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Orlando, FL - Universal Orlando’s long-anticipated Epic Universe theme park officially opened Thursday, marking a historic moment for Central Florida, the first major theme park debut in the region in over 25 years.
Epic Universe spans 160 acres and features five immersive lands inspired by popular franchises including Super Nintendo and Harry Potter.
Despite global anticipation, ride wait times stayed below 25 minutes on opening day, suggesting Universal may have deliberately limited capacity for a smoother guest experience.
The park sits on land once owned by Lockheed Martin, where weapons testing occurred between 1958 and 1996, leaving chemical contaminants behind.
Universal acquired the site in 1998 and began cleanup.
In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged both Universal and Lockheed for their efforts in remediating the land, paving the way for development.
Announced in 2019, Epic Universe faced delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets went on sale in late 2024 and quickly sold out.
The park’s opening is expected to generate major economic growth for the Orlando area.
Local leaders and economists project that Central Florida’s $92.5 billion tourism economy will see a significant boost, driven by new visitor traffic, job creation, and nearby development.
Hotels, businesses, and infrastructure near the park, including the Orange County Convention Center and the future Sunshine Corridor rail project, are already seeing benefits. Although Universal hasn’t shared attendance numbers, officials say the park’s arrival marks a new chapter for Orlando’s entertainment landscape and economic future.