Universal is in early talks

with Orange County about planning issues involving 475 acres in the tourism corridor that possibly could involve the addition of another theme park.

Universal has begun talking with Orange County about planning issues in and around its new 475 acres in the tourism corridor, and discussions have included possibly adding a theme-park development zone.

Orange County Planning Manager Alberto Vargas said he has spoken with Universal representatives during the last few weeks. Discussions have included the International Drive vision plan, which an advisory committee has crafted over the past year.

The Orange County Commission will have a work session on the vision plan Tuesday. Vargas said Universal’s land isn’t on the agenda.

The plan covers a swath of area surrounding International Drive from north of Sand Lake Road to SeaWorld.

The plan divvies up land into seven “subdistricts.” The subdistrict with much of Universal’s property calls for a “general” zone allowing a variety of high, dense development projects. Vargas said a theme park development zone’s benefits would include roads not being restricted to an urban grid system.

Vargas said Universal has talked about the possibility of having “a special zone — theme park, similar to what SeaWorld has.”

Under the I-Drive plan, SeaWorld has its own subdistrict. Much of it is covered by a theme park zone encompassing SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica.

“This is just general conversation,” Vargas said of discussions with Universal. “That does not mean that this is going to be officially moving forward.”

Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said in an email “We’re in the very early stages of planning for this property. We are going to be working closely with our neighbors and with planning officials. Beyond that, it’s too soon to share more details.”

The land north of Universal Boulevard and west of Destination Parkway was purchased in December by SLRC Holdings LLC, a company affiliated with Universal.

There has previously been tension between the county and Universal over the vision plan. Before SLRC purchased the property in December, the theme park giant complained about having been left out from the committee creating the plan. Universal’s main resort lies across Interstate 4 from the planning area.