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Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe opens, and Harry Potter ride quickly draws a crowd (and a 300-minute wait)
The theme park capital of the world just got bigger as Epic Universe officially opened to the public at Universal Orlando early today. Its first visitors passed through the entrance at 6:30 a.m. — some eager customers had circled the area since 2 a.m. Eventually, there was a boisterous group countdown, followed by cheers, tears, cosplay and livestreaming. Initial Epic-goers went into speed-walking mode before literally skipping through the park's signature Chronos portal into Orlando's eighth theme park. Within 30 minutes, all visitors who had queued up early had ventured into the park. 'It was fun coming in because they had all the team members lining either side of the Chronos [entrance] clapping and welcoming everybody,' said Molly McCormack of Orlando, who arrived in the Epic parking lot at 7:30 a.m. 'We walked straight through security, straight through to Chronos,' said McCormack, co-owner of Mammoth Club, a content company that specializes in theme parks and travel. 'There's excitement in the air. Just now in the bar, people are toasting and cheers at each other,' she said. Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe experiences The opening ceremony also included mini-presentations and musical moments at the portals to the other four lands and the declaration that Epic Universe is officially open. The themed areas of Epic include Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, which showcases the classic monsters of Universal Studios. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, one of the more ballyhooed rides during previews for Epic Universe, quickly had a 300-minute wait time. The app later indicated operation of the attraction was 'delayed.' Most other attractions had midmorning waits of less than 30 minutes. By midday Thursday, major rides such as the Stardust Racers roller coaster and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment showed waits of 15 minutes or less. The bulging Battle at the Ministry wait time might explain the morning congestion at the Wizarding World portal. 'There was some running that happened,' a theme park no-no, said Tim Tracker, an Orlando-based YouTuber who covers Central Florida attractions. He said folks were dashing for the Potter ride, but there was no sign of trampling or injuries. The park didn't feel crowded Thursday morning, he said. 'It feels very similar to the preview days,' Tracker said. 'When you're out in Celestial Park, there's not a lot of people walking around. … And it's been lovely.' Overall, the short lines sharply contrasted with the first day of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in 2010. Some anxious fans waited eight hours then to get close to Hogwarts Castle. There has been a more measured approach in 2025. Ticket sales for the day were limited and quickly became unavailable, so there were no walk-up buyers for Epic on Thursday. The new park has also had several weeks of previews, starting with Universal employees and eventually expanding to the general public. Andrew and Sandra Spicer, a couple from the United Kingdom who took a nearly nine-hour flight to Florida, said they had planned their trip for a year and previously came during previews. 'It was the Harry Potter ride that we most wanted to go on when we came,' Sandra said. 'We queued for three-and-a-half hours to get on it.' She hoped lines would be shorter and said that they would definitely not wait for that amount of time again. Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) The sun sets over the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first new major theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 12Fireworks explode as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Expand But Daryl Ireland, also from the U.K., said she was willing to wait up to six hours for Battle at the Ministry. She also came during the preview and rode all rides except for Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster in Super Nintendo World. They were not operating during that visit. 'I'm gonna do Mine-Cart first, and then I'm hoping it eases off a little bit [at Harry Potter] because I think everyone will be around there first thing in the morning, Ireland said. 'So I'm hoping by the time I get there it might be less full.' Tharin White, lead producer for agreed that the park was well below its capacity and that might have been Universal's plan. 'I am seeing less people here now than I saw on any of my annual passholder technical previews. … I would guess that the park is at 50% [capacity}, if not less,' White said. He said he had been on both Super Nintendo World rides in less than an hour. 'And I met Toad and I met Donkey Kong at that time,' White said. Orlando's theme parks do not share attendance figures. While it was relatively smooth sailing inside Epic, the outside world made itself known. A plane toted a sign over the park that read 'Gaza is starving – end genocide' Thursday morning. Back on the ground, some visitors complained that a commemorative coin for opening day was already sold out. Other people stood in line to purchase an LP by Danny Elfman, who created music for Dark Universe. 'I'm excited to see the look on people's faces when they look at all of the work that people have done,' Patrick Braillard, senior show writer for the theme park, said during a preview during the buildup to Epic's debut. With a grand opening comes great expectations in Central Florida. 'We have so many theme parks in Orlando and guests have so much expectation,' Braillard said. 