Rumour: Universal Studios May Have Cancelled Plans For Pokémon And Zelda Theme Park Attractions

The Official Nintendo theme park must be finished before Summer Olympic at Tokyo 2020.

There are a lot of Themed park in the world, but Nintendo themed park and Disneyland are most interesting places in my opinion.

@CurryPowderKeg79 F-Zero attraction where the ride goes so fast your eyes end up behind your brain.

Visit at your own risk. Enjoy.

Basing a video game-centric park with access to a 30+-year history and nostalgia upon the performance of a Hollywood spectacle film series attraction... Yeah, that makes sense

The plans may have been cancelled since Nintendo might want to open up Nintendo Land

On the Switch

@SheldonRandoms I would actually be down for a Nintendo Land 2. That game was awesome.

As long as there is a Haunted Mansion style Luigi’s Mansion interactive attraction, I’m not too disappointed.

“Fast and Furious attraction flopped, despite being based on one of the biggest movie franchises of all-time”

I can believe it. Horrible films imo. Sad to hear about Universal potentially canning the Nintendo one though. I was hoping to take my kids.

The rumored locations of of all three lands (before Pokémon and Zelda’s alleged cancellation)
Mario: Opening in Universal Orlando’s upcoming third park Universal’s Fantastic Worlds
Zelda: Would’ve replace the remaining part of The Lost Continent (Sinbad stunt show already closed)
Pokémon: Would’ve replaced the Kid’s Zone in the main studio park (except for ET that would’ve had a new entrance)
The goods news is that it seems that the Mario expansion at Universal Studios Japan is still on track for 2020, it has to be with all the tourists that will be visiting for the Olympics and to compete with Tokyo DLR with their big expansions (The Beauty and the Beast Ride looks like it might be the best thing that WDI has designed in quite a while IMO).

"I don't think a theme park based on Pokemon will be a success" is something that sounds so dumb that I can totally believe an executive actually thinks that way.

@Audiobrainiac The sad thing is that it replaced two decent/good attractions (BeetleJuice and Disaster) and replaced it with one of the greatest travesties I have ever seen in Orlando theme parks since the Jimmy Fallon ride and “With Figment”.

A good strategic decision....reserve some good expansion for the future to make sure people would revisit the park more then just 1 time

Fast and the Furious has to be one of the worst movie franchises ever, those films are utter garbage. Do Universal seriously believe that the likes of Pokemon and Mario wouldn't get more attention at a theme park full of kids than a few cars based on films they wouldn't have seen? Some real stupidity there

@carlos82 @Audiobrainiac

I'm no F&F fan, but the last two entries were mega-blockbusters that are comparable to the success of the biggest Marvel movies.

With that being said, Pokemon/Zelda and F&F have absolutely nothing in common, so whoever greenlit the decision to cancel the Pokemon and Zelda attractions due to a F&F attraction underperforming (if this rumor is true) is as dumb as rocks.

They need to money to build a Splatoon attraction where they splice your genes and you become a real Inkling/Octoling!

Beauty and the Beast ride preview at Tokyo Disneyland:
https://youtu.be/bJtNxaTwgz0

What? So what's going to even be in the Orlando Nintendo World? Just Mario and Mario Kart stuff?
After hitting a homerun with Harry Potter, and potentially having another huge success with the Nintendo World, Universal's dumped it all down the drain. Probably in favour of some more rides that are just 3D 360 movies with moving chairs.

@westman98 in today's market they were mega blockbusters but that's with today's insane ticket pricing, in the grand scheme of cinema they were mildly successful but that's a different discussion altogether. I still don't feel it's a series people really care about even for the people that watch it, I don't sense they are likely to be buying merchandise or visiting attractions based upon it and can you genuinely see people talking about these movies in 20 years time? They are like the Call of Duty of movies, some mindless fun once a year or so for those who like that sort of thing but it's disposable and instantly forgettable.

