As Universal’s Epic Universe officially opened to the public on May 22, a noticeable calm settled over Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Despite the summer season ramping up and Memorial Day Weekend just a day away, midday crowd levels at Disney’s flagship park appeared unusually light.
Walt Disney World had already designated May 22nd as a “Good to Go” day, meaning guests could visit without a park reservation. Now, photos and real-time data from inside Magic Kingdom supplied by our friends at the Park Hoppin YouTube channel show empty streets and low wait times.
The entrance to Magic Kingdom on the opening day of Epic Universe – YouTube, Park Hoppin
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At around 12:00 p.m., some of the park’s most popular attractions posted wait times well below summer averages:
- Peter Pan’s Flight: 45 minutes
- Haunted Mansion: 35 minutes
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (new ride): 45 minutes
- TRON Lightcycle / Run: 60 minutes
The wait time for Peter Pan’s Flight in the Magic Kingdom on the opening day of Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Park Hoppin YouTube Channel
These numbers are typically seen on moderate days, not during a lead in to a major holiday weekend.
Guest photos show empty turnstiles, wide walkways along Main Street U.S.A., and ample space throughout the park on Epic Universe’s opening day. Universal’s $7 billion addition features five new lands, three hotels, and headliner rides tied to Nintendo, Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Attraction wait times in Magic Kingdom on the opening day of Epic Universe – My Disney Experience
Disney’s summer reservation calendar remains open across all four parks, including July 4, which traditionally sells out well in advance. In recent years, Independence Day crowds at Magic Kingdom have thinned noticeably, a trend that appears to be continuing in 2025.
However, chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro maintained confidence in Disney’s positioning as Epic Universe prepared to open.
“If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe… I can almost guarantee you that new tourist coming into the market is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom,” he said last week.
The entrance to Magic Kingdom on the opening day of Epic Universe – YouTube, Park Hoppin
With Epic Universe now open and drawing major foot traffic, analysts and observers are closely watching Disney’s summer attendance trends. While it’s impossible to directly confirm that Epic Universe is causing lower crowds at Magic Kingdom, the timing has raised eyebrows.
Of course, today is a major milestone for Epic Universe. The true test of how the new park will impact Orlando tourism will be gauged throughout the summer and for several years to come.
Disney is planning long-term expansions at Walt Disney World, including a future Villains land and a new area inspired by Monsters Inc. But for 2025, no new attractions are expected to open.
Attraction wait times in Magic Kingdom on the opening day of Epic Universe – My Disney Experience
For now, one of the quietest days of the season may have arrived not during a storm or slowdown — but on the very day a new competitor took center stage.
Are you surprised that the Magic Kingdom is seeing light crowds on the opening day of Epic Universe? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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