Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for the grand opening of Epic Universe, an ambitious new theme park setto open in 2025. As construction progresses rapidly, excitement among fans and industry experts is building for what could be a groundbreaking addition to the world of entertainment. Spanning 750 acres, Epic Universe will be the largest single investment Universal has ever made in its Florida parks. With several new themed lands, cutting-edge attractions, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it’s poised to transform Orlando’s already bustling tourism scene.
“We’re thrilled to bring Epic Universe to life,” said Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts. “This park is going to redefine the way people think about theme parks. Every inch of it is designed with immersion in mind. It’s not just about riding rides — it’s about stepping into entire worlds and making unforgettable memories.”
Epic Universe represents a significant expansion for Universal, both in size and ambition. The new park will be located a few miles south of the existing Universal Orlando Resort, which includes Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The proximity to these existing parks will allow Universal to create a more comprehensive resort experience, where guests can easily hop between parks, hotels, and entertainment areas. The park’s design will be centered around a large hub, from which multiple themed lands will radiate outwards. Each of these lands will be highly immersive, offering unique experiences that transport visitors into different worlds. Rumored themes include Super Nintendo World, which will bring iconic video game characters like Mario and Luigi to life, a Universal Monsters land, and a How to Train Your Dragon area.
“We’re taking immersion to the next level,” said Tom Williams, Universal’s Chief Operating Officer. “When you walk into Epic Universe, you won’t just be a guest in the park. You’ll feel like you’re a part of the story — whether you’re flying on a dragon’s back or navigating through Bowser’s Castle. Our goal is to create a theme park that feels alive and dynamic, with something new around every corner.”
Epic Universe is being closely watched as Universal’s most direct challenge to Walt Disney World, which has long dominated the Orlando market. Disney has historically been the largest player in the region, attracting millions of visitors each year with its Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and other parks. With Epic Universe, Universal is aiming to stake its claim as a global leader in immersive experiences.
“This new park will undoubtedly elevate the level of competition in Orlando,” said Dennis Speigel, a theme park industry consultant. “What Universal is doing with Epic Universe — the scale, the technology, the level of immersion — it’s going to give Disney a serious run for its money. We could be seeing the beginning of a new golden age of theme parks.”
Universal has already seen success in recent years with the addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which brought a significant boost to attendance at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Now, with Epic Universe, the company is looking to build on that momentum and create an even more immersive and interactive experience. One of the key elements setting Epic Universe apart from existing parks is its focus on cutting-edge technology. The park will incorporate the latest advancements in ride systems, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), allowing for experiences that go beyond traditional roller coasters and dark rides. From interactive queues to attractions that respond dynamically to guests, the park promises to push the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment.
“We want our guests to be part of the action in ways they’ve never experienced before,” said Woodbury. “With the integration of AR and VR, visitors won’t just be spectators. They’ll be fully immersed in the worlds we’re creating, interacting with the environments and characters in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.”
One particularly exciting development is the possibility of rides that adapt to guests’ choices and movements, creating unique experiences with each visit. This emphasis on personalization and interactivity could set Epic Universe apart from anything else in Orlando.
The creation of Epic Universe is also expected to have a major impact on the local economy. The project will create thousands of jobs in both construction and long-term operations, providing a significant boost to the Orlando area. Universal has stated that the park will employ thousands of full-time employees once it’s up and running, from ride operators to performers and hospitality workers. In addition to job creation, Epic Universe is projected to draw millions of new visitors to Orlando each year, further boosting the region’s tourism industry. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, are expected to see a substantial increase in traffic as a result.
“We’re excited about the economic benefits Epic Universe will bring to Orlando,” said Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando. “This is a major investment in our city’s future, and it’s going to create a lot of opportunities for residents and local businesses. Orlando is already one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and this new park is only going to enhance that reputation.”
With an opening date projected for 2025, anticipation is running high for Epic Universe. Universal has kept many of the park’s specific details under wraps, leading to intense speculation among fans and industry insiders. However, based on what’s already known, it’s clear that the park is being designed as a game-changer for the industry, with a focus on immersion, technology, and storytelling. As construction continues, more information about the park’s lands, attractions, and overall layout will likely be revealed, further fueling the excitement. For now, one thing is certain: Epic Universe is shaping up to be a revolutionary addition to Orlando’s theme park landscape.
“Epic Universe is going to be something the world has never seen before,” Williams said. “We can’t wait for guests to experience everything we’ve been working on. It’s going to be a true destination in every sense of the word.” For Orlando’s tourism industry, Epic Universe represents the dawn of a new era — one that could redefine the possibilities for theme park entertainment and further solidify the city’s position as a global hub for immersive experiences.
