What's inside Universal, the world's largest and most expensive theme park?

Spanning over 300 hectares, Epic Universe is considered one of the world's largest Universal theme parks, with an estimated construction cost of $7.7 billion (approximately 200 trillion VND).

With so much interest surrounding Universal's new park, industry experts are awaiting Disney's response. - Photo: Epic Universe

This is also the first major theme park to open in central Florida (USA) in 26 years, according to CNN.

The most expensive park in the world.

Epic Universe is the third and newest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, scheduled to open on May 22nd. Universal has not yet commented on the construction costs of the park.

The park's vast area includes both guest zones and backstage areas for staff, according to Dennis Speigel, owner and founder of the consulting firm International Theme Park Services.

"I've seen all the parks," Speigel said of theme parks around the world. And Epic Universe, in his opinion, is "absolutely amazing."

Universal has utilized the most advanced technology available, combined with deliberate design, to create the feeling that visitors are truly stepping into a magical space, completely separate from the outside world.

Representatives from Universal stated that they have filed patents for experiences within Epic Universe, including special effects animation, game design, and robotics technology.

From the center of the park, visitors can choose to walk through four gates. Each gate will lead them to a different world, with themes that have appeared in films such as Harry Potter. How to Train Your Dragon, Fantastic Beasts …

Epic Universe is the third and newest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort - Photo: Epic Universe

Disney faces a formidable opponent.

With so much interest surrounding Universal's new park, industry experts are awaiting Disney's response.

"Disney and Universal are in the biggest 'battle' ever. It's a fierce battle," Speigel said.

"I believe that within the next 12 to 16 months, Disney will have to announce a fifth theme park, because that's necessary."

Disney – still a leading name in the theme park industry – currently has four theme parks at the Walt Disney World resort in central Florida. The newest of these parks opened in 1998.

Currently, the company has only announced new themed areas and rides in existing parks; there are no plans to open new parks.

"Will Epic Universe bring down Disney? Certainly not. But will it weaken their position? Yes," Speigel said.

Representatives from Universal stated that they have filed patents for the experiences at Epic Universe - Photo: Epic Universe

Universal began accelerating its expansion in 2010 when it opened its first Harry Potter-themed area at its second Orlando park – Islands of Adventure.

Speigel said Universal Orlando Resort saw a 36% increase in visitor numbers the following year – the largest increase he had ever seen in the park's history.

He predicted that 2025 would be the year when all parks would have to drastically lower prices, not only to compete with Epic Universe, but also to cope with the risk of an economic downturn. In addition, he said there would be at least 6 million visitors to Epic Universe in its first year.

Visitors will step into many different worlds, with themes that have appeared in films such as Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and Fantastic Beasts - Photo: The New York Times

Like many other theme parks, Universal uses a flexible ticket pricing system - Video : CNN

Epic Universe is said to be one of the largest theme parks in the world - Video: CNN

Flexible ticket prices

Like many other theme parks, Universal uses a flexible ticket pricing system, which changes depending on the season and expected crowd levels.

One-day tickets start at $139 for adults and $134 for children aged 3 to 9.

The most expensive one-day tickets cost up to $199 (approximately 5.1 million VND) for adults and $194 (approximately 5 million VND) for children during the holiday season at the end of December.

Disney's Magic Kingdom – the world's most visited theme park – also has a price cap of $199 for the same period.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-gi-trong-cong-vien-giai-tri-universal-lon-nhat-va-dat-do-nhat-the-gioi-20250410080158759.htm