Latest news with #DennisSpeigel
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Universal's new Epic Universe, first new Florida theme park in 25 years, challenges Disney. Check dates, ticket prices and more
Universal Epic Universe launch Live Events Inside Epic Universe (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Universal Orlando is welcoming a new theme park this week. The Epic Universe is the first new Florida theme park to open in 25 years, according to US media in time for Memorial Day weekend, Universal Orlando Resort is opening the gates to its Universal Epic Universe theme park on Thursday. Universal Orlando is set to debut its fourth Florida theme park, Epic Universe, on May highly anticipated addition will transport guests into immersive worlds inspired by Harry Potter, Super Mario, How to Train Your Dragon, and other popular franchises. Situated southwest of downtown Orlando, Epic Universe marks the first major theme park opening in Florida in over 25 years. Its arrival is expected to intensify the long-standing rivalry with Walt Disney World Resort , a staple of the Orlando tourism scene since its 1971 debut."Is Epic Universe going to put Disney out of business? Absolutely not," Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of consulting firm International Theme Park Services told CBS News. "Is it going to put a chink in their armor? Yeah."Universal announced the launch of Epic Universe in 2019. Although official figures have yet to be released, Speigel estimates that NBCUniversal's parent company spent approximately $7.7 billion to bring Epic Universe to life. In 2024, Comcast reported $8.6 billion in revenue from its theme park division, according to a regulatory Universe is expected to significantly boost Orlando's local economy—an area often referred to as 'The Amusement Capital of the World' due to its strong ties to the tourism industry. That year, over 75 million visitors traveled to the region, according to Visit Orlando, a local trade association. Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, described the opening of Epic Universe as an 'important milestone' for the Universal Orlando has not disclosed the park's capacity, Speigel estimates that Epic Universe can accommodate between 45,000 and 50,000 guests per day. He projects that the park could attract at least 6 million visitors annually, with potential for even higher attendance if U.S. economic growth remains stable and consumer concerns—such as those related to tariffs—subside.'The park actually has the physical capacity to draw at least 8 million people,' Speigel told CBS MoneyWatch. Still, a number of factors may influence those projections. For instance, a recent Bankrate survey found that more than half of Americans plan to cut back on spending for travel, dining, and entertainment this to the new Orlando attraction can explore five distinct "immersive worlds," each offering themed rides, restaurants, and entertainment:Celestial Park: Serving as the entrance and central hub of Epic Universe, this world is described by Universal Orlando as the "heart" of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Set in 1920s Paris, this area combines elements from the Fantastic Beasts films and the original Harry Potter series. It expands upon Universal's existing Harry Potter-themed attractions: Diagon Alley and Nintendo World: Guests enter through a signature green warp pipe and are transported into the colorful world of Nintendo. Highlights include a Mario Kart ride featuring augmented reality to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Modeled after the DreamWorks film series, this rugged, Viking-inspired land brings guests face-to-face with dragons and Universe: Dubbed the "most mysterious world" of Epic Universe, this area immerses guests in gothic horror tales featuring classic Universal Monsters such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf prices start at $139 for adults and $134 for children (before tax), though prices may vary depending on the date, according to Universal Orlando's website. Park hours typically run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, but schedules fluctuate daily, so visitors are encouraged to check in advance when planning their trip.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Universal Orlando's Epic Universe opens this week. Get a glimpse inside the new Florida theme park.
