NEWS: Universal Theme Park Revenue DECREASED by 5% Due to Los Angeles Wildfires

For decades, it seemed like The Walt Disney Company was leading the charge in Orlando with new theme park expansions and innovative attractions. But now, Universal is dominating the conversation thanks to its brand-new theme park, Epic Universe. This park brings five new lands to Universal Orlando, including areas inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter, Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise, Universal Monsters, and space.

Despite the buzz around Epic Universe, Universal may have to wait a little while longer before it reports a financial win in the theme park division. Recently, NBCUniversal hosted its first-quarter earnings call, and revenue from theme parks was down. 

 

According to the Comcast Report on NBCUniversal’s first quarter results, theme parks revenue was down 5% to roughly $1.88 billion. The company explained that this decrease was due to lower visitor attendance amid the Los Angeles wildfires.

Universal Studios Hollywood, along with Universal CityWalk, closed during the devastating California wildfires in January. This likely contributed to Universal’s overall theme park losses in the first quarter.

Theme park revenue decreased by about 5.2% compared to 2024. Comcast also noted that the company faced higher operating expenses this quarter, “including around $100 million of pre-opening costs for Epic Universe ahead of the scheduled opening in May 2025.”

In a press release, the company stated, in part, “Theme Parks remain on an incredible growth trajectory,” adding, “We could not be more excited for the grand opening of Epic Universe in Orlando next month and our plans to bring a new world-class theme park to the UK.” For context, Universal recently confirmed a new Universal theme park is in the works in the UK, and we even got a look at some early concept art for the park. Early rumors indicate the park could host lands inspired by James Bond, Paddington, and Lord of the Rings, though Universal has yet to comment on any potential attractions.

Comcast called Epic Universe its “most ambitious parks experience ever created,” and single-day park tickets are already listed as “sold out” on the Universal website.

We will continue to monitor Universal’s financial status as the park opens in May. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Universal news, so stay tuned for more.

FULL REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Atlantic Restaurant in Celestial Park at Epic Universe

Are you planning to visit Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments!

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