Universal Orlando Resort: Comcast Submits Plans To Expand
The process of growing the Universal Orlando Resort begins.
According to News 13, Comcast have begun the process to expand their Universal Orlando Resort.
The news outlet is reporting that the company are seeking theme park zoning approval from Orange County. If agreed, this would allow Comcast to build not just theme parks but also restaurants and hotels.
Earlier in the year Comcast paid $130 million for approximately 474 acres of land just along Universal Boulevard. This massive piece of land could fit the both of the company's current parks in... twice.
This area of land offers a massive opportunity for Universal Orlando Resort to grow and expand. The area could easily fit in a third theme park will additional hotels and shopping resort.
As of yet there has been no announcements as to what they intend to do with the land. When confirming the purchase Comcast suggested that they have no immediate plans for the area. The Orlando Business Journal quoted them in saying "the land is a real strategic acquisition for long term down the road."
It sure will be interesting to see what happens with the land. A third park would continue Universal Orlando Resort's desire to grow and build. In the next two years Universal will be opening a new hotel, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon, Fast and Furious Supercharged and a brand new water park called Volcano Bay.
As this new land purchase isn't attached to their current parks, Universal will need to work out how they will transport guests between the new and existing areas. Perhaps a fleet of Universal buses will be brought in to transport guests, similar to what is planned for Volcano Bay?
The land which currently occupies Wet 'n Wild Orlando will also be free for development soon. The water park is scheduled to close for good on December 31st. As of yet there has been no announcement as to what the company intend to do with the water park when it shuts.
Universal fans will be waiting eagerly to find out just exactly what the company have planned with this massive piece of real estate.