Can Orlando Handle Another Theme Park?

Dear Mr. Theme Park,

Universal bought a huge amount of property in Orlando and is rumored to be planning another theme park.  Do you think Orlando can support another major theme park?

Thanks, Roger


Dear Roger,

The question of whether or not Orlando can support another theme park of magnitude is certainly warranted.

It is truly amazing what has happened in Orlando in a short 46 years.  From oranges and swamps to the “mecca of themed entertainment”, Orlando shows no sign of stopping its leisure attraction growth.  As John McReynolds, Universal Studios SVP and current IAAPA President, told me recently, Orlando is at or approaching 67 million tourists!  Orlando had a record 32 million room visits in 2014 and collected over $200 million in bed tax.  2015 will be even better.

Universal has been on a major winning streak ever since the introduction of the first Harry Potter installation in 2010.  Tom Williams, Chairman & CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, indicated that numbers have soared, both in attendance and revenues, due to Harry Potter.  Mr. Williams said after the first year of success with Harry Potter that, “Harry was his best new friend.”

The purchase of the 450-acre parcel of land first acquired by Universal close to Orange County Convention Center is a significant purchase and a great piece of real estate.  The land makes up the largest tract of vacant land in the International Drive tourism area and already has existing entitlements which would allow for hotel and residential units if required – not to mention entitlement for a theme park attraction!

Roger, the Universal properties are so hot at this point that they need and, yes they can support, another gate particularly if they bring on a new IP (which is only a matter of time).

It is interesting to note that, back in 1991, a few years after Disney opened their new Michael Jackson Captain E.O., a 3-D science fiction film, Universal opened their Back to the Future ride.  This was, in my opinion, the turning point for Universal Studios Theme Parks in terms of introducing new product.  In fact, this was the first time Disney was ever “out-Disneyed”.  The ride was a colossal success and gave Universal the confidence to embark on many new and thrilling rides and attractions.  Ever since that introduction, they have been on a major project expansion role.

So, Orlando can continue to support new developments over the next 46 years.  Universal and Disney will both be drivers in the continuing increases in tourism.

One other point.  Do not overlook the importance that International Drive is playing in Orlando’s future tourism.  In effect, I-Drive has become a non-gated theme park in its own right.  The critical mass of attractions, restaurants, retail outlets, and oddities that have been developed – with more coming on – makes I-Drive a force to be reckoned with as it relates to a time consumer for visitors to Orlando and the gated attractions.

All in all, Roger, Orlando is booming and shows no signs of letting up.  The important infrastructure is there and expanding to continue to support existing and future tourism.  Who would have thought what was going to happen to Orlando?  Not even Walt Disney could have foreseen the immense growth and tourism that Orlando experiences today.

Thanks for reading!