If it is the reason then it's incredibly stupid and I suspect the likes of Mario and Pikachu are a lot more recognisable and appealing to people worldwide

This totally sucks. I was actually looking more foward to Pokemon and Zelda rather than the Mario/Donkey Kong area planned for the third park.

I’ve been to the parks before and The Lost Kingdom area doesn’t have much to it, at best its just a place to get some (overpriced) food, but most of the other sections already have that.

As for the Kids Zone, most people from what I can tell simply aren’t that interested in Curious George, Barney, or Woody Woodpecker as much as they once may have been. So killing off Pokemon is a complete mistake on their part as people would go to Universal JUST for that.

I’m okay about this if true.

I’m a Disney World fan. Can’t really afford to go to Disney World and also Universal.

Still have my fingers crossed that Disney will strike a deal with Nintendo to feature its games in its movies and parks.

No surprise with the climate in the US these days. I've noticed a distinct backlash to foreign made entertainment and people who enjoy anything foreign. My own uncle considers me a traitor.

So one rumour deflates another rumour? So basically there's nothing to see here.

Edit: Though I don't live in the US, a Nintendo themed park sounds way more interesting than a Fast and the Furious one. But probably more expensive.

@carlos82 I would maybe ask fans of the series their thoughts on it. I find it hard to believe with the money that series has raked in, their interest is just a passing one. I also think if your gonna use the ticket prices excuse to try and explain away it’s success, you better be ready to use that for just about every blockbuster movie that does well

@Heavyarms55 There’s definitely a rise in ignorance amongst a segment of folks. I don’t think that would necessarily spread to a possible Nintendo theme park. I also feel many like to talk out both sides of their mouth. I wouldn’t be surprised to find those ignorant folks are sitting at home consuming products made by the same people they claim to hate

@Heavyarms55 Really? The world has sure turned weird the last couple of years.

Yay - the Pikachu picture is back 🎉

wat a bs excuse seriously screw universal orlando maybe universal studios in california should pickup nintendo attractions.

@Quarth A Nintendo theme Park would be way better then harry potter one.

@PrincessBowsette Remember that it was never formally announced, so this is just a rumour deflating another rumour.

They think Pokémon is risky. How cute and mishandled they are. ANYTHING with the brand of the pocket monsters prints money.

@UmbreonsPapa well Universal have kind of already proved it with the lack of success of its attraction and ticket prices is a huge factor as many modern films success is widely over inflated. This article alone calls it one of the most successful movie franchises of all time and in raw numbers yes. However dig into it a bit and what we have is the most recent entry is by far the most successful in the franchise and this was on the back of one of its main stars unfortunately passing away, yet still when adjusting for inflation is barely in the top 200 movies behind the likes of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Don't get me wrong it's still successful as are the Marvel films but their numbers are helped by tickets which in the UK at least are significantly more expensive than those for other films and certainly more than 10/20 years ago.

My point wasn't arguing the merits of this film but it's place in the public conscience, after all this is a theme park and that's how it works. What I'm getting at is take a random group of 100 people and show them images of Mario and Pikachu and some images of characters from those films, I suspect that every time that the Nintendo characters will be higher and they definitely will be in 5 to 10 years time

A bummer if this is true, but who knows, maybe it was for the best? I mean I REALLLLY want a Nintendo theme park but honestly, most of Universal’s rides are simulations (where you sit in a seat that moves while you watch a 3D screen). The reason (IMO) Disney World was always way better than Universal was their imagineers - they came up with really creative rides. Meanwhile 4/5 Universal rides are just simulations (there are exceptions of course but the majority are).