'We kind of have no choice but to pay it off in a really amazing, epic way. It's well named, I'll say that.' Epic Universe has been years in the making. The project was announced in August 2019. Construction began but the COVID pandemic put work on hold for a while. The park's life begins amid economic and travel uncertainties. But park fans and Universal employees have been sampling Epic in previews for several weeks. That culminated with a gathering of VIPs, celebrities and media Wednesday night. Actress Nico Parker and actor Mason Thames, stars of the upcoming 'How to Train Your Dragon' live action film, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Actors Oliver and James Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the 'Harry Potter' film series, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'Saturday Night Live' cast member Bowen Yang has some fun on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo representative director and fellow, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Gothic fashion designer Micheline Pitt, who contributed to Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Howie Mandel, best known for his roles as a judge on 'America's Got Talent 'since 2010 and as the host of the game show 'Deal or No Deal,' answers questions one the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dancer and actor Frankie Grande models a Power-Up Band on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Danny Elfman, composer for Dark Universe interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. Elfman has composed scores for over 100 feature films including "Beetlejuice," "Men in Black," "The Wolfman" and more. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Tasha Ghouri, a British model, dancer and television personality, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universals Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'The Real Housewives of Miami' star Guerdy Abraira arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dean DeBlois, writer, director and producer of all 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies and the upcoming live action film, interacts with the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark "Crash" McCreery, center, who contributed designs for the monsters in Monster's Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Rick Baker, special make-up effects creator known for his groundbreaking work in films like 'An American Werewolf in London,' 'Men in Black', and 'Planet of the Apes,' talks with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) VIPs arrive during on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, talks to members of the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 20Actor Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the 'Harry Potter' film series, talks with members of the media on the 'Celestial Carpet' on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Expand The star power included executives from branches of Comcast, Universal Orlando's parent company, professional athletics and actors, leaning into the NBC broadcast family with Bowen Yang ('Saturday Night Live'), Howie Mandel ('America's Got Talent'), Joe Manganiello ('Deal or No Deal Island), Andy Cohen ('Watch What Happens Live') and Guerdy Abraira ('The Real Housewives of Miami'). Other celebs had direct ties to Epic's worlds, including Warwick Davis, James Phelps and Oscar Phelps from the 'Harry Potter' film series, cast members from past and future 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies, and Shigeru Miyamoto, designer, producer and director at Nintendo. Epic Universe is the first theme park to open in Orlando since the introduction of Universal's Islands of Adventure in 1999. The addition is part of a corporate strategy to encourage longer stays at Universal Orlando Resort, which now features four gates including Islands, Universal Studios theme park and Volcano Bay water park. The expansion also includes three hotels near the new park, including Helios Grand Hotel, which has a direct Epic entrance. Universal now has 11 on-property hotels with 11,000 rooms. Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe A rolling history of Central Florida's attractions industry Epic Universe: Know before you go Pictures: Epic Universe's nighttime celebration goes off with a bang Pictures: Celebrities, VIPs arrive for Epic Universe nighttime celebration Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers) Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here's how theme park evolved An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal's new park Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe opens, and Harry Potter ride quickly draws a crowd (and a wait)
The theme park capital of the world just got bigger as Epic Universe officially opened to the public at Universal Orlando early today. Its first visitors passed through the entrance at 6:30 a.m. — some eager customers had circled the area since 2 a.m. Eventually, there was a boisterous group countdown, followed by cheers, tears, cosplay and livestreaming. Initial Epic-goers went into speed-walking mode before literally skipping through the park's signature Chronos portal into Orlando's eighth theme park. Within 30 minutes, all visitors who had queued up early had ventured into the park. 'It was fun coming in because they had all the team members lining either side of the Chronos [entrance] clapping and welcoming everybody,' said Molly McCormack of Orlando, who arrived in the Epic parking lot at 7:30 a.m. 