Big plans could be in the making for a huge Universal Orlando expansion.
- Comcast seeks theme park zoning for land near Universal Boulevard
- Proposed zone could fit 4 Magic Kingdom parks
Newly released documents show Universal's parent company, Comcast Corporation, is seeking approval from Orange County for theme park zoning on a large piece of land in the Orlando area. Comcast paid $130 million to acquire the land in 2015.
The proposed zone — 474 acres of land off of Universal Boulevard — could fit nearly four Magic Kingdom theme parks.
Currently, cow pastures and vacant farmland sits on the land, which is less than two miles down the road from the Orange County Convention Center, not far from I-Drive 360 and the Orlando Eye.
If the zoning is approved, the land could be used for a new park or parks, as well as hotels, resorts and shopping.
The move continues Universal's momentum in Orlando, as revenues rise and visitors continue to flock to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
In a recent report by the Themed Entertainment Association, Universal Orlando saw the largest increase in attendance for 2015, with almost 10 million visitors. To keep the tourists coming, Universal continues to juggle many other projects set to open within a year.
Rides such as Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Fast and Furious: Supercharged and the newly remodeled Incredible Hulk roller coaster look to thrill new visitors and annual passholders in the months to come. But Universal Orlando's biggest new project is set to be unveiled next year: Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay.
We reached out to Universal for more clarification on plans for the new property but have not heard back.