Epic Universe, Universal Orlando – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Ward Aerial Works
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Universal Orlando Resort will open the doors to its Universal Epic Universe theme park on Thursday.
On May 22, Epic Universe, the fourth attraction in Universal Orlando’s Florida portfolio, will open to the public, transporting guests to the worlds of popular properties including “How to Train Your Dragon,” Super Mario, and Harry Potter. The first major theme park to open in Florida in over 25 years, Epic Universe is situated southwest of downtown Orlando and is anticipated to increase rivalry with Walt Disney World Resort, which has been a mainstay in Orlando, Florida, since its opening in 1971.
“Will Epic Universe cause Disney to go out of business? “Definitely not,” stated Dennis Speigel, the CEO and founder of International Theme Park Services, a consultancy organization. “Is it going to make them look weaker? Yes.
Epic Universe will debut in 2019, according to Universal.
Speigel calculates that the creation of Epic Universe cost the parent company of NBCUniversal $7.7 billion, while official numbers have not been made public. According to a regulatory filing, Comcast reported $8.6 billion in revenue for its theme park division in 2024.
A request for comment from CBS MoneyWatch was not answered by Universal Orlando.
The website describes Celestial Park as the “cosmic heart” of the new Epic Universe, with “lush greenery, tree-lined walkways and dancing fountains.”
The local economy of Orlando, dubbed The Amusement Capital of the World, which has strong ties to the travel and tourism sector, is anticipated to benefit greatly from Epic Universe. Over 75 million people visited the amusement park center in 2024, according to Visit Orlando, a trade group. An “important milestone” for the Orlando community, according to Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, was reached with the launch of Epic Universe.
Although Universal Orlando has not disclosed the park’s capacity, Speigel calculates that Epic Universe can hold between 45,000 and 50,000 visitors per day. He predicts that the new park would attract at least 6 million people annually, if not more, particularly if consumer concerns about tariffs subside and U.S. economic growth continues to be strong.
According to Speigel, “the park actually has the physical capacity to draw at least 8 million people,” CNBC MoneyWatch reported.
Other variables, though, might have an impact on such figures. More than half of Americans anticipate spending less this year on entertainment, dining out, and vacation, according to a recent Bankrate survey.
Take a peek inside the newest theme park at Universal Orlando.
Within the Epic Universe
Five distinct “immersive worlds,” each with unique themed dining options, rides, and entertainment, will be open to visitors to the Orlando destination:
Celestial Park – Celestial, the first world visitors will encounter and the entryway to other park areas, is referred to by Universal Orlando as the “heart of Universal Epic Universe.”
The Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter’s Wizarding World – The wand-waving world, which is set in Paris in the 1920s, incorporates elements from the “Harry Potter” film series and the “Fantastic Beasts” movies. The park expands upon two previous Universal Harry Potter attractions: Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Super Nintendo World – Visitors will encounter a variety of sights, sounds, and characters from the Nintendo video game as soon as they enter the green warp pipe. They can also participate in a Mario Kart race, a ride that provides augmented reality goggles, while they’re there.
The Isle of Berk – How to Train Your Dragon. Based on the DreamWorks film franchise, this “rugged, rocky world” is home to dragons and Vikings.
Dark Universe – Dark Universe, which Universal describes as the “most mysterious world” of the Epic Universe, will engross visitors in the tales of Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man, and other terrifying characters.
Hours and costs
Before taxes, admission to the new theme park costs $139 for adults and $134 for children. The Universal Orlando website states that prices can change based on the day.
The website states that theme park hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, but they change every day, so guests should check in advance when making plans.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.