Universal opens Epic Universe, reshaping Orlando's theme park landscape
- Universal's Epic Universe opened on May 21, 2025, after six years of construction.
- The park features five themed areas and offers over 100 food items across various locations.
- The expansion is anticipated to increase tourism and employment in Orlando.
In the United States, Universal's Epic Universe theme park opened on May 21, 2025, marking the introduction of a new major theme park for the first time in over two decades. Located in Orlando, Florida, this multibillion-dollar project involved a $7.7 billion investment and six years of construction by Comcast’s NBCUniversal, extending the footprint of the Universal resort to create a more diverse and enticing experience for visitors to central Florida. Epic Universe covers 110 acres, featuring five immersive themed areas, including Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. The park is strategically positioned two and a half miles away from Universal's existing properties, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape of themed entertainment between Universal and Disney. Notably, it is anticipated to enhance the Orlando area's tourism appeal significantly. The vision for Epic Universe began when Universal executives recognized the need to expand their Orlando offerings to solidify the destination for families wishing to spend a complete vacation in Florida. This ambitious project is a product of years of careful planning that aimed to incorporate beloved intellectual properties and immersive experiences. According to Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, the park's design relies on integrating new attractions with current popular franchises, such as the Harry Potter series and Super Nintendo. Universal executives have discussed additional future expansions, signifying a commitment to continual growth and enhancement. Food is a crucial aspect of the Epic Universe experience, with over 100 menu items available across 30 locations, offering themed meals like the Mario Burger and Butterbeer Crepe. This culinary focus enhances the overall attraction of the park, enticing guests to experience all it offers. In addition to providing entertainment, the park boosts local employment, creating thousands of jobs and significantly impacting the Orlando economy. Woodbury described operating the park as akin to managing a small city, showcasing the scale and complexity involved in delivering this world-class destination. The opening of Epic Universe coincides with global expansions by both Universal and Disney, with Universal revealing intentions to launch its first park in Europe, set to be located just outside London, which could draw millions of visitors in its debut year. As Disney also enhances its offerings with a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, the competitive environment in the theme park industry is heating up. Amid rising competition, Epic Universe represents a bold step for Universal as it seeks to redefine visitor experiences and capture a greater share of the global theme park market.