Latest news with #MarkWoodbury
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Inside the new Epic Universe theme park with 11 new rides
Universal Studios Orlando, since opening in 1990, has grown into a major entertainment hub, drawing 10 million visitors annually across its Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay parks. In 2019, Universal announced plans for a fourth park, promising an unprecedented level of immersion and innovation. Six years later, that vision has materialised. Epic Universe, the first major theme park in Orlando in 25 years, represents a $7.5 billion investment (£5.5 billion) and a significant leap forward in theme park design. During the opening week, Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, described the park as "the most technologically advanced park in the world". This is everything you need to know about the new Epic Universe theme park and what tourists can expect. What are the rides like? With 11 new rides, one of which has been deemed the best dark ride in the world, I was eager to get started. With five worlds to explore – How to Train Your Dragon; Isle of Berk; Super Nintendo World; Dark Universe; and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic (all centred around the main hub of Celestial Park) – I was lucky I had three days. Each world is entered through its own portal, backed-up with its own music and theming, making visitors feel like they have truly been transported into a different dimension. None more so, than the colourful Super Nintendo World with its sea of rainbow, sounds of coins being collected and Venus flytraps chomping away to that well-known theme tune. Rides range from family coasters, such as Hiccups Wing Gliders – a firm favourite with our group, to the high-speed, dual racing thrill ride of Stardust Racers. Fyre Drill is a water soaker perfect for cooling down in the humid Floridian heat, while airborne Dragon Racers Rally allows you to barrel-roll your own dragon, should you desire. If you're a fan of Mario Kart, then Bowser's Challenge is definitely one to try. This fully immersive version of the game puts riders behind the wheel of their very own moving kart. Donning a special Mario cap along with high-tech virtual reality glasses, I took my place in the kart and head out on my own mission to collect as many coins as possible while encountering Mario favourites. For me, Dark Universe was the real showstopper. I was lucky enough to visit this area during the day and at night, and I have to say, if you get the chance to go after dark, you won't leave disappointed. It has to be the most atmospheric and creepy park, EVER! Monsters Unchained is one of those rides you can go on time and time again, each time a different experience. I rode this four times and still felt like I had missed some elements of it. Sat on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm, I entered the abyss of Dr Victoria Frankenstein's experiment, being tilted backwards and forwards, up and down, as a revolt of enraged monsters came at me. Despite Dark Universe being my particular favourite world, I would challenge anyone to not be impressed by the Ministry of Magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With anticipated queue times of up to five hours, its reputation certainly precedes it. The entrance is an exact replica of the one in the films. Bottle-green glossy tiles line the walls, along with posters with moving images. Even the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo makes riders disappear in a plume of green smoke. The ride itself is definitely worth the wait and is a lot longer than you would anticipate as you travel deep into the depths of the Ministry's many departments to the trial of Delores Umbridge, encountering uninvited guests along the way. The live shows you can't miss Aside from the rides, there are two notable live shows at Epic and you won't want to miss either. I'm not usually much of a fan of park shows, but both of these soon had me changing my mind. The Untrainable Dragon, within Isle of Berk, treats audiences to a spectacular, musical show, complete with dragons, amazing stage effects and a moving toothless dragon animatronic that soars above the audience. Even if you have never seen the films, you can't fail to be impressed, while Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes part in a small circus tent and combines a magical performance of illusions, puppetry and immersive effects, that has audiences captivated right from the preshow. The best dining options Whilst Celestial Park is the hub of Epic, with many dining options, there are plenty to be found in each world, with the theming spilling over into the menus. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes, pubs and street carts, I am spoilt for choice, with everything from Parisian street cafes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the deathly dishes at Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe. During my visit I sampled the delights of Mead Hall in Isle of Berk – a one stop shop for Viking cuisine. Serving everything from sandwiches to meat platters and what seemed to be popular choice – Mac and Cheese cones. For the more discerning diner, the Atlantic restaurant in Celestial Park provides a fine under-the-sea dining experience, with a seafood-based menu. But for me, the Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World was a big hit, with its Mario and Luigi burgers and Bowser's Fireball Challenge. Where to stay Epic Universe brings three new hotels – The Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. If your budget allows, then staying at Helios is a no-brainer. This starry 500 room extravaganza has amazing views overlooking Epic and even has its own entrance to the park. For the more budget-minded, the Stella Nova and Terra Luna offer a more affordable option. I stayed at the Stella Nova resort, just a short shuttle ride away. For me, this was the perfect option. I had great views of the park and the onsite pool and bar area made for a relaxing afternoon in amongst what was a hectic few days. Staying onsite also gives guests early park admission. Overall verdict For me, Epic Universe is truly that. Everything from the theming to the rides, food to the park itself has raised the bar in the world of theme parks. No expense has been spared on taking each attraction to the next level. But with demand expected to be high, ticket sales only allow for one-day passes throughout 2025, so planning ahead is key. I've no doubt the celebrations will continue for many months to come, but for now, the memories will live on. So, until next time, Universal… you have been Epic! How to plan your trip British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829pp, including flights and room only accommodation.
