On April 5, 2025, Universal Orlando will open its latest theme park, the Epic Universe, the first major park in Florida in 25 years. Spanning 750 acres, it features five themed worlds including Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. This park is expected to significantly affect Orlando’s tourism sector, which attracted over 74 million visitors in 2023 and generates half of Orange County’s sales tax revenue.
The Epic Universe, part of Universal’s $7 billion investment, aims to leverage its vast franchise library and enhance its entertainment offerings. It could generate around $2 billion for Florida in its first operational year and create over 17,500 jobs. Universal’s existing operations have already contributed a $44 billion economic impact from 2019 to 2023.
The park’s opening is anticipated to bolster the local economy by driving visitors to hotels, restaurants, and shops, and may intensify competition with nearby Disney parks. Analysts believe that the additional attractions will draw more visitors to Orlando, enhancing economic benefits for the region. Overall, the Epic Universe is seen as a catalyst for growth in Central Florida’s tourism landscape.
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