Is Universal really getting a “fourth” theme park?

in Entertainment, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Universal's Epic Universe logo

Credit: Universal Orlando

Last week, Universal Orlando celebrated some big news. Specifically, that the company will be getting its fourth theme park in Orlando: Universal’s Epic Universe. However, some have called into question whether or not Universal is actually getting a fourth theme park or a third? A lot of people are questioning whether or not Universal’s Volcano Bay could technically be considered a “theme park” and have since weighed in on a recent Tweet by Universal Orlando reminding fans of what some are finding to be confusing news.

If you’re familiar with the Walt Disney World parks, you probably know that there are four of them…per Disney’s own count. Although, if you were to utilize Universal’s counting, they actually have six theme parks–four dry parks including Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Epcot and then two water parks being Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Universal's Epic Universe concept art
Credit: Universal Orlando

It is true that Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay is considered by Universal Orlando Resort to be a theme park. But, many people online disagree and seriously question whether or not Universal might be a little misleading with the “fourth theme park” claim they’re making with this recent theme park reveal.

From these replies, it’s quite obvious that some of you disagree that Universal’s Epic Universe is a fourth park at Universal Orlando. On the post, Universal did reply to several commenters. Although, they did not reply to anyone who brought into question whether or not Universal’s Epic Universe will be their “fourth theme park.”

For those who are curious, on the official Universal Orlando website, the company refers to Volcano Bay as a “water theme park.” If you want to get even more technical, the company also lists Universal’s Volcano Bay under their “Theme Parks” tab on their website right under Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

From this conversation online, it calls us to question what defines a “theme park?” Is a theme park only described as a place that exclusively features dry and airy attractions, experiences, and shows or has Walt Disney World been miscounting for all this time?

What are your thoughts on Universal Orlando calling its new Epic Universe its fourth theme park? Let us know in the comments below!

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