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Universal Orlando Announces Massive Expansion With Latest ‘Epic Universe' Park

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  • Earlier this summer, Universal also debuted a new ride based on the Harry Potter property, which had fans waiting for hours to ride it.

There's a new salvo in Orlando's theme park wars as Universal Orlando Resort announced its latest expansion plans on Thursday and, as most experts predicted, a new theme park is coming.

At a press conference that featured numerous officials that included Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced 'Epic Universe' as the newest theme park under the brand.

Roberts would not give exact details during the press conference, but did say that the additions would make Florida the largest state in terms of employees for the company with early estimates saying as many as 14,000 jobs could be filled.

The resort already operates Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as the Volcano Bay water park, in Orlando.

Universal recently has been acquiring hundreds of acres of land near Orlando's convention center.

Universal's announcement comes weeks ahead of the planned opening of a Star Wars land at rival Walt Disney World. An identical land opened earlier this summer at sister park Disneyland in California

Earlier this summer, Universal also debuted a new ride based on the Harry Potter property, which had fans waiting for hours to ride it.

Universal Orlando is owned by Comcast and NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC and WTVJ-TV.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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