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As Universal Orlando prepares to launch its new “Epic Universe” theme park in Summer of 2025, the new theme park is now given advantage in creating their environment. We will explain this new perk for Universal for you here.
New Theme Park
Universal Orlando gave theme park goers something truly groundbreaking when it introduced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Now, Universal Orlando is working on Epic Universe, an entirely NEW theme park, which will join Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure when it opens in 2025.
According to Mark Woodbury, Universal CEO, “Epic is really the driver of that full-week transformation to really make us the destination of choice in Orlando for families with kids eight and above.” Check out details on the new Epic Universe theme park HERE.
The New Universal Orlando Perk
Universal Orlando has been given approval for a special tax district and development area encompassing over 700 acres. This special district will be called the Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District. Board members will be comprised ONLY of Universal employees. This seems very much like the old Reedy Creek District that was run by Disney prior to the Disney vs DeSantis battles.
The District is expected to provide $174 million to improve its infrastructure. This improved infrastructure includes a commuter rail that will travel between Orlando International Airport and the International Drive area near the upcoming Epic Universal theme park.
KtP: This commuter rail could create a huge advantage over Walt Disney World as it will provide direct, inexpensive transportation directly to the Universal Orlando resort. Walt Disney World removed their complimentary “Magical Express” bus service and guests now have to pay a high fee for bus or car transportation.
Universal Orlando has been given approval for a tax district and development area encompassing over 700 acres. This new district is comprised of multiple landowners and is allowed to enact higher local taxes.
Orange County Statement
Orange County Mayor, Jerry L. Demings, made the following statement after approving the new district: “In order to solve our transportation woes as a county, as a region, it will require public-private partnerships.”
Last year, Mayor Demings added a penny-per-dollar sales tax increase to improve transit options in Central Florida. Deming shares that Universal is being part of the solution.
In order to solve our transportation woes as a county, as a region, it will require public-private partnerships.
Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor
What do you think about this new district? Are you looking forward to the opening of Epic Universe? Please let us know in the comments and share this post with a friend.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
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Phillip
Thursday 12th of October 2023
Remember when Desantis said (in response to taking away Reedy Creek)
“Why is it fair that one company gets these privileges and others don’t?”
The implication being that Desantis was just trying to bring Disney down to the same level as all other companies in Florida. But Disney’s lawsuit is based on the idea that Desantis weaponized the government against Disney exclusively, and unfairly. So…yeah. This will 100% be looked at by Disney’s lawyers, and won’t fair well with Desantis.
Joe
Wednesday 11th of October 2023
Awesome
Linda
Wednesday 11th of October 2023
This is great news! It will greatly help the employees of Universal.