Universal Opens $7 Billion Epic Universe Theme Park Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort has opened its new theme park, Epic Universe, marking the first major theme park launch in Florida in 20 years and presenting significant competition to Disney World. Spanning 750 acres, Epic Universe features five immersive themed areas including Harry Potter's Magic World, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon's Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe, showcasing Universal's commitment with an estimated $7 billion investment from parent company Comcast. The park integrates cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, advanced animation, and robotics, supported by 161 patents for innovative ride and experience designs. Industry experts note the potential impact on Disney World’s attendance, with predictions of a loss of up to one million visitors over two years due to Universal's new offering. The grand opening celebration included a tribute to Steven Spielberg for his creative contributions, particularly to the How to Train Your Dragon land. Universal executives emphasized that the project took nearly a decade to realize, reflecting a major strategic bet on growth in the theme park sector.