Nintendo Coming to Universal Parks

[zg44]

What of all the insiders that proved themselves to be knowledgeable in the past saying at first it was coming sooner to KidZone even backing it up with permits for that area? Even if I didn’t follow this site I would’ve eventually felt this way with years going by and not a single word.

The problem here is that there's always been 2 ongoing parallel tracks since ~2013:

1) Universal contracted for Nintendo's IP and UC began to design attractions for the parks including the current Universal Orlando Resort, and they began to obtain permits for SNW - Mario in KZ.

2) At the same time, on a parallel track, Universal was looking into acquiring land for the 2nd Orlando resort on a relatively uncertain timeline. The earliest rumors were that the 3rd dry park wouldn't be opening until 2025 or so, which meant that Nintendo would probably not be impacted by the 3rd dry park because that was still more than a decade away in 2013-2015.

The problem has been that only just in the past year or two have we begun to see the fallout from the two events merging, which means that business decisions were possibly made to cancel all of the groundwork that had been laid (permitting and otherwise) to put SNW - Mario into KidZone.

Everything that insiders have reported here about Mario to KZ were 100% correct based on the #1 track and the public permits and all of that. IF (again a huge if because it's not yet 100% confirmed) SNW - Mario is being moved into the 3rd dry park, then that was a business decision made at the very top of Universal because the #2 track has been sped up.

 

[Mike S]

The problem here is that there's always been 2 ongoing parallel tracks since ~2013:

1) Universal contracted for Nintendo's IP and UC began to design attractions for the parks including the current Universal Orlando Resort, and they began to obtain permits for SNW - Mario in KZ.

2) At the same time, on a parallel track, Universal was looking into acquiring land for the 2nd Orlando resort on a relatively uncertain timeline. The earliest rumors were that the 3rd dry park wouldn't be opening until 2025 or so, which meant that Nintendo would probably not be impacted by the 3rd dry park because that was still more than a decade away in 2013-2015.

The problem has been that only just in the past year or two have we begun to see the fallout from the two events merging, which means that business decisions were possibly made to cancel all of the groundwork that had been laid (permitting and otherwise) to put SNW - Mario into KidZone.

Everything that insiders have reported here about Mario to KZ were 100% correct based on the #1 track and the public permits and all of that. IF (again a huge if because it's not yet 100% confirmed) SNW - Mario is being moved into the 3rd dry park, then that was a business decision made at the very top of Universal because the #2 track has been sped up.

Then why talk about it like it is.

I'm one of the few here that was never very keen for SNL in Kidzone, mostly due to the acreage limitation (regardless of the vertical build) . I've always posted, and thought, the main Nintendo land should get a StarWars or better land showcase (14 or even more acres). Do it big, do it right. With the new park there will be more room for the extras that make a good land great. Extra piazza space, major restaurants, interesting stores, large interactive areas, areas for live entertainment, etc. . I'm fully on board for this as one of the anchors of the new park, if that's what's in the cards.

It was being done right. For all of Star Wars’ acreage they’re only getting two rides. SNW was getting 3.

 

[happy bunny rabbit]

Luigi's Mansion seems highly unlikely considering it's not a major franchise, and Luigi will most likely be represented in other attractions.

idk, I could see a minor attraction, they have released two Luigi's Mansion games for the 3DS and the setting is just perfect for SOME kind of theme park representation, I'd even settle for a miniature house on a hill just for aesthetics.

 

[zg44]

Then why talk about it like it is.

Because it appears to be the case that Universal changed course over the past 6 months, but nobody knows except for the very top execs at this moment. Even our best insiders who have been correct on everything aren't sure whether Mario was moved or not.

I'll feel that it's 100% moved to the 3rd dry park if there's still no movement on the original KZ plans over the next 12-18 months. If there's nothing being done by late 2019, that's basically the confirmation that the original permits were scrapped.

It sucks that there's no clarity either way, but all we can do is wait.

 

[Mike S]

Because it appears to be the case that Universal changed course over the past 6 months, but nobody knows except for the very top execs at this moment. Even our best insiders who have been correct on everything aren't sure whether Mario was moved or not.

I'll feel that it's 100% moved to the 3rd dry park if there's still no movement on the original KZ plans over the next 12-18 months. If there's nothing being done by late 2019, that's basically the confirmation that the original permits were scrapped.

