Latest news with #UniversalDestinations
Travel Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Epic Universe: An epic impact
While Epic Universe has already spurred increased business for travel agencies, they are far from the only ones benefitting: Throughout its construction, the park has produced economic impact to the tune of billions of dollars throughout the country, and it is expected to generate billions more now that it is fully operational. Much of that is in central Florida. 'When a major new park debuts, the entire region benefits,' said Casandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando. 'Visitors don't just go to one park — they stay in our hotels and resorts, dine in local restaurants, shop in our stores and explore our diverse attractions. It's truly a rising-tide-lifts-all-boats scenario, from global brands to our small businesses.' Universal Destinations & Experiences engaged economist Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida's (UCF) Institute for Economic Forecasting, to perform an analysis of Epic's impact locally and nationally. The report found that Epic's five-year economic impact from 2019 to 2023 totaled $44 billion and that the construction of the park generated 65,000 jobs across the country. Further, in its first year of operation, Epic is expected to generate an economic impact of $2 billion in Florida. Visit Orlando's Matej called Epic's opening a 'landmark moment' for the region, the most visited in the U.S. with 75.3 million visitors in 2024. Stays this year are already trending positively: From April to June, hotel bookings were pacing 2.5% ahead of the same period last year, according to Matej. Short-term rental bookings were up 16%. 'For more than five decades, theme parks have played a key role in transforming Orlando from citrus groves into a global tourism destination — driving growth, expanding infrastructure and boosting the local economy,' she said. Jorge Ridderstaat, associate professor of finance, accounting and econometrics at UCF's Rosen College, said the park's overall economic impact expanded well beyond Florida in its planning and construction phase. Going forward, it will be felt more in Florida and the Orlando area, he said, with an estimated $1 billion in additional tax revenue and nearly 18,000 direct employees. 'The direct and indirect economic impacts are major.' Jorge Ridderstaat, UCF 'There's also an indirect effect, and that's coming from additional restaurants, hotels; and you can even think about banking activities,' Ridderstaat said. 'The direct and indirect impacts are major here.' Universal's other projects under development may be smaller in scale than Epic but will provide significant economic benefits. Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round attraction in Las Vegas, will open this year; the Universal Kids Resort is slated to open in Texas in 2026; and Universal's first theme park in England is set to debut in 2031. Ridderstaat said the new parks would impact local and national economies as well as motivate other operators to compete. 'Because these technologies being used are very sophisticated, that gives a run on Disney to increase the quality of their product,' he said. 'Because otherwise, you don't catch these types of people who are interested in innovative types of products. I think that's a challenge for the competition.'
Thrill Geek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Universal Horror Unleashed Reveals More Frightening Details Ahead of Grand Opening in Las Vegas
Universal Destinations & Experiences is set to redefine terror with the grand opening of Universal Horror Unleashed, a first-of-its-kind year-round horror attraction debuting August 14 at the AREA15 District in Las Vegas. New details have emerged about one of the cornerstone experiences—the Universal Monsters haunted house—along with two original themed areas: Dead Storage and The Boiler, an immersive cocktail bar experience like no other. In the Universal Monsters haunted house, the legends of classic horror cinema break free from their silver screen origins and come terrifyingly to life. Guests will journey through the ruins of famed monster hunter Van Helsing's mausoleum, only to be thrust into the cursed territories of Universal's most iconic creatures. From the echoing corridors of Castle Dracula to the ancient tombs of The Mummy, and the electrified laboratory where Frankenstein and The Bride still haunt the living, this fully immersive haunted experience unites the most legendary monsters ever imagined in one continuous, spine-chilling nightmare. Before entering Van Helsing's realm, guests will first brave Dead Storage, a hauntingly atmospheric themed zone set within a forgotten section of an abandoned production warehouse. Reminiscent of Universal's earliest horror sets, this gothic graveyard of film relics is alive with nocturnal terror. Guests may encounter vampires, a werewolf mid-transformation, and other dark creatures that lurk in the shadows, all while navigating an environment filled with eerie set pieces and props lost to time. At the heart of the experience lies The Boiler, a darkly industrial cocktail bar pulsing with mechanical energy and infernal ambiance. Here, multiple horror zones converge, offering guests a space to unwind without ever truly escaping the horror. Beneath a towering, flame-spewing machine, patrons can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and soak in the atmosphere of this uniquely twisted reprieve. Universal Horror Unleashed will feature four immersive themed areas and four major haunted house experiences, including: Universal Monsters Blumhouse's The Exorcist: Believer The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Scarecrow: The Reaping In addition to the frights, guests can explore horror-themed food and beverage offerings, specialty bars, and a retail location filled with exclusive merchandise and collectibles. Tickets are now available at For fans of fear, this is the next evolution in immersive horror entertainment—an experience that never sleeps, and never lets you forget what lurks in the dark. Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Universal Studios Hollywood Teases Massive, 72 mph Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Coaster
