Epic Universe, the upcoming central Florida theme park, will generate $2 billion for the state in its first year, according to calculations from the director of UCF's Institute for Economic Forecasting.

Snaith’s research also found that Epic Universe will likely generate around $2 billion for the state of Florida in its first year of operation. It’s projected to create more than 17,500 new jobs in its first year of opening.

Universal Orlando has spent around $7 billion on its new theme park Epic Universe, and it shows. I was among hundreds of media members from across the world invited to preview the new park on Saturday.