Universal Orlando Resort is opening the gates to its Universal Epic Universe theme park on Thursday, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The fourth addition to Universal Orlando's Florida portfolio, Epic Universe will open to the public on May 22, immersing visitors in the worlds of Harry Potter, Super Mario, "How to Train Your Dragon" and other beloved franchises. Located southwest of Downtown Orlando, Epic Universe is the first major theme park to open in Florida in more than 25 years and is expected to ramp up competition with Walt Disney World Resort, a fixture in Orlando, Florida, since 1971 when it first opened. "Is Epic Universe going to put Disney out of business? Absolutely not," said Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of consulting firm International Theme Park Services. "Is it going to put a chink in their armor? Yeah." The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic area at the new Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg via Getty Images Though official figures have not been released, Speigel estimates that bringing Epic Universe to life cost NBCUniversal parent company $7.7 billion. Comcast posted $8.6 billion in revenue for its theme park segment in 2024, according to its SEC filing. Universal Orlando did not respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment. Guests walk past the entrance to Donkey Kong Country in the Super Nintendo World area at the Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg via Getty Images Though Universal announced the launch of Epic Universe in 2019, the concept for the 750-acre theme park was "inspired by the heavens, stars and constellations," according to the entertainment resort chain. Celestial Park, the "cosmic heart" of the new Epic Universe, according to the website, features "lush greenery, tree-lined walkways and dancing fountains." Epic Universe is expected to be a boon for the local economy in Orlando, which is known as The Amusement Capital of the World, with deep roots in the tourism industry. In 2024, the amusement park hub welcomed over 75 million visitors, according to Visit Orlando, a trade association. Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando called the opening of Epic Universe an "important milestone" for the Orlando community. Universal Orlando has not released details about the capacity of the park but Speigel estimates Epic Universe can handle somewhere between 45,000 to 50,000 people. With that in mind, he projects the new park will draw at least 6 million visitors a year, possibly more, especially if the economy settles and people's fear about tariffs abates, he said. However, other factors could affect those numbers. A new survey from Bankrate shows that over half of Americans expect to spend less on travel, dining out or entertainment this year. "The park actually has the physical capacity to draw at least 8 million people," Speigel said. Here's a look inside Universal Orlando's newest theme park. Inside Epic Universe Visitors to the Orlando destination will have the opportunity to visit five different "immersive worlds," each with their own special themed restaurants, rides and entertainment: Celestial Park . The first world guests will enter and the gateway to other sections of the park, Universal Orlando calls Celestial the "heart of Universal Epic Universe." . The first world guests will enter and the gateway to other sections of the park, Universal Orlando calls Celestial the "heart of Universal Epic Universe." Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Set in 1920s Paris, the wand-waving world merges details from the "Fantastic Beasts" films and the "Harry Potter" film series. The park builds on two other Harry Potter attractions offered by Universal: Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. Set in 1920s Paris, the wand-waving world merges details from the "Fantastic Beasts" films and the "Harry Potter" film series. The park builds on two other Harry Potter attractions offered by Universal: Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. From the moment they make their way through green warp pipe, visitors will be met with numerous sights, sounds and characters of the Nintendo video game. While there, they can also take part in a Mario Kart race, a ride that offers augmented reality headsets. From the moment they make their way through green warp pipe, visitors will be met with numerous sights, sounds and characters of the Nintendo video game. While there, they can also take part in a Mario Kart race, a ride that offers augmented reality headsets. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk . This "rugged, rocky world" inhabited by vikings and dragons is modeled after the DreamWorks movie series. . This "rugged, rocky world" inhabited by vikings and dragons is modeled after the DreamWorks movie series. Dark Universe. Described on the Universal site as the "most mysterious world" of the Epic Universe, Dark Universe will immerse guests in the storylines of Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein and other spooky creatures. A couple walks through the "Dark Universe" world at Epic Universe. Universal Orlando How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk is based on the popular DreamWorks animated movie. Adrian Ruhi/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The grand atrium of Harry Potter's British Ministry of Magic is re-created in the queue for the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction at Universal Epic Universe. Adrian Ruhi/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Prices and hours Ticket prices for the new theme park start at $139.00 for adults and $134.00 for kids, before tax. Prices can vary depending on the day, the Universal Orlando website notes. Theme park hours are somewhere between 9 a.m.-10 p.m. EST, according to the site, but fluctuate daily, so visitors should check ahead when planning.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
It's Universal vs. Disney in an epic ‘prize fight' for theme park dominance in Florida
