UniversalParksBlog News for October 11th, 2021
In a couple of years, Donkey Kong Country will be a real place on a map, not just the video game that shoots you out of barrels onto mine carts. I’ll explain in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.
Photo: Facebook/ universal
Universal Studios Japan Flexes
Earlier in 2021, Universal Studios Japan opened Super Nintendo World. In the process, it became the first Universal Studios park to have one. One day soon, Universal Studios Hollywood will join its Japanese sibling, but the gap won’t close even then.
Japanese park officials have already confirmed an expansion for 2024. Yes, those Donkey Kong Country rumors I previously mentioned were true!
Photo:Orlandoparkstop.com
Universal Studios Japan will construct an entirely new themed land rather than a small-scale add-on to the current Super Nintendo World. This land will feature lush forests, the kind that hides plenty of bananas and power-ups.
The anchor attraction here will be the roller coaster that I’ve mentioned in Epic Universe discussions or at least something like that.
USJ情報局 Photo: Twitter/L.C.A.STUDIOS@LCASTUDIOS_USJ
Yes, I’m talking about a Donkey Kong mine cart attraction wherein you follow tracks that sometimes switch levels or have broken tracks. These were Blue Sky discussions. So, we don’t know how much of the plans will translate to the real world, but Universal had lofty ambitions for this coaster.
As such, a Donkey Kong Country land with a Donkey Kong mine cart roller coaster should create secondary demand in 2024. In truth, this demand will likely surpass what happened in 2021, as the pandemic stifled some fandom in the short term.
Photo: Universal Studios Japan
Universal has also announced some immersive experiences that probably involve members of the Kong family or other Nintendo characters.Disney has had success with its Grumpy interactions at a character meal. So, a similar engagement with Cranky Kong makes sense.
The new expansion will also include exclusive merchandise and a restaurant based on Donkey Kong’s videogame franchise. Do we think that jerk plumber will appear, too? He was the first Donkey Kong villain, after all. What, you thought he was the hero?
Vaccination Updates at Universal Studios Hollywood
Photo:Universal Studios Hollywood
Okay, I know we all hoped that this nonsense was over. But, alas, for the third straight update, I must discuss impending pandemic-related rules changes. The most recent Delta wave and concerns over other variants have led California officials to tighten vaccination rules.
As large public gatherings, theme parks must comply. As such, for your own safety, Universal Studios Hollywood has updated its policies again. Starting with this past Thursday, would-be visitors must show proof of vaccination to enter Universal Studios Hollywood.
Photo: County10.com
In lieu of a vaccine card or the like, guests must present proof of a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours. Please understand that this rule will apply no matter how long you visit the park.So, if you’re spending five days at Universal Studios Hollywood, you must take and pass another COVID test during your trip. Your first one will expire.
Guests under the age of 12 don’t have to meet these restrictions, but everyone 12 and up must have a negative test or proof of vaccination.Adults will also need to show proof of identification to go along with the other document.
Photo:yahoo.com/cdc
Also, I shouldn’t need to say this, but it would be REALLY bad for you to try to pawn off a fake vaccination card. California takes that stuff very seriously.
You’re likely to get caught and possibly wind up in a lot of trouble. Just get a shot or take a COVID test. It’s easy.
No More Waffles
Photo: Spectrum News/Ashley Carter
One of the most recognizable shows at Universal Studios Florida has been on a death watch for years now.Shrek 4-D opened in May of 2003, two years after Shrek the movie debuted in theaters.
The show is so old that it actually came before Shrek 2, the film that turned the franchise into a powerhouse. Universal officials knew that Walt Disney World would introduce Mickey’s PhilharMagic that year and tried to get the jump on the competition.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Alas, most guests always found Shrek 4-D inferior to the most detailed and comprehensive Disney attraction.
In 2017, Universal Studios Hollywood gave up the ghost on this show, which is understandable since space is tighter there.Ever since then, rumors have persisted that Shrek 4-D would die at Universal Studios Florida as well. The show has gamely held on for another four years, but it now has an ending date.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Shrek 4-D will close forever on January 10th, 2022. So, you have through the holidays to catch the show one more time…or more if you’re a glutton.The always reliable Ashley Carter reports the following:
Just confirmed with Universal Orlando that Shrek 4D will permanently close January 10, 2022. The adjacent gift shop, Shrek's Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe, will also close. pic.twitter.com/rU5qCTevWg
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) October 6, 2021
Her follow-up tweet indicates that the Shrek and Donkey character meeting will remain.
Still, the loss of Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe will sting many more than the ending of the show itself.
Universal Park Updates
Photo: Universal Japan
Speaking of Universal Studios Japan, the Demon Slayer event has gone exceedingly well, which isn’t surprising given the franchise’s popularity.
Here’s a video of it:
Given the popularity of this event, nobody should feel surprised that Universal will do something similar soon. The park just announced a Pokemon partnership that will last for a long time.
Universal has indicated that in-park experiences will arrive at some point in 2022. However, there wasn’t much clarity about what those would be.Combined with the Donkey Kong news, Universal Studios Japan has just committed to videogames as the future.
Photo: Universal Orlando
At the American parks, Let the Good Times Roll will return in 2022! This Mardi Gras event will operate from February 5th through April 24th.
Park executives have promised that parades will return. So, it will feel like Mardi Gras again. Get your beads! Oh, and concerts are back, too.
Photo: Universal Orlando
In arcade news, Universal’s machines no longer distribute physical tickets for your tokens. Instead, the new system stores your points digitally.
This reduction in paper reliance is better for the environment. For you, it means that your points get added immediately.
Photo: Universal Orlando
You no longer need to wait for them to dispense, which can take a while on jackpots. Still, I’ll miss that feeling of satisfaction in watching the tickets pour out, though.
By the way, you can still load your game card with cash along with credit cards. So, it’s not 100 percent digital yet.
Photo: MickeyTravels.com
Finally, you can order an exclusive Pumpkin Spice donut at Voodoo Donuts right now! However, this item is something of a hidden menu item.
You’ll only feed your Pumpkin Spice addiction via the mobile ordering app.
Thanks for visiting UniversalParksBlog.com! Want to go to Universal? For a FREE quote on your next Universal vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from Let’s Adventure Travel will be in touch soon!
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
