The Big Theme Park Showdown in Orlando, Florida
In Orlando, Florida, the battle between theme parks is really heating up. This week, Universal is getting ready to unveil its newest park, Epic Universe. This is a massive $7 billion gamble for the company owned by Comcast, and it’s the latest move in their quest to dominate the tourism and entertainment scene. This puts pressure on Walt Disney Co., which has long been the king of the hill in Orlando but is now facing stiff competition, especially from Universal.
Epic Universe sprawls across 750 acres and is the largest expansion Universal has seen since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened 15 years ago. The park boasts five themed areas, four of which are based on popular franchises like “Harry Potter,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal’s Dark Universe, and Nintendo video games. The centerpiece is the Celestial Park hub, which ties everything together in a cosmic theme. The resort also includes three hotels and features state-of-the-art animatronics and immersive rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which showcases Universal’s classic monsters. Critics have been raving about the park, praising the level of detail and the immersive experience it offers.
Not really sure why this matters, but Dennis Speigel, founder of International Theme Park Services Inc., said, “Comcast has really stepped up their game in the Orlando market. Over the past 15 years, they have closed the gap between Universal and Disney, turning it into a real competition. It’s like a prize fight, the most intense and competitive situation in the industry.” Disney was the first to enter the Orlando market in 1971 with the opening of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Universal didn’t join the party until 1990, giving Disney a significant head start. By then, Disney had already opened Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios, which later became Hollywood Studios. SeaWorld Orlando, opened in 1973, and Busch Gardens Tampa, which debuted in 1959, are also part of the mix in Florida. Today, Disney World boasts four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal Orlando has three parks, including Islands of Adventure and a water park, Volcano Bay.
Maybe it’s just me, but Universal really shook things up with the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010. This move raised the bar for theme park competition. Focusing on a specific intellectual property rather than a general theme was a game-changer and inspired similar concepts in Disney parks, like Cars Land and the “Star Wars” lands. The “Harry Potter” land drove Universal’s attendance up by 36%, signaling a new era for theme parks. Both Universal and Disney see theme parks as a stable source of profit compared to the unpredictable nature of the media and entertainment industry. Disney’s experiences division, which includes its parks and cruise lines, has been a major moneymaker for the company, especially with the decline in pay TV. Comcast Corp. President Mike Cavanagh emphasized the importance of live experiences and parks in driving growth for the company.
As for the future, both Universal and Disney are expanding their properties globally. Disney is investing $30 billion in its parks in Florida and California, with plans for new attractions like a “Monsters Inc.” land and a villains land in Disney World. Despite concerns about a possible recession, Disney remains optimistic about the strength of its business. With over 75 million visitors in Orlando last year, the competition is fierce, but Disney believes that new attractions like Epic Universe will only draw more tourists to the area, benefiting all theme parks in central Florida.
In the end, the rivalry between Universal and Disney in Orlando is only getting more intense. With new parks, attractions, and experiences on the horizon, the battle for theme park supremacy is far from over. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as these entertainment giants continue to duke it out in the Sunshine State.
