Universal Orlando Resort is about to undergo a monumental transformation with the addition of the Epic Universea new theme park valued at approximately 1 billion dollars. This new complex is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025 and promises to redefine the visitor experience with new and exciting attractions. The expansion is one of the most significant in the resort's history and is set to attract millions of new visitors, potentially raising the annual visitation total beyond the 22 million recorded before the pandemic. Visitation is expected to reach 25-30 million annual visitorsaccording to industry experts and analysts at WDW News Today.
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HideO Epic Universe will be an impressive complex, occupying an area of 110 acres (approximately 45,000 m2. This park will include several new themed areas, including the long-awaited Super Nintendo World. In addition, there will be extensive fountains and a celestial-themed hotel that will offer direct access to the park. Construction of Epic Universe was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2021 and is now working intensively.
Among the main attractions expected at Epic Universe are:
Super Nintendo World
An area dedicated to Nintendo's iconic characters and games, offering an interactive and immersive experience. This area promises to be one of the biggest attractions, bringing the worlds of Mario, Zelda and other beloved Nintendo franchises to life.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
This new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will take visitors directly to the Ministry of Magic. Fans can expect a complete immersion in J.K. Rowling's universe, with the opportunity to explore iconic locations, take part in magical adventures and perhaps even meet some of the series' most beloved characters.
Dark Universe
A themed area based on Universal's classic movie monsters, such as Dracula, Frankenstein and the Invisible Man. This area will offer a dark and mysterious experience, full of attractions that explore the tales of horror and fantasy that defined the genre.
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
Inspired by the popular film franchise "How to Train Your Dragon", this area will allow visitors to explore the Isle of Berk. With thrilling rollercoasters and interactive experiences, visitors can train their own dragons and embark on epic adventures.
Celestial Park
A celestial-themed hotel that will allow guests direct access to the park, offering a unique and integrated experience. This hotel will be one of the most luxurious in the area, offering incredible views and an immersive stay for visitors.
Helios Grand Hotel
Another luxurious themed hotel, the Helios Grand Hotel promises to offer a spectacular stay with easy access to the park. Decorated in a grandiose and mythological theme, it will be a premium accommodation option for Epic Universe visitors.
Extensive Fountains and Water Shows
Areas with extensive fountains and water shows that promise to delight visitors. These shows should provide memorable moments, combining advanced technology and impressive visual effects.
The expectation is that these new attractions will not only attract visitors because of their novelty, but will also take the experience of a visit to Universal Orlando to a new level of immersion and entertainment. With the arrival of Epic Universe, Universal aims to create an environment that completely envelops visitors, offering everything from thrilling adventures to relaxation and comfort in a detailed themed setting.
Before the pandemic, Universal Orlando Resort was already one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting around 22 million visitors a year. This number includes visits to its three main parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. In 2019, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure received around 10 million visitors each, while Volcano Bay received approximately 1.8 million.
In the years following the pandemic, visitor numbers recovered significantly:
- 2021: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure received approximately 9 million visitors each.
- 2022: Universal Studios Florida had around 10.8 million visitors, and Islands of Adventure around 11 million, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.
- 2023: Universal Studios Florida reached 11.5 million visitors, while Islands of Adventure received 15.8 million.
- 2024: Projections indicate that both parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, should maintain stable growth, reaching approximately 20 million visitors each.
With the opening of Epic Universe in 2025, the number of visitors to Universal Orlando is expected to increase to between 25 and 30 million.
For those wishing to buy a house to live in
If you are considering buying a house to live in Florida, the time is now. The arrival of Epic Universe is likely to increase demand for housing in the region, which could lead to an increase in property values. The park is scheduled to open in 2025, the tendency is for property prices to rise as more people seek to settle near this new attraction.
Florida's real estate market is already known for its robustness, attracting buyers from all over the country and abroad due to its pleasant climate, developed infrastructure and high quality of life. The addition of Epic Universe to Universal Orlando Resort will further enhance the region's attractiveness, not only for tourists, but also for those looking for a place to live.
