Disney World could “shut down” over the next decade as Epic Universe dominates Central Florida. But this shutdown won’t be the kind you’re thinking about. Let me explain.
Disney World Could Be Different by the End of the Decade
In Central Florida, a quiet shift is happening—and it’s not in a galaxy far, far away.
Theme park guests visiting Orlando next year may start to feel a pull, not just toward Cinderella Castle, but toward something bolder, newer, and perhaps more immersive. A new player is preparing to make its mark in a very big way. But is Disney ready?
Epic Universe: More Than Just a Park
Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park is gearing up for a 2025 debut, and the numbers are already painting a powerful picture. With five uniquely themed lands—including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, the Ministry of Magic, and the central hub of Celestial Park—the new park isn’t just another gate. It’s a calculated, $10 billion bet that may change how tourists experience Orlando altogether.
Industry experts say Epic Universe could boost Universal’s total attendance by 10 million guests per year—a 50% increase over current figures. In comparison, Disney World is projected to see little to no attendance growth over the same period.
So why is Disney standing still while Universal surges forward?
Disney’s $60 Billion Question
To be fair, Disney isn’t ignoring the future. The company has pledged a staggering $60 billion to its Parks, Experiences, and Products division over the next ten years. But so far, there’s little evidence that those dollars will directly lead to a major new attraction in Orlando—let alone a full-fledged park.
According to a May report from MoffettNathanson, Disney World’s attendance is expected to hover at around 54.9 million annual visitors through 2026. Meanwhile, Universal is predicted to jump to over 27 million in the same timeframe—thanks in large part to Epic Universe.
More troubling for Disney is that this isn’t simply a redistribution of current visitors. Analysts believe Epic Universe is generating new tourism demand. That means Universal isn’t just borrowing visitors from other parks—it’s pulling in fresh ones, possibly at Disney’s expense.
IP Wars: Nintendo vs. Nostalgia
For decades, Disney dominated childhood nostalgia with its iconic characters and films. But now, Universal is playing that game—and winning.
Epic Universe is banking on powerful intellectual properties like Nintendo and DreamWorks to drive attendance. So far, it’s working. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is already a proven hit overseas, and expectations for its Orlando debut are sky-high.
Theme park researcher Dr. Carissa Baker told Fast Company that she’s visited preview events multiple times, noting the consistent crowd sizes and intense guest enthusiasm.
“People are just covered in Nintendo merchandise,” she observed, highlighting the brand’s wide emotional appeal.
These aren’t passive fans. They’re loyal, engaged, and ready to spend—exactly the kind of guests theme parks dream of.
The Real Undercurrent: A Shift in Momentum for Disney World
While Disney continues with small-scale additions and rethemes—many of which have generated mixed reactions—it has no new park on the books for Walt Disney World. That lack of a bold, future-facing project has left some industry watchers questioning whether Disney is moving fast enough.
Universal’s Epic Universe isn’t just a park. It’s a statement. It’s a modern, immersive, IP-driven destination designed for a new generation of guests. And while Disney has the legacy, Universal seems to have the momentum.
As Epic Universe prepares to open its gates in 2025, one thing is clear: Orlando’s tourism landscape is evolving. Whether Disney chooses to match Universal’s boldness remains to be seen.
