Universal makes an Epic claim
Can Universal beat Disney in Orlando? That's just one debate within a full week of theme park news.
The first visitors are experiencing the new Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando. It’s just Universal team members and their guests inside the park right now, but people from outside the company may be getting their first looks within the next several weeks.
As we await those reports, let’s look ahead to the latest from Universal, then move on to the week’s news from elsewhere in the industry, including the return of the Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure and the last rites for a roller coaster King in New Jersey.
Where to go first at Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe? With team member previews now under way for Universal Epic Universe, let's start talking about strategy for visiting Universal Orlando's new theme park. We have a vote for you, and so far, fellow Theme Park Insiders have two clear favorites for their first choices.
Universal throws down the gauntlet in battle for Orlando: Universal Orlando has new promo video out on social media this week and it's a declaration to tourists and investors that Disney is not necessarily the leader in Orlando anymore.
Universal adds Harry Potter gameplay with new interactive wands: There's a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter land coming to Universal Orlando. Potter fans know what that means - new wands! If you have been wanting Potter wands that functioned by Power Up Bands, this news will make you happy.
Universal sets its menu for the return of Butterbeer Season: Universal has rolled out new forms of its most famous beverage flavor, as Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood are celebrating the return of Butterbeer Season.
Can the Universal Studio Tour find a 'Future' from its past? Here is one fan's suggestion for what should replace Fast & Furious - Supercharged on Universal Studios Hollywood's Studio Tour. And it's a blast from Universal's past.
Raise a glass to the return of Disneyland's Food and Wine Festival: The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is back. Disney invited us out to try some of the new items on this year's menu. So we did, and ranked them from (our) worst to first.
New Peppa Pig Theme Park opens in Texas: Built especially for families with children up to age six, the Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth offers rides, play areas, character meets, and shows - all starring Peppa Pig, her family, and friends.
Merlin plans a new original IP for one of its classic boat rides: Merlin Magic Making has shared a first look at Captain Nine Lives, a new character in the Animal Treasure Island ride coming to Gardaland this spring. Animal Treasure Island replaces the former I Corsari ride, which closed last summer.
Crews demolish Kingda Ka, the world's tallest roller coaster: Demolition crews have brought down the record-setting tower of the Kingda Ka roller coaster. Check out the video.
Attendance, revenue slip at United Parks in 2024: The owner of the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme parks reported total attendance of 21.5 million guests at its parks last year. That is down 0.3% from 2023's attendance. In addition, revenue was down 0.1%, to $1.7 billion, net income declined 2.9%, and Adjusted EBITDA fell 1.9% for the year, to $700 million.
What is the state of the theme park industry these days? Creative leaders throughout the themed entertainment industry will be coming together again in Los Angeles in just a couple of weeks. Here is who will be part of the Themed Entertainment Association's annual State of the Industry panel this year.
Discussion: What is the longest you are willing to wait?
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