Bob Iger sheds light on Disney's response to upcoming Universal Epic Universe in Orlando

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Bob Iger

Posted: Wednesday April 3, 2024 2:22pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

At today's Walt Disney Co. Annual Shareholders meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger was asked about Universal's 2025 opening of Epic Universe in Orlando and how Disney has responded to the competition for theme park guests.

Bob Iger at Walt Disney World

Iger said, "We've been aware of Universal's plans for a new park for more than a decade. And we have a sophisticated approach to analyzing the needs of all of our businesses and strategically deploying capital."

He went on to list recent openings at Walt Disney World, including Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, the EPCOT transformation, and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom.

Nova Corps Starblaster with Spaceship Earth and Monorail passing by Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Iger continued, "By staggering these major launches, we've been able to commercially and operationally optimize our new offerings over time, rather than having to do it all at once. And based on the guest experience that we've heard all about, from all of these items that I just mentioned, we know that they're extremely popular and they're serving our guests extremely well."

Universal Epic Universe – Bird’s-Eye View map

According to Universal, "Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic. The addition of Universal Orlando's fourth theme park will also transform the award-winning resort into a weeklong vacation destination filled with even more compelling experiences. "

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Sirwalterraleigh13 days ago

They’re both in their 80s At the end of the day…they had an axe to grind…they created a stunt…they got their jollies and moved on.

Ayla13 days ago

I forgot to mention, our destination is not Florida.

coffeefan13 days ago

I'm not surprised. Discourse about the economy, inflation, and tourism were hot topic these past few years. But now that the economy didn't improve, but instead is getting worse, suddenly...

Wendy Pleakley13 days ago

Remember the speech in which any alleged Florida travel boycott was mocked, based on 2024 travel numbers?

Trauma13 days ago

Sorry I don’t follow airline news so I didn’t know. Thanks for the info.

MisterPenguin13 days ago

wannabeBelle13 days ago

um yeah https://thepointsguy.com/airline/what-to-do-re-southwest-changes/

Trauma13 days ago

Did SWA change a policy or something ?

LSLS13 days ago

Maybe I'm misreading the original post, but I took it as a few nights would be $400 (so $200 a night). That would line right up with what you are seeing here after taxes/fees/parking/etc. charges, and that is in fact exactly what we paid for a weekend in Columbus in February.

Ayla13 days ago

I am very interested to see SWA next quarterly. We booked flights for next month to use up our points and then we're done. Credit cards cancelled and on to flying with Delta or United (which we typically fly first class on them). SWA is no longer an option. It will be interesting to see how full our planes are on our way to our destination.

Jrb197913 days ago

Comcast should be fine next quarter as Epic has most of the first month sold out. For Disney it's a bit concerning just due to the amount of discounts they are putting out.

BrianLo13 days ago

I’m flying tonight from Miami to YVR and I acknowledge it’s Easter… but the seat map looks like early COVID. 80%+ empty plane. I’ve been here for a few weeks and the drop off is shocking. I’m intrigued to hear the operators start reporting their quarterlies. Comcast on the 24th and Royal on the 29th are two to look out for.

monothingie13 days ago

What the hell is "Flavour"? Sounds French.

nickys13 days ago

Yes. There have been better ones recently. The ticket offer is standard every year. The free dining used to be standard. Since Covid they’ve offered a dining credit rather than the plan, which is more flexible. Free gift cards of $200 have usually been offered recently. Those in Ireland are getting less cash, half I think. Which is mean, given £ and € are pretty close.