Disney Exec Says He Isn't Worried About Universal's Epic Universe. What It Really Means for Disney World
A Disney executive says that the company is not worried about the opening of Universal's new Florida theme park, Epic Universe, impacting Disney World
"If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe" that tour is also "going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom," Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, said WednesdayAt least one Disney executive is not concerned about competition from Universal Orlando's new Florida theme park.
Speaking at a conference on Wednesday, May 14, Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, said that he isn't worried that the new 110-acre NBCUniversal property — Epic Universe — will reduce the number of tourists visiting the nearby Walt Disney World Resort.
"We're always on the offensive… We're constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks," D'Amaro said, according to Variety. "If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe" that brings a tourist to the area, "that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom."
While Disney doesn't have any major openings imminent at the Florida resort, it announced a slate of buzzed-about new rides and lands for the coming years, including some themed to Monsters Inc. Disney Villains, Encanto and more, at the most recent D23 conference last August.
After first announcing it would be adding a fourth park to its central Florida resort in August 2019, the resort is gearing up for the long-awaited opening of Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22.
Guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in five new worlds, including Celestial Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, home to Universal Monster legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster and more.
Epic Universe will offer over 50 attractions, including entertainment and dining options, shopping experiences and 11 new rides, PEOPLE previously reported. It is the fourth theme park to join the resort's Universal Studios (the original park), Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park.
Tickets for the new park are already available for purchase, on the company's official website.
D'Amaro also shared more information about Disney's latest endeavor — a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, announced last week that was annoucned on May 7.
"We knew there was demand for Disney product around the world," D'Amaro said, opening up about the company's seventh resort and the decision to take their business to the United Arab Emirates. "This is a crossroads for the world."
The destination — dubbed Disneyland Abu Dhabi — marks Disney's seventh global theme park resort and its first in the Middle East. It will be built as a waterfront resort on Yas Island, a hub for entertainment that already draws millions of visitors from across the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe and beyond.
'This is a thrilling moment for our company,' said Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, promising the park "will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways."
'Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati — an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come," Iger said.
The park does not yet have an opening date.
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