How do we think Epic Universe will impact crowd levels at Walt Disney World in 2025?
I saw a few posts about this here and there, but I don’t know what’s the consensus.
I’m not going to Universal, but I worry about Disney crowds in summer 2025…
IMHO - Universal fans will pack Epic Universe in 2025. So many people only go to WDW and have to be persuaded that UOR is more than a glorified Six Flags.
People going to Epic in 2025 will most likely be on-site and focus on UOR. (Maybe a day trip to WDW for some, but I doubt most.)
The next couple of years after Epic open is when Disney need to worry. 2026 - 2027 will be when WDW really feels the impact. People will have gone and seen Epic in 2025 and spread the word about it to “normal / casual” WDW visitors. Disney has nothing new on the horizon during this time and casual Disney fans will be more tempted to visit.
Overall, I don’t think Epic is going to make WDW more busy / less. It will always be packed. I would wager they won’t see any growth and, probably, a significant dip in profits at the parks.
These are all just my own opinions / guesses!
Has it been confirmed that Epic will be open next summer? I thought there was a delay?
I think the draw of people to Epic will make WDW crowds higher, but I wouldn’t say stay away. I would go if I could.
Does anyone know - were Disney crowds truly lower this year? Or was that not factual? I heard again and again wait times were lower than other summers, but is this supported?
Nothing officially announced. There are rumors it will open before summer and other rumors that it won’t open until fall. No one really knows. 
The rumors of a delayed opening I don’t think have much teeth to them. We shall see.
But, I think it is possible EU will actually cause an increase to WDW crowds. The problem is (well…maybe not a problem) is that Universal is only going to allow a single day to EU for a multi-day ticket. So, I could see people coming for EU, and then tacking on a Disney trip.
But…I think a lot of people will also be avoiding UOR until the initial excitement for EU dies down…so I think it will end up being a bit of a wash.
I somewhat think this too.
Off topic but they are talking about another recession so that could impact crowds everywhere.
It is at least supported through Touring Plans’ historical crowd calendar. Touring Plans has also consistently been overestimating the expected crowds this past summer because of the decline. (I know that TP’s crowd calendar is based on wait times and not actual attendance, but since Disney doesn’t release that information, its the best we have to go by).
I voted an increase in attendance next summer because I do believe there are people who are waiting for EU to open before their next big trip to Orlando. The decline in attendance at Orlando theme parks this past summer at the very least means we can expect an uptick next year.
I’m not sure the decline is because people are waiting. There are so many articles about how expensive Disney is and with economy, people may be skipping. For the record, is Universal really any cheaper?
For repeat visitors Universal tickets/passes can be significantly cheaper. I just renewed my power pass (Christmas and Easter block-outs) for just about $400.
That is equal to a 3 day non hopper at Disney?
Wow. When we went last year for a one day 2 park ticket it was $200 pp which is insane. And with Express being way more expensive it seems ridiculous to me. Staying at a Delux to get free EP is ridiculous too.
And for long-trippers.
A 14 day UOR pass is about £200 cheaper per person than WDW.
ETA not to mention the value of staying onsite at UOR Vs WDW
Disney is also insane for a single day ticket 
It’s a little cheaper…for now. As it looks like Epic Universe will not be part of a multi-day, multi-park pass and will require a separate ticket for admission, visiting all 3 parks (not counting Volcana Bay) will be on par with Disney World starting next year.