Will Epic Universe end up “shutting down” Disney World’s stronghold over Central Florida?
Epic Universe Is Taking Over Central Florida
For decades, one name has reigned supreme in Central Florida tourism: Disney. But now, quietly and powerfully, a shift is taking shape—one that could change the region’s theme park hierarchy for good.
What if the next big vacation hotspot in Orlando isn’t the Magic Kingdom, but something newer, bolder, and possibly more thrilling?
Epic Universe’s Quiet Rise—and Explosive Impact
Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for one of the most ambitious theme park expansions in modern history. With Epic Universe slated to open in 2025, the company is pulling out all the stops—five immersive lands, cutting-edge technology, and a strategic location just minutes from the main tourist corridor.
Universal’s parent company, Comcast, has invested over $10 billion between 2018 and 2024 in global park development—with Epic Universe at the heart of it all.
But what’s truly eye-opening is this: the new park is expected to increase Universal Orlando’s total annual attendance by 10 million visitors—a 50% jump over current numbers. According to projections by MoffettNathanson, Epic alone will pull in 5.2 million guests in 2025, then rise to 9.2 million by 2026.
That’s not a reshuffle of existing crowds. That’s an infusion of new tourism demand—demand that may no longer head straight to Disney.
Disney’s $60 Billion Dilemma
Now let’s talk Disney. The Walt Disney Company recently committed $60 billion to its Parks, Experiences, and Products segment over the next decade. But despite that jaw-dropping figure, there are no plans for a new park at Walt Disney World.
In fact, the same MoffettNathanson report predicts flat attendance at Disney’s Orlando parks between 2024 and 2026, stuck at 54.9 million annual guests. So, while Disney maintains the lead in sheer volume, it’s not seeing growth—at all.
That stagnation is worrying, especially as Universal’s numbers soar. For the first time in years, Disney isn’t just being challenged—it’s being outpaced.
The Battle of the Brands: Nostalgia Meets the Next Generation
Disney built its empire on characters like Mickey, Cinderella, and Buzz Lightyear. But Universal is now harnessing its own arsenal of powerful IPs—Nintendo, Harry Potter, DreamWorks, and Universal Monsters—and aiming directly at Disney’s core audience: families.
Theme park researcher Dr. Carissa Baker has attended multiple Epic Universe previews and described massive crowds and highly engaged guests. “People are just covered in Nintendo merchandise,” she told Fast Company. It’s a fandom frenzy—and that matters.
Nintendo, in particular, holds deep nostalgic roots with millennials while still captivating today’s kids—giving Universal a rare double-generational appeal.
Disney Responds—But Is It Enough?
Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro downplayed Epic Universe’s impact earlier this year, suggesting it would benefit Disney by simply bringing more tourists to Orlando.
“If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom,” he said.
But the numbers suggest otherwise. Analysts believe Epic Universe isn’t just shifting guests around—it’s bringing new ones in. And with no new “gate” planned, Disney’s upcoming expansions—like Encanto, Monsters, Inc., and Cars—are being viewed as too little, too late.
Some of those changes are even drawing fan frustration, especially when they replace beloved attractions instead of adding fresh, large-scale experiences.
The Undercurrent: A Changing Orlando Thanks to Epic Universe
The reality is clear: Epic Universe is not just a theme park. It’s a declaration. A declaration that Universal wants to lead—not follow—in the theme park industry.
And as 2025 draws near, Disney’s once-unshakable grip on Orlando tourism is facing its biggest test in decades. The battle for Central Florida’s future has begun—and the momentum may already be shifting.
