Universal's Epic Universe is racing along in development and construction, with new attractions, shops, dining establishments and more all taking shape behind construction barriers on Universal Boulevard, just past the current Universal Orlando Resort. Though we already have a pretty good idea of what guests will be able to experience when this brand new extension of Universal Orlando Resort opens in 2025, let's take a look at some new rumors that have popped up in recent weeks with regard to the progress on this much-anticipated project. 

As is always the case with rumors and speculation, it is important to note that none of this is final, or has been officially announced by Universal. However, based on current rumors, here are some interesting things that seem to be happening with this exciting new project:

1. Epic Universe's central hub area will have its own attractions, including a roller coaster

One area that has featured prominently in early concept art for Universal's Epic Universe has been the central hub area, which usually features a big fountain and bright lights. And according to rumors, it looks like this central area will also have a number of attractions, shops, a restaurant, a large water feature and even a roller coaster as well. This area wouldn't be themed to any specific property, so Universal could really get creative with this central area's concept and design, which we're hoping to learn more about soon! 

2. Individual lands will be separated via themed portals

When it opened over 20 years ago, Universal's Islands of Adventure was unique among theme parks in the way that it physically separated different themed lands from one another with moats. And it looks like Epic Universe will be evolving this concept somewhat with rumors swirling about the theme park using different "portals" to lead guests to the various areas of the park.

This would be similar to what we've seen at Super Nintendo Land in Japan, where guests are transported to the video game world of Nintendo through a big green pipe that looks like a giant version of the ones Mario uses to get around in the video game world. If these rumors prove true, there would be portals just like this one separating the different lands in this theme park from one another, which would allow guests to really immerse themselves in the different worlds inside the Epic Universe as they travel from land to land via these special structures. 

3. New "boom" roller coaster technology is reportedly in testing off-site ahead of construction for a new Donkey Kong ride inside Super Nintendo World

One of the most exciting attraction rumors concerning the Super Nintendo World area of Universal's Epic Universe is the expansion of the original Japanese land with a new Donkey Kong "boom" roller coaster. This new roller coaster concept is completely unique and uses a hidden roller coaster track that connects to ride vehicles via a boom arm. Because the actual ride track can't be seen and the track that guests see under their ride vehicle is just for show, the ride vehicle can be made to look like it is "jumping" from track to track, imitating the mine cart stages of the Donkey Kong Country games.

And while construction on this rumored attraction hasn't started yet, a Reddit thread shows that the ride concept seems to be in testing off-site in preparation for construction to begin soon. You can check out the thread and see the video of this exciting new ride type here. In the video, the track isn't hidden, but you can clearly see the boom arm connecting to what looks like simulated ride vehicles above the track.