Universal Destinations & Experiences

Universal Destinations & Experiences

File:Universal Destinations and Experiences Logo.png
Formerly	Universal Parks & Resorts
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Theme park
Founded	July 15, 1964 (1964-07-15)
Headquarters	Orlando, Florida
Number of locations	5
Area served	China, Japan, Singapore, United States
Key people	Mark Woodbury (CEO)
Services	Theme parks, hotel lodging, travel packages, attraction design, licensing, Hotels, entertainment, Resorts
Owner	Comcast
Number of employees	29,000 (2024)
Parent	NBCUniversal
Subsidiaries	Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios Japan Universal Studios Singapore Universal Beijing Resort Universal Kids Resort Universal Horror Unleashed Universal Creative
Website	{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}

Universal Destinations & Experiences (abbreviated as UDX), previously known as Universal Parks & Resorts, functions as the theme park branch of NBCUniversal, itself a Comcast subsidiary.

Based in Orlando, Florida, this entity manages Universal-branded theme parks and resorts worldwide. It is distinguished for its attractions and themed areas that draw upon well-known intellectual properties owned by NBCUniversal as well as external licensors.

The company’s origins trace back to the early 20th century as a touring experience on the Universal Studios lot in California. This concept evolved into Universal Studios Hollywood in 1964, a theme park combining behind-the-scenes tours with rides inspired by Universal Pictures’ movies and television programs. The success of this venue spurred further development of parks in Florida and international locations.

In 2017, attendance at Universal Studios parks reached approximately 49.5 million visitors, positioning it as the third-largest operator globally in the amusement park sector. Its primary competitors include Disney Experiences, Six Flags, Merlin Entertainments, among others. Significantly, following its mid-2020 reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal Orlando Resort experienced higher attendance than Walt Disney World Resort during the initial reopening months.

On March 8, 2023, CEO Mark Woodbury revealed the division’s rebranding to "Universal Destinations & Experiences," signaling a strategic shift to broaden its scope beyond conventional theme parks.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood, inaugurated on July 15, 1964, holds the distinction of being the original Universal Studios theme park. It originated from a studio tour established in 1915 by company founder Carl Laemmle near Los Angeles. Adjacent to the park, Universal CityWalk debuted in May 1993, featuring 65 entertainment options such as dining establishments, nightclubs, retail outlets, and a 19-screen Universal Cinema managed by AMC Theatres, equipped with IMAX and stadium seating. The entire Universal City complex, encompassing both the theme park and film studio, covers roughly .

Universal Orlando Resort

Located in Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort first opened its doors on June 7, 1990, initially branded as Universal Studios Florida with attractions inspired by films. The resort broadened its scope in 1999 by launching Universal Islands of Adventure, which introduced adventure-themed islands and enriched family vacation experiences. Simultaneously, Universal CityWalk and multiple hotels began operations: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (1999), Hard Rock Hotel (2000), Loews Royal Pacific Resort (2001), Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort (2014), Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (2016), and Universal's Aventura Hotel (2018).

In 1998, Universal acquired Wet 'n Wild Orlando water park, which remained operational until December 2016 before being succeeded by Universal Volcano Bay in May 2017. Volcano Bay offers 18 attractions including two volcano-inspired rides—the Ko'okiri Body Plunge and Krakatau Aqua Coaster—and features a virtual queuing system accessed via wristbands called Taputapu. On the site formerly occupied by Wet 'n Wild, Universal developed two additional hotels: Endless Summer Resort – Dockside and Surfside.

August 2019 saw the announcement of Universal Epic Universe, the third theme park within the Orlando resort. This new park includes themed areas such as Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe based on classic Universal Monsters. Epic Universe launched on May 22, 2025, accompanied by three new Loews hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova Resort, and Terra Luna Resort—all introduced during spring 2025.

Universal Studios Japan

Situated in Osaka’s Konohana-ku district, Universal Studios Japan opened on March 31, 2001. It was the first Universal Studios theme park established outside the United States and the inaugural one in Asia. Spanning 108 acres, this park features many attractions from both Universal Orlando and Hollywood parks. Its CityWalk area includes hotels, dining venues, retail shops, and official merchandise stores. It ranks as Japan’s second most frequented amusement park after Tokyo Disney Resort.

Universal Studios Singapore

Construction for Universal Studios Singapore commenced in April 2008 within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island. The park experienced a soft launch in March 2010 before officially opening in May 2011 as Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park. Covering an area of 20 hectares, it showcases attractions based on franchises such as Jurassic Park, Shrek, The Mummy, Waterworld, and Transformers. Unlike other Universal parks, ownership belongs to Genting Group under a licensing agreement with Universal Parks & Resorts.

Universal Beijing Resort

Universal Studios Beijing officially opened its doors on September 20, 2021, in Beijing, China. The park features attractions inspired by Universal’s film franchises, television series, animated properties, and licensed content including Warner Bros. Initially announced in 2014 with an investment surpassing 20 billion RMB, ownership is shared between Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd.—a partnership of four state-owned enterprises—and Universal Parks & Resorts. Construction concluded in April 2021, with Phase 2 development planned to commence in 2025.

Universal Horror Unleashed

On January 11, 2023, Universal revealed plans for Universal Horror Unleashed, a permanent horror-themed attraction spanning 110,000 square feet within a new 20-acre expansion of the immersive Area15 entertainment district in Las Vegas. This addition aligns with Area15’s emphasis on experiential art and entertainment offerings. The attraction is slated to open on August 14, 2025. Additionally, in June 2025, Universal announced a second Universal Horror Unleashed venue in Chicago—the company’s first location in the Midwest—scheduled for a 2027 debut.