The theme park rivalry in Orlando, Fla. is heating up. This week, Universal will open its latest park, Epic Universe, a reportedly $7 billion bet for the Comcast-owned company and the newest salvo in its ongoing push to expand its tourism and entertainment empire. That puts pressure on Walt Disney Co., whose Walt Disney World Resort has long dominated the Orlando vacation landscape, but is now seeing increased competition, particularly from Universal. Sprawled across 750 acres, Epic Universe represents the biggest Universal theme park expansion since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 15 years ago. It touts five different themed areas, four of which are tied to well-known franchises: "Harry Potter," "How to Train Your Dragon," Universal's Dark Universe of classic movie monsters and Nintendo video game properties, in addition to a cosmic central Celestial Park hub. The resort, which also includes three hotels, features technologically-advanced animatronics and detailed rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which showcases many of Universal's monsters. Reviews of the park have been largely positive, with critics highlighting the immersive nature of the attractions. "Comcast has come on so strong with what they've developed and brought forth in the Orlando market," said Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of Cincinnati-based consulting firm International Theme Park Services Inc. "Over the last 15 years, they have brought that distance between Universal and Disney much closer, and it has really become a prize fight. It's the most intense and competitive situation in the industry." Disney was the first of the two to the Orlando market back in 1971, when it opened the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It wasn't until 1990 that Universal opened its own Orlando park, giving Disney a nearly two-decade head start. By then, Disney had already opened the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks (which would later become known as Hollywood Studios). Also in the mix in the Sunshine State: SeaWorld Orlando, which opened in 1973, and what's now known as Busch Gardens Tampa, which debuted in 1959. Today, Disney World has four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal Orlando will have three, including Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure (opened in 1999), and a water park, Volcano Bay (2017). Though Universal was late to market, its 2010 opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter land across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando pushed the theme park competition to new heights. Building a land solely around a specific intellectual property - instead of a general theme - was novel at the time, and the concept would later show up in Disney parks, such as Cars Land in Anaheim and later, "Star Wars"-themed lands in California and Florida. Demand at the time for the "Harry Potter"-themed land pushed Universal's attendance up 36% compared with the previous year, Speigel said. "They realized after 'Harry Potter' that it was a new world order," he said. "They've just kept the pedal to the metal on everything they've done in terms of growth and internal experience." There's good reason for that. Both Universal and Disney have honed in on theme parks as a profit-generating part of their business that is less volatile than the ever-changing media, television and film markets. Disney's experiences division, which includes its theme parks and cruise lines, has long brought in the lion's share of the company's profit, particularly as pay TV shrinks. "Disney has been pretty steady and consistent, but Universal is very rapidly expanding," said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. "They're highly encouraging their theme park sector right now." Both companies have recently announced new properties - Disney in Abu Dhabi and Universal with a smaller kids resort in Texas, a theme park in Britain and a year-round Halloween Horror Nights-esque experience in Las Vegas. "The plan is to keep driving growth in a business that we think we're one of two players in a market that is, within media, not at all exposed to the shift in time on screens from one venue to another," Comcast Corp. President Mike Cavanagh said during the company's fiscal first quarter call with analysts last month. "Live experiences, parks experiences have been thrilling to people, and we think we lean into that and continue to do so." So far, he said, advance ticket sales and hotel bookings are "strong" for Epic Universe and the other Universal parks in Orlando. A one-day ticket starts at $139. That's why analysts have consistently flagged the upcoming park during earnings calls for rival Disney, querying executives about the potential pressure on Disney World and how the company plans to compete. But if Disney is worried, it has shown little sign of it. Last week, Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said hotel bookings for the fiscal third quarter are up 4% compared with last year, with about 80% of available nights reserved. For the fourth quarter, bookings are up about 7%, with about 50% to 60% of capacity filled, he said. That's despite broader worries that concerns about a potential recession - spurred by President Trump's tariffs on foreign goods - will dampen travel and consumer spending. "Experiences is obviously a critical business for Disney and also an important growth platform," company Chief Executive Bob Iger said on a recent earnings call. "Despite questions around any macro-economic uncertainty or the impact of competition, I'm encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business." The company has previously announced it is investing $30 billion into its parks in Florida and California, which will fund such additions as a "Monsters Inc."-inspired land and a villains land in Disney World. The parks have also added attractions throughout the last 10 years, including the revamped Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride (which replaced Splash Mountain). Disney is betting that the influx of visitors coming to Florida for Epic Universe will still make a stop at its parks. Last year, Orlando tallied more than 75 million visitors, up 1.8% compared with 2023, according to the Visit Orlando trade association. Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said at an investor conference last week that Disney gets more tourists any time something new opens up in central Florida - even if it's not a Disney property. "If we just go back five or 10 years, and you think about what's happened at Walt Disney World, we've always been on the offensive," D'Amaro said. "If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, and if it brings in additional tourists, I can almost guarantee you that new tourist coming into the market is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Los Angeles Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
It's Universal vs. Disney in an epic ‘prize fight' for theme park dominance in Florida
