UniversalParksBlog News for May 29th, 2023
This week: Spider-Man dies in Japan, dinosaurs roam free in Orlando, and the Minions work on finishing their new home.
There’s a lot happening in the latest UniversalParksNews!
Spider-Man Dies in Japan
Photo: jetsun
In a stunning turn of events, Spider-Man will soon disappear in Japan. It’s not the Green Goblin taking revenge, though.
Instead, those Spider-Senses are tingling because of the lawyers.
Universal Studios Japan signed a 20-year agreement for the Marvel character license.
Photo: Wikipedia
That contract works differently than the one NBCUniversal holds at Universal Orlando Resort.
While the Florida park may keep its Marvel rights in perpetuity, the Japanese contract expires in 2024.
While nobody is saying for sure, one of two things has happened.
PhotoLjapancheapo.com
Either Universal Studios Japan officials decided not to renew, or Marvel isn’t giving them the option.
The timing of the decision suggests that this decision comes from Marvel’s side.
I say this because the ride in question, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, opened on January 24th, 2004.
Photo:uofanguide.com
Universal Studios Japan will permanently shutter the ride on January 23rd, 2024. That’s too specific to be random.
If park officials didn’t want the ride, they’d just close it this year. After all, Universal Orlando Resort has shuttered several attractions already in 2023.
Instead, the Osaka park will squeeze every last drop out of the Marvel license before it goes away forever.
Photo: Universal Orlando
I should stress that this move doesn’t impact either of Universal’s American parks in the least.
Universal Studios Hollywood stopped offering Marvel attractions in 2007, which was roughly two years before The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel.
Since Universal Orlando Resort’s contract exists in perpetuity, this deal will last as long as Universal wants. There’s a bit of intrigue here, though.
What Happens Next in Japan and with Marvel
Let’s start with more news from Japan. Park officials also confirmed that Backdraft and Terminator 2: 3-D won’t return.
Those shows haven’t operated since the pandemic started. So, this announcement isn’t a surprise in and of itself.
In combination with the Spider-Man reveal, it raises some tantalizing possibilities, though.
Universal Studios Japan has cleared space in three large buildings. Yes, that indicates that we should expect an expansion announcement at some point.
Lately, NBCUniversal’s owner, Comcast, has gotten extremely aggressive with Universal theme park growth because it’s a high-margin business.
Universal Studios Japan claims more traffic than its American siblings during normal (i.e., non-pandemic) years. There’s serious growth potential here.
Image: Universal
Meanwhile, Universal faces a decision with its Orlando Marvel license.
Super Hero Island hosts two sensational rides, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Everything else is…fine.
Photo: Universal
That’s good land that Universal could use for something else if it doesn’t want to reinvest in Marvel because, let’s face it, the other attractions…aren’t great.
Comcast is currently negotiating a seemingly unrelated deal with Disney for full ownership of Hulu.
For its part, Disney has already built Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, but it cannot add the Universal-licensed Marvel characters in Florida.
Disney and Comcast will likely at least broach the possibility of the rights to Marvel characters converting to Walt Disney World.
Photo: Universal
I don’t believe there’s a significant chance of this, but you should ride the Marvel stuff in Orlando as much as possible right now…just in case.
The Minions Project Crystallizes
Our terrific team of reporters has visited Universal Orlando Resort a lot lately.
We’re posting tons of construction pictures, enabling you to follow along with the project.
As we recently chronicled, there’s music coming from behind the construction walls now!
Did you hear that?! 👀 📣📣 Sounds like some new area music for the Minion Land! @UniversalORL #universalorlando pic.twitter.com/8TgbQeTKfh
— UniversalParksBlog (@UniversalParks_) May 25, 2023
Recently, Universal executives provided more updates about the upcoming Villain-Con Minion Blast, the E-ticket attraction at Minion Land.
First, I should add that the sign is up now, so we’re sure it IS being called Minion Land.
I’ve learned never to trust theme park announcements until there’s visual evidence. And we’ve officially reached that point!
As for Villain-Con Minion Blast, we just learned about the height requirement…and there isn’t one!
Yes, children of all ages can enjoy this attraction, albeit with one caveat. Kids must be able to stand without assistance to ride.
That’s a straightforward safety precaution, as an adult or sibling would risk injuring both parties by carrying a child during the experience.
As we hinted here months ago, the new ride is akin to MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack in that it’s a shooter.
Guests will aim at targets and try to hit them to score points. You can track your performance on the Universal park app.
Also, you’ll be able to customize your toy blaster for later visits. I presume that certain scores, both one-time and cumulative, unlock these features.
However, that’s just my speculation, not confirmed by the park yet.
As a reminder, Universal previously indicated that the ride will open this summer along with the land.
So, we’re likely no more than ten weeks away from its debut!
Photo: Universal
Universal also revealed Minion character greetings coming to Illumination Theater.
The surprise is that characters from Illumination’s Sing will also meet with guests!
Miscellaneous Park News
30th Anniversary S’more
UniversalParksBlog has thoroughly covered the other new story this week.
The Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store is now open!
We’ve posted pictures of the treats available here as well as the 30th anniversary Jurassic Park merchandise collection.
Jurassic Park Tribute Store cookie
Then, there’s this post that you absolutely must read! It’s a walkthrough of the entire Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store experience.
Over the past few years, Universal has elevated the art of Tribute Store design, and this one may be the best one yet.
You’ll definitely want to visit the park, as these stores are always limited-time engagements. For Jurassic Park fans, this one’s a must!
Universal has also modified a ride experience ever so slightly. Historically, when you rode Hogwarts Express, the crew would list the safety precautions.
Now, Universal has added automated narration instead. This change may not be permanent, as we received mixed feedback.
Photo: Universal Orlando
However, I think the choice makes more sense, as having a bellhop in the train cabin sometimes felt a bit claustrophobic.
Finally, the Universal CityWalk Orlando Splash Pad has reopened after an extended closure. It returns just in time for a warm Memorial Day Weekend!
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