Epic Universe Numbers Are Finally In—and Universal Didn’t Expect This

A wave of excitement swept through Orlando this summer as Universal opened the gates to its most ambitious project yet: Epic Universe. Guests poured in from around the globe to explore its massive new lands, while social media lit up with POV ride videos, food reviews, and emotional first reactions. But the real surprise? The incredible impact this park had on Comcast’s bottom line.

Theme parks aren’t just about thrills—they’re big business. And in the second quarter, Comcast beat Wall Street expectations across the board, thanks in large part to a powerful combination of park attendance, movie momentum, and strategic expansions. If you’ve ever wondered how a single theme park can ripple through the entertainment world, this summer delivered the answer.

Before we break down the numbers, let’s dive into what makes this new park experience so transformative for guests and the company alike.

Epic Universe Powers a Strong Quarter for Comcast

Opening in May, Epic Universe quickly became Universal Orlando’s crown jewel. The park features sprawling themed areas, including How to Train Your Dragon and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and quickly turned into a summer hotspot for vacationers.

The results speak for themselves:

• Theme park profit jumped 26%, climbing to $1.7 billion

• Revenue increased 19%, hitting $2.3 billion

• A $9.2 billion one-time gain from selling Comcast’s stake in Hulu to Disney added an extra boost

Universal’s film division also helped drive momentum. How to Train Your Dragon soared past $600 million at the worldwide box office, creating a perfect synergy with the park’s debut attractions.

Insider Strategies for Visiting Epic Universe

For guests, a little planning goes a long way. Here are the smartest ways to navigate the park:

• Hit the gates early: The first 90 minutes often feature the lowest waits.

• Use the Universal Orlando app: Stay ahead of crowd patterns, reserve virtual lines, and mobile order meals.

• Plan for multiple days: Epic Universe is packed with attractions; two days is ideal for a full experience.

• Late afternoon advantage: Crowds thin after peak hours, making evenings more relaxed and enjoyable.

Hidden Tips Locals Swear By

Want the inside edge? These tricks make your trip even better:

• Best nighttime views: Bridges between themed lands offer ideal fireworks and show spots.

• Snack like a pro: Don’t miss the dragon-inspired desserts—many sell out fast.

• Hop parks strategically: Park-to-park tickets let you escape peak crowds when needed.

The Cultural Impact on Theme Park Fans

Beyond the financial results, this moment marks a turning point in the theme park rivalry between Universal and Disney. For fans, Epic Universe represents:

• Fresh, next-level immersion with beloved franchises

• Expanded vacation options, especially for multi-day Orlando trips

• A surge in fandom excitement, reflected in rising social media buzz and early attendance spikes

With July’s Jurassic World: Rebirth already energizing the next quarter, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. For theme park lovers, this might be the golden era of Universal Orlando.