The theme park rivalry in Orlando, Fla. is heating up. This week, Universal will open its latest park, Epic Universe, a reportedly $7 billion bet for the Comcast-owned company and the newest salvo in its ongoing push to expand its tourism and entertainment empire. That puts pressure on Walt Disney Co., whose Walt Disney World Resort has long dominated the Orlando vacation landscape, but is now seeing increased competition, particularly from Universal. Sprawled across 750 acres, Epic Universe represents the biggest Universal theme park expansion since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 15 years ago. It touts five different themed areas, four of which are tied to well-known franchises: 'Harry Potter,' 'How to Train Your Dragon,' Universal's Dark Universe of classic movie monsters and Nintendo video game properties, in addition to a cosmic central Celestial Park hub. The resort, which also includes three hotels, features technologically-advanced animatronics and detailed rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which showcases many of Universal's monsters. Reviews of the park have been largely positive, with critics highlighting the immersive nature of the attractions. 'Comcast has come on so strong with what they've developed and brought forth in the Orlando market,' said Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of Cincinnati-based consulting firm International Theme Park Services Inc. 'Over the last 15 years, they have brought that distance between Universal and Disney much closer, and it has really become a prize fight. It's the most intense and competitive situation in the industry.' Disney was the first of the two to the Orlando market back in 1971, when it opened the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It wasn't until 1990 that Universal opened its own Orlando park, giving Disney a nearly two-decade head start. By then, Disney had already opened the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks (which would later become known as Hollywood Studios). Also in the mix in the Sunshine State: SeaWorld Orlando, which opened in 1973, and what's now known as Busch Gardens Tampa, which debuted in 1959. Today, Disney World has four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal Orlando will have three, including Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure (opened in 1999), and a water park, Volcano Bay (2017). Though Universal was late to market, its 2010 opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter land across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando pushed the theme park competition to new heights. Building a land solely around a specific intellectual property — instead of a general theme — was novel at the time, and the concept would later show up in Disney parks, such as Cars Land in Anaheim and later, 'Star Wars'-themed lands in California and Florida. Demand at the time for the 'Harry Potter'-themed land pushed Universal's attendance up 36% compared with the previous year, Speigel said. 'They realized after 'Harry Potter' that it was a new world order,' he said. 'They've just kept the pedal to the metal on everything they've done in terms of growth and internal experience.' There's good reason for that. Both Universal and Disney have honed in on theme parks as a profit-generating part of their business that is less volatile than the ever-changing media, television and film markets. Disney's experiences division, which includes its theme parks and cruise lines, has long brought in the lion's share of the company's profit, particularly as pay TV shrinks. 'Disney has been pretty steady and consistent, but Universal is very rapidly expanding,' said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. 'They're highly encouraging their theme park sector right now.' Both companies have recently announced new properties — Disney in Abu Dhabi and Universal with a smaller kids resort in Texas, a theme park in Britain and a year-round Halloween Horror Nights-esque experience in Las Vegas. 'The plan is to keep driving growth in a business that we think we're one of two players in a market that is, within media, not at all exposed to the shift in time on screens from one venue to another,' Comcast Corp. President Mike Cavanagh said during the company's fiscal first quarter call with analysts last month. 'Live experiences, parks experiences have been thrilling to people, and we think we lean into that and continue to do so.' So far, he said, advance ticket sales and hotel bookings are 'strong' for Epic Universe and the other Universal parks in Orlando. A one-day ticket starts at $139. That's why analysts have consistently flagged the upcoming park during earnings calls for rival Disney, querying executives about the potential pressure on Disney World and how the company plans to compete. But if Disney is worried, it has shown little sign of it. Last week, Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said hotel bookings for the fiscal third quarter are up 4% compared with last year, with about 80% of available nights reserved. For the fourth quarter, bookings are up about 7%, with about 50% to 60% of capacity filled, he said. That's despite broader worries that concerns about a potential recession — spurred by President Trump's tariffs on foreign goods — will dampen travel and consumer spending. 'Experiences is obviously a critical business for Disney and also an important growth platform,' company Chief Executive Bob Iger said on a recent earnings call. 'Despite questions around any macro-economic uncertainty or the impact of competition, I'm encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business.' The company has previously announced it is investing $30 billion into its parks in Florida and California, which will fund such additions as a 'Monsters Inc.'-inspired land and a villains land in Disney World. The parks have also added attractions throughout the last 10 years, including the revamped Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride (which replaced Splash Mountain). Disney is betting that the influx of visitors coming to Florida for Epic Universe will still make a stop at its parks. Last year, Orlando tallied more than 75 million visitors, up 1.8% compared with 2023, according to the Visit Orlando trade association. Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said at an investor conference last week that Disney gets more tourists any time something new opens up in central Florida — even if it's not a Disney property. 'If we just go back five or 10 years, and you think about what's happened at Walt Disney World, we've always been on the offensive,' D'Amaro said. 'If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, and if it brings in additional tourists, I can almost guarantee you that new tourist coming into the market is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.'
