Kristina Roberts
Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe theme park is set to open on May 22, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. This is the first major theme park to open in Florida in 25 years, and experts predict it will bring huge benefits to the state’s economy. The park is expected to generate $2 billion in its first year alone and create over 17,500 new jobs.
This massive project is a big deal for Florida, where tourism is already a major industry. With exciting attractions based on popular franchises like Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon, Epic Universe is sure to attract millions of visitors.
What Makes Epic Universe Special?
Epic Universe is Universal’s biggest theme park yet, covering 750 acres of land. It features five unique themed worlds:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Ministry of Magic (a new Harry Potter experience)
- Super Nintendo World (bringing video games to life)
- How to Train Your Dragon – The Isle of Berk (an adventure based on the popular movies)
- Celestial Park (a magical, space-themed land)
- Dark Universe (a mysterious world of monsters and legends)
This park is not just about rides—it’s a fully immersive experience where visitors can step into their favorite movies and games.
Why This Park is a Game-Changer for Florida
Orlando is already famous for its theme parks, including Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. But Epic Universe is expected to bring even more tourists to the area.
In 2023, over 74 million people visited Orlando, contributing to half of Orange County’s sales tax revenue. With Epic Universe opening, those numbers could grow even higher.
Casandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando, said:
“This is the first major, entirely new theme park in the U.S. in 25 years. This is a compelling reason to visit Orlando. When you see a major milestone project like Epic Universe, you know it’s going to have a domino effect of economic benefits for our community.”
A $7 Billion Investment by Comcast
Universal’s parent company, Comcast, has spent around $7 billion on Epic Universe—making it the largest single investment in Universal’s history.
Brian Roberts, CEO of Comcast, said when the project was first announced in 2019 that this was a major step in expanding Universal’s theme park business.
The park is expected to help Universal compete even more with Disney, which has long dominated Orlando’s theme park scene.
Economic Impact: Jobs and Revenue
The construction and opening of Epic Universe have already boosted Florida’s economy. According to a report by Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, Universal’s investment has created $11 billion in economic impact nationwide.
This includes:
- Construction costs (building the park)
- Operational expenses (running the park)
- New jobs (over 17,500 positions in the first year)
Universal Orlando has already contributed $44 billion to Florida’s economy between 2019 and 2023, and Epic Universe will add even more.
What Visitors Can Expect
Epic Universe is designed to be bigger and better than Universal’s other parks. Some highlights include:
✔ Cutting-edge rides (like a high-speed Harry Potter adventure)
✔ Interactive experiences (such as meeting characters from How to Train Your Dragon)
✔ Beautiful themed areas (like the futuristic Celestial Park)
The park is also expected to feature new hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a full vacation destination.
How This Affects Other Theme Parks
With Epic Universe opening, Disney might feel some pressure. Disney World has been the top theme park in Orlando for decades, but Universal’s new park could attract some of its visitors.
However, experts believe that more theme parks mean more tourists overall, which is good for Florida’s economy.
Universal’s Epic Universe is more than just a theme park—it’s a major economic boost for Florida. With $2 billion expected in its first year, thousands of new jobs, and exciting attractions, this park is set to become a must-visit destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Are you planning to visit Epic Universe when it opens? Let us know in the comments!