Irish Examiner
16 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Everything you need to know about the new €6bn Epic Universe theme park in Orlando
Universal Studios Orlando first opened its doors back in 1990. Both a working studio and an entertainment complex, made up of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventures and Volcano Bay, it welcomes 10million visitors a year. So, when it was announced back in 2019 that it would be adding a fourth park – claiming to be the 'most immersive and innovative' theme park the company had ever created – there was great anticipation. Fast forward six years and that park has now become a reality. The first major theme park to come to Orlando in 25 years, and at a cost of $7.5 billion (€6.2 billion), Epic Universe has certainly raised the bar. I headed to the opening week a for a behind the scenes look at, in the words of Mark Woodbury, Universal Destinations and Experiences' Chairman and CEO, 'the most technologically advanced park in the world'. What are the rides like? The Dark Universe area at Universal Epic Universe. Picture: Universal/PA With 11 new rides, one of which has been deemed the best dark ride in the world, I was eager to get started. With five worlds to explore – How to Train Your Dragon; Isle of Berk; Super Nintendo World; Dark Universe; and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic (all centred around the main hub of Celestial Park) – I was lucky I had three days. Each world is entered through its own portal, backed-up with its own music and theming, making visitors feel like they have truly been transported into a different dimension. None more so, than the colourful Super Nintendo World with its sea of rainbow, sounds of coins being collected and Venus flytraps chomping away to that well-known theme tune. Rides range from family coasters, such as Hiccups Wing Gliders – a firm favourite with our group, to the high-speed, dual racing thrill ride of Stardust Racers. Fyre Drill is a water soaker perfect for cooling down in the humid Floridian heat, while airborne Dragon Racers Rally allows you to barrel-roll your own dragon, should you desire. The new Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe. Picture: Kirsty Masterman/PA If you're a fan of Mario Kart, then Bowser's Challenge is definitely one to try. This fully immersive version of the game puts riders behind the wheel of their very own moving kart. Donning a special Mario cap along with high-tech virtual reality glasses, I took my place in the kart and head out on my own mission to collect as many coins as possible while encountering Mario favourites. For me, Dark Universe was the real showstopper. I was lucky enough to visit this area during the day and at night, and I have to say, if you get the chance to go after dark, you won't leave disappointed. It has to be the most atmospheric and creepy park, EVER! Monsters Unchained is one of those rides you can go on time and time again, each time a different experience. I rode this four times and still felt like I had missed some elements of it. Sat on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm, I entered the abyss of Dr Victoria Frankenstein's experiment, being tilted backwards and forwards, up and down, as a revolt of enraged monsters came at me. Kirsty at Universal Epic Universe. Picture: Kirsty Masterman/PA Despite Dark Universe being my particular favourite world, I would challenge anyone to not be impressed by the Ministry of Magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With anticipated queue times of up to five hours, its reputation certainly precedes it. The entrance is an exact replica of the one in the films. Bottle-green glossy tiles line the walls, along with posters with moving images. Even the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo makes riders disappear in a plume of green smoke. The ride itself is definitely worth the wait and is a lot longer than you would anticipate as you travel deep into the depths of the Ministry's many departments to the trial of Delores Umbridge, encountering uninvited guests along the way. The live shows you can't miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Picture: Universal/PA Aside from the rides, there are two notable live shows at Epic and you won't want to miss either. I'm not usually much of a fan of park shows, but both of these soon had me changing my mind. The Untrainable Dragon, within Isle of Berk, treats audiences to a spectacular, musical show, complete with dragons, amazing stage effects and a moving toothless dragon animatronic that soars above the audience. Even if you have never seen the films, you can't fail to be impressed, while Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes part in a small circus tent and combines a magical performance of illusions, puppetry and immersive effects, that has audiences captivated right from the preshow. The best dining options Celestial Park at night at Universal Epic Universe. Picture: Kirsty Masterman/PA Whilst Celestial Park is the hub of Epic, with many dining options, there are plenty to be found in each world, with the theming spilling over into the menus. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes, pubs and street carts, I am spoilt for choice, with everything from Parisian street cafes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the deathly dishes at Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe. During my visit I sampled the delights of Mead Hall in Isle of Berk – a one stop shop for Viking cuisine. Serving everything from sandwiches to meat platters and what seemed to be popular choice – Mac and Cheese cones. For the more discerning diner, the Atlantic restaurant in Celestial Park provides a fine under-the-sea dining experience, with a seafood-based menu. But for me, the Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World was a big hit, with its Mario and Luigi burgers and Bowser's Fireball Challenge. Where to stay The Stella Nova resort. Picture: Universal/PA Epic Universe brings three new hotels – The Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. If your budget allows, then staying at Helios is a no-brainer. This starry 500 room extravaganza has amazing views overlooking Epic and even has its own entrance to the park. For the more budget-minded, the Stella Nova and Terra Luna offer a more affordable option. I stayed at the Stella Nova resort, just a short shuttle ride away. For me, this was the perfect option. I had great views of the park and the onsite pool and bar area made for a relaxing afternoon in amongst what was a hectic few days. Staying onsite also gives guests early park admission. Overall verdict Kirsty Masterman at Universal Epic Universe. Picture: Kirsty Masterman/PA For me, Epic Universe is truly that. Everything from the theming to the rides, food to the park itself has raised the bar in the world of theme parks. No expense has been spared on taking each attraction to the next level. But with demand expected to be high, ticket sales only allow for one-day passes throughout 2025, so planning ahead is key. I've no doubt the celebrations will continue for many months to come, but for now, the memories will live on. So, until next time, Universal… you have been Epic! How to plan your trip Universal Epic Universe theme park. Picture: Universal/PA British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova Resort from €985pp, including flights and room only accommodation. Universal Orlando Resort All Park Tickets are available from €522pp. For reservations visit
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Universal's Epic Universe ‘Changes Everything' And Is Already Planning More Attractions
"This fourth gate changes everything for Universal Orlando," explains Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Orlando Resort. Less than 24 hours later, the new multibillion-dollar theme park Epic Universe officially opened its gates to guests. Eight years in the making but announced in 2019, Epic Universe spans 110 acres and features five themed areas: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon—Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic. It's the first theme park to be added to the company's Florida portfolio since Islands of Adventure in 2019. "The future is super bright," enthuses the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, Mark Woodbury. "This is truly a momentous occasion for us and a significant milestone in a continuum of our development. When I speak about a continuum, this is the first step in an epic future." "There's a lot of room for expansion and we're already thinking about how that plays out. It's the same on the north end of the campus," he reveals, referring to legacy property Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. "There are new attractions coming, new intellectual property coming, and that's all part of our philosophy to grow our business by expanding our existing footprint." The entire footprint of the land in which Epic Universe sits, a stone's throw from the Orlando Convention Center, is 750 acres. The idea for Epic Universe started when execs looked at how to grow the Orlando business, which also includes the Volcano Bay water park, and realized that the key was another park to make the Universal resort a full week vacation and "the destination of choice for people for their full Orlando trip." "When we decided to do that, we asked the consumer, 'What will take you to swing to make Orlando your destination?' And they told us," Woodbury recalls. "We love your intellectual property, technology, immersive storytelling, and thrilling attractions, so give us more of what you do best, and we'll give you more of our time.' Epic Universe is the result of that." Then, he explains, it was a process of "compiling the best intellectual properties we could think of." A great example is How to Train Your Dragon. Woodbury continues, "With a new movie coming out in a couple of weeks, that gives you a sense of how things work within our company. We have the third installation of Harry Potter in the resort, so if you're a Harry Potter fan, you have to see all three parks, which speaks to the week vacation. Universal Monsters is completely reimagined. We were able to take those characters, reinvent them for the next generation, and put them behind some stunning technology. Then, of course, there's Super Nintendo World, our fantastic partnership with that powerful brand. You put all that together and have the most technologically advanced park we've ever built. I can say that with some confidence because I have built six of them for the company." That technology extends beyond the groundbreaking rides and attractions such as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, the crown jewels in an offering that also includes exhilarating