Universal Orlando Resort opens its fourth Florida theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on Thursday, May 22, marking its first major theme park debut in over 25 years.
Located southwest of downtown Orlando, the park features five immersive worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. Each offers themed rides, restaurants, and entertainment, according to Universal Orlando.
Announced in 2019, Epic Universe is expected to draw 6 to 8 million visitors annually, with an estimated capacity of 45,000 to 50,000 guests per day, per Dennis Speigel of International Theme Park Services. Speigel estimates Comcast, NBC Universal’s parent company, invested $7.7 billion in the project, which doubled the resort’s size by adding 750 acres, according to Reuters. Comcast reported $8.6 billion in 2024 theme park revenue, per a regulatory filing cited by CBS News.
The opening, timed for Memorial Day weekend, intensifies competition with Walt Disney World, a fixture since 1971.
“Is Epic Universe going to put Disney out of business? Absolutely not,” Speigel told CBS News. “Is it going to put a chink in their armor? Yeah.”
Casandra Matej, president of Visit Orlando, called it an “important milestone” for the region, which welcomed 75 million visitors in 2024.
Guests can join the celebration virtually via live streams on UniversalOrlando.com.
On Wednesday, May 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. CST, a VIP nighttime event will feature celebrity arrivals on the Celestial Carpet, first-ever Epic Universe footage, and interviews with the park’s creators. On Thursday, starting at 7:30 a.m., a live stream will cover the grand opening, including a brief ceremony.
Tickets start at $139 for adults and $134 for children. According to the Universal Orlando website, hours are typically from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, though schedules vary.