Reasons to Be Excited about Universal Studios in 2023
Sorry, friends. We aren’t in 2022 anymore. The theme park year has come and gone, leaving us to wonder what’s next. Here are eight reasons to be excited about Universal Studios in 2023 and beyond.
Photo:universal
Halloween Horror Nights 2023
I’m doing this alphabetically, which means we can skip straight to the good stuff!
The most recent Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) counted as a renewal of sorts.
Photo: USA Today
With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, Universal officials could finally host the event they wanted again.
However, 2022’s HHN still required some restraint due to the lingering possibility of another outbreak.
Nobody expected that, but it’s part of operating a theme park. You must plan for all contingencies.
Photo: Universal
Similarly, the 2022 event suffered an unlikely disruption from Hurricane Ian, which forced some cancellations.
In short, HHN 31 was pretty good, but Universal knows it can do better.
That’s why we have cause for excitement about HHN32. It should be the most complete HHN event ever!
Photo: Universal Orlando
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
You’ve played Mario Kart, right? This video game franchise has sold approximately 170 million copies.
In other words, roughly one out of every fifty people on this planet has bought a Mario Kart game!
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
That’s reason enough to get hyped about the upcoming ride coming to Universal Studios Hollywood next month.
We don’t have to imagine much about what’s coming, though. A version of this immersive attraction already exists at Universal Studios Japan.
Here’s the current Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge that’s already operational:
Imagine a full ride like that at Universal Studios Hollywood! Well, you won’t have to imagine for very long. It opens on February 17th, 2023!
The New Minions Ride
When Shrek 4-D closed early in 2022, I told you not to worry! I knew that Universal Studios Florida had a purpose in reclaiming the space.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Toward the end of the year, park officials revealed the new thing. It’s Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast!
If that concept sounds familiar, it should. Universal has loosely based on the attraction on the 2015 movie, Minions.
In that film, Gru and his friends (?) attend Villain-Con. Now, you can do the same!
Photo:UO
Your goal is to impress enough people to earn a spot in the Vicious 6. To do that, you’ll ride a “motion-based pathway,” which sounds a lot like a conveyor belt.
I guess we call them moving sidewalks when we’re talking about people. Anyway, the genius of this design is that the ride does all the work for you!
Photo: Universal
All you need to do is enjoy the show that surrounds you! Universal has also indicated that it’s an interactive ride.
We must wait until the summer of 2023 to find out exactly what that means. But an interactive Minions attraction sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
The New Minions Themed Land/Restaurant
Photo: Universal
Okay, that’s not all that’ll happen in this part of Universal Studios Florida!
Since this section will contain two different Minions attractions by next summer, Universal will do the obvious.
The park will introduce an entire Minions themed land just in time for the debut of Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
Photo: Orlandholidaymanagment.com
This change comes at a high cost, though. Universal closed the beloved Monsters Café to convert it to something new, Minions Café.
While I cannot wait to see the Minions Café – I’m a huge fan of this franchise! – I’m heartbroken over the removal of the spinning Classic Monsters statue.
Photo: tripsavy.com
If you know where that was, you will recognize the area where the new Minions themed land will debut.
Universal isn’t messing around here and should have the whole thing up and running in the next six-to-eight months!
More Epic Universe Details!
I know a lot more about the upcoming Orlando theme park than I can say right now.
Photo: Universal
However, I suspect that this statement won’t apply for much longer. At some point in 2023, Universal will start leaking details about what’s next.
Of course, based on the recent track record of VelociCoaster, park officials may play coy about specifics.
Still, I think you can safely expect an announcement on the themed lands coming to Epic Universe in 2025 or possibly even 2024.
Photo: NBCUniversal
We’re far enough along in the process that most of them count as open secrets anyway. If you can see a ride building, it’s confirmed, right?
At a minimum, Universal will start discussing its Orlando version of Super Nintendo World once the one at Universal Studios Hollywood opens.
Super Nintendo World II
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
Speaking of which, here’s the most significant event at Universal’s American theme parks this year.
As previously mentioned, Universal Studios Hollywood opens Super Nintendo World on February 17th.
Obviously, much of the attention will center on the Mario Kart attraction. You shouldn’t miss the forest for the trees, though.
Photo: Nintendo.co/jp
The exploration of Super Nintendo World will work similarly to the Super Mario World/Universe video games.
You’re on an adventure in an unknown realm! Universal has introduced elements that will feel familiar to all gamers.
Photo:Nintendo/Universal Studios
For instance, you can unlock coins and unearth other collectibles while exploring this strange land.
As such, Super Nintendo World claims the title of the most immersive themed land ever built. That’s reason enough to get excited about it, right?
And Some Universal Speculation
Photo:universal
We’ve got two other stories that likely won’t lead to anything during calendar 2023. Still, each one represents the future of Universal theme parks.
Fast and Furious Roller Coaster
Photo:Universal Studios Hollywood
At Universal Studios Hollywood, rumors abound that a roller coaster themed to the Fast & Furious franchise is in the offing.
Universal has already proven it can build a roller coaster in a year.
So, the instant the company announces this project, it’s only 12-18 months away from becoming a reality.
Photo: visitorlando.com
You may wonder about the Fast & Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida as well. I know I have.
Surprisingly, this rumor doesn’t seem to transfer to the East Coast. As of now, it’s only a Hollywood thing, which is fitting, I guess, for a franchise starring Vin Diesel and The Rock.
A Brightline Station?!
Photo: sun-sentinel.com
Here’s something that’s confirmed…at least as much as government transportation projects ever can be.
Universal Studios successfully lobbied Florida politicians and thereby hammered out an agreement with Brightline.
The crux of the deal involves the so-called Sunshine Corridor, which will include a station near the Orange County Convention Center.
Photo: Miami New Times
That’s incredibly beneficial to Universal executives because that location resides only a couple of miles away from where Epic Universe will be.
Yes, at some point in 2024, presuming everything goes well, you can fly into Orlando International Airport.
Then, you can take a high-speed train to Epic Universe! It’ll be the most convenient Universal Studios vacation of your life!
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Feature Photo: Universal
