Disney's Florida theme parks are getting new attractions.
Universal Studios is planning a new theme park in the United Kingdom. The Comcast-owned () company may not open until 2025, but it is a potential game changer that may sway the balance between Universal Studios and Walt Disney's () - Disney World.
Universal's Florida theme parks have two parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, along with a highly-themed water park, Volcano Bay. It's fair to say that Disney currently has the edge, a significant advantage, thanks to its four theme parks, two water parks, and the Disney Spring Shopping area.
In three days, a family may see everything Universal Studios has to offer, and that's being generous/assuming the parks are crowded. Disney visitors, on the other hand, might spend a week visiting the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Bay, not to mention all the shopping and dining options at Disney Springs.
The internet is currently allowing travelers to travel to Central Florida. Universal Studios may have a day or two to see the highlights, but if you're looking for the finest price on a multi-day ticket, Disney World will offer you a lot more.
Universal expects to improve its existing theme parks and its surrounding areas when it adds a third gate with Epic Universe. Disney sees what's coming and it cannot answer directly by adding a fifth gate (although that might happen eventually).
WHAT'S NEW AT WALT DISNEY WORLD?
Disney has no long-term intentions to build a fifth theme park at Disney World, even if it have the space to do so. Instead, it has focused on improving its existing parks.
Epcot has added a crepe restaurant, another eatery in the Japan section of world showcase, a new Club Cool (an area where you can get Coca-Cola samples) as well as a new entrance.
Epcot anticipates to add a Moana-themed water attraction and, perhaps, its greatest addition to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the park's first roller coaster.
There will be no new rides at Hollywood Studios, but the whole land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, has remained a huge draw as it includes Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the arguably best ride at any theme park (we hear you Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey fans).
Disney may not include a fifth gate, but it can keep tweaking the properties it has, and it will also improve the BoardWalk area adjacent to Epcot, which includes a resort hotel and a host of menus.
THESTREET RECOMMANDS THAT EVERYONE BE BECAME A THUMBNAIL
"Over the next few years, we'll be making fresh enhancements and offers on this iconic, turn-of-the-century promenade, from a stunning new lobby design and a nearby coffee bar to delectable dining options, refreshed guest rooms and other special touches," the company said on its Disney Parks Blog.
In a whimsical atmosphere that is complementing Disney's boardwalk's charm, Gwendolyn Rogers will open a new table-service restaurant and bakery in 2023.
The addition of a cake shop will allow the current BoardWalk Bakery to become a sandwich shop. Changes will also be made to the BoardWalk Inn, a hotel that is just a short walk from Epcot.
"Through the doors of Disney's BoardWalk Inn, light and airy touches will revitalizate the lobby, lounge, and guest rooms, while absorbing the seaside breeze right inside. A new coffee bar with artisanal beverages and quick bites will be available to-go or in newly restored seating areas inside or outdoors."
WILL THE DISNEY WORLD BECOME A FIFTH GATE?
Epic Universe will make Universal Studios a more functional competitor to Disney World. It will introduce Universal Nintendo attractions to Florida and will almost certainly have a third property themed to Harry Potter (the Ministry of Magic is reportedly rumored).
While Disney can, and has, improved its existing four parks, Epic Universe would offer the sole option. One Disney expert, "Married to the Mouse," author Rick Foglesong, believes it's inevitable.
Oh, absolutely. I think we will see a fifth theme park, Foglesong said. Its important to remember when you look at this tourism market that some 80% of people who come here have already walked there. Therefore, its important for Disney to innovate.
According to the author, Disney has the space to expand because its founder, Walt Disney, wanted to avoid a misunderstanding with Disneyland.
"Because the Disney company was able to get the land cheaper, they purchased a lot more land than they needed," Foglesong said. "The story is that Roy, the brother, challenged Walt as to whether or not they needed this much land, and Walt said, "Look what happened out in Anaheim, where we became landlocked." So they ended up with all this land."
Disney's Florida theme parks are getting new attractions.
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