Overview

• Epic Universe opened May 22 in Orlando, marking Florida’s first new theme park in 25 years and remaining operational despite minor technical glitches.
• The park is organized into four immersive lands—Isle of Berk, Darkmoor, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—each accessible via a central hub.
• Signature attractions include the dueling coaster Stardust Racers, the AR-based Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders family coaster, the Monsters Unchained dark ride, and the Le Cirque Arcanus live show.
• Analysts forecast significant economic benefits for the region, citing expected tourism growth, job creation, and new travel packages such as British Airways Holidays’ Universal Orlando deals.
• Industry experts predict Disney World may fast-track plans for a fifth gate in Orlando to counter Universal’s gains.