Universal Destinations & Experiences has partnered with the University of Central Florida (UCF) to establish the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation, backed by a $10 million investment. This pioneering school, located within UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, aims to cultivate future leaders in themed entertainment by integrating creativity, technology, and business practices. The program will feature a dual-school model that combines experience-focused education with business strategy and service leadership.

A key component of this initiative is the new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to facilitate hands-on learning and collaboration among students, faculty, and industry professionals. This lab will focus on innovative areas such as service robotics, augmented and virtual reality technologies, and artificial intelligence to enhance guest experiences.

This partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between UCF and Universal, which has provided thousands of graduates to the company over the years. As UCF's first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner, Universal will also engage in collaborative research and talent development, further strengthening the workforce pipeline in the themed entertainment industry.