For years, Universal Orlando Resort was often seen as a brief stopover en route to Walt Disney World — the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” But now, Comcast (CMCSA.O), the parent company of NBCUniversal, is aiming to change that narrative with the launch of Epic Universe, a massive new theme park opening this Thursday in Central Florida.
Backed by an estimated $7 billion investment, Epic Universe has effectively doubled the resort’s size by adding 750 acres. The new park features five immersive lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe. These areas are populated by popular characters from films and video games that Comcast owns or licenses.
This marks the largest investment Comcast has made in its theme park division since taking over Universal in 2011. Industry analysts believe Epic Universe poses a serious competitive challenge to Walt Disney World, which hasn’t seen a major expansion since 2019.
“This is one segment of the media landscape that remains immune to the shift toward screens — it’s still cherished as a shared, real-world experience,” Comcast President Mike Cavanaugh told Reuters. “It would be foolish not to push forward aggressively.”
Comcast views its theme park business as one of six strategic growth areas. The company is exploring innovative attractions, including the upcoming Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas — a year-round haunted experience launching in August, featuring four houses inspired by horror classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Exorcist: Believer. In 2026, Universal will also open the family-focused Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, themed around popular franchises like Shrek, Minions, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
“We’re focused on expanding the Universal brand into new markets and reaching new audiences,” said Mark Woodbury, chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “You can see that with both our Kids Resort in Texas and our horror venue in Las Vegas.”
Additionally, Comcast has plans for a major theme park resort in the United Kingdom — its first in Europe.
Still, the theme park business isn’t without challenges. It remains sensitive to broader economic downturns, a reality highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts remains confident in long-term, high-capital ventures.
“When you discover something truly exceptional, that’s when it makes sense to go big,” Roberts said, referencing the debut of the original Harry Potter-themed land in Orlando. “When that opened, attendance surged immediately — and it never declined.”
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