Universal Orlando will open its Epic Universe theme park next May

ORLANDO – Universal Orlando Resort will open its fourth theme park in Central Florida in time for Memorial Day next year. The move increases competition with Disney in the theme park capital of the United States.

Park officials said Thursday that Universal Epic universe opens on May 22nd with themed areas featuring Harry Potter, Super Nintendo and How to Train Your Dragon.

“This is a pivotal moment for our destination and we look forward to welcoming guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort.

Tickets and vacation packages for the new theme park go on sale next week. Due to the expected popularity, visitors with multi-day tickets will initially only be allowed to visit the Universal Epic Universe for one day. You can choose between the other three parks – Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park – as part of multi-day ticket deals.

At the same time, the park’s new hotel, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, will also open, along with ten other hotels in the resort.

Universal’s main Orlando-area competitor, Walt Disney World, also has four theme parks and is also planning to expand. Disney officials have indicated they could invest up to $17 billion in the Florida resort and add a fifth theme park.