Universal is about to make history with the grand opening of Epic Universe, the first major theme park in the U.S. in 25 years. The park is expected to boost Orlando’s economy, tourism, and job market in a big way.
Key Facts:
- Epic Universe opens on May 22 and is Universal’s largest park at 750 acres.
- The park includes five themed lands, including Super Nintendo World and a new Harry Potter area.
- Universal has invested around $7 billion in the project—its biggest ever in Florida.
- Epic Universe is expected to generate $2 billion for Florida in its first year and create over 17,500 jobs.
- Orlando drew over 74 million visitors in 2023, and Epic Universe is expected to raise that number.
The Rest of the Story: Universal’s Latest Venture to Transform Orlando
Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe, is set to open on May 22 and will be the first major theme park built in the U.S. in a quarter-century.
Spanning 750 acres, it features five distinct lands based on popular franchises like Super Nintendo, Harry Potter, and How to Train Your Dragon.
How to Train your Dragon – Isle of Berk 🐉
📍Epic Universe, Orlando Florida pic.twitter.com/qE7DqWfQDS
— Park Hoppin’ (@ParkHoppin) April 11, 2025
This project is Universal’s most ambitious yet, with an estimated $7 billion investment by Comcast.
It joins Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay in Orlando’s already packed theme park landscape.
Experts predict it will bring in $11 billion in national economic impact and dramatically increase Florida’s tourism revenue.
Research from the University of Central Florida shows Epic Universe already generated 65,000 construction jobs and is projected to add 17,500 more in its first year.
Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants are expected to benefit from the massive visitor influx.
If I have to wait in a queue…this is best way to do it 😍
The Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride at Epic Universe is gorgeous! pic.twitter.com/NiZflMMtuS— CinemaBlend (@CinemaBlend) April 15, 2025
Commentary: Orlando Set to Soar as Epic Universe Launches
Orlando’s future just got a whole lot brighter.
With Universal opening a brand new theme park in Orlando, the region is poised for a new wave of prosperity.
Epic Universe isn’t just another tourist attraction—it’s an economic engine ready to rev up the local job market and business landscape.
This park is a win for everyday Floridians.
Thousands of jobs have already been created, with more on the way, from construction crews to engineers to hospitality workers.
And when families stay longer to visit both Disney and Universal parks, it means more nights in local hotels, more meals at local restaurants, and more dollars in local cash registers.
The opening of Epic Universe also fuels healthy competition.
Disney will feel the pressure to innovate and deliver bigger, better attractions.
That’s good for visitors and for the economy.
We’re seeing real investment in infrastructure—new roads, hotels, and restaurants are rising to meet the demand.
This kind of large-scale investment doesn’t happen often, and when it does, it changes everything around it.
Epic Universe could be the crown jewel that keeps Orlando ahead of the curve in entertainment and tourism.
And at a time when parts of the country are slowing down, Florida is once again showing what a strong, pro-growth environment can achieve.
The park’s opening is a reminder that bold moves and private investment still drive America forward.
With the doors opening in just weeks, Orlando’s place as the entertainment capital of the world is about to be cemented for decades to come.
The Bottom Line: Major Economic Boost as Universal Opens Epic Universe
Universal opening a brand new theme park in Orlando will bring huge change.
Epic Universe adds five themed lands, thousands of jobs, and billions in projected economic impact.
It’s expected to extend visitor stays, lift all area attractions, and create a ripple effect across Florida’s tourism and job markets.
Orlando is about to get even more epic.
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