Is ‘The Legend of Zelda’ coming to Epic Universe? | Rumor
References to “The Legend of Zelda” have been found inside and outside Universal Epic Universe theme park, potentially indicating future expansion plans. Is it possible guests could step into the Kingdom of Hyrule and meet Link in the near future?
“Hey, listen!” Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, is currently undergoing previews for team members (employees) and their families. Today, we received intel leading us to believe “The Legend of Zelda” franchise might be the park’s first future addition.
While the park does not officially open until May 22, 2025, Epic Universe seems to have two expansion plots set aside for future development. Here’s what we know:
Parking lot
Last week, we reported on the names of the sections inside the Epic Universe parking lot.
Each parking section has a medallion with an image on it, making it easier for guests to locate their car at the end of a long day. For example, the “Monster” section has a reanimated hand, presumably belonging to Frankenstein’s Monster.
Photo by Ethan Hershaft / The Orlando Tourist on YouTube
Pictures inside Epic Universe are strictly prohibited during team member previews, including the parking lot. The above photo was taken from across the street. However, today we received reports the “Hero” section has an illustration of a sword and shield. The sword and shield in question resemble the Master Sword and Hylian Shield from “The Legend of Zelda” series of video games.
Artwork courtesy of Nintendo
Nintendo Super Star Store
Next to the portal leading into Super Nintendo World rests a gift shop selling everything you might’ve forgotten to grab while inside the Mushroom Kingdom. Above the store are stained-glass windows of your favorite Mario characters … and Link from “The Legend of Zelda.”
Photo courtesy of @bioreconstruct on X
Inside the Nintendo Super Star Store are three mosaics on the floor: one for “Super Mario Bros.,” one for “Donkey Kong Country,” and one for “The Legend of Zelda.” The mosaic in question depicts Hyrule, the kingdom the “Zelda” games takes place in. In addition, there are also two more stained-glass windows of Ganon and Princess Zelda inside the retail location. The store also has 8-bit sprites of the characters on flags.
In the image below (released by Universal in January 2024), you can see where one of these floor mosaics are located, as well as some insight as to what the location’s interior looks like. Then store sells Super Mario and Donkey Kong merchandise, but no “Legend of Zelda” stuff at this time.
Artwork courtesy of Universal
If “The Legend of Zelda” does come to Epic Universe, would it be part of Super Nintendo World, or have its own portal? If it had its own portal, this store could be between the new Zelda portal and Super Nintendo World.
Epic Universe isn’t even open yet and there is already plenty of buzz of what could be next for Universal Orlando’s third theme park. Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin recently said “We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic.”
This comes less than a month after Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, gave his thoughts on “Wicked” having a future at the Universal parks. “When I saw [‘Wicked’], my first reaction was, ‘This is a theme park waiting to happen,’” Woodbury said.
Of course, this is just speculation and rumor for now, and nothing is set in stone until Universal Destination & Experiences announces it.
What do you think about the possibility of “The Legend of Zelda” coming to Epic Universe? Would you put it in a different park? Should it have its own portal or be part of Super Nintendo World? Let us know in the comments below! As always stay tuned to Attractions Magazine for everything related to Epic Universe!
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much to think about 🧐