Nintendo franchises could lend themselves to some great rides. DKC would make a great (minecart) rollercoaster. Metroid would fit as one of those rides where you get a laser gun and shoot aliens for points as you ride in a vehicle (Star Fox could do that as well). Mario Kart is self explanatory. Kirby would honestly lend itself to a themed cafeteria. Splatoon... I wanna say paintball guns but that has too much liability, but some sort of laser tag could work, running through an arena while painting the ground for your team, shooting opponents to remove them from play for a bit. Zelda would be harder IMO, maybe it’d be good for a carnival game style area with an archery game, some electronic bombchu bowling, etc, just look at all the minigames through the series... if they truly got creative they could have some sort of quest attraction, but it would be hard. Same with Mario, though a fairly simple Mario themed parkour course could work. Pikmin would work well as a play/exploration area with lots of huge animatronics, maybe even a ride though. F-Zero, rather than go-karts (the Mario Kart go-karts could have some sort of electronic item system btw) would probably be best as a fast rollercoaster in F-Zero vehicles, capture that speed. Pokémon honestly could have a pretty sweet “Safari” where you take pictures of Pokémon through a slow moving ride and then get your pictures judged by Oak (get some nice oversized pricey pictures to take home, maybe even superimpose CGI over the animatronics for the pictures for better quality... or use Go technically so you only see the Pokémon through the cameras anyways or some sort of headset, AR could work great). Heck, AR would also work well with a live Pokémon Stadium, either battling with rental teams or bring your own games to load your team, with both vs battles and a series of gym leaders (played by real people) to try to beat (or at least Elite 4). Luigi’s Mansion is the mandatory haunted house, riding through would work but being able to explore on foot would be cooler (really ambitious would be giving people backpacks to suck up projections, but that would be a stretch). What else am I missing... oh, Fire Emblem? Hmm... a choreographed show COULD work but we want interactive, it’d just be hard. I’ll leave that to someone cleverer than I, as most things I can think of would be a bit much, like commanding an army in a simulated battle... Yoshi would be a fun children’s area, make everything like a craft world, even some crafting activities for kids... Smash Bros might be a bit much, heck the whole place is already a crossover already. Oh, can’t forget Animal Crossing, though that’s another toughie, maybe it can be an area where people can rent out little houses for the day or parties or stuff (in other words, something I could never afford to experience but sounds cool at least), and you can visit other animals (people in costumes) in their houses? Oh and Wario obviously has the arcade! And don’t forget all the meet and greets with characters!

Anyways, that got way longer than it needed to be, the point is there is sooo many uses for the franchises, you could build a pro rivaling Disney in size with many creative ideas. If Universal does end up making a Nintendo section, it would probably just be simulations, which is a huge shame. I still hope the project doesn’t fall through because I’d wanna see what they come up with but I wouldn’t expect much. I’d rather Disney invest in some Nintendo parks and put their imagineers on it (which would never happen).

I think they're underestimating the selling power of Nintendo IPs. I'm sure that once the Japan one shows success, then they will reconsider.

@Quarth the rumor got to me but still i would be pissed if orlando universal pulls this stunt cause it doesnt meet their criteria.

@carlos82
The success of Fast & Furious comes from its celebrity-laden cast and its Michael Bay-esque action sequences. A Fast & Furious attraction won't provide the former and probably has to tone down the latter, so that would explain why few have any interest in such an attraction. Nobody sees those movies for their "iconic" characters (outside Paul Walker's character) or "engaging" narratives.

Meanwhile, Pikachu is one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time (several other Gen 1 Pokemon would rank pretty high on that list as well). I can't imagine a Pokemon attraction being anything but a raging success. I'm less certain for the Zelda attraction as Link/Zelda/Ganon aren't nearly as popular as Mario and Pikachu, but Breath of the Wild is still selling very well, so I'm optimistic.

Can't believe business executives are that dumb if this story has any merit.

That's okay I'm not planning to visit the Universal one anyways. Japan will always offer the better amusement experience.

@westman98 Yeah I'm not sure about Zelda's popularity outside of the Nintendo hardcore but Pokemon and Mario seem a no brainer to me, particularly something like Mario Kart and how easy that would be to make an amazing ride from or actual go-kart tracks. Whilst there is also plenty to suggest that these characters will still be widely popular years down the line where as certain films won't be.

