Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Ward Aerial Works
It is anticipated that the addition of a fourth theme park to the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, which will include sections devoted to Nintendo, Harry Potter, and other intellectual property, will further increase the company’s competition with Walt Disney Co. in the state.
On Thursday, the entertainment giant said that Universal Epic Universe will open to the public on May 22. The announcement follows competitor Disney’s successful approval to proceed with a mammoth $17-billion expansion of its Orlando resort over the next 10 to 20 years to a few months prior.
Epic Universe will have areas influenced by Universal’s iconic monster films and the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, in addition to Super Nintendo World and a Harry Potter territory with a Ministry of Magic motif. The resort will soon also have a 500-room hotel with exclusive access to the new park.
Universal Orlando Resort annual pass members will be able to purchase single-day tickets to Epic Universe beginning Thursday; multi-day tickets and vacation packages, which include admission to Epic Universe, will go on sale Tuesday.
“We’re excited to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year, and this is such a pivotal moment for our destination,” said Karen Irwin, president of Universal Orlando Resort, in a statement. “There will never be the same universe.”
There are other entertainment companies expanding their theme park empires besides Universal and Comcast, which is headquartered in Philadelphia.
Disney is planning a $1.9 billion expansion of its resort in Anaheim, which includes Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and other hotels, in addition to the $17 billion investment in Orlando.
As it keeps investing in its so-called “experiences” section, the Burbank media and entertainment behemoth is anticipated to give additional details about those intentions.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
