Las Vegas and Orlando have long vied for the title of America’s ultimate playground, and this summer, Universal Destinations & Experiences has made bold moves in both cities. In Las Vegas, the much-anticipated opening of Area15’s Zone 2: The Terminals and Universal Horror Unleashed has brought a fresh wave of immersive entertainment to the desert. Meanwhile, in Florida, Universal’s Epic Universe theme park has officially opened its gates, promising to reshape the region’s tourism economy and the theme park arms race with Disney. Both ventures are already sending shockwaves through their respective communities, blending art, technology, and economic muscle in ways that are hard to ignore.
On August 15, 2025, Area15 in Las Vegas celebrated the grand opening of Zone 2: The Terminals, a vibrant expansion that’s quickly becoming the talk of the town. The new area features dozens of festival-style sculptures and colorful murals, setting the stage for a sensory overload. Guests are greeted by the Looper Bar—a sleek, social spot perfect for unwinding—and new dining options like The Beast Mobile Food Trailer. Two retail kiosks round out the mix, offering everything from quirky souvenirs to local art.
But the real star of the show is Universal Horror Unleashed, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first-ever year-round, fully immersive horror attraction. Housed in an abandoned warehouse, this attraction is more than just a haunted house—it’s a sprawling, pulse-pounding experience with four distinct haunted houses and a series of themed zones. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Area15 CEO Winston Fisher and attended by Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley and Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, set the tone for a night of spectacle and celebration. Performers in elaborate costumes mingled with guests, while dazzling visual effects and a communal toast under Area15’s iconic red “A” signaled a new era for Las Vegas entertainment.
Universal Horror Unleashed wastes no time plunging visitors into its world of fright. The four haunted houses each deliver their own flavor of terror: a 1930s farmland overrun with vengeful scarecrows, a revival of ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ complete with iconic scenes and characters, encounters with classic monsters like Dracula, The Mummy, and Frankenstein, and a chilling journey inspired by ‘The Exorcist: Believer.’ The horror doesn’t stop at the haunted houses. Themed areas like Kill Vault (where shadowy, murderous characters lurk), Prop Graveyard (home to haunted dolls and mannequins from film sets), Dead Storage (featuring relics and creatures such as vampires and a werewolf), and Jack’s Alley (a carnival zone with sinister performers) keep the adrenaline flowing between scares.
Adding to the immersive feel, Las Vegas street artist Krie was commissioned to create a massive mural on the building’s exterior. The mural, which vividly depicts the spirit of Universal Horror Unleashed and the city’s unique culture, is a testament to Universal’s commitment to supporting local artists. According to Universal Destinations & Experiences, this collaboration is more than just window dressing—it’s a celebration of Las Vegas creativity and a nod to the city’s ever-evolving identity.
Inside Universal Horror Unleashed, guests can refuel with themed food and specialty cocktails, all while enjoying live entertainment that keeps the energy high. And for those who want to take a piece of the experience home, there’s no shortage of merchandise—apparel, collectibles, jewelry, and accessories line the shelves, tempting horror fans and casual visitors alike.
For thrill-seekers looking for the ultimate VIP treatment, the “Haunted High Rollers” VIP Package offers a three-hour, all-access horror event. The package includes priority entry for up to six guests, unlimited access to haunted houses via the VIP Lane, a personal host, a special VIP food and drink menu, exclusive artist meet-and-greets with private performances, and discounts on merchandise. It’s a high-roller experience befitting the city that never sleeps.
Area15 isn’t resting on its laurels, either. In the coming months, the venue is set to unveil even more attractions, bars, eateries, and retail experiences. Perhaps most eye-catching is the plan to transform the iconic Boeing 747 from Burning Man into a one-of-a-kind dining and nightlife venue—a move that’s sure to keep Las Vegas at the forefront of immersive entertainment.
While Las Vegas is embracing horror and art, Florida is witnessing an economic and cultural transformation of its own. On August 14, 2025, Universal reported that Epic Universe—its latest theme park in Orlando—is expected to generate a staggering $2 billion economic impact in its first year alone. According to Melanie Becker, Universal’s Vice President of Government Relations, “The creation of Epic Universe has stimulated economic growth and generated thousands of jobs nationwide.” Becker presented these findings at the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, citing an economic study by Sean Snaith, Director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting.
The numbers are eye-popping: Epic Universe’s construction created 65,000 jobs, and its first year of operation will add another 17,500 jobs. Since 2023, Universal has generated 94,000 jobs across a spectrum of professions—engineers, construction crews, software specialists, artists, architects, set designers, and support staff. The park’s three new hotels add 2,000 rooms, projected to generate $13 million in tax revenue for Orange County through the county’s 6% hotel tax, also known as the tourist development tax.
Epic Universe, which officially opened to the public in May 2025, is Universal’s most technologically advanced park to date. It features five themed lands, each tapping into major intellectual properties like Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon. Company leaders hope this new expansion will encourage guests to extend their stays to a full week, helping Universal gain ground on its main competitor, Disney World.
Beyond Epic Universe, Universal has a slate of ambitious projects in the pipeline. At the recent chamber luncheon, Becker and other Universal leaders teased a special ticketed nighttime event at Volcano Bay set for fall 2025, new Halloween Horror Nights attractions in Chicago and Las Vegas, and a family-themed land opening in Texas in 2026. The message is clear: Universal is betting big on immersive experiences, technological innovation, and broadening its footprint across the United States.
For both Las Vegas and Orlando, these developments are more than just new attractions—they represent a bold reimagining of what entertainment can be. With art, horror, technology, and economic opportunity woven together, Universal Destinations & Experiences is setting a new standard for what it means to thrill, inspire, and employ in America’s entertainment capitals. As the dust settles on these grand openings, one thing is certain: the race for the hearts—and wallets—of thrill-seekers across the country is far from over.
In a year marked by spectacle and innovation on both coasts, Universal’s latest ventures have left an indelible mark on the cultural and economic landscape, proving that when it comes to immersive entertainment, the stakes just keep getting higher.