It sucks that there's no clarity either way, but all we can do is wait.

Since we’re supposed to be getting more info this year the biggest relief would be that plans never changed and it was all just assumptions.

2021 come on ray:

 

[JungleSkip]

Since we’re supposed to be getting more info this year the biggest relief would be that plans never changed and it was all just assumptions.

Spoiler: Don't hold your breath

 

[Mike S]

Spoiler: Don't hold your breath

But it’s not 100%. Aren't rumors supposed to be treated as such?

 

[JungleSkip]

But it’s not 100%. Aren't rumors supposed to be treated as such?

Sure, just don’t take the thread over with pages of whining when KidZone doesn’t happen

 

[Mike S]

Sure, just don’t take the thread over with pages of whining when KidZone doesn’t happen

I’ll make sure to just to spite you.

 

[Alicia]

Sure, just don’t take the thread over with pages of whining when KidZone doesn’t happen

Until I see proof I am still operating under the impression that Mario and friends are coming to KidZone... Of course even I'm 90% sure at this point they aren't, but until I get some definitive word from sources I trust I am not in a position to help spread rumors and second-hand reports.

When I hear something definitive I will post it here. But so far, still radio silence on my end since November.

 

[happy bunny rabbit]

Here's my opinion on Mario supposedly being moved to the third park for anyone who's interested.

I'm generally pretty happy with this rumor for a few reasons
-the kiddie problem
As discussed before, USF has very little offerings for kids younger than five, and if they're trying to compete with Disney, this is a problem. KZ is sizable, but even with it USF has very few things for kids that young to do. If Universal were to completely bulldoze all of KZ one day, it would leave the park with pretty much one attraction for <5s. Uni is smart, and they will see this weak spot, and change strengthen it, using the new construction to create many kiddie attractions within Mario-land. That's just not what I want for the land, Mario appeals to ALL ages, from the older folks that played DK in the arcade, to the 10 yr olds playing Odyssey on their Switches. These necessary kiddie areas would ONLY appeal to <8s, and I feel that would take away from a lot of the enjoyment if you're older than that. I would rather it go in the new park where things like Hello Kitty and Minions can make the necessary kiddie areas and Mario can be left to more or less appeal to the older crowd, 10+ for the most part. A workaround to this is that USF could use one of its expansion plots, MIB or I think there's a Simpsons one?, to make new kiddie stuff, but I don't see them putting the only kiddie area in the back of the park, and it would be so much easier to put it in with Mario-land, I can't see them not doing it.
-buisness sense
I'm a fan of the way Universal make more thrilling rides, and rides that can be much more mature than Disney attractions, so I like to see them succeed so they can make more things that I'll enjoy. That said, this decision would just make sense if a 3rd park is on the way. Mario has the most pull out of any IP Nintendo has, and having it at USF, the park with Minions, F&F, Transformers, some of the most popular IPs right now, and also the main park people think about when they think "Universal", the new park needs the Mario IP much more than USF. USF getting SOME form of Nintendo area would make sense as a bit of a sneak peek of what Universal is doing with Nintendo, with signs that say "Enter the warp pipe and head over" advertising the 3rd park from USF, that will make bank.

Reasons I'm not a fan of this decision
-it's been a while
I do share in the sentiment that it feels like we were soo close to finally getting the SNW we were promised years ago, and Universal hasn't made a themed land since 2014, was really looking forward to this.
-there goes my money
Ticket prices boutta go up, not too excited for that

My official verdict: ok cool

 

[JungleSkip]

Until I see proof I am still operating under the impression that Mario and friends are coming to KidZone... Of course even I'm 90% sure at this point they aren't, but until I get some definitive word from sources I trust I am not in a position to help spread rumors and second-hand reports.

When I hear something definitive I will post it here. But so far, still radio silence on my end since November.

Once work didn't start during/after HHN last year, it became impossible to ignore all the people telling me "It's going to park 3." If the permit timeframe passes (July of this year) and there's no construction, I think we have our answer.

 

[Mike S]

Until I see proof I am still operating under the impression that Mario and friends are coming to KidZone... Of course even I'm 90% sure at this point they aren't, but until I get some definitive word from sources I trust I am not in a position to help spread rumors and second-hand reports.

When I hear something definitive I will post it here. But so far, still radio silence on my end since November.

