If you have ever dreamed of walking through the Shire, grabbing a pint at the Green Dragon Inn, or facing the Eye of Sauron itself--you are not alone. Lord of the Rings fans (myself included!) have been really praying that the possiblity of Middle-earth becoming a real-life theme park experience would come true. With the opening of Epic Universe happening this month the rumors are back and they're stronger than ever.
So...could a Lord of the Rings land actually possibly maybe be coming to Epic Universe???
Speculation around the LOTR themed area at Universal isn't new. Back in 2010, a guest survey hinted at a fantasy world filled with hobbits, elves, and orcs-sound familiar? Since that time, whispers have always continued, especially when Epic was still a mystery project in development. One of the strongest reports came from fan favorite source that suggested that Universal with ideas floating of a walk through Shire, rides through Isengard, and even an Epic Mount Doom attraction were all being considered. With the announcements of the five lands that are now open at Epic, we were all once again disappointed.
Hope for the Future?
While LOTR didn't make it into Epic Universe's first phase, that does not mean it's off the table. We know Universal has space set aside for future expansion into Epic...could that be our beloved land?? Recent developments overseas has begun to reiginite this fire...
Universal is planning a major theme park in the UK, set to open in 2031, and according to reports from The Sun, LOTR might be a key part of it.
Look, nothing is official yet. But the idea of standing inside Bag End or riding through a battle in Middle-earth is too magical for us to ignore. Universal knows how to bring beloved worlds to life--just look at what they've done with Harry Potter and Jurassic World and now Epic!! So I am holding onto hope that someday, maybe not 2026 or 2027 , but down the road, we'll get to say, "We're going to Mordor on an adventure! and we do have a map!"
Until then, I will keep my pointy ears open, my elven cloak ready, and my fingers crossed.
Drop your thoughts below--
Would YOU be excited for a LOTR land at Epic Universe? Why or why not?
Which part of Middle-earth would you most want to see recreated?
Should Universal go full fantasy or stick with Potter and the lands they've made?
Could you imagine the Fan Fest Nights at the Shire ?!?!!!!! With all the Gandalf's, Frodo's, Galadriel's walking around....I would die😍
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