Since its grand opening on May 22, 2025, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe has captivated visitors with five elaborate lands steeped in fantasy, gaming, and mythology. Just two weeks in, the park isn’t simply settling in—it’s already peering into the future.
And the possibilities are wide open.
Nestled within Epic Universe is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a vibrant hub for video game icons like Mario, Peach, Donkey Kong, and—if subtle clues are to be believed—Link and Zelda. Guests have begun noticing nods to “The Legend of Zelda,” including a stained-glass window outside the Nintendo Super Star Store featuring Link, Zelda, and Ganon alongside their Mushroom Kingdom neighbors. Inside, a detailed floor mosaic highlights a map of Hyrule, and themed merchandise has quietly made its debut.
Even the “Hero” parking section raises eyebrows with its emblem that bears a strong resemblance to the Master Sword and Hylian Shield.
Yet when asked directly, Epic Universe’s Executive Creative Director Steve Tatham remained measured. “I have no comment about that,” he said in an interview with The Direct. “That’s a beloved character, and the world, and this is called SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, so it includes all things Nintendo… I wouldn’t read too much into that.”
“If people want to speculate, that’s up to them,” he added. “But I hope they focus on what we have been focused on, which is the experiences that are here… There’s plenty to do. We now have a week’s worth of fun and entertainment with four theme parks and 11 resort hotels.”
Whether intentional or not, speculation continues. That’s partly because of Epic Universe’s design, which includes two sizable expansion pads, ripe for future lands. Karen Irwin, President of Universal Orlando, added fuel to the fire by confirming, “We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic.”
If Zelda is indeed on the horizon, it may no longer be heading for the long-rumored Lost Continent area at Islands of Adventure, once suspected to be its destination after Poseidon’s Fury closed. Instead, Hyrule could be born within Epic Universe’s second phase, crafted for rich storytelling—enchanted forests, dark temples, magical relics, and all.
Meanwhile, Universal’s larger ambitions are taking shape across the country—and even the globe. Universal Horror Unleashed, a horror-centric destination in Las Vegas, is moving forward. A Universal Kids Resort will open in Frisco, Texas in 2026, and plans are underway to bring a Universal park to the United Kingdom by 2031.
CEO Mark Woodbury, speaking with CNBC, emphasized the company’s forward momentum. “The future is super bright. There’s a lot of room for expansion… New attractions coming, new intellectual property coming…”
As for Epic Universe today, the park has successfully pulled together IPs that span generations. From the magical world of Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, to the eerie legends of the Classic Monsters and the wonder of Celestial Park, the park is redefining what guests expect from modern themed entertainment—even amid chatter about early refund surges.
Industry analyst Craig Moffett explained this shift in strategy. “In the past, Disney really had the under-10-year-old segment more or less to themselves… The new Epic Universe brings whole worlds to life for younger children.”
With Disney preparing to invest billions into its parks—including a massive Piston Peak project for Magic Kingdom and the development of its first Middle Eastern park—the landscape of theme park entertainment is entering a thrilling new phase.
No longer playing catch-up, Universal is setting the pace. And if the whispers around Zelda become reality, Epic Universe might just be adding a whole new chapter to its own legend.
Let us know what you think about a potential Hyrule-themed land in the comments below!
