Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, shares insights on the impressive performance of Epic Universe and its potential for future expansions.
Mark Woodbury Discusses Epic Universe’s Success and Future Plans
Three months after its grand opening, Epic Universe is exceeding internal forecasts, according to Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. The park currently features five lands, with ample space for expansion or the addition of new areas.
Potential for a Wicked Land
During a media conference, Woodbury was asked about the possibility of a Wicked themed land. He remarked, “I think I must stir that pot. When I saw the Wicked sets, I said it was a theme park waiting to happen.” This suggests exciting future possibilities for the park.
Strategic Planning for Expansion
Woodbury elaborated on the park’s design, noting that aerial views reveal strategically placed green spaces between existing worlds. This design allows for flexibility in expanding current attractions or creating new ones. “I don’t have specific announcements for attractions, but I can confirm that multiple attractions are in development, not just at Epic,” he stated.
Impressive Launch Performance
The first new U.S. theme park in 25 years opened in late May, featuring attractions like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Despite analysts’ inquiries, Woodbury refrained from disclosing specific post-launch numbers but expressed satisfaction with the park’s performance, particularly in food, beverage, and merchandise sales.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, Universal plans to open a new park in London by 2031. Woodbury mentioned that the company has submitted extensive documentation to the government, showing strong community support for the project. Additionally, Universal Studios Japan is poised for growth as Japan aims to boost tourism significantly.
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Expanding the Universal Brand
Universal is also broadening its reach in horror entertainment and targeting younger audiences. The upcoming Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas and the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, are part of this strategy, aiming to create accessible experiences for families.
Conclusion
As Universal continues to innovate and expand, the future looks bright for both Epic Universe and the broader Universal brand.