What's a theme park to do when it wants to expand and innovate, but is perched on a hilly lot in the middle of urban sprawl? Answer: Go with the flow. Universal Studios Hollywood today revealed new details about its in-the-works Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster. It's the park's first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster, and when it launches in 2026, it will be the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio, topping out at 72 mph. Dominic Toretto would be proud. More from Deadline Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces New After-Hours Fan Fest Nights First Look – New Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Coaster At Universal Studios Hollywood 'Fast & Furious' Star Vin Diesel Implores Universal To "Please Tell The Best Fans In The World When The Next Movie Is Coming Out" The coaster will also be the largest in the L.A. park, by far. In a lemons-to-lemonade decision, construction on the ride looks like it will take advantage of the steep terrain in the park to achieve the hair-on-fire speeds appropriate to Universal's Fast film franchise. Take a look in the first-look animatic video below. The innovative roller coaster features a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles, which was previously announced but now can be seen (illustrated) in the video above. The ride will achieve its 72 mph by using 4,100 feet of elaborate track that begins in the upper level of the park across from the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the area that previously hosted Universal Hollywood's special effects and animal shows. Riders will queue up in an expansive (and thankfully shady) warehouse structure that resembles garages seen in the films. The fully-rotational ride vehicles will create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at furiously fast speeds while being catapulted along an aerial track that picks up speed as it accelerates downhill toward a huge loop, which sits down below the new and improved Jurassic World attraction. Massive Fast & Furious ride being constructed from the top of Universal Studios Hollywood all the way to the bottom. — Tom T (@uluwatu70) June 13, 2025 'Watching the progress of this incredible roller coaster come to life is truly spectacular,' said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. '2026 is just around the corner and we are equally as excited as our guests to introduce such an inspiring new ride to our theme park portfolio. 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' will be a powerful game changer for Universal Studios Hollywood that will not only transform the topography of our destination but will infuse an entirely new level of adrenaline to our already dynamic theme park. We look forward to riding it ourselves and to welcoming guests to experience it in the very near future.' Universal Hollywood also unveiled one of the four ride vehicles designed to look like the iconic cars from the films. The vehicle shown to media today is modeled after Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger and is now on display at Universal Studios Hollywood. Best of Deadline Use The Schwartz!: 'Spaceballs' Movie Photos & Posters 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More 'Stick' Release Guide: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Inside the new Epic Universe theme park with 11 new rides
Universal Studios Orlando, since opening in 1990, has grown into a major entertainment hub, drawing 10 million visitors annually across its Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay parks. In 2019, Universal announced plans for a fourth park, promising an unprecedented level of immersion and innovation. Six years later, that vision has materialised. Epic Universe, the first major theme park in Orlando in 25 years, represents a $7.5 billion investment (£5.5 billion) and a significant leap forward in theme park design. During the opening week, Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, described the park as "the most technologically advanced park in the world". This is everything you need to know about the new Epic Universe theme park and what tourists can expect. What are the rides like? With 11 new rides, one of which has been deemed the best dark ride in the world, I was eager to get started. With five worlds to explore – How to Train Your Dragon; Isle of Berk; Super Nintendo World; Dark Universe; and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic (all centred around the main hub of Celestial Park) – I was lucky I had three days. Each world is entered through its own portal, backed-up with its own music and theming, making