Epic developments are on the horizon for Orlando, as Universal prepares to open its newest theme park—Epic Universe—on May 22. This will mark the first major theme park addition to the Florida area in 25 years and is expected to dramatically reshape the region’s tourism landscape.
Spanning 750 acres, Epic Universe is the largest Universal property to date and will feature five immersive themed lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – The Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe. The park will join Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, alongside Disney’s extensive theme park offerings in central Florida.
Orlando, a hub for both domestic and international travelers, welcomed over 74 million visitors in 2023. These visitors contribute nearly half of Orange County’s sales tax revenue, making tourism a vital part of the local economy. With the opening of Epic Universe, both Universal and Disney are poised to benefit from increased foot traffic and extended vacation stays.
Epic Universe is expected to drive billions of dollars into Florida’s economy and further solidify the region’s global entertainment appeal. The park is also the largest single investment Universal’s parent company has made in Florida, reportedly around $7 billion. Universal’s prior economic contributions totaled $44 billion between 2019 and 2023, and the new park is already showing substantial economic impact.
According to research from the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, Universal’s investment in Epic Universe has generated $11 billion in economic impact nationwide. It has also led to the creation of approximately 94,000 jobs across the country in fields like engineering, design, and construction, with 65,000 jobs linked specifically to the development of the new park. In its first year alone, Epic Universe is projected to generate $2 billion for Florida and create more than 17,500 new jobs.
The development has triggered new growth in surrounding infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and housing. Experts note that such expansions benefit the entire area, encouraging longer guest stays and increased visitor spending. As competition rises among theme parks, both Universal and Disney are expected to deliver even more innovative attractions, enriching the overall visitor experience.
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