'We walked straight through security, straight through to Chronos,' said McCormack, co-owner of Mammoth Club, a content company that specializes in theme parks and travel. 'There's excitement in the air. Just now in the bar, people are toasting and cheers at each other,' she said. Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe experiences The opening ceremony also included mini-presentations and musical moments at the portals to the other four lands and the declaration that Epic Universe is officially open. The themed areas of Epic include Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, which showcases the classic monsters of Universal Studios. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, one of the more ballyhooed rides during previews for Epic Universe, quickly had a 300-minute wait time. Most other attractions had midmorning waits of less than 30 minutes. The Battle at the Ministry wait time might explain the morning congestion at the Wizarding World portal. 'There was some running that happened,' a theme park no-no, said Tim Tracker, an Orlando-based YouTuber who covers Central Florida attractions. He said folks were dashing for the Potter ride, but there was no sign of trampling or injuries. The park didn't feel crowded Thursday morning, he said. 'It feels very similar to the preview days,' Tracker said. 'When you're out in Celestial Park, there's not a lot of people walking around. … And it's been lovely.' Overall, the short lines sharply contrasted with the first day of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in 2010. Some anxious fans waited eight hours then to get close to Hogwarts Castle. There has been a more measured approach in 2025. Ticket sales for the day were limited and quickly became unavailable, so there were no walk-up buyers for Epic on Thursday. The new park has also had several weeks of previews, starting with Universal employees and eventually expanding to the general public. Andrew and Sandra Spicer, a couple from the United Kingdom who took a nearly nine-hour flight to Florida, said they had planned their trip for a year and previously came during previews. 'It was the Harry Potter ride that we most wanted to go on when we came,' Sandra said. 'We queued for three-and-a-half hours to get on it.' She hoped lines would be shorter and said that they would definitely not wait for that amount of time again. Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) The sun sets over the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first new major theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park's grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 12Fireworks explode as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Expand But Daryl Ireland, also from the U.K., said she was willing to wait up to six hours for Battle at the Ministry. She also came during the preview and rode all rides except for Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster in Super Nintendo World. They were not operating during that visit. 'I'm gonna do Mine-Cart first, and then I'm hoping it eases off a little bit [at Harry Potter] because I think everyone will be around there first thing in the morning, Ireland said. 'So I'm hoping by the time I get there it might be less full.' While it was mostly smooth sailing inside Epic, the outside world made itself known. A plane toted a sign over the park that read 'Gaza is starving — end genocide' Thursday morning. Back on the ground, some visitors complained that a commemorative coin for opening day was already sold out. Other people stood in line to purchase an LP by Danny Elfman, who created music for Dark Universe. 'I'm excited to see the look on people's faces when they look at all of the work that people have done,' Patrick Braillard, senior show writer for the theme park, said during a preview during the buildup to Epic's debut. With a grand opening comes great expectations in Central Florida. 'We have so many theme parks in Orlando and guests have so much expectation,' Braillard said. 'We kind of have no choice but to pay it off in a really amazing, epic way. It's well named, I'll say that.' Epic Universe has been years in the making. The project was announced in August 2019. Construction began but the COVID pandemic put work on hold for a while. The park's life begins amid economic and travel uncertainties. But park fans and Universal employees have been sampling Epic in previews for several weeks. That culminated with a gathering of VIPs, celebrities and media Wednesday night. Actress Nico Parker and actor Mason Thames, stars of the upcoming 'How to Train Your Dragon' live action film, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Actors Oliver and James Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the 'Harry Potter' film series, arrive on the 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'Saturday Night Live' cast member Bowen Yang has some fun on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo representative director and fellow, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Gothic fashion designer Micheline Pitt, who contributed to Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Howie Mandel, best known for his roles as a judge on 'America's Got Talent 'since 2010 and as the host of the game show 'Deal or No Deal,' answers questions one the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dancer and actor Frankie Grande models a Power-Up Band on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Danny Elfman, composer for Dark Universe interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. Elfman has composed scores for over 100 feature films including "Beetlejuice," "Men in Black," "The Wolfman" and more. