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Even After Record Investments — Like the Epic Universe, at US$ 7 Billion, and the New Areas of Disney, at US$ 30 Billion — American Tourism Faces Slowdown, Billion-Dollar Tariffs, and Drop in International Travel.
The increase in tariffs on imports is starting to affect tourism in the United States and threatens the performance of the summer season.
The sector, which generates billions of dollars annually, could be hard hit, especially in Florida, where the largest theme parks in the world, like Disney and Universal, are located.
Companies have invested record sums in new attractions and expansions, but they now face uncertainties caused by economic fluctuations and the additional costs that tariffs bring.
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In Dubai, rising tensions from the war in the Middle East are causing super-rich individuals to leave the Gulf and direct their fortunes to a new financial refuge in Asia.
The Times Brasil – Exclusive licensee of CNBC in Brazil, revealed a report on the impact of tariffs on the American tourism sector.
Universal Bets Big with the Epic Universe
Universal opened the Epic Universe in May, a project valued at US$ 7 billion, considered the largest investment in theme parks ever made by the parent company Comcast.
This is the first entirely new theme park built in the United States in over two decades.
The complex features five brand new themed worlds: the Berk Island (from How to Train Your Dragon), the Ministry of Magic (from the Harry Potter universe), the Celestial Park, the Super Nintendo World, and the Dark Universe, inspired by classic movie monsters.
One of the most advanced attractions is Monsters Unchained, highlighted by the company as one of the most complex ever created.
Currently, Comcast’s parks account for 7% of the group’s total revenue, with US$ 8.6 billion in 2024 and US$ 1.8 billion in just the first quarter of 2025.
Internal estimates indicate that the Epic Universe could generate US$ 2 billion per year, with a profit margin between 30% and 35%.
The company is trying to get closer to Disney’s volume, which attracts about 50 million annual visitors, while Universal’s main resort draws about 20 million.
To expand this audience, Universal’s strategy targets tourists seeking thrills and contemporary experiences, also expanding its hotel network to 11,000 rooms in Orlando and surrounding areas.
Disney Strengthens the Magical Empire with New Investments
While Universal celebrates its new attraction, Disney is investing in billion-dollar expansions.
The group plans to invest US$ 30 billion in parks and infrastructure, focusing on new areas in Magic Kingdom, such as spaces dedicated to villains and cars.
Hollywood Studios will host Monstropolis, and Animal Kingdom is preparing the attraction Tropical Americas, inspired by Mayan culture and set to open in 2027.
These investments follow previous projects, such as Pandora: The World of Avatar (US$ 500 million) and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (US$ 1 billion).
The results are reflected in finances: in 2024, Disney parks generated US$ 34 billion, a 5% increase from the previous year. Approximately two-thirds of the company’s operating profit comes from these experiences.
Disney has also signed an agreement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, allowing it to expand its accommodation capacity from 40,000 to 53,000 rooms, a jump from the 29,000 currently. However, the company has not yet detailed new projects.
The Impact of Tariffs and Economic Slowdown
A large portion of the equipment used in park attractions is imported, making the sector highly vulnerable to tariffs. According to analysts, the new taxes could generate billion-dollar impacts, driving up construction costs and forcing companies to pass part of the increase on to consumers.
Although Disney’s revenue has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, visitor frequency has not fully recovered.
Economic volatility, inflation, and fears of a recession directly affect tourism.
Airline ticket sales in the United States fell nearly 4% in April 2025, and platforms like Airbnb and SPIA reported a drop in demand.
Reports from the Bank of America show a decrease in the number of trips in several states, while Las Vegas is experiencing layoffs in the hospitality sector.
Foreigners, who represent 8 to 9% of visitors to Orlando, spend on average eight times more than domestic tourists, further exacerbating the situation.
Hope in Magic and Immersion
Even with the challenges, the opening of the Epic Universe brought a momentary relief to Orlando.
During the opening, hotel and vacation rental bookings increased by up to 14%, driven by the arrival of tourists who see theme parks as unique and irreplaceable experiences.
Analysts believe that, in the long run, the investments by Universal and Disney will offset the high costs. However, for Comcast, the return on the Epic Universe may take time.
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