Ready to check out Universal Orlando's Epic Universe? You'll have to plan on spending a little more. With the long-awaited new theme park set to open May 22, airlines are increasing the number of flights—and fares.
According to travel data from Hopper, flight prices to Orlando are averaging more than $200 around opening week. That’s up from $179 at the same time last year. And it's only going to get worse: flights from June through August are even steeper, hitting an average of $217, about 8% higher than last summer.
Demand is certainly driving the spike in prices. Epic Universe is the first major theme park to hit Florida since 1999, and it’s poised to be, well, epic. The park boasts five new immersive lands, including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe and a fresh take on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s already being billed as a game-changer in Orlando’s theme park lineup.
Enthusiasts shouldn't worry about availability, however. Data from Cirium shows that all major carriers are boosting their flight capacity to Orlando this spring and summer. The city’s airport is ready for the surge after a major expansion, but that doesn’t mean getting there will be cheap.
So if you’re planning to be among the first to explore Celestial Park or ride with dragons in Isle of Berk, consider booking sooner rather than later, and add a bit more to your budget.
