Disney Says Epic Universe Is Lifting All of Orlando

Rather than hurting Disney World, Epic Universe appears to have created a rising-tide effect for all of Orlando's theme parks. Disney Experiences reported $2.1 billion in domestic theme park revenue for the quarter, up 7% year-over-year.

Walt Disney World hotel bookings for 2026 are pacing up 5%, weighted to the back half of the year. Universal's own co-CEO stated Epic Universe "was intended to lift all of Orlando, and that's in fact what it's done."

The data contradicts early fears that Epic Universe would cannibalize Disney World attendance. Instead, the addition of a major new theme park appears to have made Orlando a more compelling multi-day vacation destination, encouraging longer stays that benefit all operators.