Walt Disney Co. is girding for the opening of a new, lavish Orlando theme park from rival Universal next month with a combination of new live events and discounts.

The new Epic Universe in Florida marks the first new major theme park in the United States in nearly a quarter century, lives up to the hype created during the years of buildup and ups the ante in Universal’s crosstown showdown with rival Walt Disney World.

Universal's Epic Universe is largely a triumph, and will instantly become the the favorite theme park of many. It should also change the industry.