visitors feel like they have truly been transported into a different dimension. None more so, than the colourful Super Nintendo World with its sea of rainbow, sounds of coins being collected and Venus flytraps chomping away to that well-known theme tune. Rides range from family coasters, such as Hiccups Wing Gliders – a firm favourite with our group, to the high-speed, dual racing thrill ride of Stardust Racers. Fyre Drill is a water soaker perfect for cooling down in the humid Floridian heat, while airborne Dragon Racers Rally allows you to barrel-roll your own dragon, should you desire. If you're a fan of Mario Kart, then Bowser's Challenge is definitely one to try. This fully immersive version of the game puts riders behind the wheel of their very own moving kart. Donning a special Mario cap along with high-tech virtual reality glasses, I took my place in the kart and head out on my own mission to collect as many coins as possible while encountering Mario favourites. For me, Dark Universe was the real showstopper. I was lucky enough to visit this area during the day and at night, and I have to say, if you get the chance to go after dark, you won't leave disappointed. It has to be the most atmospheric and creepy park, EVER! Monsters Unchained is one of those rides you can go on time and time again, each time a different experience. I rode this four times and still felt like I had missed some elements of it. Sat on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm, I entered the abyss of Dr Victoria Frankenstein's experiment, being tilted backwards and forwards, up and down, as a revolt of enraged monsters came at me. Despite Dark Universe being my particular favourite world, I would challenge anyone to not be impressed by the Ministry of Magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With anticipated queue times of up to five hours, its reputation certainly precedes it. The entrance is an exact replica of the one in the films. Bottle-green glossy tiles line the walls, along with posters with moving images. Even the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo makes riders disappear in a plume of green smoke. The ride itself is definitely worth the wait and is a lot longer than you would anticipate as you travel deep into the depths of the Ministry's many departments to the trial of Delores Umbridge, encountering uninvited guests along the way. The live shows you can't miss Aside from the rides, there are two notable live shows at Epic and you won't want to miss either. I'm not usually much of a fan of park shows, but both of these soon had me changing my mind. The Untrainable Dragon, within Isle of Berk, treats audiences to a spectacular, musical show, complete with dragons, amazing stage effects and a moving toothless dragon animatronic that soars above the audience. Even if you have never seen the films, you can't fail to be impressed, while Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes part in a small circus tent and combines a magical performance of illusions, puppetry and immersive effects, that has audiences captivated right from the preshow. The best dining options Whilst Celestial Park is the hub of Epic, with many dining options, there are plenty to be found in each world, with the theming spilling over into the menus. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes, pubs and street carts, I am spoilt for choice, with everything from Parisian street cafes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the deathly dishes at Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe. During my visit I sampled the delights of Mead Hall in Isle of Berk – a one stop shop for Viking cuisine. Serving everything from sandwiches to meat platters and what seemed to be popular choice – Mac and Cheese cones. For the more discerning diner, the Atlantic restaurant in Celestial Park provides a fine under-the-sea dining experience, with a seafood-based menu. But for me, the Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World was a big hit, with its Mario and Luigi burgers and Bowser's Fireball Challenge. Where to stay Epic Universe brings three new hotels – The Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. If your budget allows, then staying at Helios is a no-brainer. This starry 500 room extravaganza has amazing views overlooking Epic and even has its own entrance to the park. For the more budget-minded, the Stella Nova and Terra Luna offer a more affordable option. I stayed at the Stella Nova resort, just a short shuttle ride away. For me, this was the perfect option. I had great views of the park and the onsite pool and bar area made for a relaxing afternoon in amongst what was a hectic few days. Staying onsite also gives guests early park admission. Overall verdict For me, Epic Universe is truly that. Everything from the theming to the rides, food to the park itself has raised the bar in the world of theme parks. No expense has been spared on taking each attraction to the next level. But with demand expected to be high, ticket sales only allow for one-day passes throughout 2025, so planning ahead is key. I've no doubt the celebrations will continue for many months to come, but for now, the memories will live on. So, until next time, Universal… you have been Epic! How to plan your trip British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829pp, including flights and room only accommodation.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park – all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip
