Universal Orlando's Fresh Theme Park Could Potentially Alter Walt Disney World's Landscape
When Universal Orlando Resort's new theme park, Epic Universe, opens its doors on May 22, 2025, it's set to transform Orlando's theme park landscape forever. This marvelous new park will include five worlds, numerous eateries, an attached hotel, and much more. While theme park enthusiasts are buzzing about the upcoming attraction, the impact of a new park's launch will definitely be felt across Orlando, including at Walt Disney World. But should Disney World worry about a neighboring theme park popping up just a stone's throw from Cinderella Castle?
As Gavin Doyle, founder of MickeyVisit.com, puts it, "When new attractions debut at Universal or Disney World, they draw guests to Orlando. Disney World is synonymous with Orlando, and when people plan their visits, they at least consider visiting Disney World."
For consumers, the arrival of a new theme park places Orlando at the top of their must-visit lists for the year. Casandra Matej, president, and CEO of Visit Orlando, shares, "In a normal year, our theme parks are always changing, introducing new attractions and updating existing ones. This keeps visitors coming back to see what's new. A year with an entirely new theme park is something quite special."
However, some travelers might view the arrival of a new theme park as a dilemma. They may need to strategize their time in Orlando, spending more time at Epic Universe or Universal Orlando Resort as a whole instead of other Orlando attractions like Disneys World.
In 2023, Orlando welcomed a staggering 74 million visitors. Of these visitors, 68 million were domestic, and 6.13 million were international. Even more noteworthy, Magic Kingdom was the most visited theme park globally in 2023, welcoming 17.7 million people. On the other hand, Universal's Islands of Adventure ranked number 11 worldwide, with 10 million guests.
Disney's countermeasure for Epic Universe's launch? A lineup of exciting summer offerings to draw in theme park enthusiasts. New additions include Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, an animated throwback with The Little Mermaid, and an all-new show, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Universal, too, has taken steps to attract families, revamping its theme parks to become more family-friendly. The update began with the debut of DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida, and Epic Universe will further enhance this shift with How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Competition between Disney and Universal is heating up in innovative ways, pushing beyond traditional theme park experiences. Universal is pushing boundaries with its immersive attractions, shows, dining, and hotels, aiming to exceed guest expectations.
Disney World, however, doesn't need to worry too much, as it also has its own plans in the works. The Walt Disney Company has invested $60 billion in its Experiences segment over the next decade, with a $17 billion expense approved by the Central Florida Tourism and Oversight District in 2024 for its Florida resort.
Changes in the Orlando theme park landscape create endless opportunities for growth and development. Disney's revamped theme parks, coupled with Universal's next-level experiences, will only drive more tourism to Orlando and encourage healthy competition among the city's attractions, ultimately benefitting visitors and local businesses alike.
- With Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe set to open in May 2025, discerning visitors planning their Orlando trip might find themselves considering a visit to the epic Universe, Walt Disney World, or both.
- When discussing the impact of Epic Universe on Disney World, some industry analysts argue that the two theme parks are not directly competing, as Disney World remains a staple attraction synonymous with Orlando, consistently drawing an average of 74 million visitors annually.
- Despite the incoming competition, the arrival of Epic Universe in 2025 is likely to boost overall tourism to Orlando, as the city becomes a must-visit destination for theme park enthusiasts keen to experience the new Thelittlemermaidstageshow_wdw at Disney World alongside the thrilling attractions at Epic Universe.
- Families with young children may choose to spend their Orlando vacation split between Orlando's theme parks, selecting Walt Disney World for classic favorites like Magic Kingdom and Universal Orlando Resort for the innovative How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
- In anticipation of the increased competition from Epic Universe, Disney World has upped its game, investing $60 billion in its Experiences segment over the next decade and unveiling exciting summer offerings like Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, making it a compelling option worth visiting in 2025.