highlights Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness, Stardust Racers, and Hiccup's Wing Gliders. "The technology starts when people first engage with their vacation planning cycle on an entirely new e-commerce platform that streamlines the purchasing process and the selection process for tailoring and customizing your vacation," Woodbury confirms. "It follows all the way through with facial recognition technology that streamlines and takes all the friction out of the entry process. You can pair your ticket with your face and walk right through the entry gate. Historically, you had to stop, buy a ticket, stand in line, and go to the turnstile, but now you've come straight in. That technology is going to enable all kinds of operational benefits going forward." Irwin adds, "We have absolute experts in this, and not only are they experts in what they do, but they're also very passionate about what we do. We think very much about what we want people to feel when they come to Universal Orlando Resort. We want you not to have to think about what you're doing but to put away your phone and feel what we're doing here. I think what you're going to find when you lean into that experience is that we offer this opportunity for people to come together with people that they love and care about, connect and be together, and have those moments and those experiences that honestly, they will remember for a lifetime." Epic Universe, which officially opened on Thursday, May 22, 2025, also significantly boosts Orlando's employment prospects. Along with the theme park itself, the development adds three Loews hotels to the resort: Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and the Helios Grand Hotel. These add 2,000 rooms to the portfolio, for a total of 11,000 across all their lodging properties. "What that means is that at any given time, there are 25,000 to 30,000 guests on our sites at our resorts, 24/7," Irwin enthuses. "I'm proud of the economic impact of this project. We hired 1000s of people to operate the resort. The economic impact is felt beyond this region, but in Orlando alone, there will be billions of dollars of economic growth in this area. We are lucky to have brilliant and talented team members who operate, build, and design everything. I'm proud of the work that's happened here. If you think about what it takes to run a resort like Universal Orlando, it's like running a small city." Ahead of the gates officially opening following a period of soft opening and media previews, Epic Universe welcomed a galaxy of stars made up of industry figures and celebrities, including Gerard Butler from Universal and DreamWorks' new live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon, James and Oliver Phelps and Warwick Davis from the Harry Potter films, Nintendo's Representative Director and Fellow, Shigeru Miyamoto, and seven-time Academy Award winner and legendary makeup artist Rick Baker.
Travel Weekly
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Celebrating the grand opening of Universal's Epic Universe
ORLANDO -- Universal Epic Universe was celebrated Wednesday night before the theme park's gates officially opened Thursday morning. Universal Orlando Resort invited media and a number of VIPs, including travel advisors, to its opening celebration, which highlighted the five main worlds of Epic Universe: Celestial Park, How to Train your Dragon -- Isle of Berk, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe. The evening concluded with a fireworks, water and light show in Celestial Park. Drones spelled out "Epic" across the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which stood in the background. Drones spelled out "Epic" in front of the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada "On behalf of our entire organization, it is my honor to welcome you to Universal Epic Universe," Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, said to the crowd. "This moment marks a significant milestone in our company's journey to redefine the theme park experience for our global audience and for generations of families to come." Woodbury thanked the company's corporate leadership at Comcast and NBCUniversal, as well as colleagues at Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation. He also thanked partners at Nintendo, Warner Brothers Discovery and state and local officials. Epic Universe was open for attendees before his comments so they could experience its attractions, shows and food and beverage offerings. "What you have seen, felt and experienced tonight is the product of the immense creative talent, technical prowess and operational excellence of all of our incredibly dedicated teams at Universal Destinations and Experiences," Woodbury said. "To all involved, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude." Also offering comments was filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who Woodbury said was a creative consultant. "In each of us lies the desire to explore new worlds in search of adventure, joy, discovery, and even to face our fears," Spielberg said. "Through amazing stories and unforgettable characters, we are introduced to these incredible worlds we only dare imagine, and in the process, we discover the hero in ourselves." Spielberg added, "Universal Epic Universe has brought those worlds to life. All the sights, sounds and feelings you have come to love in a way that can only be described as Epic."
