Are you planning to visit Epic Universe. 27% of Disney World Super Fans say YES.
Image: Magic Trip Tools and Universal Studios

Disney World Diehards Can’t Wait to Check Out Universal’s Epic Universe

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.

Pie chart showing awareness of Epic Universe among Disney fans: 77.6% are aware of the new park, while 22.4% are not. Caption underscores the high awareness of Epic Universe among Disney World Super Fans.

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.

Pie chart showing Disney World visitors’ habits regarding Universal Studios: 61.4% do not visit Universal, 26.9% go sometimes, and 11.7% always visit Universal when in Orlando. Caption emphasizes that Disney World loyalists typically do not include Universal Studios in their visits.

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.

Pie chart displaying interest in visiting Universal’s Epic Universe: 40.1% say no, 26.9% say yes, and 33% are undecided. Caption points out a significant rise in interest among Disney World diehards who are now considering a trip to 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.

Pie chart depicting lifetime Disney World visits: 2.4% have never been, 3.9% have visited 2-3 times, 7.7% visited 4-5 times, 6.2% visited 6-7 times, 10.6% visited 8-9 times, and 67.7% have visited 10+ times. Caption notes that these Super Fans are not the “once in a lifetime” crowd, highlighting their frequent visits.

And the majority go every single year, with over a third going multiple times a year. 

Pie chart showing frequency of Disney World visits per year: 17.2% go zero times, 45.8% go once, 20.4% go 2-3 times, and 16.6% go 4 or more times. Caption notes that 83% visit at least once annually, with 37% visiting multiple times, showcasing dedication among hardcore Disney World fans.

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.

Pie chart indicating future Disney World trip plans: 77.4% of respondents plan to visit within the next year, 11.3% are undecided, and 11.3% have no plans. Caption highlights that an overwhelming majority intend to return to Disney World in the next year.

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?

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