield, home of The Simpsons, is currently off-limits to guests. The structure has been taken down to its framework as refurbishment work progresses. During this period, visitors heading from Diagon Alley to Springfield are being rerouted past Men in Black: Alien Attack.
Just a short distance away, Universal Epic Universe officially opened its gates on May 22. Marking the third theme park for the Universal Orlando Resort, Epic Universe has quickly become a centerpiece of the destination’s growth. Among its major lands are How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and the highly anticipated SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, each offering state-of-the-art attractions and rich environments that pull guests into the heart of beloved franchises.
And there’s more to come. Early plans for future phases of Epic Universe reportedly include an area based on The Legend of Zelda, adding another beloved Nintendo title to the mix.
Even as Epic Universe makes headlines, the classic Universal parks remain essential for fans. Thrill-seekers continue to line up for rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster, while fans of all ages find comfort in timeless experiences with Harry Potter and The Simpsons.
Universal’s ambitions aren’t limited to Florida. In Texas, the family-focused Universal Kids Resort is currently in development in Frisco. Meanwhile, horror-themed experiences are set to rise in both Las Vegas and Chicago under the Universal Horror Unleashed banner.
Internationally, NBCUniversal is eyeing a massive project in the United Kingdom. Proposed for Bedfordshire, Universal Great Britain (working title) could become the company’s first European theme park. The project is expected to include storytelling from franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Paddington, James Bond, and Back to the Future, showcasing Universal’s broad entertainment legacy.
As Universal expands its offerings at home and abroad, the transformation of its parks–both new and old–continues to shape the guest experience.
What do you think of the temporary bridge closure at Universal Studios Florida? Let us know in the comments below!
