Florida's Universal Orlando Resort is getting a fourth theme park next year with areas dedicated to Nintendo, Harry Potter and other intellectual property. The move is likely to significantly intensify the company's competition with Walt Disney Co. in the state.

Universal Epic Universe will open to the public on May 22, the entertainment giant announced Thursday. The news comes a few months after rival Disney received approval to move forward with a massive $17 billion expansion of its Orlando resort over the next 10 to 20 years.

In addition to Super Nintendo World and a Ministry of Magic-style Harry Potter land, Epic Universe features sectors inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon series and Universal's classic monster films. A 500-room hotel with special access to the new park will soon be built at the resort.

Multi-day tickets and vacation packages, including entry to the Epic Universe, go on sale Tuesday; Universal Orlando Resort annual passholders can purchase day passes to Epic Universe starting Thursday.

“This is a pivotal moment for our destination and we look forward to welcoming guests to Epic Universe next year,” Karen Irwin, president of Universal Orlando Resort, said in a statement. “Our universe will never be the same.”

Universal and its Philadelphia-based parent company Comcast aren't the only entertainment companies expanding their theme park empires.

Beyond the $17 billion investment in Orlando, Disney is planning a $1.9 billion expansion of its Anaheim resort, which includes Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and several hotels.

The Burbank-based media and entertainment giant is expected to provide further updates on these plans as it continues to pump money into its so-called “experience division.”