'I SCREAMED and I prayed', the stranger next to me recalled as we clambered out of our seats with a dishevelled look. We hadn't known each other before this, but within 90 blurry seconds a whirlwind experience had bonded us. 9 We had just ridden Stardust Racers, the must-try thrill ride at Universal's brand new theme park. Epic Universe, which opened this week [May 22], is the first major theme park to come to Orlando in 26 years, costing a mega £7billion to build. 'This is the most technologically advanced park in the world,' Mark Woodberry, Universal Destinations & Experiences' Chairman and CEO, says – and he's not lying. No cash has been spared on taking each attraction to the next level with smooth tracks that won't jolt your neck and new-world immersion techniques that take away the woozy feeling caused by old-hat VR rides (something I greatly appreciated). But with demand so high, Brits will only be able to purchase one-day tickets for this year, so what should you see and what should you skip? I was one of the first to get a behind the scenes look at all the entertainment, rides and food and drink – and here's my verdict. Celestial Park This is the park's main hub with a glorious fountain at its centre and main food halls cooking up barbecue dishes, Asian grub and deep-pan pizza. STARDUST RACERS: HIT (5 stars) This dual 'racing' roller coaster is on par, intensity wise, with Universal Studios' leading thrill ride, Velocicoaster. If you're a roller coaster nut, then you won't want to miss this. It's one of the largest steel coasters in the US and it hurls riders down steep drops and in spiral turns at speeds of up to 62mph for a terrifying 90 seconds. At times l feared my brain may burst through my skull. I went to the huge new space-themed hotel part of the Epic Universe theme park Top tip: Both sides of the rollercoaster offer a different experience, (the green side is supposedly more intense - but I was too focused on clinging on for dear life to confirm) CONSTELLATION CAROUSEL: HIT (3.5 stars) Tired feet will be all too pleased to climb aboard the theme park's most relaxed ride that welcomes all ages. You can ride shiny unicorns, roaring lions and fiery phoenix's (seating up to three). Each animal slowly spins in typical carousel-fashion under a starry dome where the ceiling twinkles -- it was very peaceful after a long day. Top tip: head there after sunset – the twinkling lights are amplified by the dark sky 9 How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk A fire-breathing dragon and man-made lagoon welcome visitors through the portal into this Viking -theme world based entirely on the hit animation film. DRAGON RACER'S RALLY: MISS (2 stars) Although this ride continues for a similar length of time to many others in the theme park, it feels much shorter. The idea is sound, with riders climbing aboard their own 'dragon' which can be semi-steered using the wing controls on either side of your seat which can be lifted up and pushed down. You can perform some pretty cool tricks, including barrel rolls by tilting the wings at a certain angle, but by the time you've figured that all out, the ride is over. If you've queued for anything more than 45 mins, you may feel somewhat cheated. Top tip: hold the wings steady in opposite directions to perform a barrel roll 9 HICCUP'S WING GLIDERS: HIT (4.5 stars) An all-round favourite. This roller coaster is one that kids (over 100cm) and grown-ups will enjoy in equal measure. It may be relatively tame in comparison to stereotypical loop-de-loop rides, but that doesn't take from the thrill which comes in the form of sudden speed boosts, realistic animatronics and swooping turns that give the effect of riding a real dragon. Top tip: if you're in need of a brief cool down, sit on the right seat in the second row - you'll be in the prime spot to be sprayed with water FYRE DRILL: MISS (unless you have really young kids) (2 stars) Don't get me wrong, a water-ride can be great in the searing Orlando heat, but this one isn't a mind-blower and if you're tight for time, could be one to skip. Riders board an eight-seater Viking boat and are tasked with squirting various wooden targets with a pistol as they weave their way through dragon-infested waters. The squirting and aiming action may be a little tricky for kids to grasp at first, but they'll sure love getting drenched at spontaneous moments by water-spouting monsters. Top tip: do this after the show as you'll get drenched (you don't want to be sat indoors all soggy) THE UNTRAINABLE DRAGON SHOW: HIT (4 stars) Even adult's jaws will hit the floor when (spoiler alert) they see Universal's most famous dragon, Toothless, soar high above the audience in a plume of smoke during the show You don't need to have seen the film to follow the plot, although it helps. Top tip: Don't stress about getting near the front, Toothless flies towards the back of the room 9 Super Nintendo World Step through the portal to the Nintendo World and travel through a Mario-style green tube to possibly the most immersive and colourful land in Epic - it's laid out just like the old-school games with coins spinning above boxes and piranha plants threatening to chomp at any moment. MARIO KART: BOWSER'S CHALLENGE: HIT (but only if you're familiar with the console version of the game) (4 stars) I was a huge fan of this fully-immersive, amped-up version of hit Nintendo game, Mario Kart, that puts riders behind the wheel in a moving kart. You'll don a special Mario cap alongside an ultra-high tech pair virtual reality glasses so that every rider is playing their own game and racking up coins. You can fire shells at characters like Yoshi and Princess Peach, simply using your high-tech glasses to aim, plus you'll come face-to-face with a fire-breathing Bowser. As a Mario Kart fan, I loved it; pals who had never played the game, however, were much less enthusiastic and struggled with the controls. 