Come May 22, 2025, Universal Orlando Resort is set to make history with the grand opening of Epic Universe, the highly anticipated fourth theme park in its growing empire. This state-of-the-art park will immerse guests in five breathtaking lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe.
With Universal’s track record of pushing the boundaries of innovation, it’s no surprise that theme park enthusiasts are eager to see how this latest addition will reshape the Orlando tourism landscape.
Related: Universal’s Epic Universe Comes to Life as First Venue Opens Ahead of Grand Debut
But while some fans speculate that Epic Universe will be a game-changer, Disney isn’t sweating it—at least, not publicly.
Disney’s Response to Epic Universe’s Opening
During Disney’s February 5 earnings call, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston addressed a question about Epic Universe’s potential effect on Walt Disney World attendance. Interestingly, Johnston avoided mentioning the park by name, but he did acknowledge that its arrival would have a “small impact” on Disney’s overall attendance projections.
“As we built our plans, we anticipated some small impact for Epic Universe opening, and we effectively hedged in the guidance we provided,” Johnston stated.
This stance differs from Disney’s earlier confidence, as previous earnings calls suggested that Disney expected a visitor increase of 6% to 8% during Epic Universe’s debut. Disney executives had even referenced past theme park openings, such as Universal’s Islands of Adventure, as positive forces that ultimately benefited Walt Disney World by drawing more visitors to Orlando.
A Tipping Point for Orlando’s Theme Park Wars?
Despite Disney’s outwardly calm response, some fans believe the Mouse House should be more concerned. Over the past few years, Disney has faced increasing criticism for rising ticket prices, cutbacks in park experiences, and the removal of beloved attractions. Meanwhile, Universal continues to build momentum, with highly immersive lands, innovative ride technology, and a more aggressive expansion strategy.
Related: Universal’s Epic Universe Announcement Sends Shockwaves Through the Industry
The opening of Epic Universe is a major power move in the ongoing battle for Orlando’s theme park dominance. The park’s impressive lineup—ranging from the next evolution of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in the eastern U.S.—positions Universal as a direct competitor to Walt Disney World in a way never seen before.
What’s Next for Disney?
While Disney may downplay the competition, the company has been making strategic moves to maintain its grip on the industry. One of the biggest announcements came with the confirmation that a long-rumored Villain-themed land is finally in development for Magic Kingdom.
Though no official timeline has been revealed, the addition of a dedicated villain-based experience could help counteract Universal’s growing presence.
Still, some question whether it will be enough to keep Disney ahead. Fans continue to voice concerns that Disney needs to do more to reinvest in its parks, particularly in the face of Universal’s aggressive expansion. With Epic Universe set to debut in just a few months, all eyes will be on how Disney responds to the challenge.
What do you think? Will Epic Universe have a “small impact” on Disney, or is this the beginning of a major shift in Orlando’s theme park rivalry? Let us know in the comments!
Yes, Disney should worry.