A remarkable 77.6% of Disney World Super Fans are already aware of Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe, showing just how closely this community is following the Orlando theme park scene.
Current Disney World Super Fans Don’t Go to Universal That Much
Only 11.7% of these fans currently visit Universal Studios every time they’re in Orlando, suggesting that general interest in Universal from Disney World diehards is actually pretty low. But the addition of Epic Universe looks like that is about to change.
Disney’s Biggest Fans Have Epic Universe on Their Must-Visit List
Excitement is high, with 26.9% of Disney World diehards already planning a visit to Epic Universe when it opens, and another 33% saying they’re considering it. When you compare that to the data in the previous chart, that’s a huge jump from just 11.7% who go to Universal now to nearly 27% who plan on going with Epic Universe.
How We Identified Disney World’s Most Loyal Fans for This Survey
Between September 24 and October 2, 2024, we gathered responses from 1,076 Disney enthusiasts via targeted ads in Disney World-focused Facebook groups and subreddits. Our approach focused on engaging with communities where members already show a high level of interest in Disney World, ensuring that we heard directly from those we might call “Super Fans.” These are not casual Disney goers but passionate fans who have likely explored every nook of the parks and developed unique perspectives on their Disney experiences.
While our sample is substantial, it’s essential to note that it isn’t representative of the general U.S. population or even the average Disney visitor. Instead, our respondents are some of Disney’s most dedicated fans—people who participate actively in online communities, discuss every Disney update, and often guide friends and family through their Disney World planning. As a result, these “Super Fans” offer a specialized insight into Disney World’s appeal, trends, and ongoing evolution, which casual visitors may miss.
The Frequency of Disney World Trips Among Super Fans
The majority of our survey respondents have visited Disney World over 10 times in their lifetimes, evidence of their deep-rooted connection to the parks.
And the majority go every single year, with over a third going multiple times a year.
Not surprisingly, most of the respondents have trips planned in the next 12 months. And it’s clear from our survey that many of these travelers will be including a visit to Universal.
With Epic Universe on the horizon, Universal is capturing attention and poised to draw some park days away from Disney World. The real question, though, is whether Disney will also see a boost as new visitors come to Orlando, lured by Epic Universe, and decide to add Disney days to their itinerary. Will this broaden the market for both theme park giants, or are we witnessing a shift that could ultimately pull visitors away from Disney?
