Comcast’s new theme park, Epic Universe, is set to open in Orlando, Florida, marking a significant milestone for the media giant. The $7.7 billion park is touted as the most technologically advanced theme park ever, with features like trackless ride systems, augmented reality, and high-resolution projections.
Universal Destinations & Experiences, which operates Epic Universe, claims the park showcases its creative excellence and operational prowess. However, analysts argue that the true impact of this new park lies in the “experience economy” – a growing demand for immersive live experiences.
Media analyst Rich Greenfield notes that people want to engage with their favorite characters, franchises, and content in an experiential way. Disney’s recent expansion plans have been closely watched by Universal, which has responded by developing its own theme parks, including Epic Universe and a UK-based park set to open in 2031.
As media companies compete for audiences’ attention, the “theme park wars” are heating up. Comcast is putting its weight behind Epic Universe, with top executives participating in Wednesday’s opening ceremony. The park’s success could transform Universal Orlando Resort into a full-week vacation destination, rivaling Disney’s dominance.
With NBC and Warner Bros. Discovery promoting their intellectual properties through parks like Epic Universe, the media giant is focusing on creating immersive experiences that set it apart from competitors. As analysts see it, this shift in strategy marks an “epic media frontier” for Comcast and Universal.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/21/media/epic-universe-orlando-theme-park-nbcuniversal-disney-media-wars