- Epic Universe, the upcoming central Florida theme park, will generate $2 billion for the state in its first year, according to calculations from the director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Forecasting. The Universal Orlando attraction is the first major theme park opening in the area is over 25 years. It’s expected to have a trickle-down effect for all theme parks in the area.
On May 22, Universal Studios will welcome guests into its Epic Universe theme park for the first time, the first new major theme park to open in central Florida in over 25 years. Given the growing excitement and early ticket sales, it seems certain to be a hit for Universal, but it’s also going to be a big boost for the state of Florida.
The park is expected to generate $2 billion for the state in its first year and create more than 17,500 jobs in year one, according to calculations by Dr. Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting.
Epic Universe will be the largest of Universal’s theme-park properties, spanning 750 acres. (That’s seven times as large as Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park.) It will feature five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – The Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe.
Snaith’s calculations, which were provided by Universal, estimate the Universal Orlando parks have generated an economic impact of $44 billion since 2019—and the company’s investment in building Epic Universe has had a nationwide economic impact of $11 billion so far.
Epic Universe will be the hot ticket this summer, but it’s also expected to bring more visitors to Disney World as families split their time between the competing parks. Disney has already announced several family-focused deals as it shifts its marketing to families with younger children in 2025; meanwhile, Epic Universe’s collection of new coasters and thrill rides could prove a powerful lure for teens and young adults.
To remain competitive, Disney has announced a $60 billion investment in its parks and experiences over the next decade, which will bring new areas, attractions, and rides to all of its Florida theme parks.
