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Credit: Disney, Universal, Edited By Inside The MagicThe battle between Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World is hitting a new high with the opening of Epic Universe next year. The struggle for tourism dollars in Central Florida will become a frenzy after Universal Studios unveils its latest theme park.
Related: If D’Amaro/Iger Don’t Bring It, D23 Could be Disney’s Last Stand
But, while Universal Studios is going Epic, Disney World fans fear that the Mouse House is simply falling behind. On the day Universal unveiled Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Disney World had to show a new wrap on its transportation buses.
While Universal Studios fans got the excitement and horror of Dark Universe, Walt Disney World fans had to read underwhelming reviews of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, assuming it was operating that day.
So, as Universal Studios Orlando pulls even and beyond Disney World, Disney fans everywhere at least had hope that this year’s D23 Expo would bring the new rides and attractions that would rival Epic Universe.
Disney fans have their fingers crossed that Disney Imagineers will have more than just “blue sky” projects. There is hope and a need for concrete plans and timetables for the latest additions to Walt Disney World.
The hope is that “Beyond Big Thunder” at Magic Kingdom will be a Disney Villain’s Land that rivals the Universal Monsters in the Dark Universe. Disney fans want the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom to have the detail and thought that would rival or supersede anything that Epic Universe can put out.
There is also the profound hope that Disney will bring forward projects that fans haven’t considered yet. Projects that will put Universal Orlando to shame.
While that is the hope of all Disney fans, there is a realistic dread that they won’t get any of that at the D23 Expo. The Magic Kingdom expansion will be nothing more than rides and attractions from other parks, and the Animal Kingdom expansion will be underwhelming.
So, while Disney fans wait for the D23 Expo, Universal Studios Florida is also waiting. According to a source, Universal has some Epic plans to troll Disney shortly after D23 ends.
SCOOP: Epic Universe Is Set to Open Months Ahead of Schedule
Universal is strategically waiting until after D23 to announce the opening timeframe. pic.twitter.com/Za4SpsDBR9
— Mickey Central (@Mickey_Central) July 31, 2024
According to @MickeyCentral on X, Epic Universe is months ahead of schedule, Universal Orlando is waiting until shortly after the D23 Expo, and Disney’s expected announcement is to make an even bigger announcement of its own: Epic Universe is going to open ahead of schedule.
A source told @MickeyCentral that the newest gat at Universal Studios could open as soon as the end of quarter one in 2025. The park was initially expected to open next summer.
If true, it would take the wind out of Disney’s sails before they even put a shovel in the ground. It would alter the theme park game in Central Florida and shift tourism dollars to Universal.
Given Disney’s current struggles, this could be a game-changer. Disney better hope it isn’t true.
Would you rather spend 2025 at Disney World or Epic Universe, and why?