Watch. Some stupid executive will suggest making an attraction based on Fortnite, despite not being a Nintendo ip.

Even a bogus, unplayable no connection pokemon GO event managed to attract insane number of crowds.......

Universal is hit or miss with its theme parks. For every Spiderman/Harry Potter, there's an underwhelming video based attraction with shaking seats. When Nintendo went with Universal, I was initially excited, but I also knew the deal was no guarantee that we'd get many great rides. My hope was that after Wreck It Ralph, Disney might make a deal with Nintendo to do rides at their parks. With the SMB movie being made by Illumination, that ship has sailed.

@Quarth Well my view could be distorted because I like foreign things a lot. I'm an American living in Japan after all. So I tend to notice it more when people are hateful toward things I like and care about.

@UmbreonsPapa That last bit goes without saying. In a way I almost pity those people, because if they actually lived the way they wanted to, they'd be cutting themselves off from almost all modern pleasures and conveniences. No matter how opposed someone may be, the world today is global. You can't get much of anything where everything about the item was produced in that location. The more complex the tool or toy, the more likely it to have pieces made all over the world. Take the Switch, made with rare materials mined in Africa, assembled in Asia, shipped all over the world, packed in over a dozen languages.

@Heavyarms55 It's sad if it's gotten to this. I don't live in the US myself, so I wouldn't know, but I think it's a trend we'll see more of in the Western world.

@Quarth Well, those who are in opposition to something tend to be loud, but a hotter fire burns out quicker too. I'm gonna try and be positive about it and hope these trends burn out in another few years.

@carlos82 Don't get me wrong. I completely agree that in the grand scheme of things, Mario and to a certain degree Nintendo as a whole is a whole heck of a lot more recognizable than Fast and the Furious. I also don't disagree that a Nintendo attraction should and probably will draw more crowds. I guess the point I was trying to make is that I wouldn't necessarily base the F&F fanbase and their dedication on how they respond to a theme park ride. I can't imagine there isn't some level of dedication there. Sure, I think the Paul Walker situation probably put some people in seats for Furious 7. But then Furious 8 went on to do very well. So while that franchise has never been my cup of tea personally, I recognize that there is a dedicated fanbase that is going to see these movies and probably seeing them more than once. At least the last few movies

Make a long story short, I absolutely agree the execs making this decision (if it turns out to be accurate) are fools and completely short sighted. Nixing a Pokemon (and even Zelda attraction. I think Zelda's brand is a lot more recognized outside of the gaming community than some give it credit for ) is basically leaving money on the table for really no logical reason I can think of.

According to that source article they might instead just move the majority of it to the Fantastic Worlds park

I am not really sure if it would be a good idea to cancel the plans entirely. Nintendo seems pretty well in with its deal with Universal if the Mario Movie is anything to go by. Backing out now would be relatively unwise

That's a shame. That only leaves Mario IIRC. I'm personally a little disappointed; while I like all three franchises and know that Mario is the most iconic, I slightly prefer Zelda and Pokemon over the plumber.

Hopefully they're just shelving the plans for now.

They are shying away because fast and furious tanked?! Sounds like a load of BS to me. You cant compare Nintendo to that sh*t movie series. Also don't want it to match the presence of Harry Potter?! It's BETTER than Harry Potter! Its like suddenly they are allergic to money if its made by properties they dont directly own. Nintendo, Mario, Zelda, have all been around tried and tested for a LONG time and has remained popular. There is no safer bet than Nintendo for attracting people.

@carlos82 uh, considering the last zelda game has sold over 10 million copies I think it has SOME appeal outside of hardcore nintendo fans.

@Jeremyjones12992 which were all bought by people who own a Nintendo console and all of the Zelda games have sold millions of copies. What I'm saying is the likes of Pikachu and certainly Mario have transcended this hobby of ours to the point where non gamers know who they are and that I don't believe Zelda ever really has at least outside of the title character who many believe is what Link is called

I have a strong feeling this whole Park deal is going to fall through.