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Tasha Ghouri, a British model, dancer and television personality, arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universals Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) 'The Real Housewives of Miami' star Guerdy Abraira arrives on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Dean DeBlois, writer, director and producer of all 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies and the upcoming live action film, interacts with the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark "Crash" McCreery, center, who contributed designs for the monsters in Monster's Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, walks the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Rick Baker, special make-up effects creator known for his groundbreaking work in films like 'An American Werewolf in London,' 'Men in Black', and 'Planet of the Apes,' talks with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) VIPs arrive during on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, talks to members of the media during a 'Celestial Carpet' event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the 'Celestial Carpet' as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 20Actor Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the 'Harry Potter' film series, talks with members of the media on the 'Celestial Carpet' on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Expand The star power included executives from branches of Comcast, Universal Orlando's parent company, professional athletics and actors, leaning into the NBC broadcast family with Bowen Yang ('Saturday Night Live'), Howie Mandel ('America's Got Talent'), Joe Manganiello ('Deal or No Deal Island), Andy Cohen ('Watch What Happens Live') and Guerdy Abraira ('The Real Housewives of Miami'). Other celebs had direct ties to Epic's worlds, including Warwick Davis, James Phelps and Oscar Phelps from the 'Harry Potter' film series, cast members from past and future 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies, and Shigeru Miyamoto, designer, producer and director at Nintendo. Epic Universe is the first theme park to open in Orlando since the introduction of Universal's Islands of Adventure in 1999. The addition is part of a corporate strategy to encourage longer stays at Universal Orlando Resort, which now features four gates including Islands, Universal Studios theme park and Volcano Bay water park. The expansion also includes three hotels near the new park, including Helios Grand Hotel, which has a direct Epic entrance. Universal now has 11 on-property hotels with 11,000 rooms. Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe A rolling history of Central Florida's attractions industry Epic Universe: Know before you go Pictures: Epic Universe's nighttime celebration goes off with a bang Pictures: Celebrities, VIPs arrive for Epic Universe nighttime celebration Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers) Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here's how theme park evolved An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal's new park Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park
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.'
Business Mayor
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Will Universal's Epic keep the ride going for US theme parks?
Universal is betting billions of dollars that thrill seekers and holidaymakers will be queueing in their thousands this month to ride rollercoasters at its latest theme park, which boasts Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic and a Super Nintendo World. But real life outside the gates of Epic Universe, and the market for theme parks, are both very different to 2019, when Universal's parent company, Comcast, started planning the massive new site in Orlando, Florida. Industry executives and analysts have begun to fear that the trade and culture wars sparked by the arrival of Donald Trump in the White House could hit demand among visitors to Florida this year. One executive expressed concern that the White House's actions could deter overseas visitors, as well as risk an economic slowdown that could sap appetite among domestic visitors for daily tickets that will be priced at more than $100. Epic Universe, which opens this month, is not the only US investment that Comcast is making in the sector. The group is also opening Universal Horror Unleashed, the first permanent year-round horror 'entertainment experience' in Las Vegas in August; and, in 2026, its first Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, marketed to families with younger children. Epic Universe is the largest ever investment by Comcast in its theme park business © Felix Mizioznikov/Alamy Rival Disney's parks and experiences business is also expanding in the US and abroad, with $60bn of investment planned over the next decade. Disney has more expansion projects around the world than at any time in its history, including new 'lands' and attractions at domestic parks in Florida and California. This week, the group revealed plans for a new theme park resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, albeit funded by local entertainment company Miral. Theme parks have been a crucial engine for growth for both groups, with cash flow helping support Disney's investments in other areas, such as streaming and movies. Parks and experiences is the largest source of operating income for Disney, and the second-largest revenue driver after its entertainment division. Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, meanwhile, explained last month about the importance of its theme-park business given — unlike its television arm — it is 'not at all exposed to the shift in time on screens . . . park experiences have been thrilling to people, and we think we lean into that'. Epic will be the largest ever investment by Comcast in its theme park business. The site — Comcast's fourth in Orlando — includes five different themed areas, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and How to Train Your Dragon. Its opening will enable the media group to offer week-long vacation destinations for tourists across its Orlando sites. But the opening of the park — the biggest in Florida for more than two decades — comes after a tougher time for the sector over the past year. Both Comcast and Disney enjoyed strong growth in 2022 and 2023 following the end of the pandemic, which sparked a boom in demand for experiences and travel as people sought to catch up on lost time under enforced lockdowns. But this bounceback faded in 2024, leaving attendance at the Florida parks still well short of 2019 pre-pandemic highs, according to Aecom, which supplies data on the industry. Revenues for Comcast at its parks division fell from $8.9bn in 2023 to $8.6bn in 2024, driven by a fall in park attendance, with earnings down from $3.3bn to $2.9bn. In the first quarter of this year, Comcast's parks division saw revenues fall again, which it blamed on the Hollywood wildfires. Disney's experiences business last year fared better — including cruise vacations — with revenues up 5 per cent to $34.1bn, but still much slower than the 16 per cent growth the year before. A note by Rothschild & Co's Redburn Atlantic analysts in October warned that the Florida theme park market was 'not healthy', with 2023 attendances about 13 per cent below 2019 levels. It blamed over-aggressive pricing strategies that have hit affordability, particularly for foreign visitors. Read More Female artists drive music sales boom in UK 'While Epic could well attract new visitors to Florida,' Redburn Atlantic wrote, 'given how Florida attendance has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with affordability in part to blame, we suspect it is more likely to take share from Disney.' Giant park operators like Disney and Comcast — followed by mid-level operators such as SeaWorld and Six Flags — have been pushing up per capita revenue through steep price increases. They have been willing to sacrifice high attendance as a result, said Chris Yoshii, global director of leisure and culture services at Aecom. People walk through the Dark Universe at Epic Universe. Comcast is hoping the park's new attractions will drive consumer demand © Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg This was in part to give 'a premium experience' for those who can financially afford to visit, he explained, without needing them to wait in line too long. Parks in Orlando and California last summer were supported by wealthy foreign visitors, according to Yoshii. 'It questions whether [a theme park] is really a middle-class activity any more . . . family budgets are stretched and they're really pricing [these consumers] out,' he said. 'They are getting up to a point where this is about as much as they can do in terms of pushing prices. Going forward growing prices and profitability will be challenging in economically uncertain times,' Yoshii added. Analysts are also asking whether Trump's trade war will add to that uncertainty for the US theme parks. Airlines and hotel groups have warned that domestic travel is waning, while overseas visitor numbers could be hit by the threat of tougher, less welcoming border controls. Craig Moffett, an analyst at MoffettNathanson, last month pointed to the 'very significant drops in international travel to the United States . . . and some anti-American sentiment' when asking Comcast's management about its theme park business. But so far, both Comcast and Disney say that US consumer demand remains strong for their amusements. Comcast's Cavanagh said in the analyst call that both advance ticket sales and hotel bookings were 'strong for the overall parks and for Epic'. Sales 'continue to be tracking well' and there was 'continued steadiness in the backdrop for parks', he added, with 'a lot of folks from the US' who do not have to fly to get to Florida. He admitted 'there may be a delayed effect between what the airlines are starting to report on and what we see' but so far 'no real sign of that in our business as we sit here now'. Comcast and Disney are confident that their new parks and experiences will bring in new audiences. Executives claim that one reason for slower growth last year was the lack of any major new attractions, which tend to drive demand. Comcast is hoping that Epic will change that — this year at least. Analysts at JPMorgan forecast that Comcast's slate of new openings should 'tap into new demographics and geographies — capturing latent demand'. Recommended Disney expects its experiences division to be up 6 per cent to 8 per cent on the year, and reported a strong first half of the year. It told analysts this week that bookings at Walt Disney World were up 4 per cent in the third quarter against a year ago, and 7 per cent in the fourth, making the company 'very optimistic' about its prospects in the US. Johnston acknowledged that foreign visitors to US parks were down slightly in a call with analysts, but added that this had been more than offset by growth in US attendees. 'We've seen a bit of an impact, but it's literally like in terms of the mix one to one-and-a-half per cent. And what I would expect going forward is something similar to that. The good news is we're clearly more than making up for it with domestic attendance.'
