Orange County has played a pivotal role in developing Universal Orlando Resort's massive new theme park, Epic Universe, with an unprecedented level of collaboration that has streamlined the construction process and set a new standard for large-scale development projects. The Orange County Government facilitated this giant leap by issuing a record 1,150 permits and performing nearly 34,000 inspections over the sprawling 750-acre property, as reported by the Orange County newsroom.
Universal's Vice President of Development and External Affairs, Michael Denny, expressed deep appreciation for the county's efforts, "This has been, and continues to be, a true partnership with the amazing Orange County employees," and acknowledged the significant support provided as the project approached its much-anticipated opening, a monumental chapter for both the county and Universal, the undertaking has, not surprisingly, challenged both parties to reinvent their approach to managing such a large and complex project.
In response to the immense scale and speed required by the development of Epic Universe, Orange County innovated several new processes designed to keep the project moving swiftly along. A key game-changer was opening a satellite office near the construction site, which, according to the County's Chief Code Inspector Larry Wildermuth, was "a game-changer for us" because it enabled immediate communication and on-site problem-solving, essential for maintaining the project's momentum.
Economic impact figures were also significant, with Orange County generating $12.6 million in permitting fee revenue and an estimated $1.6 billion in jobs from the project. Epic Universe is projected to contribute $2 billion to Florida's economy and create more than 17,500 new jobs in its first year of operation. This level of economic stimulation clearly indicates the substantial influence such collaborative ventures can have on the broader economy.
-5.webp?w=160&h=400&fit=crop&crop=edges)
