Universal's epic universe set to generate $2 billion for Florida in first year
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 16, 2025, 00:38 IST
Universal's Epic Universe, the first new theme park in Central Florida in over two decades, is set to open next month, reshaping Orlando's tourism landscape. The 750-acre park, featuring five immersive worlds, is projected to generate $2 billion in economic impact in its first year and create over 17,500 jobs.
A major new attraction is set to reshape Orlando’s tourism landscape as Universal’s Epic Universe prepares to open next month — the first entirely new theme park in Central Florida in over two decades.
Spanning 750 acres, Epic Universe is the largest property under the Universal banner and features five immersive worlds:
This ambitious project adds a major competitor to Orlando’s already world-renowned theme park scene, which includes Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Walt Disney World.
According to research by Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, Epic Universe is projected to generate $2 billion in economic impact for Florida in its first year alone, and more than 17,500 new jobs will be created upon opening.
“Florida's labor market is already strong,” Snaith noted. “This only adds momentum. It’s the rich getting richer in terms of economic growth.”
First announced in 2019, Epic Universe represents the largest single investment Comcast — Universal’s parent company — has made in its parks division. Although Comcast hasn’t officially disclosed the figure, estimates place the total investment around $7 billion.
From 2019 to 2023, Universal Orlando’s overall economic impact was $44 billion, with Epic Universe alone contributing to $11 billion in national impact through construction, hiring, and operational spending.
As tourism surges, so too does business for surrounding areas. Hotels, restaurants, housing, and retail outlets near Epic Universe are already seeing growth in anticipation of increased visitor traffic.
“You see new infrastructure, new housing, and new hotels being built,” said Jakob Wahl, CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. “It’s a boost for the whole area.”
Ripple effect for Disney and
Experts believe the opening of Epic Universe could positively impact neighboring attractions, including Walt Disney World. As more guests travel from across the country or abroad, they are likely to extend their trips to experience both Universal and Disney properties.
“When Disneyland Paris opened in 1992, there were fears from nearby parks,” said Wahl. “But it brought in more tourists overall. We expect the same effect in Orlando.”
Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej emphasized that every extra day visitors stay translates into millions of dollars for the local economy. “It’s a rising tide that lifts all boats,” she said.
Set to open officially on May 22, Epic Universe will mark a major milestone not just for Universal but for the entire Florida tourism industry.
With a blend of beloved franchises, groundbreaking attractions, and enormous economic stakes, Epic Universe is poised to become a defining feature of Orlando’s entertainment landscape for decades to come.
A landmark launch for Universal
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — The Ministry of Magic
- Super Nintendo World
- How to Train Your Dragon — The Isle of Berk
- Celestial Park
- Dark Universe
Economic impact already in motion
“Florida's labor market is already strong,” Snaith noted. “This only adds momentum. It’s the rich getting richer in terms of economic growth.”
Massive investment, massive returns
From 2019 to 2023, Universal Orlando’s overall economic impact was $44 billion, with Epic Universe alone contributing to $11 billion in national impact through construction, hiring, and operational spending.
Boosting local business and infrastructure
“You see new infrastructure, new housing, and new hotels being built,” said Jakob Wahl, CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. “It’s a boost for the whole area.”
Ripple effect for Disney and Orlando tourism
“When Disneyland Paris opened in 1992, there were fears from nearby parks,” said Wahl. “But it brought in more tourists overall. We expect the same effect in Orlando.”
Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej emphasized that every extra day visitors stay translates into millions of dollars for the local economy. “It’s a rising tide that lifts all boats,” she said.
Opening may 22: the countdown begins
With a blend of beloved franchises, groundbreaking attractions, and enormous economic stakes, Epic Universe is poised to become a defining feature of Orlando’s entertainment landscape for decades to come.