ORLANDO – Universal Orlando Resort will open its fourth central Florida theme park, just in time for Memorial Day next year. The move ups the competition against Disney in the theme park capital of the United States.
Park officials said Thursday that Universal Epic Universe will open on May 22 with themed areas based on the Harry Potter, Super Nintendo and “How to Train Your Dragon” brands.
“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort.
Tickets and vacation packages for the new theme park go on sale next week. At first, visitors with multi-day passes will be allowed to visit Universal Epic Universe for only one day due to its anticipated popularity. They can choose from the other three parks — Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the Volcano Bay water park — as part of multi-day ticket offerings.
The park’s new hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, also will open at the same time, joining 10 other hotels at the resort.
Universal’s main competition in the Orlando area, Walt Disney World, also has four theme parks, and it too plans to expand. Disney officials have indicated that they could invest up to $17 billion in the Florida resort and add a fifth theme park.
