Universal's Epic Universe Marks Its First Year in Orlando

Universal Epic Universe has completed its first full year, and the numbers behind it are large. The park — Universal's fourth gate in Orlando — opened in May 2025 with roughly a dozen rides across themed worlds including Super Nintendo World and a Harry Potter–inspired land, and quickly became one of the biggest new-attraction stories in American travel.

Marking the one-year milestone, parent company Comcast NBCUniversal reiterated that it will keep investing in its U.S. destinations, pointing to Epic Universe as an anchor for continued growth. Florida officials have cited the park as a major driver behind the state's record 2025 tourism, estimating it would contribute on the order of billions of dollars to the state's economy in its first year.

What's next

Universal has teased new experiences and confirmed additional expansions are on the way, along with a nighttime show tied to the new park. Meanwhile, a mystery project is under construction at the original Universal Studios Florida, hinting that the resort's building spree is far from over.

For travelers, the practical effect has been more capacity — and more competition — in a market that keeps raising the bar.

Sources: NBCUniversal; Orlando ParkStop; Visit Florida.