Nintendo coming to Universal theme parks

[escriven75]

I saw a commercial (not sure what it was for at the moment, so marketing fail there) but it was a bunch of adults that went through a secret door into a life size game of Pac Man and it looked AWESOME! What a great idea for something that even the tots can enjoy. A maze type area...with water misting things all inside some kind of life size video game. And I agree a Mario Kart coaster is a fabulous idea as well.

 

[hopemax]

They could really have some great attractions and things to bring to the parks.... much more than some silly foam Mario outfit. I sure hope it is more than that. Universal could really use a Disney Quest type of entertainment area. Nintendo would fit right in with that.

Nintendo is very protective of their IP, which is why they haven't jumped into any partnerships until this late in the game. They wouldn't sign up with Universal for Meet & Greets. Likely, they saw how Universal handled the WWoHP, Simpsons and other recent projects and decided that Universal would would be willing and capable of maintaining the quality and integrity of the Nintendo world and showcase them in a manner that Nintendo desires.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

ZEL. DA. ZEL. DA. *chanting* This sounds like a great idea for a younger audience. I imagine something less intense but just as cool. Very exciting!!

<~~~~~ THIS!!

 

[keishashadow]

I saw a commercial (not sure what it was for at the moment, so marketing fail there) but it was a bunch of adults that went through a secret door into a life size game of Pac Man and it looked AWESOME! What a great idea for something that even the tots can enjoy. A maze type area...with water misting things all inside some kind of life size video game. And I agree a Mario Kart coaster is a fabulous idea as well.

adam sandler movie

I vote for a Legend of Zelda dark ride. Can't imagine they wouldn't work in Wario, Yoshi and the Mario Bros in some format.

 

[Ofinn]

My kids woke me up with this news. I guess we aren't going to make it back to WDW anytime soon with all the new stuff coming to Universal. I'm just afraid Universal's going to as expensive as WDW when all these additions are complete.

 

[elaine amj]

A Mario Kart gokart type track would be fun - or maybe something like Radiator Springs Racers. So many cool things they could do.

My grown up brother posted about this on Facebook - he's never been to Universal but this sure perked his interest

 

[sharona]

I saw a commercial (not sure what it was for at the moment, so marketing fail there) but it was a bunch of adults that went through a secret door into a life size game of Pac Man and it looked AWESOME! What a great idea for something that even the tots can enjoy. A maze type area...with water misting things all inside some kind of life size video game. And I agree a Mario Kart coaster is a fabulous idea as well.

I think you're talking about the Bud Light super bowl ad.

 

[macraven]

I think you're talking about the Bud Light super bowl ad.

i thought the same thing sharona.
the commercial still is played at times in my area.

really grew tired of it.
has been on too much

 

[Ofinn]

My 10 year old want's a Mario kart simulator ride that has several courses that changes course each ride. Similar to Star Tours. He also wants to complete against other riders like on Toy Story. It has to be 3d of course, and have all the special effects and motion that Spider man has. If anyone can create something like this I know it's Universal.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

My 10 year old want's a Mario kart simulator ride that has several courses that changes course each ride. Similar to Star Tours. He also wants to complete against other riders like on Toy Story. It has to be 3d of course, and have all the special effects and motion that Spider man has. If anyone can create something like this I know it's Universal.

I think your son summed it up well.

 

[damo]

There is so much space there that I think it is more likely that we get a non-3D ride for Mario Kart.

 

[CPanther95]

Wish I could get excited about Nintendo, but I think because of my age, it falls right in the void of when I had little time for video games. I would have preferred an announcement that would bring us Space Invaders, Pac Man, Defender, Missle Command, Robotron, etc. ----- or something more modern that would open up Halo, Call of Duty, Portal, etc.

... after all, what would be more fun than getting the whole family together and killing Nazi zombies.

 

[johde]

I see 3 "prime" locations where this could go assuming it is going into Universal Orlando and not Universal Studios Japan. The first already mentioned here is as a replacement to Kidszone/Barney/Curious George/Animal Actors (Highlighted Area about 7.5 acres and excludes E.T)



Second, would be a replacement for Toon Lagoon over in IOA (about 10 acres)



And third would be the "unused" land beside MIB (Used during HHN for tent houses and storage) (About 9 acres)


The first and third plots are adjacent to each other and it might be possible to create a 16-17 acre plot of land.

All that being said, I have a feeling we may be looking at Universal's Avatarland. Universal doesn't normally announce things this early (before ground is even cleared). I'm wondering if Nintendo wanted an announcement made now and we won't see anything for several years.

 

[sharona]

Replace Toon Lagoon??? Are you crazy????

No more getting wet on JP, soaked on Dudley and completely submerged on Popeye? I hope they don't do that. We love the water rides in Toon Lagoon and yes I know they are putting in a water park but that's NOT the same thing!

 

[johde]

The thing is, when you look at Toon Lagoon, you have a theater that is never used and IP that doesn't resonate with today. JP is part of the JP section of the park and wouldn't be affected. They could possibly keep Dudley DoRight and/or Popeye and retheme it something Nintendo related. The other option I didn't mention was selling the theme park rights for Marvel back to Disney for an obscene amount of money and retheming Marvel to Nintendo. One last plot would possibly be a replacement for Lost Continent.

From a business standpoint, it may depend on the timeline of this transformation. We have Kong coming to IOA in 2016, there are rumors of Fast and Furious coming to Studios (possibly replacing Disaster/BeetleJuice) looking back, we had Diagon Alley and Transformers in the Studios. It might make sense to do it in the IOA.

 

[escriven75]

I like to think they announced it this early so they could then hear all of the GENIUS ideas on these online discussion groups and make sure to please everyone!

 

[DrHfuhruhurr]

There is so much space there that I think it is more likely that we get a non-3D ride for Mario Kart.

I really hope so. Universal has far too many simulation rides at this point. I enjoy them, but they are really rough on those with motion sickness.