For Rental Property Investors
For investors, this is a golden opportunity. The forecast increase in the number of visitors means that the demand for temporary accommodation will also increase. Buying a holiday rental property now can be extremely advantageous, as it is expected that there will be a high reserves in the coming yearsfollowed by a significant turnover for vacation home owners. The increase in the number of tourists will lead to a shortage of accommodation, which in turn will increase the price of daily rates and the appreciation of real estate.
Platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO are already widely used in the region, and the arrival of Epic Universe should further intensify this trend. Properties located close to the new park will have an even greater appeal, attracting families and groups who prefer the convenience and comfort of a complete home rather than traditional hotels.
Therefore, for home buyers and investors alike, the current moment presents a unique and strategic opportunity in the Florida real estate market. The imminent opening of Epic Universe promises not only to attract a steady stream of visitors, but also to drive significant real estate appreciation. Whether buying a home or investing in vacation rental properties, the expected benefits range from capital appreciation to robust rental income. Acting now can ensure privileged positioning before prices escalate, maximizing the potential return on investment with the arrival of this major new attraction.
Development and Innovation
Epic Universe represents a significant leap forward in innovation and visitor experience. With new technologies and revolutionary designs, the park is being built to offer an immersive and interactive experience like no other. The inclusion of detailed themed areas, state-of-the-art attractions and luxury accommodation promises to raise the standard of entertainment and hospitality in the region.
Advanced technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality will be integrated into the attractions to provide an even more immersive experience. The combination of physical and digital elements will allow visitors to interact with the environments in an innovative way, creating lasting memories.
Increased Competitiveness
The addition of Epic Universe is also seen as a strategic move to increase Universal Orlando Resort's competitiveness in relation to other major tourist destinations, such as Walt Disney World. Healthy competition between these entertainment giants is beneficial for visitors, who can expect continuous innovation and ever-improving experiences. The presence of new attractions and the expansion of the resort are also expected to attract tourists from all over the world, contributing to the region's economic growth.
With Epic Universe, Universal aims not only to compete with Disney in terms of visitor numbers, but also in terms of the quality and innovation of its attractions. The inclusion of popular brands and franchises, such as Nintendo, positions Universal Orlando as a destination that combines nostalgia and modernity, attracting different generations of visitors.
Economic and Social Benefits
The construction of Epic Universe will not only bring benefits to Universal Orlando Resort, but also to the local economy. The creation of thousands of jobs during the construction and operation phase of the park will contribute to reducing unemployment and increasing the income of families in the region. In addition, the increased flow of tourists will generate additional revenue for local businesses, such as restaurants, stores and other services.
Impact on infrastructure
To accommodate the expected increase in visitors, the region's infrastructure is also being expanded and improved. New roads, improvements to public transportation and the expansion of essential services are some of the projects underway to ensure that the area around Universal Orlando can cope with the growing demand. These investments in infrastructure will not only benefit tourists, but will also improve the quality of life for local residents.
Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities
The development of Epic Universe also opens the door to partnerships and collaborations between Universal and other companies. From construction contracts to licensing agreements with brands and franchises, there are countless opportunities for companies from different sectors to get involved in this ambitious project. These partnerships could result in technological innovations, new products and services, and an even richer experience for visitors.
Future Attractions and Expansions
Epic Universe is just the beginning of a new era for Universal Orlando Resort. With a vision of continued growth, Universal is already exploring possibilities for future expansions and new attractions. The ability to constantly adapt and innovate is what will keep Universal Orlando at the forefront of the theme park industry, always offering something new and exciting for visitors.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Another important aspect of the development of Epic Universe is Universal's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. From the construction to the operation of the park, sustainable practices are being implemented to minimize environmental impact. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials, efficient energy systems and recycling and waste management programs.
Universal Orlando Resort continues to evolve and expand its offerings to provide unforgettable experiences for its visitors. With Epic Universe, Universal is not only adding new attractions, but also raising the level of entertainment on offer. The 25-30 million visitors expected per year reflect the continued success and growing popularity of Universal Orlando Resort, promising a bright and adventurous future for all who visit.
The combination of innovation, expansion and a commitment to quality ensures that Universal Orlando will remain one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. Whether you're a frequent visitor or someone planning their first trip, Epic Universe promises to offer something for everyone, making every visit a unique and memorable experience.
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