Orlando Gears Up for Epic Universe: Excitement and Challenges Ahead
Orlando, Florida – The countdown to the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is well underway, with the theme park scheduled to welcome guests on May 22, 2025. As one of the largest projects Universal has ever undertaken, Epic Universe promises to introduce an array of immersive attractions that could transform the local economy, boosting tourism and creating jobs. However, concerns regarding the park’s impact on Orlando’s already strained infrastructure are emerging, as residents and experts ponder how the city will accommodate the expected surge in visitors.
Major Infrastructure Improvements Underway
Local authorities, alongside Universal, are proactively working to address these challenges. One of the most significant projects in the works is the $315 million Kirkman Road Extension, set to connect Carrier Drive to Universal Boulevard near the Orange County Convention Center. This extension aims to improve traffic flow into the new park and is expected to be completed by late 2024.
Darrell Moody, a public relations and outreach specialist, stated that the extension will allow Kirkman Road to stretch from Sand Lake Road south to Universal Boulevard, accommodating the increased traffic Epic Universe is anticipated to generate. To further manage this influx, an elevated traffic circle will be constructed to help divert vehicles smoothly toward the park entrance. Moody confirmed that the project is expected to be finished in time for Epic Universe’s opening.
Addressing Expected Traffic Patterns
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is also making significant changes in preparation for the park, particularly focusing on reconstructing the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange into a diverging diamond configuration. Moody emphasized that these measures are designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion along this busy corridor.
Community Concerns and Anticipated Disruptions
Residents near the park are understandably concerned about the potential traffic headaches that may arise from the new development. Robin Martinez, a senior majoring in entertainment management at Rosen College of Hospitality Management, expressed her enthusiasm for Epic Universe but acknowledged the challenges that nearby residents, particularly those living around Rosen College, will likely face in the initial months of the park’s operation. “It’s exciting to see new parks like Epic Universe,” Martinez said. “However, residents will encounter disruptions as new parking situations settle and alternative routes are established.”
Impact on Local Colleges
The opening of Epic Universe could also present unforeseen challenges for Rosen College, located in close proximity to the new theme park. The college offers parking permits for $5, which may draw visitors seeking to avoid the higher fees at Epic Universe, currently set at $32. Dr. Stephen Pratt, chair of the Department of Tourism, Events, and Attractions at Rosen College, highlighted the need for the college to create its own parking strategy to ensure accessibility for students amid the expected increases in traffic.
“The university needs to consider how to manage parking alongside the influx of visitors to Universal,” Pratt said. “If our $8 parking remains available, it could attract many parkgoers, making it difficult for students to find parking.”
Long-Term Planning Required
Dr. Ady Milman, a professor chair in tourism management at Rosen College, raised valid concerns about how traffic increases may affect students’ daily commutes and safety. “Increased congestion on Universal Boulevard, Sand Lake Road, and I-4 could disrupt shuttle services between campuses and affect class attendance,” Milman noted. Additionally, he emphasized the heightened risk to pedestrian safety with more vehicles on the road.
As Orlando continues to prepare for the arrival of Epic Universe, the anticipation surrounding the park’s opening remains high, coupled with the pressing need to address potential traffic issues and infrastructure demands. With careful planning and community engagement, the city aims to balance excitement with responsible growth over the coming years.
