Universal Orlando Resort expansion: More hotels or a fourth theme park in the works?

Earlier this week, Universal Orlando Resort announced a large land purchase. What expansion plans could the theme park brand have in store?

Universal Orlando Resort, with its three theme parks and on-site hotels, is a favorite destination. Some people travel a great distance to experience the magic of Harry Potter, while locals return time and again to enjoy their favorite rides. Still, Universal cannot be complacent in its current status. The theme park is always looking for the next, bigger or more memorable experience. With the company’s recent land acquisition purchase, what could be on Universal’s agenda?

Theme parks are more than just rides, food and entertainment. Specifically in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, these parks are about creating lasting memories. For example, visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter isn’t just about riding the rides.

The moment a fan walks into Hogsmeade it is special. While the books and movies offered a glimpse into Harry’s world, these theme park recreations bring it into the tangible, real world. From selecting a wand to drinking a Butterbeer, the immersive experience brings the fan closer to the characters that she loves.

While the fan can enjoy going back time and again to the experiences, a new one is often warranted. For example, even though Dragon’s Challenge was a favorite with many people, the new ride will bring an influx of guests. Although Universal hasn’t directly commented on the new ride coming to Hogsmeade, demolition and construction is underway.

Many people believe that this new ride will be a combination coaster and simulator. More than likely, it will be family inclusive, like the other Harry Potter rides. Various fans have their preference on themes. From a Fantastic Beasts influenced ride to something within the Ministry of Magic, there are plenty of magical ideas out there.

Whatever is added to this particular area, some fans will be excited and other fans will want more. While guests don’t see all the areas at a theme park, there is only so much space for a theme park to grow in its current blueprint. Additional land purchases help the company, like Universal Orlando Resort, develop ideas, explore new additions and excite fans with the potential of the new, bigger and better.

Just this week, Universal Orlando Resort made a significant land purchase around its existing properties. The land purchase has many people speculating what that area will become. Ideas that have been thrown around are a fourth theme park or new hotels. Both possibilities, on their own or combined, could happen.

Looking at some of Universal Orlando Resort’s previous statements, a Nintendo Land is slated for future expansion. A strong possibility for this expansion would be located over where the smaller kids’ rides, like Barney, are currently held. While the E.T. ride will never go away, those other rides and the area itself is a more quiet spot in the park. If the Nintendo Land is family inclusive (given the theme it would have to be) a revamp in that area makes sense.

Could a Nintendo Land stand on its own as a fourth theme park? That notion is a strong one. Nintendo is a brand that crosses all age groups and demographics. The potential amount of visitors is huge. Maybe that land purchase could go to a fourth theme park.

Still, the land purchase doesn’t necessarily need to be wholly devoted to just a theme park. Both out of town visitors and locals take advantage of on property hotels when visiting Universal Orlando Resort. The new Aventura is opening later this year and should quickly become a popular destination. With its modern design and sweeping views, it offers a different perspective from the other on-site hotels.

An interesting idea that Universal Orlando Resorts hasn’t explored yet is a fully themed hotel based on some of its popular rides and attractions. Putting licensing agreements aside, a fully immersive Harry Potter hotel would sell out continuously. Just look at the Star Wars fans lining up to book rooms at that Disney property.

By the same notion, a Nintendo themed hotel on or inside a Nintendo theme park could be a huge sell. Just think of the themed rooms and experiences. Video game fans and families could spend weeks in that type of environment. The only downside is that guests may never leave the hotel.

Of course, Universal Orlando Resort is not going to reveal its plan for the land expansion any time soon. Everyone will continue to speculate and fantasize about what she would want to see in the expansion.

Until then, enjoy what Universal Orlando Resort has right now. The new Fast and Furious SuperCharged is about to open. Halloween Horror Nights announced a Stranger Things maze and more announcements are sure to come.

Don’t put off a visit to Universal waiting for the next big thing. See why so many visitors pack the parks throughout the year.

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