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Universal's new Epic Universe park challenges Disney in Florida
HighlightsComcast's $7 billion investment in the Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort aims to compete directly with Walt Disney World, which has historically dominated the Orlando theme park scene since 1971. Analysts predict that the Epic Universe could attract 9.5 million visitors by 2026, potentially siphoning off around 1 million guests from Walt Disney World over the next two years. Disney is responding to the competitive threat by investing $60 billion over the next decade to enhance its parks and cruise businesses, while also offering promotions like half-price tickets for children to maintain visitor interest. For decades, Universal Orlando Resort was a pit stop on a vacationer's way to the "Most Magical Place on Earth," Walt Disney World . Now, NBCUniversal owner Comcast aims to rewrite the travel itinerary with Epic Universe , a major new theme park in Central Florida set to open on Thursday. An estimated $7 billion investment has doubled the resort's size, adding 750 acres and populating it with familiar movie and game characters, which it owns or licenses. It features five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk; Celestial Park; and Dark Universe. Epic Universe represents the largest investment Comcast has made in Universal's theme parks since gaining control of the business in 2011. Analysts say it poses a heightened competitive threat to Walt Disney World, whose last major expansion was in 2019. "This is the one part of the media ecosystem that is not vulnerable to screen-shifting. It's still beloved as a thing to do with friends and family," Comcast President Mike Cavanaugh told Reuters on Tuesday. "It would be silly not to be stepping on the gas." Comcast's big investment in parks is one of six areas that will contribute to growth. The Experiences group is experimenting with new concepts, including the August launch of a permanent attraction in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed. It includes four haunted houses inspired by movies like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "The Exorcist: Believer." A family-friendly regional park, Universal Kids Resort, debuts next year in Frisco, Texas, inspired by "Shrek," "Minions" and SpongeBob SquarePants. "One of our key pillars of growth is how we bring the Universal brand to new audiences in new markets," Mark Woodbury, chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in an interview. "And you can see that in our Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, for our horror genre venue in Las Vegas." Universal also has another major theme park resort planned for the United Kingdom, Comcast's first in Europe. The theme park business is not without risk. It's vulnerable to economic downturns - something the industry experienced during the COVID-19 epidemic. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said he is comfortable making long-term, capital-intensive bets. "When you find something extraordinary, that's when you make these bets," said Roberts, citing the example of the first Harry Potter themed land in Orlando. "When that Harry Potter opened, I think there was a massive increase in attendance the next day, and it never went backwards." WINNING STREAK Disney has dominated the Orlando scene since Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. In 2023, Walt Disney World attracted 48.8 million visitors, more than double Universal's attendance of 19.8 million that year, according to a report from the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM. Epic could "siphon off at least some of the demand," MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett wrote in an investor report about Epic Universe's potential impact on Disney. Moffett predicts Epic Universe could attract 9.5 million visitors in 2026, and bring in more than $1.3 billion in revenue. Some of those gains will come at the expense of other parks, including Disney's, which Moffett estimates could lose 1 million guests over the next two years. In time, it could draw 13 million visitors a year, more than either of its sister parks, he estimates. "In the long run, I think it makes Orlando an even more attractive vacation destination," said TD Cowen analyst Doug Creutz. "That's probably good for Disney." Universal's theme park business has been rooted in its movie-making from its earliest days offering studio tours a century ago. When Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, it promoted the park as offering the chance to "ride the movies." The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter marked a watershed moment for Universal's Orlando resort, helping to fuel attendance with an experience that faithfully recreated the Warner Bros movies. A second Potter-themed attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, opened in 2014. Ever since Universal tapped in to J.K. Rowling's fantasy world, Moffett said it has been "on an asterisk-free winning streak." Ahead of the Epic Universe launch, Disney has reassured investors about its theme parks business Disney told investors that bookings at Walt Disney World remain strong over the next two fiscal quarters. It has been making steady improvements to its Florida resort to keep the experience fresh for visitors, including adding the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind spinning roller coaster at Epcot in 2022, and the TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom in 2023. It plans to spend $60 billion over a decade to "turbocharge" growth in its parks and cruise businesses. In April, Disney began offering half-price tickets for children ages three to nine this summer, and cut by half the downpayment Florida residents make to purchase annual passes.
