Something big is about to happen in Orlando, and Disney just made it even bigger.
For the first time since 2019, all six of Walt Disney World’s parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach—will be open at the same time. The full reopening kicks off on May 21, 2025, and it’s hard not to notice that this happens just one day before Universal Orlando officially opens its brand-new theme park: Epic Universe.
The Return of a Full Disney Lineup
Let’s back up a bit. For the past several years, Disney has kept one of its two water parks—Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach—closed at any given time. It became the norm after 2019, with rotating refurbishments and operational decisions keeping the parks from running simultaneously. But on April 1, Disney made it official: both water parks will operate from May 21 through September 7, marking the first time since pre-pandemic days that the entire Walt Disney World resort lineup will be fully operational.
That’s four theme parks and two water parks—six unique park experiences—open at once. For families planning a summer trip, that’s a huge deal. For Disney, it’s also a calculated power play.
May 21 vs. May 22
Here’s where things get interesting. Universal’s Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025. It’s been hyped for years as Universal’s biggest expansion ever, with immersive lands based on SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
So Disney choosing May 21 as the date to unleash its full power? That’s no accident. This is Disney flexing.
And by bringing back all six of its parks for the summer season starting one day before Epic Universe’s debut, Disney is doing its best to shift the narrative. Instead of all the attention going to Universal, this move ensures the headlines now include both major players. It forces guests to think twice about where to spend their first vacation day—and maybe even the whole vacation.
Why This Matters for Guests
From a guest perspective, this is actually a big win. You now have more options than ever if you’re planning a Disney trip this summer. Maybe you’ve been waiting to visit Blizzard Beach again. Or maybe you’ve never experienced both water parks during the same trip. Now you can. And that flexibility could be enough to convince families to stick with Disney over heading across town to Universal.
Disney is also giving guests a sense of “completeness” again. There was always something slightly off about going to Walt Disney World and seeing one park closed. With all six open, it feels like the full Disney experience is back—and Disney made sure that moment happens before Universal can steal the summer.
A Strategic Distraction
Let’s be honest: Epic Universe is going to be incredible. It’s the kind of project that shakes up the theme park industry. Universal is pulling out all the stops and creating something that could rival anything Disney’s done in the past decade.
Disney knows this. And they’re not just sitting around.
Instead of rushing to build a direct competitor, Disney is leaning into what it already has. It’s doubling down on availability, legacy, and experience. All six parks. All the classics. Plus new shows, nighttime spectaculars, updated attractions, and more.
Disney’s thinking is simple: if we give guests everything at once, they won’t feel like they’re missing out. They won’t need to explore something new when the full magic of Disney is available the day before Universal opens its gates.
A Subtle But Powerful Message
This move sends a strong message to guests, travel planners, and even the media: Disney is still king of the theme park world. And it’s not afraid to play defense—or offense.
May 21 isn’t just a reopening date. It’s a strategic shot across the bow.
Sure, Universal will dominate the headlines on May 22. But Disney’s banking on travelers being already settled into their resort stays, park hopping between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and cooling off at both water parks by the time Universal’s grand opening rolls around.
This isn’t just business. It’s strategy. It’s theme park chess. And Disney just made a clever opening move.
Sorry Disney, its not going to be enough. EPIC from what I see is going to bring in the crowds like no other time. The ticket and hotel prices are better and people are getting sick of being price gouged by Disney. I love Disney but I didn’t renew our annual passes. Each year they keep cutting benefits to AP holders.