Entertainment
Epic Universe Opening Makes Orlando the Theme Park Capital of the Universe
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Let the theme park wars begin!
Orlando has officially cemented itself as the Theme Park Capital of the Universe following today’s grand opening of Universal Epic Universe, the first new major theme park to open in the city in 25 years. This ambitious new addition from Universal Orlando Resort transports guests to five imaginative worlds filled with cinematic adventure, wizarding magic, video game thrills, and monstrous legends.
“This is an incredibly exciting day as we officially unveil Universal Epic Universe to the world,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “Our teams have poured a decade’s worth of passion, vision and creativity into this park, and there’s truly nothing else like it.”
The Battle of the Giants: Disney vs. Universal
The debut of Epic Universe marks a pivotal chapter in Orlando’s long-running theme park rivalry between Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
From Magic Kingdom’s iconic Cinderella Castle to Universal’s immersive cinematic worlds, these titans have consistently raised the bar in redefining imagination and guest experiences.
This new park brings Orlando’s theme park total to nine major parks within a 25-mile radius, with both Universal and Disney continuously expanding and innovating.
The new park was announced during a press conference attended by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Tom Williams, and Brian Roberts. Governor DeSantis, Mayor Demings, and County Commissioners joined Universal Orlando executives for the announcement of the company’s fourth theme park in Orlando, Florida, August 1, 2019. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III.
“Disney and Universal theme park wars are for titans, and I’m proud Orlando is where the magic is created,” said J. Willie David, III, President of Florida National News. “From California’s Disneyland to Orlando’s Disney World and now Epic Universe, we’re watching giants compete to create the next multiverse destination — and it’s Orlando’s hospitality and tourism industry that wins.”
Source: Universal’s Epic Universe
Epic Universe: Orlando’s Newest Game-Changer
Epic Universe isn’t just another theme park — it’s a bold, immersive experience featuring five groundbreaking themed lands:
Celestial Park: A lushly landscaped world of waterways, starlight, and racing coasters.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: A 1920s wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic experience.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Home to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, and the U.S. debut of Donkey Kong Country.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: A Viking-themed land complete with dragon rides and shows.
Dark Universe: A gothic horror-inspired land featuring Universal Monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein’s Monster.
And towering beside it is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room Mediterranean-style resort with a dedicated park entrance.
Who’s the Real Champion of Theme Parks?
While Disney holds the legacy title with icons like Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, Universal has swiftly positioned itself as an innovative rival, bringing popular franchises and cinematic experiences to life.
Epic Universe’s opening is more than a milestone — it’s another bold step in the ongoing battle between these industry titans.
Who will create the next multiverse theme park experience in Florida?
With Universal Epic Universe now open and Disney constantly expanding its parks and experiences, the battle is far from over. But one thing is certain:
Source: Universal’s Epic Universe
Orlando is the undisputed Theme Park Capital of the Universe.
“This is where the world comes to play,” added David. “And the world is watching.”
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FLORIDA NATIONAL NEWS
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
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