Epic Universe Opening: Tourism’s ‘Rising Tide’ Lifts Orlando

Universal’s Epic Universe, the first major new theme park to open in Florida in 25 years, is expected to benefit the entire Orlando tourism ecosystem when it welcomes its first guests on May 22. Industry experts predict the massive new attraction will extend visitor stays and drive increased attendance at competing parks, including Disney World, creating what tourism officials describe as a “rising tide that lifts all boats,” according to CNBC.

This 750-acre development represents the largest investment Comcast has ever made in its theme parks business, rumored to be approximately $7 billion. The park features five immersive themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

“When Disneyland Paris opened in ’92 there were concerns from the theme parks around Paris,” explained Jakob Wahl, CEO of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. “But the opposite actually happened. They increased their audience. And that is something which is likely to happen also in Orlando because it strengthens the destination.”

Extended Stays Mean Billion-Dollar Boost

Tourism has long been central Florida’s economic engine, with more than 74 million people visiting Orlando in 2023, contributing around 50% of the total sales tax collected in Orange County. Epic Universe is projected to generate approximately $2 billion for the state of Florida in its first year of operation, according to research from the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting.

Casandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando, emphasized the significance of vacation extensions: “What we do know is every day that someone extends their stay, that is millions of dollars worth of economic impact for our community.” She noted that the addition of Epic Universe will likely prompt both domestic and international visitors to add extra days to their Orlando vacations.

Typically, Universal and Disney both receive patronage from those visiting Orlando, especially from guests traveling from out of state or other countries. The additional park means many will extend their vacations to allow more time to experience Epic Universe alongside Disney’s four theme parks and Universal’s other locations.

Disney to Benefit from Universal’s Investment

In a surprising twist, Walt Disney World is expected to see increased attendance as a result of Universal’s massive investment. The introduction of a major new park reinforces Orlando’s status as the theme park capital of the world, potentially attracting visitors who might otherwise have chosen alternative destinations.

“It’s a rising tide that lifts all boats,” Matej explained, noting that competition between the parks has historically driven innovation that benefits the entire tourism sector. Both Universal and Disney have patterns of responding to each other’s major developments with their own expansions and improvements.

This competitive dynamic has transformed Orlando over decades, with each new attraction or land driving renewed interest in the destination as a whole. Epic Universe continues this tradition with innovative experiences like Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe, Parade reports.

A Theme Park Like No Other

Epic Universe distinguishes itself through both its scale and its diverse collection of themed lands. At the center lies Celestial Park, a serene garden-like area featuring the Stardust Racers dual-track roller coaster and Constellation Carousel. The Chronos, a massive celestial device situated near the entrance, serves as the park’s visual centerpiece.

According to My News 13, Super Nintendo World brings beloved video game characters to life with rides like “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” which uses special goggles to create an augmented reality racing experience. Guests can also purchase Power-Up bands to collect digital coins and play interactive games throughout the land.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic expands on Universal’s wildly successful Potter-themed areas with a 1920s Paris setting and the British Ministry of Magic. The headline attraction, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry,” features an omnidirectional lift system that immerses guests in a magical confrontation with Dolores Umbridge.

Workforce Expansion Transforms Local Economy

Epic Universe’s impact extends beyond tourism into substantial job creation. The park is projected to create more than 17,500 new jobs in its first year of operation, adding to the 94,000 jobs Universal Orlando already generates nationwide.

The construction phase alone created approximately 65,000 jobs, according to Universal, with positions ranging from engineers and software specialists to artists and set designers. Sean Snaith, director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, notes that “the labor market in Florida is quite strong right now,” positioning the state to absorb and benefit from this employment surge.

Beyond direct employment, the surrounding area has already seen significant development in anticipation of increased tourism. “You see the zone around Epic Universe actually boosting since that construction,” Wahl observed. “You see new infrastructure. You see new housing. You see new hotels being built. You see new restaurants being built.”

Planning Your Visit

For those eager to experience Epic Universe before the official opening, Universal Orlando Passholders can access select Preview Tickets starting April 17. For others, multi-park, multi-day ticket bundles are currently the only option, starting at $117.33 for adults.

The park also features the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a resort located inside Epic Universe that offers guests a dedicated entrance directly into the park. This strategic integration of accommodations with the theme park experience represents another way Universal seeks to capture more of the visitor’s total vacation spend.

As the May 22 grand opening approaches, both industry observers and tourists are watching closely to see if Epic Universe will deliver on its ambitious promise to redefine theme park experiences and reshape Orlando’s tourism landscape for decades to come.