More than a year after opening, the travel industry is expressing confidence that Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort's new theme park, will live up to the “epic” part of its name.
Universal announced new details about its highly anticipated third theme park this week, and there's growing buzz among travel advisors and customers that Epic Universe will be what Adam Duckworth, president of Travelmation in Fort Lauderdale, called “a game changer in the theme park game.” It added to the anticipation. “Central Florida.”
Both Universal and rival Disney are continuing to invest and update their existing properties, but Epic will be the first domestic theme park for either company to open in decades.
“Not only does everything look next-level in scope, design and enjoyment, but we believe Epic Universe will open the door to the next generation of theme park experiences that many fans have been waiting for,” Duckworth said.
Five themed worlds in the Epic Universe
Comcast, Universal's parent company, promised unique offerings at the park in January. On the earnings call, CEO Brian Roberts said Epic Games is “completely original. It's probably the most exciting project we've seen since we acquired NBCUniversal.” [in 2011].”
Universal said Epic Universe will feature five themed worlds. Guests enter through Celestial Park, which acts as a sort of spine for the entire park. Featuring acres of green space, water features and walking trails, Celestial Park will feature the Starfall Racers roller coaster, Constellation Carousel, Astronomica water play area, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, and dining and shopping facilities.
Four other worlds branching off from Celestial Park can be reached through themed “portals”: the Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Universal has promised more details in the coming months, but last week's content was enough to whet the appetite of advisors and clients.
“We’re excited to see Universal take the next step with Epic Universe, although we haven’t confirmed any specific details yet,” said Beci Mahnken, owner of Universal Fan Travel, Mouse Fan Travel and MEI-Travel in Issaquah, Washington. said. , the information they have revealed about the five new lands seems to promise a deep level of engagement with beloved characters and stories that will surely delight theme park guests.”
Mahnken said many guests are delaying their 2024 visits to Orlando so they can visit in 2025 after the parks open. “There’s definitely a buzz about this new park,” she said.
Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels in Cornelius, North Carolina, is ready to book customers as soon as the opening date is revealed. They are also relying on Dillon and her advisors to separate fact from rumor. “Clients are closely following blogs and articles for upcoming content and inquiring about the validity of what they are reading,” she said.
Visitors will book longer visits to Orlando
Epic Universe is expected to encourage guests to extend their stay.
Dillon predicted many guests will book a week's stay at Universal Orlando Resort.
Mahnken said the new attraction will “innovate on the competition in the surrounding area and deliver a better experience over time.” Customers tend to revisit what they know and love and extend their stay to experience shiny new services. . “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
The Orlando area is also expected to get a boost from the project, said Carissa Baker, assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Impact and 14,000 jobs.
She added that Universal businesses, as well as other businesses in the area, from restaurants to hotels, will benefit.
“Orlando is already considered the theme park capital of the world, but this will be another large, important and unique asset,” Baker said. “Of course, no offense to other destinations, but Orlando isn’t going to win this category anytime soon.”
Epic Universe is far from Comcast's only theme park-related investment recently. Domestically, Universal is developing Universal Kids Resort in Texas and Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. Comcast executives have said that if that project goes well, more local experience could emerge.
Meanwhile, Disney said last fall that it would double its investment in its parks and experience business segments over the next decade through a variety of projects.
Baker said the park is an attractive investment for both media giants.
“Comcast and Disney have both realized the power of theme parks,” she said. “Theme parks generate consistent revenue through year-round operations and contribute to brand loyalty by providing guests with fantastic experiences they can’t get anywhere else.”
Parks have been a more consistently reliable source of income, especially when compared to streaming services.
“Destination theme parks have firmly established themselves as something different from other theme parks,” she said.