Universal Orlando has quietly filed a major new construction permit for Epic Universe, and it could signal the first brand-new attraction coming to the park since opening day. Even better, the size and location of the work match the giant expansion plot inside the Wizarding World – and early estimates say the structure could be as large as Battle at the Ministry.
Here’s everything we know so far.
A 150,000 Square-Foot Permit Points To Something Big
Universal filed a new permit with Orange County this month labeled “site utilities and foundation work” for Epic Universe. That alone isn’t unusual, but the project size absolutely is:
150,000 square feet.
That’s far beyond the size of recent backstage work and large enough to accommodate a full-scale dark ride. Theme park watchers instantly noticed that the listed square footage aligns almost perfectly with the Wizarding World expansion plot next to Wizarding Paris.
If this permit is indeed for that expansion pad, the entrance would likely sit along the right side of the land, potentially hidden behind one of the Parisian facades like the themed French Ministry frontage.
Adding fuel to the fire, new contractor trailers were also permitted at “Rico’s Ranch,” the modular office zone directly behind the Wizarding World expansion pad. This is typically where Universal stages teams ahead of major projects.
Between the large building footprint and the arrival of contractor support space, all signs point to something significant starting soon.
Could This Finally Be A Full-Scale Broomstick Ride?
Rumors of a new Wizarding World attraction have circulated for years, especially after a canceled 2019 concept for a VR broomstick ride that was planned to sit in this same location but at a much smaller 100,000 sq ft footprint.
This new building?
Over 50 percent larger.
With this much real estate, fans speculate Universal may be skipping VR entirely and instead building a tracked broomstick attraction with physical sets, similar to a suspended simulator with real environments.
There are even patents to support this:
• A Universal patent for a suspended, swinging ride system resembling a broomstick flight
• A new hybrid attraction patent from Mack Rides combining trackless movement with coaster sections
Fans have also noted the Quidditch World Cup signage inside Wizarding Paris, wondering if it’s been hinting at a future story experience all along.
Whatever the attraction becomes, a ride of this size would help alleviate the huge crowds at Battle at the Ministry, which is currently carrying most of the load for the land.
While Universal has confirmed they are working on Epic Universe expansion, the size of this permit, the location, and the activity behind the scenes all point toward Epic Universe’s first major expansion project. If it truly is a new Wizarding World attraction, it could be one of the largest additions Universal has ever made to a Harry Potter land.
We’ll be following every permit, construction milestone, and rumor as this project develops. Be sure to check back (or join the newsletter) for updates as soon as they drop.
