Epic Universe vs. Disney: $1,000 park tickets? A new mega-theme park? And Disney just made summer the cheapest it’s been in years. What’s going on in Orlando—and why is the man behind the Magic Kingdom suddenly so vocal?
Orlando’s theme park war just escalated—and not with a bang, but with a strategic smile.
Universal’s Epic Universe, one of the most anticipated theme parks in decades, is set to open in 2025. With cutting-edge technology, immersive lands like Super Nintendo World, and the full might of Universal’s creative team behind it, the new park is expected to reshape the Central Florida tourism map.
So why is Disney suddenly offering deals that seem too good to be true? And why is one of its most powerful leaders—Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro—now stepping forward to downplay any perceived threat?
That’s where things get interesting.
A “Cool Kid Summer” or a Cautious Counterstrike? Epic Universe Nears Opening Day
Walt Disney World made headlines recently by launching its “Cool Kid Summer” campaign, which includes steep ticket discounts, hotel offers, and never-before-seen package bundles aimed at keeping guests firmly on Disney property.
Many parkgoers were thrilled. But industry analysts and theme park veterans saw something else: a counteroffensive.
With Epic Universe on the horizon, Disney appears to be reinforcing its position with aggressive summer promotions to secure loyalty now—and slow down potential guest defection later. The last time Disney tickets were this cheap in the summer? Pre-pandemic days.
Coincidence? Highly unlikely.
Josh D’Amaro Speaks: “We’re Always on the Offensive”
At the recent MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference, Josh D’Amaro took the stage to address the industry-wide buzz head-on.
“We’re always on the offensive… We’re constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks,” D’Amaro stated.
And in a moment that raised more than a few eyebrows, he directly addressed Universal’s new addition:
“If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”
In other words, Disney isn’t planning to fight for guests—they expect guests will still come to them, no matter what Universal builds.
Tourists Are Changing, and So Is Disney’s Strategy
Historically, Disney fans would travel to Orlando and spend nearly all of their vacation within Disney’s bubble—from the airport to the hotel to the parks and back again. But with Universal becoming a legitimate multi-day destination, thanks to its high-end resorts and now a third full park, the math is changing.
That shift could be Disney’s biggest concern.
If more guests start spending two or three days at Universal—especially with the fresh excitement of Epic Universe—that may mean shorter Disney stays, fewer Genie+ purchases, and smaller dining or merchandise spends.
Disney’s sudden release of aggressive promotions seems to suggest they’re fully aware of this possibility—and are acting now to prevent it.
The Deeper Impact: A New Era of Theme Park Warfare
While D’Amaro’s comments sound confident, Disney’s actions hint at a quiet urgency. Universal’s bold move with Epic Universe isn’t just about thrilling rides—it’s about disrupting the default vacation playbook.
This isn’t just about building a theme park—it’s about redefining Orlando itself.
Disney still holds the crown with Magic Kingdom as the world’s most-visited theme park, but Universal’s momentum is growing—and fast. The battle won’t just play out in attendance numbers, but in how families plan, split, and spend their vacations in Central Florida.
And that might be the biggest plot twist of all.
So… Is Disney Nervous? Or Ready for a Fight? Epic Universe Sets the Stage
On the surface, Disney’s messaging is one of calm and confidence. But the timing of its new discounts and D’Amaro’s public comments suggest that they’re watching Universal very closely.
What happens next could define the next generation of theme park competition.
One thing is clear: this isn’t just about Disney vs. Universal. It’s about how two titans are shaping the future of storytelling, entertainment, and travel. And for theme park fans? That’s the real magic.
