Epic Universe sparks hotel development surge
The decisions by Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World to make major capital investments — such as Universal's upcoming Epic Universe theme park and Disney's plans to spend $17 billion here — are prompting area hotel owners to reinvest, too.
Monarch Alternative Capital is among them.
Its Hotel Landy, formerly a Crowne Plaza hotel, was transformed and reopened in April. The same group bought the co-branded Aloft and Element Orlando International Drive. All will serve guests of Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park that's set to debut May 22, 2025.
In fact, investors in the hospitality space have been singing the praises of the generous reinvestment in Orlando theme parks and its positive effect on hotel occupancy. Ian Glastein, co-head of real estate at Monarch Alternative Capital LP, earlier this year told Hospitality Investor, a trade publication, the dynamic “attracts leisure travel from across the world, keeps occupancy high relative to many other markets.”
