The Walt Disney Company has reported its Q3 2025 earnings, and the theme park division had a strong showing. A particular highlight was the domestic theme parks, which saw a whopping 22% increase in operating income against a 10% increase in revenue. The reporting quarter ended June 28, 2025 – roughly one month after Universal Epic Universe officially opened. Against strong earnings, Disney took the opportunity to take a bit of a shot at Universal’s newest theme park in the prepared executive commentary.
Disney Takes Shot at Epic Universe Following Strong Theme Park Earnings
In prepared remarks, Disney noted that the results for the theme park division were “driven by strong Domestic Parks & Experiences results”. Disney noted that operating income at the domestic parks and experiences grew 22% compared to the prior-year quarter. Disney says that the domestic theme parks and Disney Cruise Line, which falls under this division, played a critical role in the results.
Disney then went on to underline that it is pleased with the results. They went a step further, noting that they are encouraged by the continued resilience of the domestic theme parks. Taking it even further, Disney singled out the “increased competition in the Orlando market”, saying that they were particularly happy with Walt Disney World results following the grand opening of Epic Universe. Here’s the quote.
We are pleased with these results and encouraged by the continued resiliency of our domestic parks business, particularly at Walt Disney World given increased competition in the Orlando market.
There was a lot of pre-opening chatter about what impact Epic Universe may have on Walt Disney World, with some analysts saying that Walt Disney World could see a decline of roughly 1 million guests once Epic Universe opened. Yes, the Q3 earnings only account for roughly one month of Epic Universe being open (and weeks of previews), but so far, Disney has not seen a decline in attendance. To be fair, Disney hasn’t seen much growth either, so it’s possible that the lack of growth could be where the delta is – we’ll have to see if analysts ask any attendance questions during the upcoming Q&A on earnings.
Either way, the most recent earnings report and accompanying executive commentary are clear: there is no major effect from Epic Universe on Walt Disney World right now.
Over at Comcast, the company reported a revenue boost from the opening of Epic Universe and outlined some of the challenges that the young theme park faces in the months ahead.
For more on Universal Epic Universe, check out our page below!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
I’m not sure Disney ‘s statement can really be considered “taking a shot” at Epic Universe.
Seems more like a simple statement of fact & opinion.
They left out the “fact” that the Orlando tourism folks say there was a HUGE INCREASE in guest taxes and DIsney did NOT generate it. THe increase in parks revenue came from higher prices DESPITE lower attendance, and that is entirely about not just EPIC but the fact that the way Universal marketed EPIC made guests, many of whom as Disney die-hards had never visited the Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure parks, visit ALL of the Universal offerings with 3-4 day visits and NOT Disney. Throw up the massive construction wall closures at the Disney parks and clearly Disney is hoping investors don’t see through their “Raise the prices on the fewer folks who come” tactic which may work revenue-wise in the short term but which gives guests a bitter taste of overpricing in the long run.
Too bad WDW reports success as increasing profits instead of the family experience. Their increased profits come as a result of lowering their costs. So many attractions are closed every day. There is no urgency to get these attractions up and running. I go to the parks every month and always find several E Ticket rides shut down. Perhaps maintenance is lacking?