Epic Universe Just Opened—But Universal’s Already Building What’s Next
Lord of the Rings, Zelda and Pokémon?
Just imagine: You’ve spent years building a multibillion-dollar theme park called Epic Universe, opened it to thunderous applause, and watched millions pour through the gates in mere days. Most companies would pause to catch their breath. But not Universal.
In a move that’s left many in the industry stunned, Universal executives revealed that Epic Universe, which officially opened its gates on May 22, 2025, is already being lined up for further expansion. Just two weeks into operation, and Universal is already planning its next bold steps.
Why the rush? What exactly is coming—and how might it reshape the future of themed entertainment?
Epic Universe Is Already a Massive Hit
Nestled just a few miles from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe has been drawing unprecedented attention. With five immersive lands featuring blockbuster intellectual properties like Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon, the park is the most ambitious addition to Universal’s portfolio to date.
But even as guests get their first taste of its themed portals and high-tech rides, Universal leadership is looking ahead. Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, confirmed in a recent interview that the company is already plotting out new rides, new lands, and new stories.
“There’s a lot of room for expansion,” Woodbury shared. “We’re already thinking about how that plays out. New attractions coming, new IPs coming—it’s all part of our philosophy to grow.”
A Bigger Plan Backed by Bigger Business
Universal’s fast-track approach to expansion isn’t just about guest demand—it’s a reflection of a broader strategy by parent company Comcast to elevate its theme parks business.
While theme parks made up less than 20% of Comcast’s revenue in 2024, they delivered a whopping 44% of its adjusted earnings—a clear signal that parks are among the company’s most profitable ventures. By contrast, Disney’s experiences division generated 37% of its total revenue, but nearly 60% of its net income that same year.
Mark Woodbury on Epic Universe expansion. “The future is super bright. There’s a lot of room for expansion. We’re already thinking about how that plays out. New attractions coming, new intellectual property coming, all part of our philosophy to grow our business.” (CNBC)
Mark Woodbury on Epic Universe expansion.
“The future is super bright. There’s a lot of room for expansion. We’re already thinking about how that plays out. New attractions coming, new intellectual property coming, all part of our philosophy to grow our business."
(CNBC) pic.twitter.com/DNuKULMlhr
— Boardwalk Times (@BoardwalkTimes) June 2, 2025
Theme parks, in other words, aren’t just entertainment—they’re economic engines. That explains why Comcast is investing heavily, not just in Florida, but worldwide.
In addition to Epic Universe, Universal is:
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Preparing a year-round Halloween Horror Nights-themed attraction in Las Vegas
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Building a family-focused park in Frisco, Texas, set to open in 2026
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Planning a new park in the U.K. with a projected debut in 2031
The Deeper Stakes: A New Age of Theme Park Warfare
For years, Disney dominated the under-10 age group with its fantasy-first focus, while Universal appealed more to teens and adults with thrills and action. That boundary is starting to blur.
Epic Universe, in particular, is designed to be more family-inclusive, introducing experiences that draw in both younger kids and adults. This positions Universal not just as a competitor, but as a full-fledged alternative to Disney for families.
Craig Moffett, a media analyst following Comcast’s growth, put it this way:
“In the past, Disney really had the under 10-years-old segment more or less to themselves. Universal catered to tweens. But the new Epic Universe brings whole worlds to life for younger children.”
That’s no accident. Universal has built Epic Universe with a strategy that prioritizes both nostalgia and freshness—reviving timeless properties like the Universal Monsters while introducing modern gaming franchises with massive followings.
The Ripple Effect: From Orlando to Everywhere
The early signs from Epic Universe are overwhelmingly positive. Guest reviews, exit surveys, and viral social media posts suggest that Universal’s gamble has paid off. But the real magic is what this signals long-term.
More lands and more attractions mean more merchandise, more dining, more hotel stays, and yes—more revenue. And that expansion model is scalable far beyond Florida.
“We’ve soft opened for a while, and that gives you a lens into sort of what people are going to do in the parks,” said Universal Parks President Molly Armstrong. “And exit surveys have been great. The reviews of it have been terrific.”
With expansion plans already underway, and a growing portfolio of global attractions, Universal isn’t just competing with Disney anymore—it’s actively reshaping the theme park landscape.
Final Thoughts: The New Gold Rush of Theme Parks, Epic Universe Leads the Charge
The debut of Epic Universe isn’t the end of a project—it’s the launchpad for an entirely new era in immersive entertainment. And Universal isn’t waiting around to see how it plays out.
It’s building. Fast.
The battle for Orlando—and the global stage—has officially entered a new chapter. And with every new ride or land added, Universal is proving it’s not just riding the wave of excitement… it’s creating it.
