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Universal's Epic Universe Enters Final Stretch Before May Opening

The $7 billion Orlando park, featuring five immersive lands, is poised to reshape the U.S. theme park landscape and challenge Disney World’s dominance.

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Guests ride Stardust Racers, a new dueling roller coaster ride in Celestial Park, during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025, in Orlando, Fla.
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Guests ride Stardust Racers, a new dueling roller coaster ride, during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025. Orlando’s first new theme park in a generation is set to open to the public on May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Overview

  • Epic Universe, the first major U.S. theme park in over two decades, will open to the public on May 22, 2025, following successful media and passholder previews.
  • The 750-acre park features five themed lands, including Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk.
  • Analysts project the park will draw approximately one million visitors away from Disney World and boost Universal’s Florida attendance by 8 million through 2026.
  • Universal’s strategy includes avoiding past industry missteps, with Epic Universe designed to deliver cutting-edge attractions and immersive experiences.
  • The park is a cornerstone of Universal’s broader expansion, with new parks planned in Texas, Las Vegas, and the United Kingdom.