While Disney Parks boss Josh D’Amaro claims Walt Disney World is on the “offensive” against Universal’s Epic Universe, a recent move by the House of Mouse makes it seem as though they’re actually playing defense.
Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom during a clear Orlando day – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
As Universal prepares to welcome crowds for the grand opening of Epic Universe on May 22, Disney has quietly marked the same day as a “good to go” day at Walt Disney World — meaning no park reservations are required for guests to attend any of Disney’s four Orlando theme parks. It’s a subtle move, but one that signals a notable shift in Disney’s approach to crowd management amid mounting competition.
“Good to go” days, which Disney introduced in 2024, are designated days when visitors can enter the parks without needing a separate reservation. The addition of May 22nd to that list comes as Universal’s $7 billion park prepares to launch just miles away, raising questions about whether Disney is preparing for reduced demand.
The park reservation calendar for Walt Disney World on May 21, 2025 – Disney World Website
Adding to the intrigue, a review of Disney World’s theme park reservation calendar shows no sell-outs for any individual park across the entire summer — including Memorial Day Weekend and July 4th, which have historically been some of the most crowded days of the year at Magic Kingdom.
In prior years, Fourth of July reservations would fill quickly, and park entry was often restricted due to capacity. That trend appears to have shifted, with fewer guests booking early and crowd levels in recent years notably lighter than historical averages.
The summer reservation calendar for Walt Disney World, showing a completely open Fourth of July – Disney World Official Website
Despite these signs, Disney leadership maintains a confident public posture. Speaking last week, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said the company isn’t concerned about competition from Epic Universe.
“If we just go back five or 10 years, and you think about what’s happened at Walt Disney World, we’ve always been on the offensive,” D’Amaro said. “If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, and if it brings in additional tourists, I can almost guarantee you that new tourist coming into the market is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”
Josh D’Amaro in the welcome video for Disney Parks – YouTube, Wish Upon a Mouse
D’Amaro’s comments echo Disney’s strategy to benefit from overall tourism growth in the Orlando area, even when that growth is driven by Universal. Still, the designation of May 22nd as a “good to go” day — combined with a wide-open summer calendar that includes two totally available national holidays — suggests the company may be adjusting expectations.
Meanwhile, Universal’s Epic Universe is expected to draw large crowds and national attention. The park features five themed lands, three hotels, and headlining attractions tied to Nintendo, Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, and more.
A photo of Main Street USA in Walt Disney World via La Reina Creole YouTube
While Disney is still planning long-term expansions, including a new Villains land and Monsters Inc.-inspired area as part of a $30 billion parks investment, no new attractions are scheduled to open at Walt Disney World in 2025. In fact, several fan-favorite experiences are closing or being refurbished, including The Rivers of America, MuppetVision 3D, Dinosaur, and It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World at Dusk looking into Liberty Square – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
As the summer tourism season approaches, all eyes are now on how the Orlando theme park rivalry will play out — and whether Disney’s current strategy can hold its ground against Universal’s most ambitious project yet.
Do you think the Disney World reservation calendar shows a lack of interest in the House of Mouse as Epic Universe prepares to open? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
