Nintendo Coming to Universal Parks

[fryoj]

Something is just odd about the layout on this thing to me. That whole big open area, is that all DK track area? Unused? A huge courtyard? Expansion pad?

 

[Alicia]

Something is just odd about the layout on this thing to me. That whole big open area, is that all DK track area? Unused? A huge courtyard? Expansion pad?

The empty space includes DK courtyard, food stand, gift shop, meet and greet, and small expansion pad (that hopefully gets a good sized jungle themed play area the land so desperately needs.)

Also, the DK coaster may have some outside (or covered) elements that are not technically part of the show building. Those permits are only showing the enclosed part. The long skinny thing on left is likely queue. The back part is indoor sequences. And we’re not seeing any outdoor sections in the picture.

 

[Jones14]

Speaking of Donkey Kong, what level are we expecting that ride to be on? Is this an E+ (Mario Kart, Alcatraz) and an E-Ticket (Donkey Kong, Falcon) situation, or is the coaster supposed to be a more minor attraction (comparatively speaking)?

 

[JungleSkip]

Speaking of Donkey Kong, what level are we expecting that ride to be on? Is this an E+ (Mario Kart, Alcatraz) and an E-Ticket (Donkey Kong, Falcon) situation, or is the coaster supposed to be a more minor attraction (comparatively speaking)?

I’d say between D and E. It’s definitely a major attraction

 

[Ryan]

Super Mario and Donkey Kong NOT Headed to Universal Studios Florida - Supposedly - Theme Park University

...so bad sources I'm guessing? Or is Josh actually picking up on some out-of-left field surprise info?

(...it's bad sources)

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Super Mario and Donkey Kong NOT Headed to Universal Studios Florida - Supposedly - Theme Park University

...so bad sources I'm guessing? Or is Josh actually picking up on some out-of-left field surprise info?

(...it's bad sources)

Yeeeaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh. No.

 

[Paulio]

Yeeeaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh. No.

I don't believe what he's saying.

 

[shiekra38]

Super Mario and Donkey Kong NOT Headed to Universal Studios Florida - Supposedly - Theme Park University

...so bad sources I'm guessing? Or is Josh actually picking up on some out-of-left field surprise info?

(...it's bad sources)

Great. I hate when people believe this kind of stuff...Only a matter of time before the AP page blows up with this

 

[Legacy]

Super Mario and Donkey Kong NOT Headed to Universal Studios Florida - Supposedly - Theme Park University

...so bad sources I'm guessing? Or is Josh actually picking up on some out-of-left field surprise info?

(...it's bad sources)

That is borderline hilarious.

 

[Ryan]

To be entirely fair to Josh, there are little grains of this embedded in truth: we know there have been rumblings of adding Pokemon to the plan (but not flat-out replacing the plan) and we also know they plan to have a Nintendo presence in park 3.

Just that the specific details of such have been reported so irresponsibly wrong it borders on reckless.

 

[fryoj]

Super Mario and Donkey Kong NOT Headed to Universal Studios Florida - Supposedly - Theme Park University

...so bad sources I'm guessing? Or is Josh actually picking up on some out-of-left field surprise info?

(...it's bad sources)

Bad sources or not, it's probably the best use of the properties. Mario as the centerpiece of the new park with a game changing MK ride. Gives them time to get Japan's open so they can work out the problems and maybe even plus it for Mario Kart version 2. They can use the castle as the park weenie and flesh out the land more like the original pitch plans had with flats and additional things to do. Gives them a Fantasyland level area for the new park. It also alleviates the problem that some had with LOTR and Zelda being in the same park with the same general look. Start off the new land with LOTR, JW, and Mario and they have the framework for a Magic Kingdom level park.

 

[Ryan]

That's cute, but it's not what is happening.

 

[snayberry]

:shrug:

 

[Alicia]

Let me just say the layout in the permits is exactly what I expected it to look like. So it’s still all the same as we’ve been discussing for the better part of a year now. And until I see or hear otherwise, there’s no reason to believe the sky is falling.

And I think part of the problem of disbelief in the plans from folks is coming from a misunderstanding of how actually large KidZone is. People seem to think it’s a small area, but as we’ve shown you can fit a couple ETs and a Simpsons land in there no problem. That’s nothing to sneeze at. KidZone is more than just Fievel. And I think people miss that.

 

[rioriz]

A Pokémon rapids ride would work extremely well. Of the two, I'd rather keep that. Putting that across from a Pokémon Safari dark ride and having a city with a "PokeMart," a gym, and a Professor Oak meet-and-greet in lieu of all the stores would be great.

Just give me a Pikachu Pizza and a Scyther Shakes and I'm set.[/QUOT

I'm all for Nintendo Anchoring a third park!!!! I'd gladly wait.

 

[k_peek_2000]

Interactive Pokemon Snap River Rapids Ride, based on the level from the game. I'll be waiting for my check Universal.

 

[Nico]

As someone who has zero inside knowledge, the problem with this rumor is it doesn't have a negative gut reaction. It's completely logical and...practical. We keep using, "They want Mario in asap" & "It would be dumb to sit on that IP" - but Mario has been around forever. What's a few more years? They keep showing they are playing the long game.

1. Mario is a bigger draw than Pokémon or Zelda. Something park 3 needs with no more major Potter expansions available.

2. We keep saying Kid Zone is leaving yet the demolition keeps being pushed back.

Obviously if our insiders are saying this is fake news, I believe them. But honestly, I don't think it'd be bad if this was real.

 

[youhow2]

Interactive Pokemon Snap River Rapids Ride, based on the level from the game. I'll be waiting for my check Universal.

That would be perfect, imagine they can sell the photos you take on the ride.

 

[Mike S]

But honestly, I don't think it'd be bad if this was real.

Yes, yes it would.

For me.

An argument could made that Mario should go into USF rather than the third park to ensure guests visit both instead of the brand new park simply cannibilizing guests from the other property. Also the third park would likely be the first to have LOTR so that’s enough of a big IP presence to draw many in. Pokémon, DreamWorks, etc. would easily cover families

 

[cameronw99]

Interactive Pokemon Snap River Rapids Ride, based on the level from the game. I'll be waiting for my check Universal.

I've been saying Pokemon Snap is perfect for a ride. Not just that one stage though. In the game the vehicle changes from off road vehicle to boat to hovercraft. And it enters each region through a portal (if i remember correctly). That way you could see many different pokemon from different regions and it would make sense. Im not saying it has to be interactive with the whole picture taking aspect. Just a simple way to see multiple regions in 5 minutes