Universal Orlando Updates Construction Status of Epic Universe, Affordable Housing and Dreamworks Land

Last week, Universal Orlando’s Jeff Polk, Vice President and General Manager of Epic Universe, made a presentation as part of the I-4 Commercial Conference hosted by SVN Saunders in Lakeland, Florida. During his presentation, Polk updated the attendees on the status of Epic Universe, Dreamworks Land, and the upcoming affordable housing project.

Epic Universe

Polk indicated that 85 buildings were currently under construction, with a crew of 6,000 workers getting it done on the 750-acre property. He also joked that there were miles of cable being laid, saying, “It’s very heavily under construction. I think we have enough cable on the ground to get you to the West Coast and back.”

Interestingly enough, while Universal is building a new park on 750 acres, Disney recently announced that they only had 1,000 acres available in total to do various projects. So, we likely won’t see a fifth gate at Walt Disney World.

No other information was given on attractions coming to the area.

Large-scale infrastructure like this requires meticulous planning to accommodate both the immediate demands of the construction phase and the long-term needs of visitors and operations. The infrastructure being laid now will serve as the foundation for future expansion, traffic flow, and guest satisfaction, making it essential that every element—from underground wiring to surface paving—is executed with precision.

One critical aspect of such large-scale projects is the durability and functionality of driveways and access roads. Proper paving and concrete work are crucial for creating high-traffic areas that can withstand the weight of heavy construction vehicles and ongoing park operations.

Reliable concrete driveway repair services play a key role in ensuring these surfaces remain smooth, safe, and capable of handling constant use. A well-maintained concrete driveway not only improves the aesthetics of a property but also enhances safety by reducing the risk of cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces.

Investing in expert concrete services ensures that both the construction phase and future park operations will run smoothly, minimizing disruptions and maintaining a positive visitor experience.

Here is a look at the status of the area from @bioreconstruct on X (Twitter)

Current paint in a section of Troller Coaster. In DreamWorks land. pic.twitter.com/Eu1hfDmUgS

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 20, 2023

Dreamworks Land

Polk indicated that they were seeing a lot of success with the new Minions area and are “leveraging those little yellow guys because they are very popular.” This is leading into the new Dreamworks Land area, replacing the old KidZone.

The new area is set to open in 2024 with attractions based on “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” “Shrek,” “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda” (which has a new film coming out soon.)

@bioreconstruct on X has a look at the progress of this area:

Aerial photo of a section of DreamWorks land construction. pic.twitter.com/k4cN09Fzf7

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 15, 2023

Aerial overview of DreamWorks land construction. pic.twitter.com/Qzxf4nZ8D3

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 15, 2023

Aerial photos of construction in DreamWorks land. The back-most section. Much of it remaining from when this was a section of KidZone. pic.twitter.com/o3VNSU4qS2

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 15, 2023

Current paint in a section of Troller Coaster. In DreamWorks land. pic.twitter.com/Eu1hfDmUgS

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 20, 2023

Affordable Housing

Another important construction project Universal Orlando is starting soon is their new Catchlight Crossings, affordable housing location.

Polk indicated that the new area will have 1,000 units of affordable housing with a groundbreaking on the 34-acre site in the next 60 days.

The apartments will be constructed by Wendover Housing Partners. The units will start at $466 a month and will be available to the public and Universal employees.

However, for those looking to build a home tailored to their specific needs, working with a custom home builder offers a unique opportunity.

Custom-built homes provide flexibility in design, allowing homeowners to choose layouts, materials, and features that suit their lifestyle.

This approach ensures a personalized living space that balances functionality and style.

Selecting the right builder is essential for bringing a dream home to life.

Experienced builders focus on quality craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and innovative design solutions.

Whether it’s a modern, open-concept home or a classic architectural style, partnering with professionals ensures that every detail is executed to perfection.

For those considering this path, it’s important to research reputable companies and explore available options.

To learn more about trusted custom home builders, click here to discover what Cambridge Homes has to offer.

Beyond design and construction, a custom-built home provides long-term benefits such as durability and energy savings.

While affordable housing initiatives play a vital role in meeting community needs, custom home building remains an excellent option for those who want a space uniquely designed to fit their vision and future goals.

One of the most crucial aspects of any home is the kitchen—often considered the heart of the household. This is where Spazio Interni Kitchens comes into play, offering expertly crafted, high-end Italian cabinetry and design solutions that seamlessly blend beauty with practicality.

Whether it’s a sleek, modern kitchen with custom storage or a warm, inviting space perfect for entertaining, Spazio Interni ensures that every detail is thoughtfully designed.

By integrating premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and timeless craftsmanship, they help homeowners create kitchens that enhance both daily routines and overall home value, making luxury and functionality effortlessly coexist.

Polk explained that they want to bring guests to new parks but also support infrastructure for their team members and the area:

“We are investing heavily not only in new parks, new things to bring people here, but investing in infrastructure for our own team members. One of the things we are really focusing on is affordable housing… and we think this is going to be a game-changer in terms of how we can deliver, from a corporate standpoint, a better contribution to what our community needs in the space of affordable housing.”

Disney has also announced affordable housing projects, with construction beginning next year.

That is the current status of Universal Orlando construction projects according to Jeff Polk.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Source: Orlando Sentinel, Our friend Gina