New Universal theme park construction delayed by Covid-19 shutdown
Work on Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Parent company Comcast confirmed park construction has hit a snag but hasn’t estimated a new timeline for opening.
It is due to launch in 2023.
However Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he was told by Universal executives that the opening could be delayed by a year.
Epic Universe will be Universal’s fourth Florida park with an entertainment center, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
The only confirmed attraction announced so far is a Super Mario World area.
Comcast also said the opening of the Nintendo-themed park in Japan will be delayed by a few months.
Comcast said Q1 earnings were down by a third to $869 million.
All theme parks are closed until at least the end of May and Orange County officials are working on special guidelines to protect the health of guests and workers when they reopen.
New measures touted include reopening with a limit of 50% of normal guest capacity, the mandatory wearing of face masks and hand sanitizers placed at all rides and attractions.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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