Walt Disney World is taking an all-boats-rise-with-the-tides approach to the new Universal Studios theme park opening this summer that is expected to boost tourism in Central Florida and bring even more visitors to the region’s existing Universal and Disney parks.
Industry watchers have been repeatedly asking Disney executives for months how the opening of the 750-acre Universal Epic Universe will impact attendance and revenue at the nearby Disney World resort.
ALSO SEE: First look at Dark Universe monster land coming to Epic Universe
“We’ve been aware of Universal’s plans for a new park for more than a decade,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in April. “We have a sophisticated approach to analyzing the needs of all of our businesses and strategically deploying capital.”
The new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida will debut on May 22 with more than 50 rides, attractions, shows and experiences based on the Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo and Universal Monsters franchises.
Epic Universe will be the first new major theme park to open in the United States since Disney California Adventure in 2001.
ALSO SEE: All about Universal Epic Universe lands, rides, shows and food
Disney CFO Hugh Johnston was asked during an earnings call in early February about the outlook for Disney parks with the opening of Epic Universe on the horizon.
“As we built our plans, we did anticipate some small impact,” Johnston said on the call.
Disney has accounted for the launch of Epic Universe in its multiyear forecasts that project 6% to 8% operating income growth in the theme park division for 2025.
ALSO SEE: First look at Ministry of Magic dark ride coming to Epic Universe
Johnston is “feeling positive” about the increase in advance bookings at Disney World hotels as the opening of Epic Universe draws closer.
“The early bookings that we have next summer are actually positive, so that’s certainly a positive indicator,” Johnston said in November.
The opening of Epic Universe is actually expected to give Disney World a boost based on the history of other attractions and theme parks opening in Florida, according to Johnston.
“It’s generally been beneficial to us,” Johnston said in November.
ALSO SEE: Universal sets opening date for year-round Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
Disney World has been preparing for the launch of Epic Universe with the recent additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot — with plenty more projects in the pipeline.
“By staggering these major launches, we’ve been able to commercially and operationally optimize our new offerings over time, rather than having to do it all at once,” Iger said in April.
ALSO SEE: What is Universal Fan Fest Nights? All about the first-ever fandom event
Attractions Magazine expects Disney World to experience a “halo effect” following the opening of Epic Universe.
“New attractions in Orlando often prompt families to extend their trips,” according to Attractions Magazine. “Competition can spark innovation. If Disney refreshes its attractions, it’ll likely remain top-of-mind for most vacationers heading to Central Florida.”