Disney CFO says Epic Universe’s opening could boost attendance at Disney’s Florida theme parks

The statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Epic Universe’s arrival in Central Florida might be good for its direct competitor, Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston discussed Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming theme park during Thursday’s earnings call. When asked how Epic Universe’s May 2025 debut could impact Walt Disney World, Johnston seemed optimistic.

“The early bookings that we have next summer are actually positive,” Johnston said.

He said that when other attractions and theme parks open in the area, it’s “generally beneficial” for Disney.

Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Dennis Speigel, founder of International Theme Park Services, Inc., told B-17 that Epic Universe’s opening will likely bring more foot traffic to Central Florida, which can benefit the local attractions industry.

“I think the length of stay for the tourists in Florida is going to increase dramatically,” he said. “I think people are going to load another day or a day and a half during their visit because there’s more to do.”

Representatives for Disney and Universal Orlando Resort did not immediately respond to B-17 request for comment.

NBCUniversal first announced Epic Universe in 2019.

“Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” Brian L. Roberts, chief executive of Comcast Corporation, said in a press release. “It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”

Illustration of Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.

Universal Orlando Resort was the company’s oldest park in 1990, followed by Islands of Adventure in 1999 and Volcano Bay in 2017.

At Epic Universe, guests will get the opportunity to explore five worlds: Super Nintendo World, The Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” franchise, the Isle of Berk from the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, Dark Universe featuring monsters from classic horror films, and Celestial Park.

However, Disney shocked fans in August when Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said its parks were also expanding. The announcement came after the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board of supervisors approved a $17 billion development deal from Disney two months earlier.

Although Disney won’t build a separate theme park, the entertainment giant will add new areas to its existing properties. Magic Kingdom will become home to a land dedicated to Disney villains and another based on the “Cars” franchise.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will introduce a new land called Pueblo Esperanza, which will have attractions based on the 2021 film “Encanto” and the “Indiana Jones” series.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will explore a new land based on the company’s “Monsters, Inc” films. Finally, Disneyland Resort’s Avenger’s campus will expand and an attraction related to director James Cameron’s “Avatar” series will arrive.

According to Thursday’s earnings report, Disney expects its Experiences segment’s operating income to grow 6% to 8% compared to 2024.