by Martin Palicki, Publisher
One year ago, Universal Epic Universe opened in Orlando – a project years in the making and one that immediately raised the bar for immersive storytelling, technology, placemaking, and guest experience. Just a few weeks ago, I found myself back in Orlando for the annual TEA Thea Awards Gala, where four honors were presented to projects connected to Epic Universe. The applause in the room was not just for Epic; it was for the thousands of people whose talent, persistence, creativity, and hard work brought the park and its experiences to life.
What struck me most throughout the week was the sense of shared ownership. Epic Universe may carry the Universal name, but its success reflects on an entire industry. Designers, fabricators, writers, engineers, artists, programmers, producers, technicians, architects, interns and craftspeople from companies around the world contributed pieces of themselves to this massive undertaking. The recognition at the Thea Awards became, in many ways, a celebration of the power of themed entertainment.
That spirit feels especially important right now.
As this issue goes to press, the ongoing (and foolish) war in Iran continues to create uncertainty across the globe, including disruptions to our own industry. In times like these, it can become easy to focus solely on instability, division, and unpredictability. Yet our industry has always thrived by doing the opposite. We create places designed to bring people together. We build environments rooted in wonder, curiosity, optimism, and shared experience.
That does not mean ignoring the realities of the world around us. It means recognizing the value of what themed entertainment contributes during difficult moments. A great attraction, museum, cruise experience, dark ride, or themed land can provide joy, connection, and inspiration at a time when people may need those things most. In fact, this issue highlights a few of these kinds of projects.
One year after Epic Universe opened its gates, perhaps that is part of its greatest legacy so far: not only the groundbreaking attractions themselves, but also the reminder of what can happen when an industry comes together to create something hopeful.
