UniversalParksBlog News for February 27th, 2026
By now, you’ve already heard the news. The Pokémon rumors are true!
Yes, after literally years of rumors, Universal Studios has finally confirmed what we all suspected.
Theme park fans will soon head to Universal in our continuous quest to collect ‘em all.
We’ll talk about all the excitement in UniversalParks Blog News.
Team Rocket’s Blasting Off Again!
Universal
There’s a restaurant near where we used to live, and it’s an iconic one in my area.
For no particular reason, they’ve decorated part of the parking lot with antiquated farm equipment.
Image: Cedar Fair
I mention this because someone long ago identified this area as a PokéStop.
For this reason, I’ve visited here more times than I could possibly count, but it’s not my fault.
Image: Capcom
While I’m a gamer across pretty much every console generation, I’m not the Pokémon fan.
That’s my wife, who has been spinning at PokéStops since Pokémon GO launched in 2016.
1999 (L To R) Cubone, Raichu, Snubble And Marrill In The Animated Movie “Pokemon:The First Movie.” (Photo By Getty Images)
Yes, we’re coming up on ten years of this nonsense, and it’s not slowing down any.
Friends of mine are constantly organizing online to perform major raids together. It’s an obsession.
Photo: Fox 35
I could list tons of supporting data to show how popular Pokémon is, but let’s stick with the basic one.
According to this listing, Pokémon is THE most lucrative media franchise of all time.
You may think it’s a brand like Mickey Mouse, but no! Pokémon has grossed $53.8 billion more.
Remarkably, Pokémon is 65 years younger than Mickey Mouse! The card game debuted in 1996.
Photo: Disney
In a huge coincidence, Pokémon turns 30 years old today, which is why I’m publishing on Friday.
The timing feels perfect to discuss the future of Pokémon, one involving theme parks.
Pikachu, I choose you!
Photographer: Yuriko Nakao/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Several years ago, I mentioned a rumor I kept hearing at the parks.
As many of you know, Universal’s license for The Simpsons reportedly expires in 2028.
While nobody has confirmed that on record lately, the agreement was reported in 2008.
At the time, Universal licensed The Simpsons and Springfield for 20 years.
Importantly, Universal made this deal with Fox, whom Disney acquired in 2019.
Since then, speculation has ensued that Disney would never renew that license.
Now, I’d argue that it was never that cut-and-dried. Universal pays a lot of money for this license.
Disney likes passive income, just like everybody else. So, unless the company has plans for The Simpsons, the status quo works.
Universal can keep paying Disney, although I suspect that the latter company would alter terms.
Disney would prefer to sell more Simpsons merch at its parks, but legalese precludes that.
Photo: Universal
Other than that, I’ve never fully believed that Springfield has a firm expiration date.
Disney and Universal will do business to find an agreement that works for both of them.
Photo: UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
In Universal’s case, re-theming would help to renew interest in this area of the park.
I’m a Simpsons diehard and have explored this rumor on the Disney side.
Photo: Orlando Informer
However, I knew by April 2025 that it wasn’t happening, at least not there.
Disney could still do something in a different place at another park, but that’s to be determined.
Photo: Wikipedia
For now, we’re focusing on what is known, which is that Universal owns that license.
At a minimum, the park will remain as is for another couple of years.
Photo: TripSavvy
After that is open for speculation, and it’s been happening for years, whether you knew it or not.
And Pokémon has been the hot rumor for ages.
Gotta Catch ‘Em All
Image: Cedar Fair
Now, we have confirmation from Universal Studios about a new Pokémon license.
Universal Studios Japan is already enjoying the benefits of this deal. You can read the details here, but this is a snippet:
Photo: universal
Universal “will deliver unique Pokémon experiences across the company’s global footprint.”
“The Pokémon Company is one of the most beloved interactive franchises in the world, and through our ongoing partnership, we will continue bringing its vibrant world to life in new and innovative ways for years to come.”
Photo: Universal Studios Japan
In other words, this deal won’t be exclusive to any one theme park, although one is ahead of the curve.
Universal Studios Japan began collaborating with the Pokémon brand in 2021.
PhotoLjapancheapo.com
Due to the highly successful early relationships, the parties are expanding the agreement.
In the United States, Pokémon experiences are now inevitable, and I think I know where.
Image credit: The Pokémon Company/Universal Studios Japan
Some Universal officials have strongly hinted that the former area of The Lost Continent is getting a makeover.
Now, we’ve already witnessed construction taking place here, and this is why.
One day soon, Universal’s Islands of Adventure will be inundated with Pokémon.
Presumably, Universal will include some sort of tech that allows you to enslave them…err, collect them.
Should my intel prove true, where does this leave Springfield? Well, that’s an open question.
Putting the Pokémon abominatio…err, adorable creatures at The Lost Continent makes more sense.
They’ll have plenty more space there, and it’ll boost attendance at this park.
Still, this feels like the first step in a bigger move by Universal over the next few years.
You don’t care about the machinations, though. You just gotta collect ‘em all! Ya sick freaks.
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Feature Photo: Universal
