Elon Musk’s Boring Company Just Won the Bid to Tunnel Under Universal Orlando—Here’s What That Means for Your Visit

If you’ve ever gotten stuck in Orlando traffic trying to get from Universal Studios to Epic Universe, relief might be coming—underground.

The Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District voted Wednesday to select The Boring Company for a major infrastructure project that would connect Universal’s original theme parks to the new Epic Universe via underground tunnels. According to Click Orlando, the system would use Tesla vehicles to shuttle passengers through the tunnels, similar to the Vegas Loop currently operating in Nevada.

Why Universal Chose The Boring Company

Three companies competed for the project: V2R, The Boring Company, and Sunshine Connection Partners (which included Glydways). Board members scored each bidder based on how well they aligned with the district’s infrastructure vision. The Boring Company came out on top.

Speed appears to have been a deciding factor. A representative from Glydways noted that “construction speed was a key consideration,” explaining that “Boring Company talks about building them very quickly” compared to traditional tunnel construction methods.

What the Tunnel System Would Look Like

The underground network would link Universal Orlando’s original theme park complex with Epic Universe, also connecting to CityWalk. The goal is straightforward: reduce traffic congestion and make it easier for tourists to visit all Universal properties without dealing with International Drive gridlock.

Designers emphasized creating “a more premium passenger experience” to help guests “maximize the time in the park” rather than wasting it sitting in traffic or waiting for shuttle buses.

What We Don’t Know Yet

Specific project plans haven’t been released. There’s no timeline for construction or completion, and The Boring Company hasn’t provided additional details about capacity, frequency, or operational specifics.

The selection is just the first step—the board voted to begin contract negotiations, but any final agreement would still require approval.

Why This Matters for Universal Visitors

Epic Universe sits roughly three miles from Universal’s existing resort complex. That short distance can turn into a 20-30 minute ordeal during peak times, especially along congested International Drive. An underground tunnel system would bypass surface traffic entirely, potentially cutting travel time between parks to just minutes.

For anyone planning a Universal vacation after Epic Universe opens, this could change the entire logistics of park-hopping. Instead of building in buffer time for traffic and parking, you’d have a direct, climate-controlled route between properties.

We’ll be watching to see when construction begins and what the final system looks like. For now, Universal has taken a major step toward solving one of the biggest challenges facing its multi-park resort.