If you’re a theme park fan (and if you’re here, let’s be real—you are), then you’ve probably been watching Universal’s Epic Universe rise from the dirt with wide eyes and big dreams. With confirmed lands like Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, and the spine-tingling Dark Universe, it’s shaping up to be a game-changer for Central Florida when it opens in 2025.
And the question on everyone’s mind is: What does Disney think about all this?
🧠 Bob Iger: “I Like Our Hand”
When Disney CEO Bob Iger was asked about Epic Universe during a Q&A session last year, his response was as cool and confident as Mickey in sunglasses.
“We’ve had competition from them for a long time… I like our hand. I’m confident in what we’ve built and I’m confident in what we’ll continue to build.”
Translation? Disney’s not sweating it—but they’re also definitely watching.
💼 Hugh Johnston (Disney CFO): “We Don’t Have Material Competition”
In December, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston weighed in, saying Disney’s parks are an “asset of one”—essentially unmatched in emotional connection and brand power.
He acknowledged Universal’s rising presence, but also made it clear that Disney believes in its long-term value and the loyalty it commands.
Still, it’s clear they’re taking Epic Universe seriously—even if they’re not showing their full deck just yet.
🧭 Jeff Vahle: Rising Tides Lift All Parks
Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World, offered perhaps the most enthusiastic response:
“It’s going to benefit all of us. It’s great for the Orlando area. More people come, more people stay, and they’ll visit us, too.”
You can almost read between the lines: the pressure is on, and the excitement is real.
🏗️ So… What Is Disney Actually Doing About It?
Glad you asked—because while Disney hasn’t officially announced a counter-punch to Epic Universe, they have been quietly laying the groundwork for something big.
Here’s what we know (and what we’re speculating):
👑 1. The Rumored Magic Kingdom Villains Land
This is the one Disney fans have been begging for—and recent rumors have it back on the table.
- A Villains-themed land expanding beyond Big Thunder Mountain.
- Think: Maleficent meet-and-greets, dark rides through the Forbidden Mountain, or a full-on villain castle.
- It would be the perfect “mature” counter to Universal’s Dark Universe.
While not officially confirmed, Disney has repeatedly mentioned this “blue sky” concept at D23, and with Epic Universe bringing bold storytelling to life… this could be Disney’s next headliner.
🚀 2. Beyond Big Thunder Expansion Plans
Disney has teased the “biggest ever expansion to Magic Kingdom”, which could include not just Villains, but also Coco and Encanto—two IPs with tons of storytelling potential.
- Imagine walking from the wild west into the magical casita of the Madrigals.
- Then hopping into Dante’s world of color and music from Coco.
- It’s a cultural and emotional powerhouse waiting to be built.
This wouldn’t just compete with Epic—it could elevate Magic Kingdom into an entirely new era.
🌐 3. EPCOT Still Evolving
Even as the dust settles on EPCOT’s multi-year transformation, we’re seeing Disney continue to tweak and update this park.
- Moana’s Journey of Water has already brought some magic.
- Rumors swirl about Spaceship Earth finally getting its update, and more new entertainment and nighttime shows are in the works.
This might not match the “new park” hype of Epic Universe, but EPCOT’s glow-up keeps Disney’s offerings dynamic and fresh.
🤝 Why We’re Rooting for Both
Here’s the thing—competition is good for theme park fans. When Universal raises the bar, Disney responds (and vice versa). Remember when Harry Potter launched and forced Disney to rethink immersive lands? The result? Pandora. Galaxy’s Edge. The upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Epic Universe will make Orlando even more of a must-visit destination. And while Disney is playing it cool, they’re absolutely getting ready to make their move.
So if you’re a Disney die-hard and a Universal fan like us—get excited. We’re about to witness a theme park renaissance, and both parks are about to show off.