NEWS: Disney World President Comments on Opening of Epic Universe

Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle recently spoke at the Orlando Business Journal‘s annual Power Breakfast and shared quite a bit about the parks, Cast Members, and the upcoming opening of Universal’s Epic Universe.

Magic Kingdom

Luckily, Vahle doesn’t seem too concerned about the impact of Epic Universe on Disney World.

Universal’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, is opening on May 22nd, 2025 — and to say theme park fans are excited would be an understatement. We’ve been waiting for every tiny little update we can get about the upcoming park, which will be home to five new lands: Dark Universe, How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Harry Potter and The Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and Celestial Park.

©Universal | Epic Universe Concept Art

We’ve also been curious as to how Epic Universe’s opening will impact Disney World crowds and attendance — but so far, it doesn’t seem like Disney executives are too worried about it.

Magic Kingdom

Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, was recently asked about his thoughts on Epic Universe’s opening later this year at the Orlando Business Journal Power Breakfast, and he seemed as cool as a cucumber.

While he admitted that Disney’s focus “is to remain the number one reason people visit Central Florida,” he also said, “…you have to respect the big swing that Universal is doing with Epic Universe.”

©Universal — Ministry of Magic Concept Art

Vahle continued and said that Epic Universe was a huge investment in the community, and that an investment like that was “going to benefit all of us.”

It’s not too surprising that Vahle and Disney would have this attitude, especially since we’ve already seen that bookings have increased at Disney World this summer.

EPCOT crowds

During the most recent Walt Disney Company earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger commented that Disney “anticipated some small impact for Epic Universe opening,” and went on to explain they “effectively hedged in the guidance we provided.” For now, it seems that Epic Universe’s anticipated opening is having a positive effect on Disney World’s attendance thus far.

Disney has announced several ambitious new plans for its parks, including new lands like Monster’s Inc., a ‘Cars’ Land to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom, a complete overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park to become Pueblo Esperanza, and even a villains-themed land for Disney World. And, of course, we’ll be keeping up with it all!

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Disney World and Epic Universe. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more!