{"id":146875,"date":"2025-05-21T11:06:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T15:06:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=146875"},"modified":"2026-03-27T16:12:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T20:12:33","slug":"epic-universe-launch-provides-immersive-learning-opportunities-at-ucf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/epic-universe-launch-provides-immersive-learning-opportunities-at-ucf\/","title":{"rendered":"Epic Universe Launch Provides Immersive Learning Opportunities at UCF"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just down the road from Universal Orlando Resort\u2019s newest theme park, UCF serves as the epicenter of theme park education and workforce development, helping to shape the future of the global attractions industry.<\/p>\n

With specialized programs in hospitality<\/a> and themed experience design \u2014 alongside robust engineering<\/a> opportunities through student-led clubs and industry partnerships \u2014 UCF has played a critical role in preparing the workforce behind Epic Universe\u2019s debut and has built a direct talent pipeline into the park.<\/p>\n

Now as the park prepares to open its gates this week, it\u2019s also transforming how students learn.<\/p>\n

Epic in Curriculum<\/h2>\n

At UCF\u2019s Rosen College of Hospitality Management<\/a>, located less than a mile from Epic Universe, the park has become a living case study for both faculty and students. Ranked No. 1 in the world for hospitality education by CEOWORLD<\/em> magazine for 2025<\/a>, the college is globally recognized for its leadership in shaping future professionals in tourism, attractions and entertainment.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone looking to build a career in the global attractions industry would not find a better place to attend than UCF.\u201d \u2014 Carissa Baker \u201908MA \u201918PhD<\/strong>, Rosen College assistant professor<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Carissa Baker \u201908MA \u201918PhD<\/strong>, assistant professor of hospitality, has embedded Epic Universe into multiple classes across the theme park and attraction management<\/a> curriculum. In one course, students analyze the park\u2019s community and economic impacts. In another, they follow the site creation process from research and development to operations and guest experience. Students have also designed guest experience concepts based on Universal\u2019s creative parameters and presented them directly to leaders at the company.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral of my students were involved in design, construction and operations development for the park,\u201d Baker says. \u201cDozens were in attractions commissioning roles, and many are working at the park full time, part time and through internships.\u201d<\/p>\n

Culinary Spectacle as Storytelling<\/h3>\n

Epic Universe is also reshaping UCF\u2019s approach to culinary education. Chef Jonathan \u201cJay\u201d Judy, assistant chair of the Department of Foodservice and Lodging Management, and senior instructor, uses the park\u2019s immersive lands to explore how food enhances themed environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur students aren\u2019t just studying the industry. They\u2019re helping shape its future.\u201d \u2014 Jonathan \u201cJay\u201d Judy, Rosen College faculty member<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In his course, Culinary Experiences in Theme Parks and Attractions<\/em>, students study the full lifecycle of culinary operations in destination attractions \u2014 from food concept development to intellectual property (IP) integration and guest immersion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Universal Orlando announced the themes for the various worlds, my students created sample menus based on the IP for each world. We have also used Epic extensively as a class discussion topic,\u201d Judy says. \u201cWatching a park like Epic Universe launch is a masterclass in themed food innovation. From kitchen concept to culinary spectacle, this course gives students the tools to imagine and execute food experiences that could exist in any world, real or fictional.\u201d<\/p>\n

Epic Economics, Real-World Impact<\/h3>\n

The scale of Epic Universe also offers powerful insights into economic development, infrastructure and regional transformation \u2014 areas that Rosen College Associate Professor Jorge Ridderstaat is bringing into the classroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cEpic Universe presents a valuable opportunity to view a theme park not just as an attraction, but as a major investment with measurable economic impact \u2014 something I\u2019m looking to incorporate into my Hospitality Industry Finance<\/em> class,\u201d Ridderstaat says.<\/p>\n

He notes that the park\u2019s projected $7 billion investment and estimated 17,000 new jobs could generate up to $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, while driving new infrastructure and expanding the region\u2019s global tourism appeal. But he also encourages students to consider other related topics \u2014 such as housing affordability.<\/p>\n

A Creative Pipeline to Universal<\/h3>\n

“Epic has solidified Orlando as the international hub of the themed entertainment industry.” \u2014 Peter Weishar, director of UCF’s themed experience graduate programs<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

UCF\u2019s themed experience M.F.A.<\/a> program, based in the College of Arts and Humanities<\/a>, is providing a direct pathway into the creative engine of the industry. The programs \u2014 which are among the first of their kinds nationally \u2014 teach students the unique creative skills, processes, and concepts needed to design and produce themed environments and attractions. Many graduates go on to become show set designers, architects, show writers, coordinators, project managers, producers, art directors and even creative directors at some of the top themed entertainment companies.<\/p>\n

Through the UCF\/Universal Creative Lab, students work directly with Universal Creative\u2019s show producers, engineers and designers, gaining rare access to behind-the-scenes development processes.<\/p>\n

According to program director and professor Peter Weishar, approximately 40% of themed experience students go on to work for Universal Creative.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur students, alumni and even faculty have worked for years to help make Epic Universe a reality,\u201d Weishar says. \u201cNow that it\u2019s opening to the public, it\u2019s serving as a working laboratory for new ideas, innovation and experiential learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUCF is in the perfect location to collaborate with some of the top creatives in the field,\u201d  Weishar adds.<\/p>\n

Engineering the Experience<\/h3>\n

At the intersection of innovation and imagination, UCF\u2019s STEEL Club \u2014 the Society of Themed Entertainment Engineers and Leaders \u2014 is creating new pathways for engineering students to enter the attractions industry. Founded in early 2024, the club has quickly become a hub for students eager to apply technical skills to the world of themed entertainment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Focused on disciplines like ride control, show systems, mechanical safety and systems integration, the club regularly hosts industry speakers from Universal Creative, Disney, SeaWorld, and third-party vendors. Members also participate in technical workshops on topics ranging from Arduino programming and LED integration to mechanical modeling and wiring \u2014 all aligned with the demands of modern attraction engineering.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re building a great program,\u201d says Mikel Garner, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student and STEEL Club vice president. \u201cWe look at design, manufacturing, and maintenance \u2014 not just how a ride looks, but how it runs and how you troubleshoot it to keep guests safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garner, who was a Compliance and Auditing intern for Universal Creative, says his experience applied Advancing Standards Transforming Markets (ASTM International) safety standards and engineering best practices to support the development of the park.<\/p>\n