Groundbreaking Developments in Orlando

In just over a month, on May 22, 2025, Universal will inaugurate Epic Universe, marking the first major theme park opening in the Orlando area in 25 years. This addition is expected to significantly reshape the tourism landscape of the region.

Spanning 750 acres, Epic Universe will feature five distinct themed zones, including:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
• Super Nintendo World
• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
• Celestial Park
• Dark Universe

This park will enhance Universal Orlando’s existing attractions and place it alongside Walt Disney World in the competitive Orlando tourism market.

Economic Impact on Central Florida

Tourism has always been a cornerstone of Central Florida’s economy, attracting over 74 million visitors in 2023 alone and responsible for approximately 50% of Orange County’s sales tax revenue. Epic Universe is poised to drive even more visitors to the area, increasing both Universal’s revenues and those of neighboring attractions.

Casandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando, emphasized the significance of this new park, noting, “This is the first major, entirely new theme park in the U.S. in 25 years. This is a compelling reason to visit Orlando. You know it’s going to have definitely a domino effect of economic benefits for our community.”

A Historic Investment

Announced in 2019, Epic Universe represents the largest investment by Universal’s parent company, Comcast, in its theme park operations, reportedly exceeding $7 billion. This substantial investment is designed to leverage Universal’s extensive library of franchises and augment its amusement park revenues.

Between 2019 and 2023, Universal Orlando contributed $44 billion to the local economy. Recent analysis indicates that the construction and operational costs related to Epic Universe will generate an approximate $11 billion economic impact nationally.

Job Creation and Economic Growth

In 2023, Universal Orlando was responsible for creating around 94,000 jobs nationwide, with about 65,000 positions linked specifically to the development of Epic Universe. Sean Snaith, Director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, anticipates that the park will produce an estimated $2 billion for Florida in its first year of operation, alongside the creation of over 17,500 new jobs.

“The labor market in Florida is quite strong right now,” Snaith stated, forecasting continued economic growth in the region.

Boosting the Local Business Ecosystem

The opening of Epic Universe is expected to invigorate the local business landscape. Visitors will likely increase spending on hotel accommodations, car rentals, dining, and shopping, providing a broad economic lift. According to Jakob Wahl, CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, new infrastructure including hotels and restaurants has already begun to emerge around the park’s location due to ongoing construction.

Synergy with Existing Attractions

Experts suggest that the new park will not only draw visitors to Epic Universe but will also benefit existing attractions including Disney parks. Historical precedents show that new theme parks can bolster tourism across an entire region rather than solely drawing patrons away from competitors. Matej reinforces this sentiment, stating, “It’s a rising tide that lifts all boats.”

With the opening of Epic Universe, guests are expected to extend their stay in Orlando, leading to thousands of additional dollars in economic impact daily.