Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe is preparing to open in May 2025, and Disney’s leadership doesn’t sound too concerned.
Disney CFO Hugh Johnston was asked about Epic Universe opening and how it would impact Disney in the year ahead. Johnston mentioned that bookings for summer 2025 at Walt Disney World are strong, and Disney is forecasting growth compared to 2024.
… the early bookings that we have next summer are actually positive, so that’s certainly a positive indicator. We also looked at the history of other attractions and other parks opening up in Florida, and it’s been beneficial for us. That is very much captured in the guide we provided.
Disney CFO Hugh Johnston
In other words, Disney is assuming that the opening of Epic Universe won’t be a major detractor and may even boost Walt Disney World attendance. The thought might be that guests planning to visit Orlando to check out Epic Universe will still dedicate at least a portion of their trip at Walt Disney World.
Disney is planning some new offerings in Summer 2025, including a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom and a new villains show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These aren’t exactly major competition to a major new theme park, but they might be enough to at least keep local guests visiting.
We’ve been critical of Disney and their relatively slow and modest response to Epic Universe. Disney’s largest projects, such as the Tropical Americas in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Cars and Villains lands at Magic Kingdom, and Monsters Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are all years away. Disney CEO Bob Iger has previously said that Disney’s plan of staggering new additions works, and that’s clearly the plan moving forward.
Will Disney’s strategy pay off? Time will tell. We’re rooting for Epic Universe to be a huge success and we think all Disney fans should want the same. Why? Because as we wrote about more than 5 years ago, competition from Universal will only drive more investment and innovation from Disney. Disney can’t just sit back forever while its nearby competitor is rapidly expanding and growing.
Image from Universal.
