Big things are happening at Universal Orlando, but could it still be in some trouble?
Universal Orlando
Epic Universe is FINALLY being unveiled to the theme park-going world, and carrying a ton of momentum as we get deeper into 2025. Unfortunately, some unforeseen circumstances could derail that momentum and create cause for concern for Universal and the theme park industry, in general.
By all accounts — including our own — Epic Universe is going to be a smashing success. The Universal Orlando Resort is already packed with amazing attractions and experiences that draw tourists from all over the world, and adding this new element is setting Universal up for one of its best theme park revenue years ever. Still, there are a few factors that could cause crowds at Universal to be lower than expected.
Epic Universe
A major deterrent to visiting Universal is cost and financial hardships. According to the Los Angeles Times, trade tensions and the uncertainty of the tariff fallout will likely slow tourism this year — and “stock analysts warn that Walt Disney Co.’s theme parks could take a hit.” If the Disney Parks are expected to take a hit, Universal will probably be in the same boat.
The Times noted that theme park attendance in the U.S. often correlates to American economic health, which makes plenty of sense as families who feel more comfortable with their financial situation are way more likely to travel than those who are experiencing a financial crisis.
Gringotts
According to the Times report, “Overall international travel to the U.S. is expected to decrease by 5% this year, with a 15% decline from Canada, according to Tourism Economics, a Philadelphia-based travel data company.”
If Disney is expected to struggle, then the rest of the theme park industry — Universal included — will probably experience even worse woes. Even though Universal is expected to make a bigger dent in Disney’s theme park stranglehold on the industry, Disney will still have more visitors in 2025 and is a safe bet to remain king of the hill.
Unfortunately for Universal Orlando, if theme park tourism is more limited in 2025, there’s a significant chance park goers are still visiting Disney over Universal, further leading to concerns that attendance could be lighter than anticipated.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Another issue Universal faces — albeit one that’s very unlikely to happen — is that guests are biding their time until Epic Universe is easier to access.
Opening to the general public on May 22nd, 2025, Epic Universe is one of — if not the most — anticipated new American theme parks of the 21st century. Right now, getting tickets is more complicated than getting tickets to Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Volcano Bay, and the demand will likely see crowds build up at Epic Universe, creating long wait times and heavy foot traffic (which often leads to overstimulation).
As such, folks may wait to do their big Universal vacation until 2026 when the hype dies down at least a little bit. In the meantime, if all the attendance is mostly allocated at Epic Universe, it’s possible the other parks are neglected a bit.
Universal Studios Florida Lagoon
With ALL of that said, it’s almost impossible that Universal Orlando doesn’t draw in big crowds this year. Epic Universe is going to be a humungous draw, and a recession likely still wouldn’t stop the resort from succeeding at this rate. It’s likely that people will purchase vacation packages with Epic Universe included and visit the other parks as well, maintaining healthy attendance numbers at the non-Epic Universe theme parks. Overall, Universal has set itself up for a great year and it’s hard to envision a scenario where the resort isn’t able to pack the parks.
A look inside Dark Universe
We’ll continue to monitor the health of Universal Orlando and the theme park industry altogether, so stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest updates.
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Let us know what YOU think Universal Orlando’s attendance will look like in 2025 in the comments below!
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Walt is turning in his grave…A magical theme park vacation attainable for all families was his dream, and corporate greed has ruined it!
I believe people are gonna wait and see how things panned out for universal… Still everyone is still going regardless of how much it cost… It’s gonna be a hot summer extremely hot people will wait till the fall and then they wait till the fall of Disney.
If you believe people will choose Disney over Universal, your delusional. I’ve been to Epic Universe and trust me IT’S EPIC!!! And you can get a ticket for less than Disney! Now I realize, Epic Universe is a one day park, one really long day, but once you’ve been you’ll want to go back again and again!! And that hotel rocks!!!!
We just visited universal 2nd year in a row! I believe it is too expensive and crowded. Disney is a No because of their greed and wokeness and Universal will be some just like them! Time to enjoy National parks in lieu of rip off parks!
We are booked to go to Universal in Jan 2026 flying from the UK. Debating whether to go given the current political situation. We have a moral dilemma. It’s not about the people (so nice, friendly and welcoming) it’s the disgraceful behaviour of the politicians. We are not the only one’s either. Plenty of people in UK cancelling US holidays.