How this Columbus native played major role in creating new Universal theme park

Donald Morrison grew up playing RollerCoaster Tycoon, a video game that simulates the construction and management of an amusement park. Now the former Columbus resident is doing it in real life as a lead project estimator for a new theme park: Epic Universe.

Universal Studio Orlando’s latest addition opened in May after six years of construction. Morrison worked on the construction team for the park, specifically in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter land. As a senior project estimator, his job was to determine the costs of construction, from small details like the toilet seats to elaborate set pieces designed to replicate European architecture.

He worked on the project for the entire time, performing a variety of tasks:

• Reviewed costs.
• Managed general contractors and subcontractors.
• Ensured the project remained within budget while meeting quality and creativity standards.

Morrison appears on track to being a tycoon at one of Orlando’s most popular attractions.

This job was a “big career move,” he told the Ledger-Enquirer.

“Before I took over the Harry Potter world, I actually took over the Monsters Land,” he said. “And then I did so well with that, they said, ‘We’ll give you our most prized possession project,’ which is always going to be Harry Potter Universal. So being able to do very well with that live show really boosted me.”

Columbus roots

Morrison traces some of his success back to his Columbus roots.

He moved to Columbus when he was 4 years old and lived in the area through high school. He attended Reese Road Leadership Academy, Arnold Middle School then Columbus High School — all places he credits for aiding him early in his journey.

“A major part of my life was always having those kinds of great academic resources to help me and guide me,” he said.

Morrison has fond memories of the Saturday crowd rush at Country’s Barbecue and spending time at the YMCA where he played roller hockey, worked as a camp counselor and hung out with his friends.

Before trading the Fountain City for the The City Beautiful, Morrison went to Louisiana State University, where he studied business. There, he realized how much he admired Columbus.

“Columbus will have its downfalls, but it’s such a great little city and it really molded me to be able to have a good life and to be able to follow my career,” he said. “Being in Columbus and having that nice environment, you don’t realize until you start moving around that Columbus is actually a pretty nice little town.”

In his first job out of college, Morrison discovered he wasn’t a fan of finance and shifted into the construction industry. After moving to Orlando, he worked for J2K Scenic, a theme industry contractor. He began as a subcontractor, working on projects for Disney and other theme parks as he built his reputation. Eventually, he arrived at Universal.

But even nearly 400 miles away, Morrison represents his home.

“I have my little name tag. It has Columbus, GA, on the bottom,” he said. “Once a week, I walk the parks … and relish in what [I built] and watch all the other people’s faces. … I did have one person come up to me and say, ‘Oh, I’m from Columbus, GA.’ We talked a little bit, and that’s a cool experience.”

Epic Universe

About 30 internal estimators and consultants work for the lands in the park, Morrison said. Epic Universe features five distinct lands:

• Super Nintendo World
• Dark Universe
• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
• Celestial Park
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

Each land offers a variety of attractions, including dining, entertainment, roller coasters and shopping. The Harry Potter land is designed to immerse visitors in the wizard world of 1920s Paris and 1990s British Ministry.

Completing the project was an around-the-clock commitment for Morrison. He often spent weekends at the office and put in 12-hour workdays.

“My 6-year-old thinks I was out there with a hammer and a nail, just putting up every board myself,” he said. “The thing that people don’t see is that [when] you normally think client side, you think it’s more of an easier job. But the reality is that we have so much under us. … It’s nonstop.”

Morrison said he’s glad people can finally enjoy the fruits of his labor. He’s especially excited about Epic Universe at night.

“We really went all out to make sure that when you’re there at night, you have this whole different vibe,” he said. “It is epic at nighttime.”

Morrison said Universal won’t stop anytime soon. According to an update released by Orlando Park Stop, new permits have confirmed Epic Universe has begun its first expansion. Other modifications will take place, the update said.

For Morrison, that means he has a guaranteed job.

“It’s nice for me,” he said. “Everybody wants to build a theme park.”

This story was originally published August 5, 2025 at 9:55 AM.