Though we’ve known about Universal Orlando Resort’s plan to bring Super Nintendo World to life in Florida since 2015, it has been a long time since we have heard anything about this new land, with many speculating that plans for this land inside the current resort have been abandoned, and are in the process of being reinvented for Universal’s Epic Universe.
However, while the wait continues for news about the Florida version of this land, plans are moving forward quickly for the version of this land at Universal Studios Japan, with some new developments recently announced now that there is less than a year to go before this new world’s expected opening!
New concept art released for Universal Studios Japan Super Nintendo World shows Yoshi ride as well as iconic Nintendo locations
Last week Universal Studios Japan released a new piece of concept art for the first Super Nintendo World, with familiar landmarks such as Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle, and Toad’s House all in the image. In addition, there seems to be a part of the land the recreates the look of a Super Mario Bros game level, complete with Piranha Plants, question blocks, coins, and warp pipes on the left side of the image.
In addition, on the right side of the image you can get a look at the Yoshi omnimover dark ride attraction as it moves inside from an outdoor track. This seems to confirm that this will indeed be a hybrid indoor/outdoor attraction, which in line with recent rumors which have suggested that this ride will not only feature over 40 state-of-the-art animatronics, but also a scenic view of the park from one of the highest points in all of Super Nintendo World.
Of course, this new land’s star attraction, a “realistic” Mario Kart ride, remains shrouded in mystery, but hopefully we’ll learn more soon about what we can expect from this ride as well, as Super Nintendo World is expected to debut in less than a year, right before the 2020 Summer Olympics are held in Tokyo.
Will this be the world’s first fully interactive land?
In addition to the new rides, it was previously announced that this new land at Universal Studios Japan will be one of the first fully interactive areas inside any theme park, ever. When guests enter Super Nintendo World, they will be given special Mario magnetic wristbands that will keep track of their score in interactive games around the park. These special bands (which guests can keep) will then sync back to a guest’s Nintendo home console so that they can continue their Super Nintendo World adventure from home.
What happened to the plans for Super Nintendo World in Florida and California?
Though Super Nintendo World will be open in just a few months at Universal Studios Japan, many are wondering what is happening with the plans for this new land at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. And unfortunately it looks like we’re going to have to keep waiting for information on these upcoming lands, as Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts Tom Williams said on a recent earnings call that there was nothing to share about the stateside versions of these lands right now, and he will not be able a timeframe for opening any time soon. However, we’re hoping that once Universal Studios Japan has its version of the land open, Universal will finally be ready to announce its plans for Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort.