CNN
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Epic Universe: Inside Universal's new theme park in central Florida
As if the words from 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' have jumped off the page into reality, fluorescent green fog shrouds people walking through a wizarding world Floo Network transit tunnel, to be greeted on the other side by an atrium with soaring ceilings depicting moving storm clouds. It might be the first time Muggles (non-wizards) have been inside the Ministry of Magic. That is just one jaw-dropping moment for guests to experience when Universal Orlando Resort officially opens its third and newest theme park, Epic Universe, on May 22. It is the first major theme park to open in central Florida in 26 years. At 750 acres, including both guest areas and backstage space for employees, it is believed to be the largest theme park in the world and estimated to have cost up to $7.7 billion to build, according to Dennis Speigel, owner and founder of consulting firm International Theme Park Services. Universal hasn't commented on the park's cost. 'I've seen them all,' Speigel said of theme parks around the world. And Epic Universe, he said, is 'too damn good.' That first impression has everything to do with Universal's use of the most advanced technology available coupled with intentional design to build a sense that the visitor is truly in a fantastical space with no glimpse of the outside world. At a media preview ahead of the public opening, CNN saw each of the park's 'worlds' and the experiences in them, including technology never seen in a theme park before. Let's take you through each section. It all begins with walking through Chronos, a portal that takes guests into the main hub of Epic Universe: Celestial Park. Here, guests will find Stardust Racers, a dual-track roller coaster, as well as Constellation Carousel, beautifully lit with animals that spin in different directions. There are shops, restaurants and bars nearby. But that's just the beginning. From this hub, guests can choose to enter four other portals, each leading them to a different world. 'It's as if all of the worlds of Epic Universe are closed off from the rest of the park,' said Alicia Stella, owner of Orlando ParkStop. Stella, who has been tracking the development of the park since its inception, said 'when you enter those portals … you are no longer in a theme park. You are in the Isle of Burke, from 'How to Train Your Dragon.' You are in the video games of Nintendo. You are in the Wizarding World, and you are in the world of Universal monsters, at Dark Universe.' When guests are inside one of these spaces, the only thing visible beyond its walls and sets is perhaps the top of Helios, a glittering new hotel located in the center of the park. Through one portal, in the world called Dark Universe, Universal brings to life its signature monsters including Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Invisible Man. The anchor attraction in this world — and one of the best in the park — is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, utilizing some of the most advanced, life-like robotic technology ever created. Prev Next But it's through another portal, to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, that the resort has introduced its most ambitious ride to date. Universal Orlando Resort already has two themed Harry Potter areas in its existing parks, but the third installment within Epic Universe brings people into the 1920s Paris of the 'Fantastic Beasts' offshoot story, full of street atmosphere, shops and restaurants. Guests will then be expected to time travel to experience the impressive ride, Harry Potter: Battle at the Ministry, going via metro tunnel from 1920s Paris into 1990s London, after the original Harry Potter series has concluded. Staff at the awe-inspiring Ministry of Magic are preparing for Dolores Umbridge's trial, and guests will ride an omnidirectional elevator, chasing her through the building. Epic Universe's third portal transports guests to the first-ever theme park land devoted to the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise. Guests have told CNN that they have seen tests of large, extremely life-like dragons flying through the sky via drone, although those were not on display during media previews. Guests will find roller coasters and a kid-friendly boat ride in the midst of an elaborate Isle of Berk, where dragons breathe fire and ice. A technically impressive show inside a theater features Toothless, the lovable dragon from the series, who flies above the audience, landing on stage. Super Nintendo World, which currently exists in Universal's Japan and Hollywood park locations, now comes to Epic Universe through a fourth portal with a beloved Mine-Cart Madness ride themed to Donkey Kong, in addition to the go-kart racing ride, Bowser's Challenge. Guests can wear special 'Power-Up' bands on their wrists to play games and win points, running around a life-sized video game while Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach