Epic Universe opened a month and a few weeks ago, but the massive Universal theme park is destroying Disney World attendance as new data suggests the worst is yet to come for the House of Mouse. Will Disney World “shut down”?
Disney and Universal: Epic Universe Steals Millions of Guests From Mickey Mouse
Walt Disney World has long been the crown jewel of Central Florida, reigning over the region with seemingly unshakable dominance. But now, something massive—both in size and impact—is brewing just down the road. And it’s changing everything. The theme parks may not physically “shut down,” but Epic Universe might shut down Disney’s attendance rates as the years roll on.
With soaring attendance projections and billions of dollars invested, Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park may be doing the unthinkable: shifting the gravitational center of Orlando tourism away from the Mouse House. Could Disney World actually be facing a long-term decline?
A New Challenger Enters the Game
Universal Orlando Resort’s new crown jewel, Epic Universe, is scheduled to open in 2025, and with it, the game’s rules are being rewritten. Featuring five immersive lands including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk, and the lush Celestial Park, the project is expected to increase Universal’s attendance by 10 million guests annually—a jaw-dropping 50% jump.
That figure alone should raise eyebrows. But there’s more. Comcast, Universal’s parent company, has already poured over $10 billion into the development of Epic Universe and its broader global park expansion. And based on multiple industry forecasts, it looks like that investment is about to pay off in ways Disney never expected.
Meanwhile at Disney: A $60 Billion Mystery
In stark contrast, The Walt Disney Company has announced a staggering $60 billion capital spending plan across its Parks, Experiences, and Products division. Yet in the near-term, that investment seems to be more smoke than fire—especially in Orlando.
According to a May 2025 research note from MoffettNathanson, Disney World’s attendance is projected to remain flat at 54.9 million guests per year through 2026. Compare that with Universal Orlando, which is projected to hit 24.1 million in 2025 and 27.6 million in 2026, with Epic Universe contributing more than 9 million of those visits on its own.
While Disney still dominates in sheer numbers, the lack of growth is the hidden headline. A new gate like Epic Universe, built from the ground up, is expected to pull in new tourists—not just shift existing ones around. This suggests that Universal is growing its slice of the Orlando pie… potentially at Disney’s expense.
Is Disney Falling Behind in the IP Race?
Disney’s leadership has publicly downplayed the challenge. Josh D’Amaro, Disney Parks Chairman, stated earlier this year that Epic Universe could actually help Disney by drawing more tourists to Central Florida.
“If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom,” D’Amaro claimed.
But not everyone is convinced.
Professor Carissa Baker, a theme park expert at the University of Central Florida, says her own visits to Epic Universe’s preview events tell a different story.
“Every time I’ve been there, it’s been quite crowded,” Baker shared with Fast Company. “People are just covered in Nintendo merchandise.”
It’s not just about foot traffic—it’s about who is showing up. Analysts point out that the IP-heavy appeal of Epic Universe, especially Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon, is targeting the exact families Disney once claimed as its own. These brands are resonating deeply with both kids and nostalgic adults, threatening Disney’s long-held emotional monopoly.
The Undercurrent: A Crisis in the Making
The deeper issue isn’t just attendance—it’s momentum. Disney’s $60 billion plan lacks a clear anchor in Orlando. While there are whispers of new lands themed around Encanto, Cars, and Monsters, Inc., these projects are largely re-themes or replacements—not new gates on the scale of Epic Universe.
This has many insiders worried that Disney’s strategy is too reactive, too slow, and ultimately insufficient. Orlando’s tourism landscape is shifting beneath Disney’s feet, and with no new park on the horizon, the Mouse may be left scrambling to catch up.
Epic Universe: More Than Just a Theme Park
Epic Universe is shaping up to be more than a flashy addition—it’s a line in the sand. It’s Universal saying, “We’re coming for the crown.” And if early projections hold true, they just might take it.
The fight for Orlando’s future isn’t just about rides—it’s about relevance. And right now, Universal seems to be winning.
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