Good way to go about things.

 

[Alicia]

Once work didn't start during/after HHN last year, it became impossible to ignore all the people telling me "It's going to park 3." If the permit timeframe passes (July of this year) and there's no construction, I think we have our answer.

I'm not one to jump to conclusions. For all we know a deal was worked out with Japan to give them X years of exclusivity on the land and we're just waiting to start, leaving the area open for capacity in the meantime. Maybe they found a sinkhole and the area can't support the new structure's weight. I have no clue why things stopped when they did.

Sure, the rumors of moving to park 3 make sense. I'm just letting y'all know that I don't have any proof yet. And that may just be a guess. A likely scenario for sure, but still looks like a guess.

 

[JungleSkip]

I'm not one to jump to conclusions. For all we know a deal was worked out with Japan to give them X years of exclusivity on the land and we're just waiting to start, leaving the area open for capacity in the meantime. Maybe they found a sinkhole and the area can't support the new structure's weight. I have no clue why things stopped when they did.

Sure, the rumors of moving to park 3 make sense. I'm just letting y'all know that I don't have any proof yet. And that may just be a guess. A likely scenario for sure, but still looks like a guess.

I have too many people I trust telling me it's more than a guess, but we'll see.

 

[Mike S]

Here's my opinion on Mario supposedly being moved to the third park for anyone who's interested.

I'm generally pretty happy with this rumor for a few reasons
-the kiddie problem
As discussed before, USF has very little offerings for kids younger than five, and if they're trying to compete with Disney, this is a problem. KZ is sizable, but even with it USF has very few things for kids that young to do. If Universal were to completely bulldoze all of KZ one day, it would leave the park with pretty much one attraction for <5s. Uni is smart, and they will see this weak spot, and change strengthen it, using the new construction to create many kiddie attractions within Mario-land. That's just not what I want for the land, Mario appeals to ALL ages, from the older folks that played DK in the arcade, to the 10 yr olds playing Odyssey on their Switches. These necessary kiddie areas would ONLY appeal to <8s, and I feel that would take away from a lot of the enjoyment if you're older than that. I would rather it go in the new park where things like Hello Kitty and Minions can make the necessary kiddie areas and Mario can be left to more or less appeal to the older crowd, 10+ for the most part. A workaround to this is that USF could use one of its expansion plots, MIB or I think there's a Simpsons one?, to make new kiddie stuff, but I don't see them putting the only kiddie area in the back of the park, and it would be so much easier to put it in with Mario-land, I can't see them not doing it.
-buisness sense
I'm a fan of the way Universal make more thrilling rides, and rides that can be much more mature than Disney attractions, so I like to see them succeed so they can make more things that I'll enjoy. That said, this decision would just make sense if a 3rd park is on the way. Mario has the most pull out of any IP Nintendo has, and having it at USF, the park with Minions, F&F, Transformers, some of the most popular IPs right now, and also the main park people think about when they think "Universal", the new park needs the Mario IP much more than USF. USF getting SOME form of Nintendo area would make sense as a bit of a sneak peek of what Universal is doing with Nintendo, with signs that say "Enter the warp pipe and head over" advertising the 3rd park from USF, that will make bank.

Reasons I'm not a fan of this decision
-it's been a while
I do share in the sentiment that it feels like we were soo close to finally getting the SNW we were promised years ago, and Universal hasn't made a themed land since 2014, was really looking forward to this.
-there goes my money
Ticket prices boutta go up, not too excited for that

My official verdict: ok cool

The KidZone plans had none of those problems.

 

[Alicia]

I have too many people I trust telling me it's more than a guess, but we'll see.

You do. I don't. That's all I mean.

Of course, the scenario seems likely to me as well. We'll see.

 

[happy bunny rabbit]

The KidZone plans had none of those problems.

I don't really understand what you're saying without some explanation behind your claims

 

[JungleSkip]

You do. I don't. That's all I mean.

Of course, the scenario seems likely to me as well. We'll see.

Oh, I didn't mean to insinuate that you were saying I was guessing. Just wanted to make that clear

 

[Mike S]

I don't really understand what you're saying without some explanation behind your claims

There was no worry of there not being much to do for everyone. It’s going to have to eventually close anyway for something so not wanting to close down the kiddie stuff just yet for Mario would just be delaying the inevitable.