Universal Kids Resort

Also announced on January 11, 2023, Universal is developing Universal Kids Resort, a family-oriented theme park located in Frisco, Texas. The resort will include immersive lands themed around Universal’s entertainment brands and characters. Construction was underway as of November 2023, with an anticipated opening date in May 2026. This project aims to introduce an innovative family entertainment concept targeting young children.

Universal Studios Delhi

In May 2025, Universal Studios disclosed plans for Universal Studios Delhi, a 300,000 square-foot entertainment and retail complex situated within New Delhi’s Aerocity district. Expected to open by mid-2027, this development is designed to attract both local and international visitors while strengthening Universal’s footprint in the Indian market.

Universal Studios Great Britain

On December 19, 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences acquired a 480-acre site in Bedford, UK, earmarked for a prospective theme park. Public consultations began by April 2024 to collect community input on infrastructure enhancements such as new railway stations, improved roadways, and a proposed 500-room hotel located in the southern portion of the property. The initial phase will produce a park comparable in size to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, with long-term plans to expand to dimensions similar to Universal Studios Japan. The project prioritizes environmental sustainability and integration with local wildlife. While the development remains in advanced planning stages, no construction start date has been finalized.

On April 8, 2025, Universal and the UK government jointly announced that the Bedford theme park will open in 2031 as part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort. Projections estimate attracting approximately 8.5 million visitors during its inaugural year and generating £50 billion in revenue by 2055. This initiative represents a substantial growth phase for Universal’s global operations and market presence.

Unnamed second theme park at Universal Beijing Resort

In April 2021, Universal Beijing revealed intentions to develop a second theme park within the resort area, aiming for an opening by 2025. As of September 2023, construction was planned to begin during that same year.

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition

In July 2025, Comcast NBCUniversal revealed plans for an innovative interactive exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, scheduled to open in February 2026. Covering 18,000 square feet, the exhibition will showcase eight distinct themed galleries, include 25 hands-on experiences, and display more than 100 unique artifacts.

Cancelled

• Universal Studios Europe, Melun-Sénart, France

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Universal Studios explored the idea of establishing a European park to compete with Disney's Euro Disney Resort. Potential locations in Paris and London were examined. Ultimately, the Rainham Marshes site in East London was rejected in favor of a French site that offered more favorable tax benefits. In 1971, a 1,300-acre plot at Melun-Sénart was acquired with intentions to develop a theme park modeled after Universal Studios Florida, complemented by a water park, golf course, and commercial developments. Although construction was planned for 1996, the project was postponed due to the financial difficulties faced by Euro Disney. Instead, Universal purchased a 37% share in Port Aventura Park in June 1998.

• Universal Studios, Manila, Philippines
• Universal Studios Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (groundbreaking in 2008; construction halted since 2009)
• Universal's Hollywoodland, Krefeld, Germany
• Universal Studios Moscow, Moscow, Russia
• Universal Studios South Korea, Hwaseong, South Korea

The South Korean venture saw competition among major studios beginning in 2005. After experiencing delays, talks resumed in 2016 targeting a 2020 launch; however, the project was ultimately canceled in 2017 due to unresolved disagreements.

Former

• Universal Mediterránea, Salou, Spain (1998–2004)

Originally opened in 1995 as Port Aventura, ownership was divided among the Tussauds Group (40.01%), La Caixa (33.19%), Anheuser-Busch (19.9%), and FECSA (6.7%). In 1998, Tussauds Group sold its controlling stake of 37% to Universal Parks & Resorts. This led to a rebranding in 1999 as 'Universal's Port Aventura,' marking Universal’s first theme park presence in Europe. The resort expanded by 2002 to include two hotels and the Costa Caribe water park under the name 'Universal Mediterránea.' NBCUniversal divested its holdings in 2004 by selling to La Caixa. Subsequently, ownership transferred to La Caixa’s investment division, Criteria, and by 2005 the park reverted to the original 'PortAventura' name after dropping Universal branding due to trademark considerations.

Former

• Costa Caribe Aquatic Park, Salou, Spain (2002–2004)
• Wet 'n Wild Orlando (Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, United States; fully owned) (1977–2016)

Theme Park Attractions and Lands

Universal Studios incorporates replicas of attractions and themed areas found throughout its international parks, primarily featuring Universal-owned or licensed intellectual properties. Comprehensive details can be found on the respective linked pages.

Steven Spielberg's Relationship with Universal Destinations & Experiences

Director Steven Spielberg has sustained a collaborative relationship with Universal Destinations & Experiences since the late 1960s, originating from his early days as an intern at Universal and his involvement in landmark films such as Jaws, E.T., Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park. In 1987, Spielberg took on the role of creative consultant for Universal’s inaugural major theme park in Orlando, playing a key part in developing its central idea of immersing visitors within their beloved movie moments.

Universal Parks CEO Thomas L. Williams emphasized Spielberg’s influence in defining the park’s creative direction:

Over the years, Spielberg has advised on more than a dozen attractions, including E.T. Adventure, Jaws, Jurassic Park: The Ride, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. His remuneration includes 2% of all ticket sales revenue and a portion of concession earnings from Universal parks located in Florida, Japan, and Singapore—amounting to an estimated $30 to $50 million annually—excluding Universal Studios Hollywood.

In 2017, Spielberg activated an exit provision enabling a lump-sum payment potentially reaching $535 million; some analysts suggest this figure might near $1 billion. The contract also prohibits films directed by him from being featured in theme parks outside of Universal, with the exception of the Indiana Jones series, owned by Lucasfilm and showcased at Disney parks since 1989.

See also

• Universal's Halloween Horror Nights
• Incidents at Universal parks
• List of properties at Universal Destinations & Experiences
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios)
• Fright Nights
• LEGOLAND