Well if Universal isn't gonna pull through for U.S. Nintendo fans for theme parks maybe Nintendo should just make a deal with WB/Six Flags to turn one of those parks into a Nintendo Land.

Just a thought.

I always said they should have partnered with Disney instead.
It would have been so much better!

Hmm maybe this will be for the best ,but seriously doubt it would have flopped like the fast and furious ride did.

@PKBegley Maybe at the American parks it'll fall through (especially the location at Hollywood), but USJ is already about half way through construction on their Super Nintendo World, and they can't cancel it otherwise they won't have anything for the Tokyo Olympics.

@Muddy_4_Ever

Honestly I'd rather Nintendo stay as far away from Disney as possible. They have a history of bullying/screwing over their partners.

Plus given their creepy obsession with buying out companies and hoarding I.P.s Disney is like a crazy old loon on Hoarders. I'd soon let see Nintendo just do a park by themselves than work with the creepers at Disney.

@PKBegley Not really. Disney as a corporation is the biggest threat to consumer & content creator rights these days with the recent FOX buyout and their creepy obsession with corporate cannibalism/hoarding I.P. plus the company has a history of bullying partners, best to stay as far away from Disney as humanly possible!

@Anti-Matter Disneyland? No way. Disney World though? Oh yeah!

Now on to the article. I find it VERY hard to believe that a Pokémon ride would flop. Zelda maybe, but Pokémon? No way. Two completely different animals. Zelda is a great games series but doesn’t have mass appeal outside gamers. Pokémon has games, movies, tv shows, trading cards, toys, clothes, home goods, etc. I think Pokémon might be the least risky gaming franchises to adapt to a theme park.

@Mrtoad that’s really cool. There are definetiy a few attractions over seas I wish would make their way to Orlando. Ratatouille & Tron were two on my list but I believe they are coming to Disney World & Epcot soon. Would love this attraction to follow suit. My daughter wouldn’t get off of this ride, lol.

I can’t think of many kids that would beg to go to a Fast and Furious theme park. However a Pokémon park? That seems a no brainer. That may actually stand up to Disney ( relatively) what with them buying everything under the sun.

@PKBegley Actually I’m curious what’s going to happen since the new Marvel game is an exclusive to Nintendo Switch. Maybe there will be some continued projects depending on how well it does.

Hey I'm no Poke-fan and even I think the Pokemon part of a theme park is a better idea then 'the Trash-and-Blurriest' concept.with a lame stunt car show..,exactly what are they selling at the gifts shop.. tires? Give us A Fire Emblem World with Live Chess Fire Emblem Style... Advance Wars World

Well that sucks...

Universal thought Fast & Furious would be something to build a theme park around, but does not think Pokemon is a good value?

And this is why Disney has been whipping their rear in the theme park space for many decades.

Perhaps they should replace it with a King Donkey Kong Land. Howard Lincoln can cut the ribbon at the opening.

@Heavyarms55 Errr, but Switch is selling like hotcakes, and almost nothing isn't made in China still? I don't think there's a rejection of Nintendo based on it being Japanese, heck, most of the country probably has no idea Nintendo is Japanese. A rejection of China, India, and most of South and Central America? Sure, there are socioeconomic reasons for that backlash. Japan, Korea, and France? No backlash that I've seen (well, ok, lots of Japan backlash from anyone over 80.....and with good reason, but that's not new.)

Not to mention the success of British Harry Potter being one of the issues here

I think you're just a bit sensitive to it based on your own experiences, etc, but I can assure you there's no general climate in the country of rejecting anything foreign. A rejection of the political/economic "globalism" model, perhaps, but that's not a rejection of foreign trade, just the lopsided return to feudalism that particular model represents.

@Mrtoad "Jimmy Fallon ride and “With Figment”." I did not know this was a thing. I deeply wish I still did not.

@NEStalgia Eric Idle as the moon still haunts my nightmares!