In a city known for conjuring dragons, dinosaurs, and DeLoreans, the wildest ride might soon be underground.
Universal Orlando Resort is reportedly in talks to build a tunnel system under International Drive—and it’s not doing it alone. According to Orlando Business Journal, the company is exploring a partnership with none other than Elon Musk’s Boring Company to connect its two campuses.
It’s a bold idea, even by theme park standards. It’s also one that has sparked debate – and the logistical challenges may be as daunting as any ride queue at peak season.
The Problem With Universal Orlando Resort’s Layout
For all of Universal Orlando’s immersive appeal, one thing sets it apart from Disney: distance. Walt Disney World’s massive footprint offers a contained, transportation-friendly “bubble” experience. Once inside, guests can rely on a network of buses, boats, monorails, and gondolas to travel between hotels, parks, and restaurants.
Universal, however, has a geographic gap it hasn’t solved. Its new Epic Universe park, home to attractions like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Dark Universe, is located on its southern campus—miles away from the main north campus, which houses Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.
That separation requires guests to leave Universal’s property entirely to move between parks, which could complicate multi-park trips and reduce the appeal of staying on-site. It’s a clear disadvantage, and Universal seems keen to fix it.
Enter Elon Musk
Universal is reportedly considering a Vegas-style underground loop system in partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company. Similar to the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, the project would involve tunneling beneath International Drive and shuttling guests between campuses in Tesla vehicles.
The Boring Company’s most high-profile project to date is the Vegas Loop, which opened in 2021. The twin tunnels, lined with Tesla vehicles operated by employees, are intended to evolve into a fully autonomous, high-speed transport system. A similar plan is underway in Dubai, with a 10.6-mile Loop now in development to ease the city’s traffic.
Orlando business leaders tell @OBJUpdate Universal Orlando may be looking to partner with Elon Musk’s Boring Co. on a “Vegas Loop”-style tunnel along International Drive.
Orlando business leaders tell @OBJUpdate Universal Orlando may be looking to partner with Elon Musk’s Boring Co. on a “Vegas Loop”-style tunnel along International Drive. pic.twitter.com/eYJqhb12s9
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 11, 2025
But the Boring Company hasn’t been without controversy. In early 2024, it was fined $112,000 by OSHA for workplace safety violations. It also landed on the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health’s “Dirty Dozen” list of the year’s worst safety offenders. Oversight has since increased, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority now monitors safety on-site.
Fans Aren’t Convinced—And Point to Florida’s Unique Challenges
Not everyone is on board with the idea of Teslas zooming beneath Orlando’s swamplands. Fans online have raised concerns about Florida’s high water table, which makes underground construction notoriously complex and flood-prone.
“There’s a reason why Florida doesn’t have subways,” one user noted.
Some suggested alternative transport models that are already proven within theme parks. “Honestly, just copy Disney and do a Skyliner between north and south campus,” one fan wrote. “Go between Harry Potter areas and call it a [Floo]. I dunno… That seems a lot easier and quicker.”
Others pointed to more traditional infrastructure. “How about some sort of elevated train instead?” another user asked. “Maybe a high-capacity monorail?”
There are also questions about long-term efficiency. The Vegas Loop has faced criticism for limited capacity and reliance on human drivers, though future updates promise autonomous tech.
Still, even the speculation around such a project is a clear signal: Universal isn’t content to let geography limit its growth. With Epic Universe set to open in 2025, solving the transport challenge is becoming more urgent—and Universal appears willing to explore options as futuristic as the attractions it’s building.
Whether Orlando’s terrain and infrastructure can support the Loop concept remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: theme park transportation may soon look very different.
Do you think a Loop system is a good idea in Orlando?
