According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Universal Orlando is targeting an “early summer” opening for its brand-new Epic Universe theme park. Epic Universe will feature four themed lands and an original theme for its central park area called Celestial Park. The theme park will feature IPs such as Harry Potter, Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Classic Monsters.
Universal Orlando has previously announced a “Summer 2025” timeframe for opening, but Universal has stopped using “Summer” in its recent marketing materials, leading some fans to speculate it could open in the Spring or be delayed until Fall. If the report from the Wall Street Journal is correct, expect a timeframe closer to the former.
According to the report, Universal Orlando is targeting an opening date for Epic Universe as early as Memorial Day 2025, citing people familiar with the plans. The report also says that tickets for the new theme park could go on sale as early as this month. Universal told the WSJ that it hasn’t confirmed an opening date yet and that the timing of a planned opening could change.
Universal Orlando has been testing ride systems for some time now as they run through pre-opening procedures and adjustments. In terms of construction, plenty of finishing touches remain, but Universal has time on its side right now for most corners of the theme park.
The opening of Epic Universe comes at a time when Walt Disney World doesn’t really have anything to offer in terms of direct competition next summer. Disney has announced that they will roll out a number of new entertainment offerings, but that will likely not be enough to distract tourists from Epic Universe.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has repeatedly downplayed the expected impact of Epic Universe on the Walt Disney World theme parks, and it doesn’t look like he’ll have to wait long to find out if he’s right. In “response” to Epic Universe, Iger said that Disney has been aware of Universal’s plans for more than a decade, and that Disney has rolled out marquee experiences such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Toy Story Land, TRON Lightcycle Run, an expansion at EPCOT, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and more to create a robust lineup of new offerings.
Disney doubled down on that statement, positioning Universal’s Epic Universe as an attempt by Universal to play catchup to Walt Disney World’s decade of new offerings and expansions.
As recently as May of this year, Iger said that Epic Universe isn’t “distracting or anxiety-provoking” for Disney and that he is confident in the slate of attractions that Walt Disney World has rolled out over the past few years.
For more of what to expect when Epic Universe opens next year, check out our article below!
For a tour of the Epic Universe scale model, check out more than 200 photos!
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