ORLANDO, Fla. — May 22 is the day many people have been waiting for: Universal’s Epic Universe has opened for business.

What You Need To Know

  • Epic Universe is officially open to the public
  • It’s the latest major theme park to open in the Orlando area in two decades and is bound to provide a major boost to the local economy
  • Epic Universe is expected to generate more than 14,000 jobs 

Orange County leaders are feeling good about the opening of the new theme park. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond says he wants to keep tourist development tax (TDT) dollars strong. 

He said in 2017, when Universal’s Volcano Bay opened, his office saw a more than 8% increase in tourism development tax dollars. 

When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, that number was the same. 

He couldn’t say what will happen with Epic Universe, but he did say the excitement is there. 

Orlando remains a destination people want to visit.

“People like new things and I think people may have done all the theme parks here already and they may be looking for something new or people may have come here a while ago and this might get them to put it on their list to come back,” Diamond said. 

 In addition to Diamond, Spectrum News had the chance to talk to people who have been looking forward to this day for years. 

“To be here on such a special day, it felt incredible,” said Matt Richardson, who came from Ohio to visit Epic Universe.

Documenting every moment for social media, Richardson said vacations in Orlando any chance he gets. 

“What they want to see is something new and interesting and when there’s new and interesting stuff to show, it means I have an engaged audience,” he said. 

Xandra Hardigree has been to Epic Universe six times, but said being at the park for its official opening day was exciting. 

“I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning," she said. "The energy is great."

Like Richardson, Hardigree is passionate about theme parks and said Thursday's event was something she couldn’t miss. 

Her message to anyone who decides to visit Epic Universe is to just stay in the moment while in the park.

“Look at all the details," she said. "There’s such a great energy here. All of the team members are happy to be here and welcome everyone. Soak up this moment."