Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park, Epic Universe, is reportedly on track to open in Summer 2025, according to Comcast, Universal’s parent company. Comcast’s full fiscal year report for 2021 reported strong attendance growth and recorded profits as the park continues to bounce back from the pandemic.
Comcast reported that the revenue from theme parks jumped to $1.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021, boosted by high attendance in their U.S. parks and higher spending per guest in U.S. and Japan, according to clickorlando. The company attributed this jump in revenue due to new offerings in their parks, including Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan and the Velocicoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando. Theme park revenue for the year jumped up from $3 billion to $5.1 billion.
In terms of Epic Universe, Comcast said construction is going “full steam ahead,” with an expected opening of Summer 2025. Epic Universe will be the fourth park at Universal Orlando, joining Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the water park, Volcano Bay.
While details on the park are scarce, rumors are surrounding the lands for the park and what popular franchises could be represented. So far, the rumored lands include Nintendo, How To Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and Fantastic Beasts. The Fantastic Beasts section would be the third land in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, along with Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Attached to Epic Universe will also be entertainment centers, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
More announcements from Universal should be coming soon, especially with the recent closure of the Shrek 4-D attraction. Many are still wondering what will replace the attraction, and rumors suggest it will be based on a property from Illumination Entertainment. Illumination is the animation studio behind Sing, The Secret Life of Pets, and Despicable Me, which already has an attraction with Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.
After seeing videos and photos of Super Nintendo World, many have been waiting to see it come to the U.S. It will be opening in Universal Studios Hollywood at some point as construction is moving along nicely. However, Orlando natives may have to wait a little bit longer until Epic Universe opens its doors.