Epic vs. Epcot: How Universal's New Theme Park Could Change Walt Disney World

First of all, why is the newly-announced Epic Universal Park such a big deal? So, the fact that the name sounds a lot like Epcot is interesting, and reveals the subtle interconnections between these giant competitors. But the real big deal is that this is the first new theme park by either Disney World in Orlando in 20 years. That’s a very long time as compared to past decades, when there were only 1-11 years between major openings.

Magic Kingdom: 1971
Epcot: 1982
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 1989
Universal Studios: 1990
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 1998
Islands of Adventure: 1999
Epic Universal: ?

Universal Orlando did not reveal an opening year this morning, nor did they provide any details as to what lands were in the released concept art.

14,000 new jobs will be created

These jobs will start at $15 per hour, according to Universal’s August 1 news conference. This means that Disney World and Universal will compete for the best employees and cast members, and this will be to the advantage of the entry-level and part-time workers. More jobs equals a continually-expanding Orlando. The bad news is that traffic and infrastructure challenges will have to be addressed immediately. The new park increases the Universal footprint dramatically. So, it’s beginning to look a lot more like WDW, with a 12-minute drive from the original Universal Park to the new one. There is going to need to be a major alternative to I-4. The good news is that these jobs will mean more restaurants and other things to do in the Orlando area.

More Universal Hotels = More disney world hotels

Coronado Springs Resort (Courtesy Disney)

Obviously, the main goal between the two competitors is to keep guests on property (or nearby). As you know, the real spending only starts when you arrive. It’s not hard to imagine that WDW will respond with even more hotels. But at some point, will there be an overbuild – leading to better on-site bargains at both properties? Competition can be good.

attractions will be increasingly innovative and Bigger

With Universal adding new immersive experiences with their brands, we can expect Walt Disney World to respond. Although Universal released few details about the new park -except that it appears to be massive and that we will travel “into beloved stories” and have experiences “beyond our wildest imagination.” Many are hoping for a Nintendo Area (MarioKart ride), and an in-park hotel would be something that would shake up things a bit as well. So, even if you are 100% WDW-devoted, Universal does keep Disney on its toes. For example, I’m not sure we would have the mind-blowing upgrades of Disney Springs were it not for Universal’s CityWalk.

will family-focused marketing return to the parks?

Universal has long been the place where you spent a day when the teens tired of what they perceived a dull kiddie stuff at Walt Disney World. WDW responded with innovative bars (Trader Sam’s), expanded alcohol, and a clear strategy on attracting millennials and adults. If Universal’s new park ends up having a new appeal to children (unknown at this point), then we can expect another shuffling of the strategies.

will disney ever open a fifth gate?

In 2018, WDW was clearly the lead in Orlando theme park attendance. WDW’s four parks had a collective 57 million visitors, while Universal Orlando had about 21 million. If this park adds another 15 million per year, then the gap closes considerably. Of course, the Magic Kingdom will likely remain the most visited park in the entire world, with nearly 21 million visitors in 2018. (CNN, 2018) Although I honestly miss the simple day of two parks (Magic Kingdom and Epcot), a fifth gate would help to alleviate crowds and congestion. But it would also raise the price of that park-hopper.

Universal should build an EPIc campground

This seems to be where time stopped back in the 1980s. If Universal built a campground to compete with Disney’s Fort Wilderness, then I think we would all benefit from both the choice and the competition to be the better one. I’m thinking a Glenco, Scotland (Harry Potter) theme. And this would truly be epic.