Universal Epic Universe is celebrating its first anniversary, marking one year since the park opened its gates in Central Florida as the region’s first full theme park in 25 years. From the iconic Chronos Tower, the gateway to five immersive worlds, to the millions of visitors who have experienced the park, Jeff Polk, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Epic Universe, said the excitement remains constant. “Getting the park opened, letting guests come in for the first time, there’s nothing that compares. You can hear them now starting to warm up. It’s exciting every single day,” Polk said. Polk emphasized the significance of the park’s opening for both Universal and the Central Florida community. “We wanted this to be a big moment. Not just for Universal, but for Central Florida,” he said. Big impact The park’s impact was immediate, with Orange County’s tourism tax hitting a record of nearly $34 million in the first month after the grand opening. Polk highlighted the investments made to ensure the park’s role as a community partner. “We’ve invested heavily to make sure that this project was a good community partner in many ways, with the extension of Kirkman Road and all the other things that came along with it,” he said. Food successUniversal Epic Universe has also seen success with its food offerings, such as the popular PB and J pork belly bacon jam mac and cheese cone. “The standout is the PB and J pork belly bacon jam, creamy mac and cheese cone. And we’ve sold already over 500,000,” said Michael Rodriguez, executive sous chef. Millions of ridersThe park’s attractions have drawn millions, including the Battle at the Ministry ride, which has had nearly 4 million riders. “Over at Battle at the Ministry, we’ve had almost 4 million riders. So the fact that 4 million guests have gotten to experience this entire attraction is, like, mind-blowing to me,” said Anisha Vyas, director of projects for Universal Creative. Tragic deathHowever, the year has not been without tragedy. Team members reflected on the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died after riding the Stardust Racers thrill coaster. The medical examiner ruled his death an accident, and state investigators confirmed the ride is safe. “Obviously devastating for us, devastated for the family,” Polk said. “Anything that happens at any time, even some things that happen day to day, we want to take, learn what we can from them, and move to the next place.” Looking ahead Epic Universe executives are hinting at future expansion and new possibilities for the park. The theme park itself spans about 110 acres, leaving plenty of room for growth. “Just like with kids, it’s not done. We have a lot of work to do,” Polk said. Polk also shared his vision for the park’s future and its role within Universal Orlando Resort. “We want to keep really refining the experience and contributing to this entire footprint for Universal Orlando Resort, because I think we’re really on to something. But we know that this is not the end. This is really just the beginning, and we want to see it get better and better with the years to come,” Polk said. Universal and Comcast executives have stated from the beginning that the park was built on this massive plot of land with the intention of eventually adding to its five immersive worlds. While signs of growth are visible, no official announcements have been made. Construction trailers have been spotted on-site, and Orange County documents show permits for a 150,000-square-foot building near the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Anisha Vyas, director of projects for Universal Creative, hinted at future developments within the park. “There’s always more magic coming out of Epic Universe, especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but I think that’s all I can say for now,” Vyas said. ‘You never know what will happen in the future’The resort is also testing open entry into Celestial Park, the center of Epic Universe, for attendees of a trade show at the convention center from May 30 to June 1. When asked if open entry could become a standard feature for all guests, Polk shared his perspective. “You never know what will happen in the future. We’re testing a lot of different things, and we really want to make sure this park, because it is a unique design, we want to see what it can do for us in the future. We’re going to play around with things from time to time and you’re gonna see that,” Polk said.
Universal Epic Universe is celebrating its first anniversary, marking one year since the park opened its gates in Central Florida as the region’s first full theme park in 25 years.
From the iconic Chronos Tower, the gateway to five immersive worlds, to the millions of visitors who have experienced the park, Jeff Polk, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Epic Universe, said the excitement remains constant.
“Getting the park opened, letting guests come in for the first time, there’s nothing that compares. You can hear them now starting to warm up. It’s exciting every single day,” Polk said.
Polk emphasized the significance of the park’s opening for both Universal and the Central Florida community.
“We wanted this to be a big moment. Not just for Universal, but for Central Florida,” he said.
Big impact
The park’s impact was immediate, with Orange County’s tourism tax hitting a record of nearly $34 million in the first month after the grand opening. Polk highlighted the investments made to ensure the park’s role as a community partner.
“We’ve invested heavily to make sure that this project was a good community partner in many ways, with the extension of Kirkman Road and all the other things that came along with it,” he said.
Food success
Universal Epic Universe has also seen success with its food offerings, such as the popular PB and J pork belly bacon jam mac and cheese cone.
“The standout is the PB and J pork belly bacon jam, creamy mac and cheese cone. And we’ve sold already over 500,000,” said Michael Rodriguez, executive sous chef.
Millions of riders
The park’s attractions have drawn millions, including the Battle at the Ministry ride, which has had nearly 4 million riders.
“Over at Battle at the Ministry, we’ve had almost 4 million riders. So the fact that 4 million guests have gotten to experience this entire attraction is, like, mind-blowing to me,” said Anisha Vyas, director of projects for Universal Creative.
Tragic death
However, the year has not been without tragedy. Team members reflected on the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died after riding the Stardust Racers thrill coaster. The medical examiner ruled his death an accident, and state investigators confirmed the ride is safe.
“Obviously devastating for us, devastated for the family,” Polk said. “Anything that happens at any time, even some things that happen day to day, we want to take, learn what we can from them, and move to the next place.”
Looking ahead
Epic Universe executives are hinting at future expansion and new possibilities for the park. The theme park itself spans about 110 acres, leaving plenty of room for growth.
“Just like with kids, it’s not done. We have a lot of work to do,” Polk said.
Polk also shared his vision for the park’s future and its role within Universal Orlando Resort.
“We want to keep really refining the experience and contributing to this entire footprint for Universal Orlando Resort, because I think we’re really on to something. But we know that this is not the end. This is really just the beginning, and we want to see it get better and better with the years to come,” Polk said.
Universal and Comcast executives have stated from the beginning that the park was built on this massive plot of land with the intention of eventually adding to its five immersive worlds. While signs of growth are visible, no official announcements have been made.
Construction trailers have been spotted on-site, and Orange County documents show permits for a 150,000-square-foot building near the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Anisha Vyas, director of projects for Universal Creative, hinted at future developments within the park.
“There’s always more magic coming out of Epic Universe, especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but I think that’s all I can say for now,” Vyas said.
‘You never know what will happen in the future’
The resort is also testing open entry into Celestial Park, the center of Epic Universe, for attendees of a trade show at the convention center from May 30 to June 1.
When asked if open entry could become a standard feature for all guests, Polk shared his perspective.
“You never know what will happen in the future. We’re testing a lot of different things, and we really want to make sure this park, because it is a unique design, we want to see what it can do for us in the future. We’re going to play around with things from time to time and you’re gonna see that,” Polk said.
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