Epic Universe is set to be a major attraction in Orlando's theme park scene when it opens next month. The city, already popular among amusement park enthusiasts, will become an even bigger draw with five new lands of entertainment.
Orlando's Airport underwent a significant expansion a few years ago, allowing the facility to handle increased demand. Airlines are ramping up capacity to Orlando as opening day approaches, resulting in higher ticket prices this spring and summer compared to 2024.
According to data from Cirium, airlines are expected to fly more capacity to Orlando this spring and summer than they did last year. Major airlines like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are increasing their seat capacity to Orlando for the upcoming months.
In May 2024, airlines flew a combined 2,511,148 seats to Orlando. This year, they are increasing capacity to 2,522,033 seats. Similar increases are planned for the summer months, with July peak capacity expected to reach 2,528,208 seats, a 4.4% increase from the previous year.
Southwest Airlines is set to have the highest capacity of any carrier for Orlando this summer, with a peak of 666,477 seats planned for July.
Travelers heading to Epic Universe should be prepared to pay higher prices. Fares to Orlando around the Epic Universe opening average $209 round-trip, compared to $179 last year. Airfare to Orlando from U.S. cities for the first 10 days of Epic Universe is 17% higher than last year, according to Hopper.
From June to August, airfare to Orlando averages $217, about 8% more than last year.