9 YOSHI'S ADVENTURE: MISS (2.5 stars) Great for little ones and those who want something gentle. You'll board a colourful Yoshi and slowly plod through Mario World with epic views of the park below. The only downside is it can be a struggle in the searing heat, with much of the ride outdoors. Top tip: don't go in the middle of the day, the ride passes outside a lot and it can get very hot My top hacks for first timers in the park Bring your own water bottle and use refill stations. A bottle here costs around $6. If you forget your water you can ask for a cup at Starbucks or use fountains. Don't buy a wristband or wand unless you're a mega fan. Avoid queuing for the character meet and greets, you may just catch them at the right time and if not, you'll get to see them at the shows Pick your land – face reality, you're unlikely to get through everything in just one day. Prioritise your two must-see lands Dark Universe is so much more immersive at night so save it for the end of the day. It pays to stay in a Universal resort - it gets you access to park an hour ahead of everyone else. If you're feeling overheated, head to Astronomica in Celestial Park – this wet-play area has mini fountains that kids can run through and splash about in MINE-CART MADNESS: HIT (4.5 stars) A crowd-pleaser. Despite not having loops or reaching spine-tingling speeds, this roller coaster will still impress even the biggest adrenaline junkies, thanks to the immersive chaos of Nintendo themed music and realistic animatronics. You board a rickety minecart to ride a seemingly broken track that jerks and judders. I felt as if I could tumble off any moment which only added to the thrill. Top tip: don't go straight after lunch - this one is jolty 9 Dark Universe If the park is open late when you're visiting, save this world, crawling with Universal's well-known monsters and villains, until the evening to make it fully immersive. Everything feels much creepier in the dark, and you'll be able to spot things you may not notice in the light of day. MONSTERS UNCHAINED: THE FRANKENSTEIN EXPERIMENT: HIT (4.5 stars) Theme park fans say that this is one of the best dark rides ever created, thanks to its storytelling and advanced technology - and I agree. There's some very strong theming here and even the queue is factored into the experience, with riders entering through the gruesome manor gates, passing through creepy corridors with eerie pictures and sketches of lab-tested creatures adorning the walls – a hint at what's to come. The main ride places visitors on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm which then twists and turns as you try to escape the grasp of some pretty terrifying creatures. Due to fewer videos and more animatronics, the ride didn't cause as much motion sickness as I often experience with a ride like this . Top tip: pay attention to everything around you as you make your way through the creepy manor, it will add some context to the storytelling 9 CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF: HIT (3.5 stars) This cart-twisting roller coaster is very good fun if you're into the theme, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as similar rides like Hiccup's Wing Gliders and Mine-Cart Madness. The fun lies in the fact that you're not sure what to expect, no matter how many times you ride, with carts spinning at random paces. Top tip: normally the back of the roller-coaster offers the most thrilling experience, but for this ride, head to the front 9 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic There may be only one ride in this world, but the elements surrounding it took my breath away. You'll be transported from Orlando to 1920s Paris in mere seconds (a nod to the Fantastic Beasts films) and everything here feels wholly authentic from the old-fashioned wine bars lining the cobblestone streets through to the rustic-looking Metro signs. HARRY POTTER AND THE BATTLE AT THE MINISTRY: HIT (but be prepared to queue) (5 stars) Mega fans have been brought to tears upon seeing the entrance to this ride, the British Ministry of Magic - an exact replica of the one in the films featuring bottle-green glossy tiles and posters with moving images. I was blown away by the magic, especially the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo, which makes riders disappear in a cloud of smoke. The ride itself is very advanced and much longer than the others so you feel like you're getting your queue's worth. Top tip: The queue can hold around four hours worth of guests and there were reports of five-hour queues on opening day, so if you're going to go, try and book a night in a Universal Resort (more on that in the Hot Hacks above) and race straight there when you enter. LE CIRCUS ARCANUS SHOW: HIT (4.5 stars) There's a pre-show to this circus-themed experience that keeps you on your toes. Then, magical creatures are brought to life with on-stage tricks really will have you guessing just how they did it. It was 20 minutes very well spent. 9
