Tour operators have tipped strong advance sales for Orlando and Kissimmee following the announcement of an opening date for Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park.
The park is set to open on May 22, 2025, with initial tickets going on sale on Tuesday (October 22).
Speaking during Brand USA’s Travel Week in London, Experience Kissimmee chief executive DT Minich said trade partners believed many customers would look to secure full stays well in advance once they had confirmation of their Epic Universe ticket dates.
“Tour operators are telling us that they expect advance bookings to be so high once people have locked in dates for Epic,” he said.
“Orlando and Kissimmee are going to be so hot next summer.”
He added: “We have been seeing a trend for UK visitors to book three or four nights in a Universal hotel to take advantage of early entry and other perks before moving on to a vacation home for a further seven to 10 days.
“I can only see that trend increasing with the new opening.”
Minich said the UK market was edging towards full recovery to pre-pandemic levels with increased airlift including four weekly Delta direct flights from Heathrow to Orlando, which start from Saturday (October 26).
Growth trends include multi-generational parties and groups of families travelling together and staying in purpose-built and agent-commissionable rental properties with central facilities and direct access to theme parks and other attractions.
Minich said: “The demand has been strong (since the pandemic) but we didn’t have the seat capacity with some airlines using smaller aircraft. That capacity is now back, with more regional routes, so we are anticipating a strong year in 2025.”