In a detailed feature by Newsday, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management was highlighted for its proximity and relevance to the launch of Universal’s Epic Universe. Dr. Carissa Baker, assistant professor at Rosen College, remarked on the park’s impact, stating it’s “pretty impressive to see,” especially for students preparing to become the industry’s next wave of designers and leaders. With its immersive storytelling and ambitious design, Epic Universe is not only transforming Orlando’s tourism landscape—it’s also providing real-time inspiration and opportunity for Rosen College students located just across the street.

As Universal’s Epic Universe officially opens, students and alumni from UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management are celebrating their direct contributions to its creation. In a feature by WESH 2 News, Dr. Carissa Baker highlighted how Rosen’s theme park and attraction management program launched just in time for the park’s development, giving students real-world learning just steps from campus. Through initiatives like the UCF/Universal Creative Lab, students gained rare behind-the-scenes experience and industry access. Graduates have gone on to fill major roles at Epic Universe, demonstrating Rosen College’s pivotal role in shaping the next generation of themed entertainment professionals.

As Universal launches its $7 billion Epic Universe theme park, the global spotlight is on Orlando's growing theme park rivalry. In an in-depth feature by the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Carissa Baker, assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, commented on Universal’s momentum: “They’re highly encouraging their theme park sector right now.” Her insights reinforce Rosen College’s ongoing leadership in preparing students for the evolving themed entertainment industry and contributing expert analysis on one of the world’s most competitive tourism landscapes.

The launch of Universal’s Epic Universe is not only reshaping the theme park landscape—it’s also strengthening the role of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management in global tourism conversations. As featured in FOX 35 Orlando, the story draws on insights from Rosen College, recognizing the institution’s continued influence in preparing hospitality leaders amid rising industry competition. With Orlando now viewed as the world’s top theme park hub, Rosen College remains central to shaping the workforce and thought leadership driving this unprecedented growth.

The opening of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is more than a tourism milestone—it’s a career catalyst for students at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. In coverage by FOX 35 Orlando, students shared how the park’s proximity offers unmatched, real-world experience and access to internships and jobs that align with their career goals. As the theme park industry evolves, Rosen College continues to serve as a direct pipeline for talent, preparing future leaders through hands-on education and industry partnerships.

UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management was spotlighted by WKMG ClickOrlando for its vital role in preparing the talent behind Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. Located within the “Epic neighborhood,” Rosen College has contributed graduates to a wide range of creative and operational roles through its innovative themed experience, attraction management, and culinary programs. As one of the first of its kind in the nation, Rosen’s curriculum continues to serve as a pipeline for the themed entertainment industry, further embedding the college into the fabric of Central Florida’s hospitality and tourism landscape.

WESH 2 News offered a deep dive into the newly opened Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s most ambitious theme park to date. Throughout the multi-year construction journey, Rosen College of Hospitality Management has remained closely connected to the project. Rosen students and faculty have tracked its development, with many securing internships and career opportunities tied to the park’s launch. The coverage reflects how the park’s arrival continues to reinforce Rosen College’s role in shaping and supporting Central Florida’s dynamic hospitality and tourism industry.

The opening of Universal’s Epic Universe is generating excitement among students at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, who see the new park as a major opportunity for hands-on learning and career advancement. Featured in Spectrum News 13, students like Arthur De Paula and John Koprowicz, president of the college’s Future Theme Park Leaders Association, expressed how the park’s proximity enhances their education and job prospects. Dr. Jessica Wickey, director of Rosen’s internship program, emphasized how students can immediately apply classroom concepts through internships and careers at Epic Universe, underscoring the college’s integral role in preparing future leaders of the theme park industry.

As anticipation builds for the May 22 grand opening of Universal Epic Universe, hiring efforts are in full swing. Earlier this year, Universal Orlando hosted a major hiring event at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, offering students the opportunity to interview and secure positions on the spot. The event showcased the college’s strong industry ties and its ongoing role as a talent pipeline for Central Florida’s growing theme park sector.

Dr. Carissa Baker, assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, was quoted in the Los Angeles Times discussing Universal’s aggressive expansion strategy with the launch of Epic Universe. She noted that Universal is “highly encouraging their theme park sector right now,” reflecting on how the company is reshaping the competitive landscape in Orlando. Her insights illustrate Rosen College’s thought leadership in analyzing theme park trends and industry dynamics.