Universal Orlando Says Epic Universe Theme Park Construction Still on Schedule

Super Nintendo World is still scheduled to come to Orlando in 2023, as Universal has confirmed construction plans for its Epic Universe theme park have not been derailed by the shutdown.

There have been concerns among theme park fans about whether or not Universal’s multi-billion dollar expansion would be derailed by the coronavirus outbreak, but this does not seem to be the case at present.

From Channel 13 News…

In a letter to employees last week, Universal Parks & Resorts chairman and CEO Tom Williams shared an update on the status of the company amid the pandemic.

“Our construction projects around the globe—Super Nintendo World in Osaka and Hollywood, Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando and Universal Beijing all remain active and on track under protocols established by government officials and with their support,” Williams wrote.

Disney, on the other hand, has halted all construction on its multiple construction projects around Walt Disney World.

This decision seems to have been made “out of an abundance of caution” or out of a need to save money, as construction continues in Florida despite sat-at-home orders. “Open construction sites” are currently considered an “essential” service.

Universal Can Weather the Storm Better Than Disney?

Theme parks have been particularly hard hit by the closures. Disney is facing an unprecedented crisis in the company’s history, with all of its parks worldwide closed indefinitely.

One advantage that Universal has over Disney is that they are owned by cable giant Comcast. Even during a shutdown, people still have to pay their cable bills. So it’s possible that while Universal will no doubt take a hit during this period, it won’t be as severe as Disney, whose business model depends almost exclusively on crowds (theme parks, movie theaters and sports to name a few.)

Stay tuned to PNP for more on Universal’s plans for Epic Universe as we hear it.

[Source: Channel 13]