mill about. Universal officials told CNN the company invented new technology and secured patents for Epic Universe experiences, including special animating effects, ride design and robotics. The results are most obvious on two rides guests are most likely to be talking about after their visit: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The Harry Potter ride feels like an experience combining elements of Universal's existing Spiderman ride and Disney's Rise of the Resistance. It features trackless ride systems, augmented reality, and high-resolution projections combined in new ways. For all the children who waited at midnight for the release of a new Harry Potter book a generation ago, 'this is our new midnight release,' said Ryan Clavin, host of DIS Unlimited: Universal Show on YouTube. Like many theme parks, Universal employs dynamic pricing for tickets, which varies depending on the season and how busy the parks are anticipated to be. Single-day tickets for Epic Universe recently became available, starting from $139 for adults and $134 for children ages 3-9, plus tax. Those prices currently apply to some weekdays in September, with the most expensive single-day tickets priced at $199 and $194 for children, plus tax, during the late December holiday season. Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the most visited theme park in the world, also has a ceiling of $199 during the same time frame. Multi-day ticket packages are also available, which allow guests to visit Epic Universe on one of those days. Per-day pricing on multi-day tickets is lower than single-day tickets. Universal's 'Express Pass,' which allows guests to enter attractions through a faster line, can vary by date. These passes often cost more than the park ticket itself. For example, buying an Express Pass for the busy July 4 holiday at Epic Universe will cost $250 for a single day, a cost in addition to the ticket price. Stella said she believes these prices are in line with existing parks. 'I think it's priced appropriately. Actually, a lot of us who are big fans of the theme park industry are surprised at some of the price points being as low as they are, because I feel like there was an opportunity to charge whatever they wanted for opening,' Stella said. She added that Universal's brand-new hotels near Epic Universe are also priced more affordably than she expected. With so much buzz around Universal's new park, industry experts are watching for Disney's response. 'Disney and Universal are in the greatest boxing match they've ever been in at this point in time, and it's a slug fest,' Speigel said. 'I believe that within 12 to 16 months, Disney will announce its fifth gate theme park, because it's necessary.' Disney, still the dominant leader in the theme park industry, currently has four theme parks on its Walt Disney World property in central Florida, the last of which opened in 1998. For the moment, the company has announced a slew of new themed lands and attractions within existing parks, but no new theme park. 'Is [Epic Universe] going to put Disney out of business? Absolutely not. Is it going to put a chink in their armor? Yes, it will,' Speigel said. Universal's momentum has ramped up ever since it opened the first area themed to the Harry Potter franchise in 2010 at its second Orlando theme park, Islands of Adventure. Speigel said Universal Orlando Resort saw a 36% increase in attendance in the year that followed, the biggest one-year increase he has ever seen in any park attendance in history. In Disney's 2024 fourth quarter earnings call, Hugh Johnston, chief financial officer of the Walt Disney Company, highlighted positive early bookings for this summer and said, 'The history of other non-Disney parks opening in Florida has been positive for Disney bookings.' While that may be so, Stella believes the typical family vacation where most of the time is spent at Disney World, with a small portion of the week at Universal, may shift in balance. 'I could definitely see it being, 'Well, we need two or three days at Universal, so we'll only do two or three days at Disney,'' Stella said. 'If they're coming to Orlando anyway, or if they're coming to Epic Universe on purpose, will they decrease their stay elsewhere, like Disney? Will they skip Sea World altogether?' Speigel said, 'Everybody subscribes to a rising tide floats all boats, but it does eat up some of the market too.' He added that he expects 2025 to be a year of heavy discounting by all parks, not just to compete with Epic Universe, but to anticipate a worsening economy. Even with the stock market roller coasters and Goldman Sachs predicting that recession odds are rising, Speigel predicts at least 6 million guests will visit Epic Universe within its first year. Clavin said what he saw on the Harry Potter ride is indicative of the spectacle Universal has created in the entire park: 'This is sort of a very good example of why we love theme parks … Where else can you literally step into a movie like this?'
