Work continues on Universal's global theme park projects despite COVID-19 pandemic
– Tom Williams, chair and CEO, Universal
Universal has revealed that it's continuing work on its Super Nintendo expansion in Japan, its new theme park in Orlando and its Beijing theme park despite the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
Universal will not welcome visitors to any of its resorts until at least April, but an update from Universal Parks and Resorts chair and CEO, Tom Williams, says the construction work is continuing.
Reported in the Orlando Business Journal, the letter from Williams to its employees said that construction around the world was unaffected by the outbreak.
Universal's Epic Universe theme park will open in 2023, with construction heaving already started on the project.
Super Nintendo World has been scheduled to open before the now-delayed Tokyo Olympics in July. Construction has continued however so its opening shouldn't be affected by the outbreak.
Universal Beijing is also on course despite the China outbreak. Set to open next year, the park will be Universal's largest and will feature seven themed lands based on some of its biggest IPs.
"Our construction projects around the globe – Super Nintendo World in Osaka and Hollywood, Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando and Universal Beijing all remain active and on track under protocols established by government officials and with their support," said Williams.
At present, Universal's Orlando and Hollywood resorts in the US will remain closed until 19 April. Universal Japan is currently scheduled to reopen on 29 March, while Universal Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa remains open with all indoor and outdoor shows closed until at least 27 March.
Universal Super Nintendo theme park Orlando Beijing COVID-19 Tom Williams Epic UniverseJapanese attractions start to reopen following two-month closure
American Alliance of Museums calls for US$4bn support package to aid nonprofits during coronavirus pandemic
Disney and Universal close theme parks as coronavirus pandemic continues
Coronavirus forces closure of all of Disney's Asian parks
Interactive scorekeeping wristbands planned for Super Nintendo World
AI firm Midjourney enters wellness with spa, fitness and body scanning concept
Hot spring wellness community Ameyalli sells residences and breaks ground on resort and spa
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming. The latest addition, Oberon, extends the visitor experience beyond the gallery, reflecting a growing trend for museums to become all-day destinations.
The New Museum in New York has entered a new chapter with the completion of a major
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
Montana Heritage Center by Cushing Terrell opens after US$107 million investment
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
'Minor wellness hotels' recorded the strongest growth across top KPIs in 2025, finds RLA Global
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has architecture by Leach Rhodes Walker and interiors by Bergman Design House.
Marriott International partners with Fitwel for wellness solutions across its residential portfolio
Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort to unveil new spa in February 2027
Places Leisure is working with Roberts Limbrick to build £60m wellness flagship in Basingstoke
Hoshino Resorts opens Kai Kusatsu as it expands the Kai onsen ryokan brand
Qiddiya and Populous share details of Saudi Arabia’s National Tennis Centre
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Until combines multiple disciplines at new Canary Wharf club
Sea Lanes opens following a partnership between The Eden Project and Canary Wharf Group
Bas Smets brings water and wilderness to Vitra
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Luxury resort coming to Hunter Valley will have longevity spa
'Data chocolate', dreams made real and artworks shaped by visitors’ emotions: Refik Anadol’s AI art museum launches in Los Angeles
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Palazzo di Varignana launches family wellbeing and longevity retreat in Emilia Romagna
Anasa Wellness and Spa debuts at Patmos Aktis as it joins Marriott
Design-led Koru Health Club combines high-performance training with recovery
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres




















