Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro says the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe will attract new visitors to Walt Disney World.
D’Amaro, who oversees the parks and experiences segment at Disney, was asked about Epic Universe at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference on Wednesday (14 May).
“We’re always on the offensive…,” he said (via Variety). “We’re constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks.”
“We’re always on the offensive”
He added, “If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe” that attracts new visitors to the region, “that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”
Universal Epic Universe, the fourth theme park at Universal Orlando, opens on 22 May.
Situated on 750 acres, Epic Universe includes a theme park and three new hotels. The park houses five themed lands, which are:
Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.
Epic Universe executive creative director Steve Tatham previously said: “Epic Universe is a whole new kind of theme park. We’re creating these five immersive worlds, each one of them an amazing, compelling, storytelling experience.”
Universal Creative’s chief creative officer Brian Robinson said: “We’ve pushed every boundary possible [with Epic Universe].”
At this week’s conference, D’Amaro also spoke about Disney’s new theme park in Abu Dhabi, which was announced last week.
Abu Dhabi is “a crossroads for the world”, D’Amaro said.
The world’s seventh Disney destination will be a waterfront resort located on Yas Island. It will be developed and built by Miral.
Last week, D’Amaro said the resort in Abu Dhabi will be “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio”.
“The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways,” he added.
Images courtesy of Disney and Universal
