Hotel occupancy during the opening weekend of Comcast Corp.’s $7 billion Epic Universe theme park was lower than anticipated, according to a recent analysis by market researcher CoStar Group Inc. The analysis, which reviewed occupancy data from the surrounding Orlando, Florida, area, highlighted a disappointing start for the new theme park’s debut in late May.

On May 22, the opening day of Epic Universe, hotel demand was significantly weaker than expected. The overall hotel occupancy rate for the Orlando market was only 57.2%, a noticeable 7.4% drop compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline was particularly concerning as it reflected the park’s initial performance and its ability to attract visitors.

Although hotel occupancy showed some improvement over the weekend, the numbers remained below expectations during the five-day period leading up to Memorial Day on May 26, compared with the same period in the previous year. The weak start raised questions about whether the park could generate the high visitor demand it had anticipated during its grand opening.

Several factors likely contributed to the lackluster hotel occupancy. One potential issue was the limited availability of single-day tickets to the park, which could have deterred visitors who were interested in shorter trips. These constraints may have led some potential visitors to reconsider their plans or opt for other entertainment options. Furthermore, concerns about overcrowding in the park may have played a role in influencing consumer decisions. Given that the new park had just opened, some people may have been hesitant to visit due to uncertainty about long wait times or the availability of popular attractions.

Additionally, a major convention held just before the holiday weekend likely resulted in an increased number of hotel check-outs, further affecting overall occupancy rates. Conferences and conventions often impact hotel demand, particularly in a city like Orlando, which regularly hosts large events. The overlap between the end of the convention and the park’s opening may have created a mismatch between the availability of hotel rooms and the demand for them during that weekend.

In an effort to manage crowd control and ensure a smooth guest experience, Universal sold tickets to Epic Universe in phases. Initially, they offered multi-day packages that included just one day at the park. By limiting access to single-day tickets, the company hoped to prevent overcrowding and ensure that visitors would have an enjoyable experience despite the anticipated high demand. Universal was also addressing any operational issues within the park, particularly related to rides and other attractions, in the early stages of operation.

A statement from Universal emphasized the strong demand the park and its hotels had already seen, indicating that while initial occupancy may have been lower than expected, the long-term outlook was still strong. Universal stated, “We have seen strong demand for Epic Universe and our hotels, and we are being intentional about managing park capacity to ensure a great guest experience.” This approach, aimed at maintaining control over park attendance, could help improve the experience for future visitors.

Orlando’s hotel market also saw some new growth in 2024, with around 2,600 additional hotel rooms being added to the city’s inventory. This influx of new accommodations likely provided more options for visitors, though the Thursday before Memorial Day is typically a slower day for hotel check-ins, as people tend to arrive later in the weekend. According to the CEO of Visit Orlando, a nonprofit organization promoting the destination, the city had a solid performance during the Memorial Day weekend, despite the slower start earlier in the week.

Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for Orlando’s tourism industry remains positive. CoStar’s analysis found that while lower-priced hotels experienced a decline in room revenue, likely due to inflationary pressures on consumer spending, higher-tier hotels showed revenue gains. This suggests that while some budget-conscious travelers may have scaled back their vacation plans, those seeking more luxurious accommodations were still willing to spend.

Epic Universe, which is the largest theme park to open in Orlando in three decades, features attractions based on iconic Universal movie monsters, the Harry Potter franchise, and characters from Nintendo’s Super Mario series. As the park continues to grow in popularity and fine-tune its operations, it is expected that visitor demand will increase over time. The combination of new attractions, high-profile brands, and Universal’s established reputation in the theme park industry suggests that Epic Universe has the potential to become a major player in the region’s tourism scene.

In conclusion, while the opening weekend of Epic Universe saw slower-than-expected hotel occupancy, the long-term prospects for both the park and the Orlando tourism market remain strong. With additional hotel rooms added to the city and strategic management of park capacity, Universal is positioning itself for future success. As the park works through early operational challenges and refines its offerings, it is likely that visitor numbers will rise, and the Orlando market will continue to thrive as a global tourism destination.

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