For the first time in over two decades, the U.S. has a brand-new major theme park. Universal’s Epic Universe officially opened on Wednesday, May 21, in Orlando, Florida. It marks a $7.7 billion investment and six years of construction by Comcast’s NBCUniversal.
The park, located two and a half miles from Universal’s existing properties, is expected to reshape how tourists experience theme parks in central Florida.
What’s inside Epic Universe?
Visitors can explore five immersive worlds:
- Super Nintendo World.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
- Dark Universe.
- Celestial Park.
From meeting dragons in Berk to grabbing power-ups in Super Nintendo World, the park offers various themed rides, shows, and interactive experiences.
Wait times and big flavor
According to FOX 35 Orlando, wait times on Thursday morning, May 22, ranged from 5 to 65 minutes, depending on the attraction.
Food is also a significant part of the experience. People magazine reported that over 100 menu items are available across 30 different locations. Guests can enjoy themed bites, such as a Mario Burger at Toadstool Café or a Butterbeer Crepe in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Three new resort hotels are opening as part of the launch, giving visitors an on-site option to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
A media analyst told CNN he believes Epic Universe will shift the narrative of tourists who typically visit Central Florida for Disney parks, who typically look to Universal as an add-on.
Theme park wars: Global competition rises
The new park opens as global competition between media giants heats up.
Disney recently upgraded its U.S. parks and announced a new theme park, set to open in Abu Dhabi. The project is being developed in collaboration with Miral, a local creator of immersive destinations. It marks Disney’s first park development in 15 years.
The company’s announcement highlights the growing popularity and spending power of the United Arab Emirates, which sees 120 million passengers pass through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.
Universal expands beyond the US
Universal also said it has global ambitions.
In April, the company confirmed plans to open its first European theme park just outside London. The park will be located on a 476-acre site in Bedford, England, about 60 miles north of the city.
According to a media release, the U.K. park could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year. Officials estimate 28,000 jobs will be created before its projected grand opening in 2031.
“Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity,” Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said. “We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”
Industry shake-ups
Not all parks are expanding.
Six Flags recently announced it would close its Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor locations in Bowie, Maryland, after the 2025 season.
“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Six Flags President & CEO Richard A. Zimmerman wrote in a press release.
Disney and Universal have closed certain rides and attractions in recent years. Still, the rise of new, immersive parks like Epic Universe shows the industry isn’t slowing down — it’s just evolving.
