2. The Pokémon World

Like Middle Earth, bringing to life the world of Pokémon seems like a shoe-in. The only hold-up has been that – like The Lord of the Rings – the rights here are complicated. Universal may have forged a lofty global partnership with Nintendo, but that covers only part of the predicament. The Pokémon Company is only partly owned by Nintendo, with Creatures, Inc. and Game Freak being partial owners, too. Universal has been granted The Pokémon Company's approval to begin playing with the franchise, but so far, only via a limited partnership in Japan (which has yielded a Pokémon float in a parade). 

Here at Theme Park Tourist, we played around with the idea of bringing a full Pokémon land to Islands of Adventure – a pretty fun creative exercise. And frankly, it probably does make sense to follow the Wizarding World model and have Universal Orlando spread out its Nintendo fare across its parks (for example, Mario & Donkey Kong in Epic Universe, Pokémon at the Studios, and Zelda at Islands of Adventure). But it's hard to look at that 7.5 acre expansion pad next to the existing Super Nintendo World and not imagine a Pokémon metropolis as a perfect fit for the portal-laden Epic Universe.

Sometimes, a "Phase II" expansion doesn't have to mean a brand new land! Just consider that already, rumors are swirling about "plusses" planned for each of Epic Universe's themed areas... 

3. Across-Park Plusses

Sometimes, a "Phase II" expansion doesn't have to mean a brand new land! Just consider that already, rumors are swirling about "plusses" planned for each of Epic Universe's themed areas... For example, a small 3-acre expansion pad within the park's so-called Dark Universe of classic movie monsters was allegedly planned to become a Creature from the Black Lagoon adaptation of the Lost Legend: JAWS. It could also be used to build the theater once planned for the land (but replaced by a spinning Wolf Man-themed coaster).

We recently covered the latest rumors to be dug up by our friends at Orlando Park Stop, supposing that the park's Potter land (which is curiously set in France) might gain a full-service restaurant allowing guests to dine in Hogwarts' Great Hall.... Yes, that's confusing given that Hogwarts is actually at Islands of Adventure... but suffice it to say, the Floo Network will be working overtime in this French-set corner of the Wizarding World, also allowing its main attraction to take place near Diagon Alley even though that's already brought to life at Universal Studios. (We already feel bad for Universal Team Members who will be contending with angry guests who've gone to the wrong park day-in and day-out!) 

And with additional expansion acreage set aside in Super Nintendo World and the Isle of Berk, make no mistake: the best way to strengthen Epic Universe post-opening might be to deepen and enrich its existing lands! 

What do you think? Which of these three directions should Universal Creative head when it comes to building out its already-enormous Epic Universe? What do you hope to see in the second wave of additions at this park? Which IPs are worthy of bringing to life in this celestial, otherworldly wonderland?